P'Nicher Portraits: Barbara Mitzner
- Parisian Niche
- Oct 20
- 4 min read
P'Nicher Portrait: how lucky I am that as this community continues to grow, so too do friendships deepen - and many people that might not have had the chance to cross paths become kindred friends. Today, let’s take a P’Niche peek to learn more about the lovely Barbara Mitzner, Francophile, author, and friend…
P'Niche: Ok, let's get into it! Why Paris?
BL Mitzner: I feel very lucky with my Parisian life. My husband and I try to spend around 6 months per year in Paris – specifically the 6th arrondissement.
It is a shared love with us and has been for nearly 50 years. We even got engaged on le Pont Neuf!
P'Niche: How charming! When did you find such a love of Paris then?
BL Mitzner: Well, it must be in my bones, as my grandfather also lived here as a young man before emigrating to the United States.
He has been on his own since childhood and made quite a life for himself in France and loved France and her people very dearly.
I also come from a fashion and arts background, as well as interior design and truly, no place on earth is as beautiful as Paris – I always feel my creativity soaring when I am in town.
P'Niche: Marvellous and I love that we share fashion and the arts as our backgrounds! How do you spend time when not scouring for creative outlets?
BL Mitzner: Very luckily, my husband and I have made true friends and deep connections while in Paris, so we spend much of our time socializing and enjoying each other as well as the city. We absolutely love Parisian terrace life and spending hours people watching. That said, when out and about, we get in thousands more steps than we do at home in the States. We so enjoy being flanaurs and exploring Paris’ many hidden secrets. We feel that this enhances not only our physical health, but our overall mental and emotional well being as well.
P'Niche: Here, here! My step counter always knows when I am here and my body and soul appreciate it!
So how did your Paris life lead you to the writing process and what drew you to tell this particular story in this way?
BL Mitzner: Dr. Langelong is actually based off a real Parisian doctor – one we have the good fortune to meet when we needed a medical visit. We even bring sweet kitty Louolou to life in these pages.
Through my children's book, The Tales of Dr.Langelong in Paris, I was able to bring his unique charm to life and embed it into the city I hold so dearly.
P’Niche: I love *everything about this! What led you to self-publishing this enchanting Parisian tale?
BL Mitzner: It allowed me more creative freedom when writing and when selecting my whimsically talented illustrator, and then partnering on a companion doll (who now travels with me all over and shows up in my personal social media pages as my “travel model.”)
It’s all great fun and inspires me to keep enjoying travel, seeing new things and enjoying a Parisian way of life, through his own tale.
Well, tales…
P’Niche: Ooh, sounds like something new might be brewing?
BL Mitzner: Yes, Dr. Langelong and Loulou have more tales to tell. In essence of keeping his stories fresh and new, I don’t want to give away too much.
Let's just say that we explore relationships with Parisian neighbors and some family ties.
I cannot wait to see how this character progresses in his Parisian adventures...
P’Niche: Is that why you chose children’s book as the platform for writing?
BL Mitzner: Yes – I wanted something that would appeal to children, parents, as well as fans of “cozy” reads and the like.
While I feared this style might not have initially resonated with younger audiences, it seems that the whimsy is really helping people feel as though they are in Paris, experiencing all Paris has to offer with Dr. Langelong. My goal is to help people fall in love with Paris, as we have, and to enjoy the city “together”.
P’Niche: Well said! Well, you already know we are excited to feature Dr Langelong in this year’s (rapidly upcoming) Holiday Shopping Guide and I am sure you are already getting ready for your next Parisian visit. Any last thoughts to share?
BL Mitzner: Yes, slow down. Enjoy Paris! Watch in wonder as the beauty of your own life, mixed with the glory Parisian beauty and her way of life, unfolds before you…
Ok, P'Nichers, you heard her – make sure enjoyment is at the forefront of your Parisian planning and experiences! Have you picked up this book or added to your cart to savor? Let us know in the comments below et à bientôt!
Another book to add to my collection...what a fun interview. So nice to "meet" and learn about Barbara.
Love this post! Reminds me of the Eloise series at the Plaza. Brava!