In Conversation With Geneviève Landsmann
At London Letters our goal is to create beautiful stationery pieces that encourages you to write more letters. We believe that letters play an important role in modern society, and we're not alone in this view.
In 'In Conversation With' we chat with epistolarians of note to find out why they think letters are special, why they think they still matter today, and what drives their passion to promote them.
This month we spoke to the Geneviève Landsmann, founder of the letter coffee shop Café Pli, located in Paris, 38 Rue du Faubourg du Temple. The idea of a letter writing coffee shop came to Geneviève during a trip to South Korea, where she discovered places dedicated to writing and exchanging letters. Touched by the simplicity and poetry of the concept, when she came back to France, she wanted to create a similar place, where people could take the time to write and reconnect with others, away from screens. At Café Pli, you can sit down to write a letter, browse the stationery shop, post your card, or take part in workshops. It's a warm place, designed to help you slow down and put a little care back into your words.
"A letter goes further than a message or email. It's ideal for telling someone about yourself, thanking them, reassuring them or simply sharing a moment in your life with a bit more depth. To take stock of oneself, writing plays an important role. We take the time to reflect, concentrate, put our ideas into perspective, and plan ahead."
Tell us a little bit about your own letter writing history. Do you recall the first letter you received, or wrote?
I don't have souvenir of my very first letter, because I have always written postcards with my Mom, then to her, when I was child, during my holidays, school trip or camp. I have always loved the act of writing to someone, on paper. It's a habit that comes back in phases in my life, and it's taken on a whole new meaning with the Café Pli project. Writing brings a different kind of connection, one that's slower and more sincere.
How often do you write letters now?
I would say fairly regularly. Some months, I write several letters, others not. But it's part of a habit, whether it's to reply to someone, write a note to a loved one, or just for the pleasure of taking the time. And of course, when I am on weekend or holidays, I always write postcards to my family, friends, or colleagues.
Describe your letter writing set up for us. Do you have any favourite stationery or pens you use? Where do you like to write from?
My installation is pretty simple: a nice card or nice paper that feels good to the touch, and a good place. I can use felt-tip pens. I also rediscovered writing with a fountain pen at Café Pli, and it is really great (that is a nostalgic side to school !). I often write at the café Pli, when the atmosphere is peaceful. A small and round table or a table on the terrace is perfect for me.
What type of content would you use for a letter, as opposed to digital communication?
Anything that requires a bit of distance or intimacy. A letter goes further than a message or email. It's ideal for telling someone about yourself, thanking them, reassuring them or simply sharing a moment in your life with a bit more depth. To take stock of oneself, writing plays an important role. We take the time to reflect, concentrate, put our ideas into perspective, and plan ahead. We don't take this time by writing an email or a note on iPhone.
Do you feel any positive benefits to your mental health when you're writing or receiving a letter?
Yes, definitely. Writing allows me to put things down and take a step back. It's a way of slowing down and reconnecting with yourself. And receiving a letter... it is a real treat, it can change the rhythm of the day, like some love found in the mailbox.
Are there any famous letters you're especially fond of?
Of course I love the correspondence of artists and writers but more of strangers. I buy postcards at flea markets, written by strangers. Some are 50 years old or more, and I love admiring the handwriting and the words used. I like to think that these are random people, telling a small part of their lives. It's fascinating to think that our cards of today can tell a little story to others in the future.
What do you think makes letters special?
It is something you keep, something you can read again. It reflects a moment, a thought. And the simple fact that someone has taken the time to sit down, write and post a letter gives weight and value to what is said.
Are there any letters that you've held onto for a long time? Do you have a favourite?
Yes, I keep several. Some were sent to me at important times, others just make me smile when I come across them. I'm very attached to the ones that come from people close to me. My favourite postcard at this moment is one my mom wrote in surprise, from Café Pli, to me, on her first visit to the cafe. I was so happy to make the experience of receive a letter from here, and share the experience with my clients now.
How do you envisage the future of letter writing?
I think it will remain something rarer, but also more precious. Like vinyl or film photography: it doesn't disappear, it just changes its role. It's a way of expressing something different, and I see a lot of people coming back to it. Sometimes it is for the first time, especially for the young generation. I like how they discover the act of write postcard and looking for the address to write on the envelope, and I laugh to see that it can be now an "TikTok experience".
What would you say to someone that's never written or received a letter before, to encourage them to try it?
I'd tell them to give it a go, without any pressure. It's not the length or style that counts, it's the intention. Start with a few lines to someone you love. This simple gesture can have a big effect, both on you and on the person who receives it.
A huge thank you to Geneviève for her time. To find out more or to visit Café Pli, head here.