Can you uncover the secrets of this mysterious love letter from Paris?

A forgotten love letter, a renowned painting, and a trail winding through the streets of Paris – can you solve the romantic puzzle that has intrigued a US filmmaker for over two years?

Doug Block first encountered the curious story of Betty and Henri during a European anniversary trip with his wife in late 2015.

It all began in Paris,” recalls the filmmaker, reflecting on the moment that set everything in motion.

On their final day in the city, the couple decided to take a leisurely walk, basking in the fading light of autumn. Block pulled out his well-worn, second-hand guidebook, 'Paris Walks,' which he had hastily thrown into his suitcase just before leaving.

As he flipped through the pages, an envelope slipped out, marked with a single name: 'Betty.'

'It seemed to fall in slow motion,' Block recalls to Dinogo Travel.

The envelope was open, and inside was a note card featuring Monet's 'Woman Seated under the Willows.' The card contained a heartfelt message of love.

'Will you search for me at the Musée d'Orsay?' wrote Henri, the mysterious author. 'I will be there in spirit, though not in body. It is there you will find my love for Monet.'

Block turned to his wife, bewildered. Who was Betty? Who was Henri? And how did this letter end up in their guidebook?

Little did he know, the letter would set off a globe-trotting adventure, a heartfelt journey that would celebrate Paris and the timeless magic of love.

A chance encounter

In November 2015, Block and his wife visited Paris, wandering the grand boulevards, strolling along the Seine, and admiring the works of the Impressionist masters at the Musée d'Orsay.

On their second night in Paris, Friday, November 13, the city was shaken by a brutal series of attacks that claimed the lives of 130 people.

'I remember thinking, 'Oh my God, Paris, the city of love and romance, will now forever be linked to terrorism,' ' says Block.

Discovering the love letter felt like a sign from destiny – a fortuitous reminder of love in the midst of heartbreak.

'The love letter struck a chord,' Block reflects. 'Its timing was everything, especially in light of what Paris was enduring and the global response to the terrorist attacks.'

The beginning of the journey

Back in New York, Block says he was 'haunted' by the mysterious figures of Betty and Henri. Yet it wasn’t until a year later, feeling disillusioned in a divided, post-election America, that he decided to chase these ghosts.

'I thought, for my own peace of mind, I need to do something driven by love and romance,' Block recalls.

But how does one start a search for two people when all you have are their first names and handwriting? Block’s first step was to figure out if the guidebook had been borrowed from friends.

This lead brought him to the doorstep of a mutual friend in New York, a woman named Betty.

'It wasn’t *the* Betty, but it was certainly a remarkable Betty,' Block recalls. 'She was 91 and spoke openly about her love life […] I had a feeling I was about to encounter a whole series of Bettys and Henris on this journey.'

Block’s conversations with this Betty solidified his belief that this story was worth chasing. The letter’s sincere emotions and portrayal of lost love resonated deeply with everyone.

Additionally, he remarks, 'People just can’t resist a good mystery.'

The investigation begins

After concluding that he and his wife had likely bought the guidebook secondhand, Block decided to continue his search.

'I essentially played the role of a detective by consulting one,' Block says. 'That was my first real step.'

Since then, his search for Betty and Henri has reached far and wide.

The Monet painting featured on the note card now hangs in Washington’s National Gallery of Art. Block has filmed the gallery's collection and delved into how Monet's passionate love life might tie into Betty and Henri’s real-life romance.

'It’s involved forensic analysis, a handwriting expert, and even a historical novelist who wrote about Monet,' Block reveals.

Block even hired a psychic. The filmmaker has met a colorful cast of characters, all equally dedicated to solving the mystery.

A year later, Betty and Henri remain elusive – but the quest has evolved into something of its own.

'It became obvious that finding Henri and Betty would be a long shot, but the real essence of the film is the search itself – that’s where the true fun lies,' he says.

Blending reality with fiction

Block remains hopeful that Betty and Henri may yet reappear – he invites anyone who recognizes the handwriting to reach out to him on Twitter.

Still, he understands that part of the couple’s allure lies in the romance, the fairy tale, the fiction.

The reality – which may be more somber than expected – could prove to be a letdown.

'There’s something about how we idealize who they are,' Block reflects. 'What’s so intriguing is that everyone I’ve talked to has their own version of who Betty and Henri are. When I ask, 'How old are they and what’s their relationship?' the answers vary wildly.'

For Block, who’s in his 60s, Betty represents Audrey Hepburn from her Paris films – an innocent beauty in a classic Hollywood romance.

'We all carry these notions of love and romance, often shaped by movies […] But to learn they were just ordinary people might be disappointing,' he admits.

'This could very well have been a brief affair that ended with them returning to their marriages. And that’s a tricky situation, because I don’t want to expose them to the public,' he adds.

Block states that he would only reveal the identities of the lovers if they consented, acknowledging it’s a delicate balance to strike.

The timeless appeal of romance

In the meantime, Block presses on with his search. He enjoys piecing together the puzzle – and connecting with others who are equally captivated by the romance.

'The story resonates with so many people – the idea of a message in a bottle, this note somehow making its way into a book and into my hands. The beautiful sentiment in the letter. The mystery surrounding the note card and whether Monet is somehow part of it all.'

At its core, it's a love letter with a message that speaks to everyone:

'Betty and Henri represent us all,' says Block. 'Everyone, no matter their age, carries a longing for romance, even if they’ve been married for years. That spark doesn’t fade […] I think this letter resonates with nearly everyone I’ve met.'