Episode 1

EPISODE 1

In the very first vingt paris podcast, presenter Jo Youle meets company founder and CEO Susie Hollands in the iconic park, Le Jardin Du Luxembourg, on the border of Saint-Germain-Des-Pres – and finds out why everyone wants to live in this amazing city…

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EPISODE 1: YOUR LITTLE BLACK BOOK OF PARIS ADDRESSES

Wanting to find out more about some of the places mentioned in this episode? Here we bring you a handy summary of each one that is mentioned – and how to find out further information.

What?
Le Jardin du Luxembourg
Why?
Dating back to 1612, there is nowhere more quintessentially Parisian than this iconic park with its beautiful gardens, famous boating lake and wide cross-section of people.
Where?
6th arrondissement
More info here

What?
La Table du Luxembourg
Why?
Tucked away in le Jardin du Luxembourg, this is a great place to get nice teas, popular with families for its Nutella crepes and one of the posiest places to enjoy a vin chaud.
Where? 
6^th arrondissement
More info here

What?
The Merry-Go-Round at le Jardin du Luxembourg
Why?
One of the oldest carousels in Paris, this remnant from another age dates back to the 1800’s, but today provides an idyllic Instagram moment.
Where?
6^th arrondissement
More info here

What?
Saint-Germain-de-Prés
Why?
Renowned as a favourite haunt of writers such as Hemingway, this legendary district is home to classic Parisian architecture, the city’s oldest church and the aforementioned Jardin du Luxembourg – not to mention beautiful shops, amazing eateries and gorgeous galleries.
Where?
6^th arrondissement
More info here

What?
Nuit Blanche
Why?
Held on the first Saturday in October, the Nuit Blanche is an all-night art event with installations all over the city. Plus, the public transport system stays open all night too.
Where? 
All over Paris and beyond
More info here

What?
Jim Haynes dinner
Why?
A legend in his own lifetime, Jim Haynes began hosting weekly dinners in his beautiful Parisian home in 1978. More than 40 years later, they are still going, and it’s a great way to meet people and make new friends.
Where?
14^th arrondissement
More info here

What?
A walk around the 20 arrondissements
Why?
Running from dawn until dusk, and covering almost 60km, this annual expedition taking in all 20 of the Paris arrondissements is no walk in the park – but there is no better way to get to know the city.
Where?
All over Paris
More info here

What?
The Catacombs
Why?
A network of tunnels under the city accessed through the 14th arrondissement, this fascinating foray into the Paris underworld is an absolute must.
Where?
14^th arrondissement
More info here

What?
The cemeteries
Why?
From Montmartre and Montparnasse via Père Lachaise, the cemeteries of Paris provide a peaceful and atmospheric respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. A chance to channel your inner Morrissey.
Where?
All over Paris
More info here

What?
Paris nightlife
Why?
Whilst the centre of Paris can be a bit patchy in its nightlife, the outskirts of the city are a good place to go. For example, in the suburb of Montreuil, to the east of Paris, we particularly like Le Chinois. Also, Pantin is another good spot.
Where?
All over Paris
More info here

What? 
Temple Noble Art
Why? 
Located just around the corner from the Palais-Royal, this brilliant boxing gym is a great place to decompress. Guaranteed to evaporate the stresses and strains of the day, it’s no wonder that they now have three branches across the city (see website for full details).
Where?
1^st arrondissement
More info here

What?
Yoga at Le Carreaux du Temple
Why? 
For melting away any tension, you can’t beat a session of Sevam Yoga at the Carreaux du Temple in the Marais. One of our all-time favourite ways to unwind.
Where?
3^rd arrondissement
More info here

What? 
Good cup of coffee
Why? 
We love the Fondation Café or The Broken Arm for an excellent coffee, both around the corner from Carreaux de Temple (see above).
Where?
3^rd arrondissement
More info here

What? 
Marche d’Aligre
Why? 
Also known as the Marché Beauvau, this excellent daily food market has a beautiful covered area at its heart – quite rare for Paris. Plus, there are great specialist food shops including coffee, cheese and even a vegetarian butcher.
Where?
12^th arrondissement
More info here

What? 
The Barbes district
Why? 
Just north of Gare du Nord and a stone’s throw from Montmartre, this is the African Paris with an exotic market, interesting shops and much-hyped restaurant Brasserie Barbes.
Where?
9th arrondissement, 10th arrondissement & 18th arrondissement
More info here

What?
Square du Temple
Why?
Once home to a fairy-tale-like fortress built by the Knights Templar, this iconic square in the Marais is home to lovely landscaped gardens, a waterfall and rare trees, plus the Carreaux de Temple where a lot goes on (see above).
Where?
3^rd arrondissement
More info here

What? 
Les Enfants du Paradis
Why?
One of our favourite films about Paris, Les Enfants du Paradis was shot in 1939 under occupation. Both a love story and a thriller, it is widely regarded as one of the best French films ever made.
Where?
All over Paris
More info here

What? 
Paris Photo
Why?
An annual photography event held in the spectacular setting of le Grand Palais, Paris Photo is the largest international art fair dedicated to the photographic medium.
Where?
8^th arrondissement
More info here

What?
Fashion Week
Why?
Featuring haute-couture clothing, all the top French brands and gorgeous models, there is nothing else quite like Paris Fashion Week.
Where?
All over Paris
More info here 

What?
FIAC International Contemporary Art Fair
Why?
Another event held in the prestigious halls of le Grand Palais, the FIAC art fair features an exacting selection of modern and contemporary art, as well as leading design galleries, from the international scene.
Where?
8^th arrondissement
More info here