Most of us can’t get to Paris at the moment, owing to the global, erm, *situation* that has brought travel to a halt. And to paraphrase one of my Parisian friends and fellow […]
Quiz: Are You More Right Bank or Left-Bank Paris?
Paris is divided by the Seine River and the Ile de la Cité into left and right banks (rive gauche and rive droite, respectively). Locals tend to identify with one bank or the […]
A Short History of Quarantines in Europe and France
The early spring of 2020 will no doubt take up some space in the history books. It marks a moment that is unprecedented in contemporary life: the first time in decades that governments […]
Seeking Josephine Baker in Paris: A Bit of History & Places to Visit
When most people think of Josephine Baker, they imagine her dancing in some glamorous Paris venue at the height of the jazz age. While this image certainly isn’t wrong, it tends to reduce […]
In Focus: The Musée Carnavalet, a Free Paris Museum Dedicated to the City’s History
Anyone aiming to better understand the long and complex history of the French capital would do well to pay a visit to the Musée Carnavalet in Paris. The permanent collection at the Carnavalet […]
Paris in 2020: What’s New to See & Do This Year?
If you’re plotting a trip to the French capital sometime in 2020, it’s no doubt handy to have an overview of what’s worth seeing and doing this year. It’s set to be an […]
The Rebirth of La Samaritaine, an Iconic Parisian Department Store
When news hit in 2005 that one of Paris’ historic department stores was being shuttered, locals reacted with understandable sadness and dismay. After all, since 1869, La Samaritaine– with its boldly-lettered Art Nouveau […]
The Jean-Jacques Henner Museum: A Quietly Stunning Paris Collection
Most tourists never set foot into one of the French capital’s finest single-artist collections, the Jean-Jacques Henner Museum. This is a shame. Not only does it house an arresting permanent exhibit of the […]
Exploring the Fondation Louis Vuitton Museum in Paris, Inside & Out
We don’t wish to disappoint you: this newcomer to the Parisian arts scene doesn’t resemble a giant, patterned couture bag from the popular designer after which it’s named. Maybe you’d say it evokes an […]
In Video: Secret & Offbeat Paris Neighborhoods to Explore Now
When you’re after a more local, secret Paris rather than the one pushed by top-10 lists in conventional guidebooks, it’s necessary to step off the dusty old tourist circuits and go in search […]
Roaming Paris’ Oberkampf Neighborhood, from Nightlife to Street Art
With its eclectic mix of trendy bars, nightclubs and concert halls, the lively Oberkampf neighborhood in Paris is a haven for foodies and partygoers. This hip section of the 11th arrondissement boasts great […]
Inside the Wine Museum in Paris (Musée du Vin)
Aside from the humble baguette, there is perhaps no other staple more common in French homes than the bottle of wine. Parisians have the luxury of choosing among hundreds of different varieties of […]
Wandering Paris’ Saint-Germain-des-Prés Neighborhood (Past and Present)
Put on your Sunday best and head over to Saint-Germain-des-Prés, an upscale Parisian neighborhood with centuries-old literary, revolutionary and artistic roots. Situated on the left bank of the Seine River– just blocks west of […]
Art on Water: Fluctuart, First Floating Urban Gallery, Opens in Paris
Opened in July 2019, Fluctuart is the world’s first floating “urban art center”. Docked at the foot of The Pont des Invalides on the left bank of the Seine River, this free gallery […]
Leonardo da Vinci at the Louvre: Feting the 500th Anniversary of Artist’s Death
2019 marks the 500th anniversary of Leonardo da Vinci’s death in Amboise, France– where the Italian artist and inventor is buried to this day. To commemorate this landmark date, the Louvre Museum in […]
Japanese Paris: The Best Restaurants & Grocers Around Rue Sainte-Anne
While most tourists with a taste for gourmet experiences come to Paris to try French food, a few know that the city harbors its fair share of excellent Japanese restaurants, grocers and casual […]
Fluctuat Nec Mergitur: Why is it Paris’ Motto, and What Does it Mean?
If you follow Parisian cultural trends with any regularity, you’ve probably seen locals reference the Latin expression “Fluctuat nec mergitur” as the city’s motto. But what does it mean– and where does it […]
How (& Where) to Enjoy Beaujolais Nouveau Wine Tastings in Paris
The French may not celebrate Thanksgiving, but on the third Thursday of November they find something of their own to be thankful for: wine. To be specific, the yearly vintage of Beaujolais Nouveau, an unpretentious, […]
Parisian Legends: Interview with Patrick Roger, France’s Own Willy Wonka
As this goes to press, the Salon du Chocolat is gearing up for another run in Paris–an annual trade show devoted to the art (and enjoyment) of chocolate. To celebrate the irresistible stuff […]
8 Reasons to Love the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris
More than a museum, it’s a cultural touchstone Few places in Paris carry the sort of sentimental weight that the Centre Georges Pompidou does for me. When I was a student, I spent […]