After establishing itself as a front-runner in the quest to reduce pollution, France is now extending their plastic ban to be even more comprehensive. France first banned lightweight plastic bags, then become the first country in the world to ban plastic cups and plates in 2016. As part of its Energy Transition for Green Growth… …read more
Once upon a time, I worked in the Paris tourism industry. It was 2008, Haven in Paris (boutique apartment rental agency that is now Haven In) had begun to take off, and I had the good fortune to get hired as its first full-timer and startup maven-in-training. I was based in New York, but was… …read more
From traditional African drum and dance to the urban street grooves of Angola, Ghana, Nigeria, Congo and Jamaica, Paris’ dance scene is popping with African-inspired polyrhythms. I zero in on three studios offering an array of lively classes fit for amateur and seasoned dancers alike. …read more
France has set an ambitious goal: Increase the level of bike commuters threefold in the next six years. Today, only 3% of the French use a bike as their daily means of transportation, but the French government is hoping to increase that number through various efforts to create bike-friendly infrastructures and incentives. …read more
Paris is famous for its covered passages and galeries, shopping arcades that date back to the 19th century. Today, these architectural gems typically house shops, restaurants, and cafes. But now there’s a new passage in town, by the name of Beaupassage. …read more
When we got the idea to move to France, I thought my problems were over. Yvonne is a French name! People had been asking me if I was French for as long as I could remember, so I pictured myself enfolded into French society, welcomed as a long-lost daughter, among my own people at last.… …read more
Over the past few years, les Batignolles has been gradually getting hipper and hipper thanks to a steady stream of contemporary restaurants, cool cafés, and creative concept stores. The area is one of the best places to get a taste of authentic Paris. Sample it by seeking out these new additions to the district. …read more
At the time, the choice was an easy one, and my 13-year-old thought process simple: “Latin’s dead; I don’t like the way German sounds; all the boys are taking Spanish; if you take French you can go to Paris in high school.” I didn’t realize it at the time, but choosing that language, and that… …read more
As a new Parisienne, I was baffled by la bise. I was raised in Texas, where the traditional greeting was a full-contact hug. When I later moved to California, I learned that there were three options for hugs. Then I moved to Paris and much to my surprise: They were kissing each other. …read more
September marks la rentrée in France, the moment when summer holidays wind down and the French get back to their daily lives. As Parisians return to work or school, the city wakes up from its August lull and offers a wide range of events that make it a great time to be in Paris. …read more
Paris stretched. It was time to get back to work, and she was ready. Some people need springtime to feel reborn, but Paris just needs La Rentrée. …read more
August in Paris is all about slow living: the nights are long and the apéros are endless. It’s no wonder Parisians flock to rooftop spots around the city to watch the sunset with friends. From the 2nd to the 16th and everywhere in between, here are our top picks for rooftop bars to check out… …read more
Summer is a time to relax, read a little, get a tan, and of course, listen to podcasts. For francophiles looking for audio to listen to en français this summer, France’s growing podcast scene has something for everyone. From honest stories about love and romance to the history behind your favorite foods, here are our top picks… …read more
