So French!
The popularity of podcasts has created a flourishing selection of excellent Paris-themed shows for Francophiles to choose from. Whether you’re interested in quirky historical facts or want an insider’s perspective on current trends, here are some great podcasts for both residents and lovers of Paris alike.
The Earful Tower
History & Paris Sites
If you’re open to exploring another side of Paris, tune into The Earful Tower. Hosted by Australian journalist Oliver Gee, each episode concentrates on a specific topic from offbeat neighborhoods to overlooked facets of the city. An additional element of fun is added through Oliver’s occasional scooter or “walk”-shows, a mobile version of his show, often accompanied by a special guest.
The city’s curiosities are delved into a little deeper on the fascinating episodes of Paname. The show, hosted by actress, comedian, and tour guide extraordinaire Amber Minogue, strives to reveal “hidden Paris in plain sight”. Each 30-minute episode uncovers the secret history of a place such as La Bastille, the guillotine, and what seem to be peaceful churches and streets, casting a new and intriguing light on the city.
So French!
Today’s Paris
Paris current events are covered on a few different podcasts. For something more newsy, subscribe to So French!, an entertaining and informative bi-weekly curated roundup of current affairs in France. Hosted by Stefan De Vries and Sara Bertillson, the show has the added value of including plenty of interesting tidbits about French public figures and background on the topics, making it a great way to understand and keep up with what’s happening in France.
Current life and trends in shops, restaurants and bars are expertly chronicled in The New Paris podcast, hosted by writers Alice Cavanagh and Lindsey Tramuta. The podcast examines modern Paris from the evolving coffee scene to urbanism and includes a special guest to offer further insight into the subject in question.
The New Paris
Food & Wine
A detailed look at French food and wine through its current players is target of journalist and cookbook author Emily Dilling in her Paris Paysanne Podcast. You might have already read some of Emily’s excellent articles here on HiP Paris, especially on new restaurants, speciality food shops and gastronomic innovators, which are explored in a more in-depth way on her podcast.
Paris Paysanne
Alternatively, you can enjoy a virtual sip of what’s new in the wine, beer and spirits scene in Paris via the engaging Paris Cocktail Talk by 52 Martinis , the foremost website on Paris cocktails founded by local expert Forest Collins. Discover the latest trends in cocktails and the city’s best bars directly from industry experts and Forest’s insider knowledge.
Paris Cocktail Talk
Culture & Society
A unique take of Paris and French society are expressed in a variety of podcasts on special interest topics. Aforementioned Amber Minogue has teamed up with fellow comedian Sarah Donnelly to host the hilarious podcast and stand-up comedy act Becoming Maman, dedicated to the challenges of raising kids in France as a foreigner.
Becoming Maman
Pushing the oh la la bar a little higher, taboos topics of “the City of Love” are dissected in the Faux Pas-Cast, hosted by the American expat duo Jennifer Geraghty and Mollie Laylin. Every week they converse on risqué subjects with special guests including burlesque dancers, squatters, musicians and whole range of intriguing characters.
Lastly, from wherever you are in the world, you can feel like you’re sitting in a dimly-lit Parisian bar cellar by listening into the SpokenWord Sounds, the Monthly Podcast of SpokenWord Paris. It showcases the talent of poets, singers, storytellers and comedians who get up on stage during their Monday night performances at the Chat Noir.
Related Links
- For more, read our previous article on French podcasts.
- The Culture Trip rounds up podcasts to help you understand Paris.
Written by Lily Heise for HiP Paris. Looking for a fabulous vacation rental in Paris, London, Provence, Tuscany, Umbria or Liguria? Check out Haven In.
Not exactly a podcast but the best thing to happen to Paris travel in my eyes. A French Frye In Paris Corey Fyre also an American Expat living in Paris for the past 8 yrs Corey is full-time tour guide/ blogger and photographer and does weekly real-time FB live tours all around Paris with so much history he makes it fun to learn about the most beautiful city in the world
I blogged about the exact same thing last week.