Monthly Archives: September 2021

Exploring Paris’s Chinatown(s)

Over the centuries, people from around the world have come to Paris, leading to a number of cosmopolitan neighbourhoods around the city. Among these are three different Chinatowns, two of which are more prominent. Although they tend to lack some of the charm of the Chinatowns in cities like London, New York, San Fransisco or Vancouver, they are abound in colours, flavours and life. Enjoy a sensorial visit to the Chinatowns of Paris thanks to these useful tips.

Study Abroad in Paris

Rue au Maire. Photo: Ralf Treinen / CC

Arts-et-Métiers

The city’s original Chinatown is found in pocket of the 3rd arrondissement. As the traditional wholesale clothing district of the city, some Chinese, particularly from Wenzhou, settled in the area. Not too much is still visible today, however, around the City Hall of the district (la Mairie du 3ème) some Chinese shops and restaurants can be found on rue au Maire, rue Volta, rue du Temple and rue des Gravilliers.

Photo: Le Président

Belleville

Traditionally working class, rebellious and artistic, the neighbourhood of Belleville is likely Paris’s biggest melting pots. Along the bustling Boulevard de Belleville one can find North African hookah lounges, Jewish delis and Asian supermarkets. Asians first started settling here due to the establishment of French territories of Indochina (modern-day Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos) in the second half of the 1800s. Immigrants for China also settled in the area before the establishment of Les Olympiades (see below).

The area’s most famous restaurant is Le Président, a vast Cantonese restaurant presiding over the intersection at métro Belleville (closed for renovations until December 2021). For great Vietnamese pho or bobun, grab a table at Chez Yu and vegetarians might want to track down Best Tofu, a small casual joint packed with Asian diners (best for lunch as it closes at 8pm). There are also two branches of the popular Chinese supermarket Paris Store, found on Boulevard de la Villette, the northern extension of Boulevard de Belleville.

Paris Olympiades. Photo: Thierry Bézecourt / CC

Les Olympiades

The more active heart of the Chinese community in Paris is located in the Olympiades district of the 13th arrondissement. Europe’s largest Chinatown, in terms of size, while it isn’t necessarily the most typically picturesque Parisian district, due to its 1970s high-rises, it’s still a vibrant neighbourhood and is also historically significant to the evolution of the city.

As Paris was modernising in the 20th century, the former factories of the 13th district began closing down. This left way for new development, which was undertaken by architect Michel Holley. Strongly influenced by Le Corbusier, he created a neighbourhood of eight 104-metre high apartment towers around a central plaza. Totally almost 3,000 flats, the new district was unpopular with Parisians, however, at the time there was an influx in migrants from the disintegrating Indochina territories, who ended up settling here in Les Olympiades.

Enjoy a wander within the triangle formed by Avenue d’Ivry, Avenue de Choisy and Boulevard Masséna. Make sure you explore the La Pagode shopping mall, located in the centre of the Les Olympiades esplanade. Here you’ll find shops selling Asian knick-knacks, goods and food as well as casual eateries with plastic stools just like in Hanoi.

For sights, try to find the Hidden Buddhist Temple which is located in the a car park at 37 rue du Disque, there is also a Taoist temple at 44 avenue d’Ivry, which you can pop into by removing your shoes. A stop in at one of the famous Tang Frères supermarkets is also a must. Founded in 1976 by brothers from Laos, the large shops sell good value pan-Asian food. While we don’t recommend eating there, you might smile at seeing the area’s McDonald’s, at 9-11 Avenue de Choisy, which has an Asian look.

For a meal instead enjoy some excellent Vietnamese soup at Pho Bành Cuon 14, dig into some tasty and reasonably priced southeast Asian food at Lao Lane Xang 2, or have a traditional Chinese meal at Li Ka Fo. For something on the go, track down Thieng Heng, for an authentic Vietnamese banh mi sandwich, or some bubble tea at Bubble House.

If you’re in Paris at the right time of year, try to visit the neighbourhood is for the New Year Lunar celebrations. During this annually changing period, taking place at the end of January or early February, the streets are decked out in banners and lanterns and a lively parade is held.

We hope you enjoy your cultural and culinary explorations! You may like to pair an outing the Les Olympiades with the nearby Butte-aux-Cailles, which is included in this article on the Former Villages of Paris.

Then if you’re looking for further places to discover in Paris, check out these other articles from our blog:

Top Image: Chinese New Year in Paris. Georges Seguin (Okki) / CC

Author Sophie Mackintosh

“Speculative Futures and Thinking” – an Event with Author Sophie Mackintosh

The University of Kent Paris School of Arts and Culture and the American University of Paris are pleased to welcome Sophie Mackintosh as our Paris Writer in Residence 2021. The Paris School of Arts and Culture will be welcoming students and guests for a presentation and Q&A with Sophie on Wednesday, 6 October from 7-8:30 pm.

Entitled “Speculative Futures and Thinking”, Sophie’s talk will explore what’s beyond what we know of as ‘speculative’, and how we can use that kind of imaginative zone as a way to think and develop our writing across all modes and genres.

Born in South Wales in 1988, Sophie is currently based in London. Her fiction, essays and poetry have been published by Granta, The White Review, The New York Times and The Stinging Fly, among others. Her debut novel The Water Cure was published by Hamish Hamilton in the UK in Spring 2018 and by Doubleday in the US in early 2019, and was long-listed for the Man Booker Prize. Her second novel Blue Ticket was published in Summer 2020 to critical acclaim.

To attend this free event, please RSVP at this link by 5pm, Tuesday, 5 October. You must reserve your place for admittance.  A French “pass sanitaire” will be required upon entry.

Graduate Profile: Recent Alumna Hana Szobonyova

This latest edition of our Graduate Profile series focuses on a recent graduate of History and Philosophy of Art programme, Hana Szobonyova. Originally from the Czech Republic, Hana completed her MA degree at our Paris School of Arts and Culture in September 2021. In this interview Hana shares her experience during of her studies at our Paris School, which were enhanced by getting involved in our extracurricular activities as well as exciting internship opportunities and future prospectives gained thanks to her degree.

What is it like living and studying in Paris?

There is no better place to study history and philosophy of art than Paris. Although the past year was difficult and complicated with cultural venues being closed, Paris still remained an inspiring place to live. Since restrictions were lifted, there has not been a single week I haven’t go to a museum or a new exhibition. Now, more than ever, I can truly appreciate what this city can offer. Studying in Paris is a valuable experience especially for all those who are strongly interested in design and art.

What did you particularly enjoy about your studies?

The course’s structure perfectly fit my personal interests which are focused on art and history of the 19th and 20th century. Another great thing about the program was the possibility of auditing. Taking additional classes is a great way to expand one’s horizons and to learn more (for example about areas you know very little about). Although, with extra classes there is much more work and readings to do, nevertheless, the rewards are priceless.

How do you think postgraduate study differs from undergraduate study?

It is very different. For me maybe even more as my undergraduate program was mostly focused on business and practise rather than on theory and research. Also, postgraduate studies are very independent and they are also driven by your own personal interests. That is highly advantageous as you have the possibility to expand your knowledge in topics and areas you are truly interested in through your own research and independent studies.

How do you think your studies will affect your employment prospects?

As my education is quite diverse I hope to find a suitable place where I could use and combine all of my skills and knowledge. The last year spent in Paris has definitely impacted me in many ways; It expanded my interests and knowledge in art and philosophy, it also helped me to perceive and comprehend French culture and French history from a new perspective, and lastly, it changed and shaped my future career perspectives and aspirations.

Could you tell us about your internship experience?

During my studies at Kent I participated in the organising committee for the annual postgraduate festival as the art event curator. I was also part of The Menteur team where I helped to shape the visual identity of the magazine for the academic year 2022-2021 as the head of design. When the academic year ended I started my internship at The American Library in Paris as a Communications and Program intern where I stayed until the end of August. That was definitely a valuable experience as it enabled me to perceive the organisation’s structure internally, while working with the Program Manager on upcoming cultural events that the institute runs.

What are you planning to do next?

This week, I am starting my internship at UNESCO, where I will work as an intern for the Permanent Delegation of the Czech Republic. I am very excited to start my new position there as it will be very different from any other previous work experiences I’ve done so far.

Any advice for those thinking about taking this course?

I think it is good to think in advance about what you would like to study and where your interests are. If you want to study history and philosophy or art particularly focusing on the 19th and 20th century, then the Paris School of Arts and Culture might be very suitable.

citymapper-app

Useful Apps for Navigating Paris like a Local

With plenty of places with free WIFI in Paris, a smartphone can dramatically facilitate life in Paris. You can literally have Paris at your fingertips by downloading and using some of the great Paris apps which are available.  From getting around to going out, here is a selection of the most useful as well as free of charge.

Getting Around

  • Citymapper: Although there’s a designated app for Paris’s transit system, this app provides the best solutions in real time for getting around the city, by métro, RER, tram, bus, bike, car and on foot.
  • Vélib Métropole: The city of Paris’s official bike share scheme, the app allows you to rent a bike as well as find the nearest free bikes and stations.
  • Uber, Heetch and Taxi G7: There are a number of ride-sharing and taxi services in Paris. Of course, Uber is the best known, however, you can often get better deals on Heetch. If you’d like to reserve a traditional taxi, the company G7 has a handy app, plus they have a large fleet of eco-friendly “taxis verts”.
  • SNCF: France’s national rail service also has a handy app for booking longer distance train tickets, checking schedules or downloading your pre-purchased e-tickets.

Flash invaders App

Exploring the City

  • Spotted by Locals: With content provided by expert residents of cities, this site and app aims to show you the local side of the city, from restaurants to curious sites.
  • Culture Trip: A more established site, this app showcases museums, sites, things to do as well as suggestions for going out.
  • GPS My City: This app has a collection of free walking tours of Paris.
  • Street Art Cities and Flash Invaders: Paris is a great city for street art. You can find the best works via the handy Street Art Cities app. For something fun and different, download the Flash Invaders app to track when you spot the famous “space invaders” around the city. Learn more about Paris street art in this post.
  • Super Lachaise: At some point during your time in Paris, you’ll want to visit legendary Pere Lachaise cemetery. Instead of taking a screenshot of the map once you arrive, download this app in advance to avoid getting too lost trying to track down certain graves (but that’s also part of the fun!).

Paris Bouge App

Going Out

  • Paris Bouge, le Bonbon and Time Out: If you’re looking for great restaurants, bars, events or clubs frequented by les parisiens, have a look at either of the apps of thesse trendy websites.
  • La Fourchette (The Fork) and TripAdvisor: to find a restaurant located near you, try either of these apps.  Check on La Fourchette for restaurants offering discounts.
  • Le Fooding and 52 Martinis: For cooler and new restaurants and bars, peruse the suggestions of this noted website and app. Cocktail lovers will want to download the app of local cocktail expert 52 Martinis.

Word Reference App

Practicing Your French

  • Word Reference: The app of this extensive translation website provides translations, verb conjugations, forums and more.
  • Linguee: This app provides examples of vocabulary used in real sentences on the Internet, which can be helpful when you need to choose between two similar words.
  • Duolingo: This popular app is a good way to learn French grammar and vocabulary on the go.

Study abroad in Paris

Meeting People

  • Meetup: This great app has listings for a huge range of events for special interests, from film to veganism.
  • Bumble: There is a variety of “dating apps” in France, this app also offers the option of networking and making new friends.

Managing Money

  • XE Currency: If you are coming from a country outside the Euro Zone, this app can be a lifesaver. In addition to providing real time exchange rates, it also has money transfer services.
  • Wise: This popular service (formerly Transferwise) allows you to transfer money across borders at lower rates than traditional banks.
  • Revolut: This online bank allows you to receive and send money internationally and produces IBAN and bank details in different currencies.
Salle_de_lecture_Bibliotheque_Sainte-Genevieve_n02

Our Guide to Libraries in Paris

There is a wide variety of libraries (bibliothèques) available to you during your studies at the Paris School of Arts and Culture. Whether you are looking for a quiet space to study or searching for specific material for your research, you can find the best venue to suit your needs in this helpful guide.

Bibliothèque Nationale de France

PSAC Library Memberships

As a student of our Paris School you will become a member of the Bibliothèque Nationale de France (the National Library of France and France’s premier research library, it is equivalent to the British Library) and the American Library in Paris, where we have a dedicated collection of books which are included on your module reading lists. You will be inducted into these libraries within the first few weeks of your first term. Once you are a member, you can use these libraries as study space as well. In addition to these, Reid Hall has a lovely library, which has workstations and power outlets, which is a tranquil and beautiful place to study, write or read.

Kent’s Digital Library, home to an extensive collection of e-books, e-journals, newspapers, and more, is an extremely valuable resource during your studies. We recommend you attend our Digital Library presentation in order to make the most of these resources for your research.


Bibliothèque Publique d’Information, Centre Pompidou. Photo: Paris Info

Speciality Libraries in Paris

Paris has a number of excellent speciality libraries which you may like to visit depending on your programme. Here are the main ones you may want to use:

Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève Online Pre-Registration Form

Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève

This beautiful historic library (top photo), located next to the Pantheon and in the heart of Paris’ academic centre around the Sorbonne University, is a wonderful place to study. It is free to use the library, however, you first need to register to get a library card. Here are instructions on how to do this:

 

  1. Create an account on the Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève website (see image above for the French-English translation).
  2. Bring ID and student card to the welcome desk within a month of online registration, photocopies are not accepted.

la Bibliothèque du cinéma François Truffaut. Photo: Ville de Paris

City of Paris Public Libraries

There are over 50 public libraries around Paris. They are all free to use and open to anyone. You can use their study spaces without becoming a member, however, to take out material from their collections you need to enrol. You can do this at any one library and your card is valid at all the libraries in the network. To enrol you will need to bring your ID and proof of your Paris residency. Further details in English here.

Top Photo: Salle de lecture Bibliotheque Sainte-Genevieve. Marie-Lan Nguyen / CC

Creative Writing Lecturer Yelena Moskovich Interviewed by BOMB Magazine

Author Yelena Moskovich, lecturer in our Creative Writing MA Programme at the Paris School of Arts and Culture, was recently interviewed for BOMB Magazine by ​Grace Lavery, associate professor in the Department of English at UC Berkeley and general editor of Transgender Studies Quarterly.

Entitled Our First Mask, The Body, in the interview Yelena and Grace discuss the body in relationship to literature, theatre and Yelena’s new book, A Door Behind a Door (Two Dollar Radio), released in May 2021.

Read the full interview at this link.

How to Get Vaccinated in France as a Foreign Student

**Please note that this post is designed for students beginning their studies with us in September 2021**

As an incoming students to our Paris School, you have a lot to do to prepare for your move to Paris. Vaccination procedures have been rolled out differently around the world and you may not have been able to be fully vaccinated before your departure. There is even talk in some countries, including France, of administering third doses of certain vaccines. As of this week, the French Haute Autorité de la Santé now recommends a third dose of the EU-approved vaccines for individuals over 65 years of age and those with underlying health conditions (see the official texts here). The good news for all of our incoming students is that you do not have to be registered within the French national health system/insurance scheme (Assurance maladie) to get a vaccine in France. You do, however, have to be resident and demonstrate proof of residency.

A French social security number is not required to get vaccinated and for free. Foreign students can be vaccinated in France, but will need to prove your residency, in the form of a rental contract, signed letter of being hosted by an individual (attestation d’hébergement) or accommodation booking of three months or more.

Getting vaccinated in France

Here are the steps to follow to sign up for a vaccination appointment:

  • Make an appointment on this designated Vaccination website or Doctolib (In French)
    • On Doctolib a pop-up window will ask you which situation you are in:
      • Vous souhaitez réserver une deuxième injection (second dose)
      • personnes de plus de 18 ans (persons over 18 years old, for ARNm type vaccines)
      • personnes de plus de 18 ans déjà eu la Covid-19 (persons over 18 years old having had Covid-19, for ARNm type vaccines)
  • Clink the appropriate category and proceed with making an appointment at a vaccination centre, doctor’s office or pharmacy
  • You can also try asking directly at a pharmacy to see if they have vaccines available
  • Bring your ID and proof of residency with you to the appointment.

If you encounter difficulties at your vaccination venue and the health professional insists you need to have a carte vitale, it is possible that they are not aware of the rules. You can remind them politely that a carte vitale/social security number is not required. If you have internet on your phone, you can also show them this page on the French government website which clearly states that “un étranger ou un sans-abri peut se faire vacciner en centre de vaccination même s’il ne dispose pas d’une carte vitale.” (A foreigner or homeless person can be vaccinated in a vaccination centre even if he or she does not possess a carte vitale). You can also print out this text before heading to your appointment.

The University of Kent Paris School staff will continue to update you on the accessibility of vaccinations and important health recommendations. Staff cannot, however, advise on individual situations. Information on how to see a doctor in France will be provided as part of our Welcome Week programme.