Author Archives: lh651

Lesser-Known Medieval Sites in Paris 

While much of the Roman Paris, called Lutetia, was destroyed by centuries of barbarian and Viking invasions, a number of vestiges from the Middle Ages have managed to survive, bearing witness to Paris’ rich, layered history. After you’ve seen les incontournables Notre Dame, Sainte Chapelle, and Saint-Germain-des-Prés, go in search of these lesser-known Medieval sites, now carefully woven into the city’s modern fabric.

College des Bernadins - study in Paris

Le Collège des Bernardins

The Latin Quarter, which occupies much of the north of the 5th arrondissement, is home to the largest concentration of Medieval vestiges in Paris. The area used to be dotted with various colleges and monasteries, many which eventually formed the University of Paris. What’s left of one of these, Le Collège des Bernardins, sits peacefully on the quiet rue de Poissy. Dating back to the mid 13th century, its large refectory, or dining hall, can be visited free of charge during opening hours. Fully restored, this space is still used today for conferences. 

Address: 20 Rue de Poissy, 75005 Paris

Eglise des Saints-Archanges-study-abroad-in-Paris

l’Église des Saints-Archanges

Found a short walk from the Collège des Bernardins are the remnants of another Medieval college. Built in the late 13th century, the Collège de Beauvais was one of the largest in the whole area. The only part of it that withstood the Revolutionary destruction of religious buildings and the Haussmann modernisation of the city in the mid-1800s is its former chapel. Modelled after Sainte-Chapelle, it’s since been converted into a Romanian Orthodox church and can be visited, although check its opening hours first as they are limited. Learn more about it, and the history of it and the other Medieval colleges, in episode 5 of the Paris Caché podcast.

Address:  9 Bis Rue Jean de Beauvais, 75005 Paris

Tour Clovis (Clovis Tower)

If you’re studying at the historic Bibliothèque Sainte Geneviève, located near the Pantheon, you may have already noticed this intriguing tower jutting into the sky beside the Saint-Etienne-du-Mont Church. The bell tower is all that remains of the former Sainte-Geneviève church, which was part of an abbey of the same name, founded in 502 by Clovis, the first king of the Franks. The abbey church was torn down when a larger replacement church was commenced. If you look carefully at the 45-metre bell tower you can see the style varies slightly as it rises, the bottom part being constructed in the 11th century versus the 15th century for the top half. The Tour Clovis, along with the parts of the abbey which were not destroyed during the Revolution, are now a prestigious high school, le Lycée Henri IV.

Address: 65 Rue du Cardinal Lemoine, 75005 Paris

Enceinte-Philippe-Auguste

Vestiges of the Philippe Auguste Wall

The first major wall around Paris was constructed by King Philippe Auguste from the late 12th to early 13th centuries. Encompassing just over 5 kilometres on both banks of the city, it rose six to eight metres in height and had  77 semi-circular towers at 60-metre intervals. The city wall was expanded on the Right Bank in the mid 1300s by Charles V. These walls were gradually torn down during the reign of Louis XIV; however, a few sections are still visible. Near the Tour Clovis, further down on rue Clovis, is a one of these. On the Right Bank, you can spot a few sections in the Marais including a large section behind the Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis church (along the basketball court) and also in the Jardin des Rosiers-Joseph Migneret (pictured above).

Hôtel de Sens

The Marais district hides a few other Medieval gems, like this historic residence. One of the last buildings constructed in the Gothic style in Paris, it was commissioned in 1475 as the city mansion for the bishops of Sens. It is one of only two Medieval civic buildings in the Gothic style that survived the centuries, the other being the Hotel de Cluny, now the National Medieval Museum. This building now houses the Forney art library. Although it was heavily restored, you can see its turreted towers, gargoyles and interior courtyard (top image). Don’t miss its lovely back garden and before you leave, take note of the facade. You’ll see a small round object with the words “28 juillet 1830,“ the date of the start of the Trois Glorieuses, the three-day revolution that toppled what history refers to as the July Monarchy. Cannonballs were flying through the area and one of these got lodged into the wall!

Address: 7 Rue des Nonnains d’Hyères, 75004 Paris

Photo credit: Cloître des Billettes: Guilhem Vellut / CC

The Billettes Cloister

Tucked away on the lively rue des Archives is Paris’s only remaining Medieval cloister. Constructed in 1427 next to the convent of the Brothers of Charity Hospital of Our Lady (mostly known today as Les Billettes). The church itself was rebuilt in the mid-18th century, but the cloisters went untouched. Recently restored, today they host temporary art exhibitions and other events in addition to serving as a Protestant (Lutheran) worship space. 

Address: 24 Rue des Archives, 75004 Paris

Hotel de Clisson Paris

Hôtel de Clisson

Further up the street on rue des Archives you can notice some intriguing turrets. These are all that remain of the former Hôtel de Clisson, the residence of Olivier de Clisson. When it was built in the 1300s, the hôtel stood just outside the Paris city walls. In 1553 it was bought by François de Lorraine, the Duke of Guise, and was later sold by his family to the Prince and Princess de Soubise. This noble family then demolished most of the Medieval building to make way from a more modern home, today the home of the National Archives, which is accessed via rue des Francs Bourgeois. The historic restored baroque interiors can also be visited free of charge.

Tour Saint-Jacques (St James Tower)

One of the last Medieval structures built in Paris, this flamboyant Gothic tower, standing close to Place de Châtelet, is all that is left of the Eglise Saint-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie, which was destroyed in 1797 during the French Revolutionary period. The church and its bell tower were built between 1509 and 1523, funded by the butchers of the nearby Les Halles Market. You can admire the tower from the garden which surrounds it or visit it during guided tours held seasonally mid-summer to mid-autumn.

Address: Square de la tour Saint-Jacques 75004 Paris

You can visit more intriguing offbeat sites in Paris, including the Medieval Tour Saint Jean le Peur, in this other article on our blog! 

And if you’re interested in travelling further afield, check out the well-preserved ramparts and impressive gates of Provins, once a medieval trading hub, accessible via commuter rail from Paris.

Interested in delving deeping into Medieval Studies in Paris? Consider applying for our in Medieval and Early Modern Studies MA offered at the Paris School of Arts and Culture. Discover this and our other Master’s Programmes in the Humanities taught in Paris here.

Good-Value Lunch Spots around our Paris School

Being mindful of your budget is often a top concern for students; one living expense where you can make savings is on your food. The most economical option is to prepare your own lunch (you can eat in the student lounge, in the courtyard on a sunny day, or in the nearby Luxembourg Gardens). But you’re not always going to have time to plan ahead. For that reason, we have put together a handy list of good value lunch options in Montparnasse and close to Reid Hall.

Supermarkets

French supermarkets generally sell pre-prepared sandwiches, salads and other lunch items at good value prices (approx 3-6€). Here are a few options near campus. There is also an open-air food market held on Boulevard Edgar Quinet on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

Carrefour City (84 Rue Notre Dame des Champs, 75006 Paris) – The closest market to the school. Be forewarned that, as there are several schools nearby, this supermarket sees a lot of traffic between 12-1:30 pm.

Franprix (50 Rue Notre Dame des Champs, 75006 Paris) – Convenient if you’re coming or going to métro Notre Dame des Champs (line 12), this small shop sells food essentials.

Monop (124-126 Bd Raspail, 75006 Paris) – The express version of France’s higher end supermarket chain Monoprix, here you can get better quality lunch options from sandwiches to quinoa salads.

Naturalia (116 Bd Raspail, 75006 Paris) – A chain of French organic shops, here you can get healthy items to make your own lunch as well as some pre-prepared lunch items.

Takeaway Food

Panini stands (76 and 54 Rue Notre Dame des Champs, 75006 Paris) – Located a very short walk from the exit of the school, these stands cater to local students. The meal deal consists of a hot panini sandwich or a savoury crepe with drink and dessert for 5€.

Joël La Boulangerie (54 Rue Notre Dame des Champs, 75006 Paris) – Located conveniently at the intersection of rue Bréa, Vavin and Notre Dame des Champs, this local bakery has sandwiches, salads, quiches and a variety of baked goods which can be combined in their meal deal (referred to as a menu or formule in French). Approx: 6-10€.

Boulangerie Eric Kayser (87 Rue d’Assas, 75006 Paris) – This branch of a high quality chain of bakeries sells a range of reasonably priced hot and cold lunch menus. Approx: 5-12€, from sandwiches to menus.

Poké Planet (1 Rue Léopold Robert, 75014 Paris) – The poké bowl trend has even made it to Paris. Healthy and tasty, this eatery offers creative bowls from vegan to pescatarian. More information on their website. Approx: 8-12€.

Sushi Gozen (22 Rue Delambre, 75014 Paris) – With both sit-down and take away options, this is a reasonably priced Japanese restaurant close to Reid Hall. Take-away bento boxes are 9€ while in-restaurant lunch menus are 11€. See their website for menus.

Aristotte Bagel Shop (23 Rue Bréa, 75006 Paris) – This little shop makes freshly prepared bagels and sandwiches with customers choosing either off the menu or a custom sandwich. They also serve soup in the winter, hot dogs, and sweet bagel fillings. You can find their menu here. Approx: 6-8€

My Noodles (129 Bd du Montparnasse, 75006 Paris) – This North Chinese noodle place is a good option for a hot and tasty meal. Noodles are freshly made in-house and you can have them sautéed or in soup broth as well as other options. They also have seating, see their menu here. The restaurant can get busy at lunch time, so plan to arrive at noon to get a table quickly. Approx: 10-12€.

Bouillon Chartier Montparnasse (photo courtesy the restaurant’s Facebook page)

Sit Down Restaurants

Sushi Gozen and My Noddles above both have seating. Here are a few other great value options:

Montparnasse crêperies – The Montparnasse area is famous for its crêperies (crêpe houses), concentrated here thanks to the community of Bretons who settled in the area (the Montparnasse train station serves their native Brittany). Not only are crêpes part of the traditions of Montparnasse, they are also good value for money. Rue d’Odessa and rue du Montparnasse (not to be confused with boulevard du Montparnasse), are lined with great crêperies. Josselin is the most famous crêperie, however, it tends to be crowded so if there are no seats there, you can pick another one on these streets – they are all very good! Crêpe etiquette: crêpes are a sit-down meal. First go savoury, then go sweet.

Bouillon Chartier Montparnasse (59 Bd du Montparnasse, 75006 Paris) – Bouillons were born in the late 19th century. Their concept is simple: simple and classic dishes at unbeatably low prices.  The historic Chartier Montparnasse has a gorgeous art nouveau decor and a fantastic value menu with main courses starting at 6,50€. If you stick to the cheaper items, you can eat a full three course meal (without drinks) for under 15€. This restaurant has been in operation since 1858, with its fabulous art nouveau decor dating from 1906.

Lucernaire (53 Rue Notre Dame des Champs, 75006 Paris) – This cool multi-purpose theatre-cinéma-book shop-café has a daily lunch special for around 12€. A nice way to mingle with hip, artistic locals!

Anti-Waste Apps

A great way to save on food is to use an anti-waste app like Too Good To Go or Phenix. Both apps have relationships with supermarkets, bakeries and other food purveyors which offer discounts on food which is nearing its expiry date. Sizes are always generous and if you have a little freezer in your apartment, you can even make the goods last a little longer! There are venues on the apps near Montparnasse… so you might also find last minute bargains on it!

Bon appetit!

Paris-Masters-Scholarship

Announcing PSAC Scholarships for September 2022 entry

We are pleased to announce that applications for our Paris School of Arts and Culture Scholarship Fund 2021 will open on Friday, 1 April 2022.

Criteria

To be eligible, candidates:

  • Must have received a conditional or unconditional offer of a place on one of the Kent, Paris programmes for the academic year starting in September 2022, whether split-site (Canterbury and Paris) or Paris only
  • Must start their course in September 2022
  • Intend to study full-time only
  • Can be UK, EU and overseas fee paying students
  • Will be assessed on academic excellence, and will usually hold by July 2022 a first-class Bachelor’s degree (or an equivalent non-UK qualification) in a relevant subject, or a Master’s degree at merit or distinction in a relevant subject

For students whose programmes are quoted in euros, your scholarship will automatically be converted into that currency.

Further details

Paris Scholarships will be awarded to a limited number of outstanding applicants able to demonstrate a high level of academic achievement, clear intellectual ambition and the potential to make a strong contribution to their chosen MA programme.

Scholarships will be awarded in the form of a partial fee-waiver.

See further information and apply here.
Recyclerie Paris

The Best Cafés in Paris to Work In

While there are many great libraries to work or study in in Paris, it can be nice to have a change of scenery, and get a caffeine boost, by setting up camp at a café. Paris is famous for its cafés, but not all are conducive to hitting the books or switching on a computer. This collection of cafés around Paris offer the perfect setting for working all the while enjoying the city’s café culture.

General Tips:

One of the best features of almost all Parisian cafés is that you can usually stay for hours with only making one purchase. Celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain liked to explain this custom as paying the cheapest rent in town! If you do park yourself at a café for over two hours, though, it would be considered polite to make a second purchase. 

Many of the cafés on this list are modern coffee shops; they more easily accommodate nomadic work practices and ancillary electronic devices. Whether it is appropriate to work at your computer in a “traditional” French café largely depends on the café. Traditional-style cafés are not laptop-averse; however, you should plan to either have lunch there or leave while lunch is being served. Popular week-end brunch spots do not permit the use of laptops. 

 

Coutume Café in the 7th Arrondissement in Paris, France.

Coutume 

One of the first modern coffee shops in Paris, this coffee roaster now supplies many cafés around the city. Their original location, found near Le Bon Marché department store in the 7th, is around a 20-minute walk from the school, while they also have a new, small branch with a few tables in the ​​Monoprix Concept Store at Montparnasse.

Address: 47 rue de Babylone 75007 Paris, 31 Rue du Départ, 75014 Paris and other addresses around Paris.

Strada a cafe to study in Paris

Strada 

Tucked away in the Latin Quarter, just south of the Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève and the Pantheon, this modern coffee shop features minimalist decor. They serve great fair trade coffee, cakes and breakfast items.

Address: 24 Rue Monge 75005 Paris

 

KB a cafe to study in Paris

KB CaféShop

This excellent café and coffee roaster in the South Pigalle neighborhood attracts both serious coffee lovers and remote workers. It has a large shared table and a wide range of beverages and snacks as well as outdoor seating with afternoon sun.

Address: 53 avenue Trudaine, 75009 Paris

Le Breguet a cafe to study in Paris

Le Grand Breguet 

Large, friendly and laid back, this café in the 11th is popular with the young hip crowd of east end Paris. It has free wifi as well as handy plug sockets on the floor or on warmer days you can opt to work on its sunny terrace. At the end of a long afternoon of work, you can linger to enjoy apéro with the locals.

Address: 17 Rue Breguet, 75011 Paris

Nomade 

Found on a trendy foodie street in the 11th, this café serves up great coffee, pastries and juices. You can choose from bar stool seating, tables or more relaxed sofas and armchairs.

Address: 8 rue Paul Bert, 75011 Paris

La Felicita

If you’re over at the Bibliothèque nationale, you can have a change of scenery and rub shoulders with Paris young start-up professionals at this huge Italian food market attached to the Station F coworking venue. There is a coffee shop area serving excellent quality Italian caffè, quieter seating areas, and a vast terrace for warmer days. When you have finished your work, you can treat yourself to a spritz.

Address: 8 Rue Eugène Freyssinet, 75013 Paris

La Recyclerie a cafe to study in Paris

La Recyclerie

Chill and eco-friendly vibes permeate throughout this venue located in a former station of the defunct Petite Ceinture railroad which used to circle the edge of Paris. There are plenty of places to sit indoors, including some sofas and, weather permitting, there’s also seating down by the disused train tracks, although the WIFI might not reach that far! Learn more about la Petite Ceinture in this article from our blog.  

Address: 83 boulevard Ornano, 75018 Paris

 

Worth mentioning:

Le Café Sans Nom (not an official “working café”, but a welcoming neighbourhood staple with wifi and East Paris vibes and prices)

Le Cannibale Café (a busy east Paris café that is not computer-averse)

Les p’tites indécises (affordable East Paris fare in a student-friendly setting)

Anticafé (a chain of co-working spaces dotted around the city)

Passager Café (great food and coffee and space for a laptop in the 11th arrondissement, but usually over-subscribed)

Judy Located a few streets over from our Paris School, this health-focussed, gluten-free café is not the cheapest address in town, but it has a welcoming and serene ambiance that is ideal for concentrating. Sip on a coffee, herbal tea, or detox juice while you work on papers or your dissertation.

Photos: Courtesy of Facebook pages.

Architecturally Interesting Places of Worship in Paris that Aren’t Notre-Dame

Nearly three years after the tragic fire which devastated Notre-Dame Cathedral,  the restorations are advancing safely and steadily.  The Cathedral’s unfortunate closure has provided Parisians and visitors alike the opportunity to study, visit or rediscover some of the other unique and architecturally significant places of worship in Paris. You can view some of our favourites below.

Agoudas Hakehilos Synagogue. Photo: Gerd Eichmann / CC

Agoudas Hakehilos Synagogue

There are a number of beautiful synagogues in Paris, however, the one on rue Pavée is especially unique. Designed by Hector Guimard, who designed the emblematic green metro entrances still standing today, the synagogue is an Art Nouveau jewel. Completed in 1914, it is hard to imagine both its true size and its beauty from the exterior, nor that it is made of concrete, however, its undulating façade, decorated in floral motives, the Star of David and Tables of Law, do hint to its splendour. Inside, the long and narrow building has an impressive structure iron structure, typical of the turn of the 20th century, as well as ornate wooden decorative features.

La Grande Mosquée de Paris. Photo: LPLT / CC

La Grande Mosquée de Paris

The centre of France’s Muslim community, this serene place of worship in the 5th arrondissement is also the oldest Mosque in Paris. Completed in 1926, the Grand Mosque was commissioned by the French State as a token of appreciation to the Muslim soldiers who fought for France in World War I. Moorish in style, architect Maurice Tranchant de Lunel was inspired by the el-Qaraouyyîn Mosque located in Fez, Morocco. The vast 7,500 square-metre site has a 33-metre-high minaret, a grand entrance door with stylised floral motifs and a large courtyard with Arab style gardens, home to an enchanting tea salon and restaurant from where you can contemplate the building’s architecture over a mint tea and North African pastry.

Saint-Jean de Montmartre

Saint-Jean de Montmartre

Saint-Jean de Montmartre

While the more famous Sacré-Coeur Basilica usually steals the limelight when it comes to churches in Montmartre, this église found on Place des Abbesses is perhaps more architecturally significant. The parish church was constructed from 1894 to 1904 and designed by architect Anatole de Baudot, a student of Viollet-le-Duc, who oversaw the 19th-century renovations on Notre-Dame and many other historic sites around France. Art Nouveau in style with Moorish influences, it instantly stands out due to its building materials: brick and reinforced concrete — the first church in the world to use this newly invented building technique. It also features lovely ceramic work by artist Alexandre Bigot, known for his impressive work on the iconic Art Nouveau building at 29 Avenue Rapp.

Cathédrale de la Sainte-Trinité. Photo: EgliseRusse.eu

Cathédrale de la Sainte-Trinité

If you’re walking or boating along the Seine, an unusual, glimmering sight appears on the Left Bank a few blocks from the Eiffel Tower; the Cathedral de la Sainte-Trinité, one of Paris’s two Russian Orthodox cathedrals. Opened in 2016, the complex on the Quai Branly comprises of the Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Russian Orthodox Spiritual and Cultural Center. Designed by renowned French architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte, the church is modelled after the Dormition Cathedral in Moscow and features five gilded onion domes. The modern building starkly contrasts the other Russian Orthodox cathedral in Paris, the mid-19th century Cathédrale Saint Alexandre Nevsky, located in the 8th district and also worth visiting.

American Cathedral in Paris

Photo: American Cathedral in Paris

American Cathedral of the Holy Trinity

Another place of worship dedicated to the Holy Trinity, this beautiful American Episcopal Church has been serving the Anglophone community of Paris since 1886. The Neo-Gothic design of English architect George Edmund Street, with pointed arches and stained-glass windows, is reminiscent of Notre-Dame. The 20th century saw two additions; the 85-metre tower, which is one of the tallest in Paris, and the peaceful cloisters, a memorial to the American soldiers and civilians killed in France during WWI.

Grande-Pagode_de_Vincennes

Grande Pagode de Vincennes. Photo: Poulpy / CC

Grande Pagode de Vincennes and Kagyu-Dzong Buddhist Centre

Perhaps the most original of the list, this wooden structure, nestled within the Bois de Vincennes in eastern Paris, was originally built as the Pavilion of Cameroon for the 1931 Colonial Exhibition. While most of the other pavilions of the exhibition were torn down, in 1977 this building was restored and converted into a Buddhist temple. Today it houses the French headquarters of the International Buddhist Institute and inside the pagoda is the largest Buddha statue in Europe. Situated nearby is the Kagyu-Dzong Buddhist Centre, a Tibetan style temple built in 1985 and more representative of traditional Buddhist architecture.

Notre-Dame-du-Travail

Notre Dame du Travail. Photo: Velvet / CC

Notre-Dame du Travail

Another fascinating church in the 14th arrondissement, from the outside it doesn’t look particularly interesting, however, pushing open its doors you’ll discover a stunning example of Belle Epoque architectural prowess. The church was designed as a place of worship for the large influx of labourers who’d come to the city to build the 1900 Paris Exposition, many of whom were housed in what was then a principally working-class district. The nave features an soaring iron structure, resemblant of the Eiffel Tower, and made of recycled materials from the Palais de l’Industrie, a demolished building from a previous World’s Fair. The walls were also built of repurposed material, stone from the former Grenelle slaughterhouse. These elements pay homage to the typical profile of the church’s working-class parishioners.

Saint-Serge de Radonège. Photo: Saint-Serge.fr

Saint-Serge de Radonège

Originally a Lutheran Church serving the German immigrants of northern Paris, Saint-Serge de Radonège is now a Russian Orthodox church and theological institute. Located in the Buttes-Chaumont district, the church is surrounded by greenery and the exterior boasts an ornate porch in coloured wood. The interior of the church was decorated by the Russian painter Dmitri Semionovitch Stelletsky in the Russian neo-Gothic style. The church has a number of outbuildings, including a library with a significant collection of Russian books.

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