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Exploring the Passages Couverts of Paris

The rainy days of early spring don’t mean that you can’t enjoy a slow stroll around Paris and indulge in the Parisian tradition of the Flâneur thanks to Paris’ many 19th-century passages couverts.

These glass-roofed covered shopping arcades and galleries are often lined with boutiques and bistros and were the precursor to the modern shopping mall. At a time when streets were made of dirt and poorly organised, the advent of these passages couverts revolutionised the way people shopped and roamed the city. They also quickly found their place in literature and scholarly analyses. Some of the best known examples are Emile Zola’s Therese Raquin, Honoré de Balzac’s Illusions perdues, and Walter Benjamin’s final and unfinished Passagen-werk (Arcades Project).

Mostly a product of the first half of the 19th century, there were close to two-hundred covered passages by the 1860s, though only twenty-five have survived into the twenty-first century. The 2nd Arrondissement has the highest concentration of passages couverts but they can be found hidden across the city if you look out for them. Here are some of our top picks to explore during the coming April Showers:

Librairie Jousseaume, Galerie Vivienne. Sortir à Paris.

Galerie Vivienne

The Galerie Vivienne is known for its elegant shops and bistros. It was designed by architect François-Jacques Delannoy and inaugurated in 1826. Forming an “L” between rue des Petits-Champs and rue Vivienne, near the Palais-Royal and across the street from the BnF Richelieu site, the gallery offers a fascinating glimpse of neo-classical architecture, with its arcades, floor mosaics and luxurious decorations. It’s home to one of the oldest bookshops in the city, Librairie Jousseaume, which has been open as long as the Galerie Vivienne itself.

Cafe Joyeux, Passage Choiseul Entrance ©JTIverson

Passage de Choiseul

Based in the area known as Paris’s Little Tokyo near the metro Pyramides, the Passage Choiseul was once home to the controversial author Louis-Ferdinand Céline as a child in the early 20th century. The Passage Choiseul is mentioned in two of his novels: Journey to the End of the Night and Death on the Installment Plan. Now the 190-metre long shopping arcade is home to East Asian specialities. We recommend checking out Little Seoul Restaurant, Yatai Ramen, and L’Othentique Vietnam. You can also find Cafe Joyeux, a charity run cafe that employs adults with cognitive disabilities helping them develop both employability and social skills.

Lil Weasel, Passage du Grand Cerf. Paris la douce.

Passage du Grand Cerf

The Passage du Grand Cerf is known for art, crafts, and obscure collectors shops. Lil’ Weasel is a treasure trove of creative hobby supplies with two stores in this passage, one of which is entirely dedicated to yarn. Eric et Lydie is a jewellery shop on the ground floor and an adorable café on the floor above run by a husband and wife duo. The Fika menu of herbal tea or filter coffee and a cake of the day is a must on a cold, rainy afternoon.

GARDEL BERTRAND / HEMIS.FRhemis.frHemis via AFP

Passage des Panoramas

The Passage des Panoramas is a collector’s heaven; home to stamp, coin and antique dealers it is a treasure cove of the old and rare. It’s history is as odd as its shops’ contents:

In 1799, the American shipowner James Thayer opened the Passage des Panoramas with the main purpose of improve access from the Palais Royal to the Boulevard Montmartre and attracting customers to his panoramas, painted frescoes covering the walls of a round room, housed in purpose built towers on the Boulevard. In 1834, the architect Jean-Louis Grisart added the Galeries Saint-Marc, des Variétés, de Feydeau and de Montmartre to form a covered complex of passages. You can read more about its history here.

Tout-Paris.org

Passage Brady

Originally built in 1828, Passage Brady can be found between rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis and Boulevard de Strasbourg. Overflowing with ambiance and aromas, it’s lined with Indian shops and restaurants, one more tempting than the next. You can get some great deals by making a reservation at one of these on The Fork website a day or two prior, we’re rather fond of New Delhi and la Reine de Kashmir! You can read more about Paris’s Little India in this article which explores the area most known for its Indian community.

Buying Second Hand Clothes in Paris: A Guide to Friperies

Shopping second-hand has become more and more popular in recent years as a way to save money, reduce the waste from fast fashion, and find unique treasures.

In contemporary France, a friperie is is a thrift shop or second-hand shop (the word used to be used in English as well, though it has fallen out of use). Friperies can be run by charities or for profit, but they all sell second-hand clothing at a reduced price. The most popular area in Paris to find friperies is in the Marais, mostly on rue de la Verrerie, but these are often crowded and can be more expensive.

We’ve put together a short list of our favourite spots to find a deal. The friperies listed here have multiple locations around Paris but we’ve identified the location with the best selection and value for money.

Emmaüs Defi Riquet

Emmaüs Defi – Riquet

By far the best friperie in Paris, the Riquet location of Emmaüs Defi has over 1000 m² of not just clothes but also books, homewares, furniture, and sports equipment. Hardback coffee table books for 4€, real leather boots for 10€ and winter coats for less than 30€. If you’re looking to update your wardrobe as the weather gets cooler, this is the place to go.

You can also check out the other Emmaüs locations across Paris, including the brand new Emmaüs Campus at Césure.

Kilo Shop Saint Germain. Irene on the Scene.

Kilo Shop – Saint Germain

There is a growing number of Kilo shops around Paris. These shops price their clothes by weight and often have a colour coded system of how much an item will cost per kilo. Items by with a red label are the cheapest at 20€ per kilo, all the way to orange labelled items at 60€ per kilo. The Saint Germain location tends to be quieter and is a great place to hunt for knitwear or shirts.

Guerrisol. Sur la 2.

Guerrisol – Avenue d’Italie

The Guerrisol one of the cheapest thrift shops in Paris and the one on Avenue d’Italie is known for having a good range of menswear items as well as winter coats. Be prepared to hunt through the many, many racks of items for your perfect find, as it is a large store. While you’re in the neighbourhood check out some other things to do in the 13th Arrondissement in this article.

BIS Boutique Solidaire on Boulevard du Temple. Paris So Biotiful.

BIS Boutique Solidaire – Boulevard du Temple

This charity shop focusses usually on higher quality clothes, which means slightly higher prices. However their selection is so good we couldn’t leave it off this list. If you want a more curated thrifting experience that still supports a charitable cause then the BIS Boutique Solidaire is the one for you.

Vinted App. Madame Figaro.

Online Alternatives

We also have a couple of suggestions for those who prefer shopping online from the comfort of their own home. The Vinted app is a popular clothing resale app on which you can find items for every budget and taste from well known designers to vintage bargains.

Although Facebook marketplace is not as popular in Paris as in other place, there are a number of Facebook groups for buying and selling second-hand clothes e.g. Women in Paris Swap and Shop.

Imparfaite caters more to the vintage market but has a range of quality items and often collaborates with French brands to sell their archival pieces for reduced prices. A few time a year they hold in-person vintage sales in Paris, so keep an eye on their Instagram for the next one.

Top image source: Les Echos

Printing at Kent in Paris

Students are able to print on campus using their Reid Hall cards, which must be topped up with print credit.

To do so, you need to send a transfer to the European centres bank account, with the reference as “print credit” and then your student number. Once we’ve received your payment we will be able to top up your Reid Hall card.

The University’s bank details are:

Beneficiary name: University of Kent
Bank: ING Bank, Avenue Marnix 24, 1000 Brussels,
Belgium (Tel: +32 2 739 26 29)
IBAN: BE31 3751 0071 2755
BIC: BBRUBEBB

When paying by bank transfer, please ensure that you include your:

Full name (the student’s name)
“Print credit” and student number as a reference

International transfers may incur bank charges. Your account will be credited with the amount received by the University, net of any wiring or transfer fees.

Once you’ve added credit to your Reid Hall card and confirmed with the Kent Paris office, follow these instructions to print in the Reading Room.

Following a Vegetarian Diet in Paris

There is a stereotype that being vegetarian in France means eating chicken, but Paris is a major capital city and it’s possible to follow many different diets here. That being said, it’s not always easy to know where to go when you first arrive, so here’s a short guide to being vegetarian in Paris.

Jah Jah by Le Tricycle. Vogue.

Eating out

Although there are more and more vegetarian friendly restaurants in Paris that ever before, the average French restaurant may only have one or two vegetarian options so if you want more that a cheese omelette you might have to venture off the beaten track.

To help you find restaurants the cater to vegetarians, the Happy Cow app, made by the successful website of the same name, is a must-have for navigating Paris. It provides an interactive map of vegan or vegetarian restaurants in your neighbourhood and allows users to add reviews. It also has the option of restaurants with “vegetarian options” if you’re out with friends who refuse to have a meal without meat.

Some of the our favourite vegetarian restaurants in Paris are Potager de Charlotte, Aujourd’hui Demain, and Jah Jah By Le Tricycle.

Eating at restaurants of cuisines that naturally lend themselves to vegetarian diets is another way to ensure you have a more exciting meal. Indian restaurants or Italian pizzerias will almost always have vegetarian options and can be a safe bet if you’re out and about. Many restaurants have their menus online, or out on the street so you can check before you actually sit down at a table.

Marché d’Aligre. © OTCP Amélie Dupont

Grocery Shopping

Certainly the cheapest way to follow a vegetarian diet in Paris is to cook at home. It is possible to find vegetarian options in a regular French supermarket. Items such as falafels or bean burgers are common but organic shops often have a wider selection of vegetarian and vegan options, especially animal product replacements. These shops do tend to be more expensive than the average supermarket.

There are also weekly farmer’s markets around Paris that sell fresh seasonal produce at lower prices than the supermarkets. If you want to read more about navigating your local farmer’s market, check out this article.

Asian supermarkets are also a good place to shop for vegetarians. Paris has three china towns across the city (read more about them in this article) and an area in the 10th arrondissement referred to as “Little India” (featured in this article); there you can find ingredients such as tofu, tempeh, or paneer, and full meals that cater to vegetarian diets.

Phenix app.

Other Apps

Too Good To Go and Phenix are both anti-waste apps that allow you to buy food that would otherwise be thrown out from restaurants and supermarkets for low prices. It is possible to filter the results to vegetarian only. Other filters on the Phenix app include organic produce, halal, gluten free, and lactose free

Top image: Montmartre District, Jan Wlodarczyk / Alamy Stock Photo.

Refractions: Paris Postgraduate Festival 2023 Full Programme

In a world of sensory stimulants, art is the prism through which we refract our experiences. This year’s Paris Postgraduate Festival takes on the theme of Refractions. Taking place from 5th-9th June, these 5 free events will disperse the prismatic visions of artists across multiple Parisian venues. Please see the festival website to sign up and RSVP.

Pop-up Exhibition. Agora.

Monday June 5, 2023: Festival launch and Pop-up Exhibition

The 2023 festival will launch with a pop-up exhibition featuring artworks, sounds, and, of course, wine. Visit us in the 11th district of Paris where we will exhibit the work of a range of emerging artists, based in Paris, accompanied by audio inspirations.

WHEN + WHERE: 5:30-9:30 PM, Mon Pop-up Paris, 14 rue Jean Mace, 75011

Peniche Cinema – La Baruda. Time Out.

Tuesday June 6, 2023: Sounds & Visions

We present an experimental event incorporating live jazz music from Antoine Karacostas, accompanied by a programme of exceptional short films. Experience a new form of silent cinema, an amalgamation of contemporary and archive.

WHEN + WHERE: 5:30 PM at La Péniche Cinéma – Le Baruda in La Villette, 75019 Paris

RSVP

Wednesday June 7, 2023: Featured Author – Rebecca Watson

We invite you to join Featured Author Rebecca Watson in an afternoon of literary discussion and workshops. Experience an experimental writing workshop and an exclusive reading from Rebecca’s debut novel little scratch.

WHEN + WHERE: 2 PM at The Red Wheelbarrow Bookshop, 11 rue de Médicis No. 9, 75006 Paris

Space is limited – please sign up

Thursday June 8, 2023: The Menteur Launch Party

Join us in celebrating the launch of Voyager, the 2023 edition of The Menteur, the Paris School of Art’s annual literary magazine. Come get your free copy of the magazine, listen to readings by featured authors, and clink a glass to celebrate!

WHEN + WHERE: 1 PM at Rosa Bonheur Buttes Chaumont, 2 Av. de la Cascade, 75019 Paris

RSVP

Parc des Buttes Chaumont.

Friday June 9, 2023: The Art of Communications

We close the festival with a workshop that will awaken all your senses; the writing and reading of poetry informed by olfactory exploration. This poetry and perfumery workshop will take place in the beautiful hills of Buttes Chaumont.

WHEN + WHERE: 6:30 PM at Parc Des Buttes-Chaumont, 1 Rue Botzaris, 75019 Paris.

Precise location will be provided to participants prior to the event.

Space is limited – please sign up

Exploring the Ruins of Roman Paris

The history of the city of Paris begins with the small Roman settlement of Lutetia (Lutèce in French) which was built on the hill that now houses the Pantheon the Montagne Sainte-Geneviève in the first century BC. Later in the Roman period the settlement relocated across the Seine to the Île de la Cité.

Paris today has very little left to remind us of its Roman past . However, there are still some signs of the ancient city hidden in the Paris we know today. We’ve put together this list of the ruins around the city that you are still able to visit.

Roman Baths

The ruins of the city’s roman baths can be found at the Musée de Cluny, although the museum itself is largely dedicated to the medieval period. Known as the Thermes de Cluny in French, they constitute about one-third of a massive bath complex that is believed to have been constructed around the beginning of the 3rd century. The best preserved room is the frigidarium, with intact architectural elements such as Gallo-Roman vaults, ribs and consoles, and fragments of original decorative wall painting and mosaics. While you’re there check out the rest of the museum, you might be inspired to search for more of medieval Paris.

Arènes de Lutèce

In the 5th arrondissement by the metro stop Place de Monge, you can find the Arènes de Lutèce (Arenas of Lutetia). These listed monuments, built between the 1st and 2nd century, were able to hold up to 15,000 people. Visitors can still see the site where the actors stood, the stage platform and lapidary parts. Today they make up part of the Place Emile Mâle, and are a popular spot for relaxing or playing football or boules on a sunny day.

The City Walls

It was in the later Roman period, after a barbarian invasion in 285AD, that many of the residents of Lutetia moved across the Seine to Île de la Cité, destroying the bridges behind them. At that time, ramparts were constructed about 7 feet high. Today, only the outline of a small section of the Roman wall can be seen at 5 Rue de la Colombe and there’s a historic plaque on the wall to mark the place.

Remains of the archaeological crypt of Ile de la Cité © Pierre Antoine

Archaeological Crypt

Beneath the Notre-Dame Cathedral square lies the archaeological crypt of Paris containing the foundations and vestiges of buildings dating from the Gallo-Roman era through to the 18th century. These remains were discovered during excavations from 1965 to 1972, and were made open to to the public in 1980. The crypt offers a unique look at the urban and architectural evolution of the Île de la Cité.

Remnants of Ancient Aqueducts

You can find a piece of the old Roman aqueduct at 42 Avenue Reille, 75014 Paris, which was discovered and dug up during construction work in the area.

To learn more about the history of Paris, head to the Musée Carnavalet

E. Tracy Grinnell Named Writer in Residence 2022

The University of Kent Paris School of Arts and Culture is pleased to announce that E. Tracy Grinnell has been appointed to the fourth Paris Writer’s Residency in collaboration with the American University of Paris and the Centre Culturel Irlandais (Irish Arts Centre). We look forward to welcoming her to Paris in October to work with students at both our universities and to join our community of writers.

Grinnell has written four poetry books, including Hell Figures (Nightboat Books) which was a finalist for the Firecracker Award in Poetry, and her poetry has been translated into French, Serbian, Polish, and Portuguese. She translated way by Leslie Scalapino into French (Éditions Corti) along side Isabelle Garron. Her work has appeared in numerous collections and publications, including BAX 2016: Best American Experimental Writing, edited by Charles Bernstein and Tracie Morris (Wesleyan). Grinnell lives in Brooklyn, New York and is the founding editor and director of Litmus Press.

During the month-long residency Grinnell will be leading workshops at the Paris School of Arts and Culture and the American University of Paris, and giving a public reading at the Centre Culturel Irlandais.

Learn more about our Creative Writing Master’s Programme in Paris here.

Cheapest and Easiest Beaches to reach from Paris

As the summer weather moves into full swing, you may want to turn to the age-old Parisian tradition of leaving Paris! Like in many cities across Europe, the arrival of the railway in the mid-19th century enabled the bourgeoisie to travel en masse to cool and refreshing waters of the coast. The beaches featured on this list became popular in this way–and while they still offer a respite from the summer heat, you will have to travel to the west or south coasts to find France’s glittering turquoise waters.

Deauville. M6 Metro.

Deauville (Normandy)

The train from Saint-Lazare Station in Paris will take you right into the mythical town of Deauville in around 2 hours, making it the easiest beach to reach from Paris. There is a large, long beach within easy walking distance from the railway station. The water in Deauville is calm, making Deauville ideal for less confidant swimmers. Generally considered a holiday resort town for the upper crust since the Belle Époque, Deauville venues can be pricy so it’s best to bring a picnic or go to the shop rather than one of the restaurants if you’re looking to save money.

Trouville (Normandy)

Trouville can be reached from the same railway station as Deauville. Its beach is slightly smaller and quieter than the one in Deauville. Like many Normandy beaches, Trouville is closely associated with the great nineteenth century author Marcel Proust, who visited Trouville every summer as a child to treat his asthma.

Cabourg. Normandie Tourisme.

Cabourg (Normandy)

Cabourg is another Belle Epoque northern seaside resort town dotting the English Channel. Also linked to writer Marcel Proust who enjoyed residing in the impressive Cabourg Grand Hôtel, its 4 km-long beach remains popular with holiday-makers. To reach it, you must change trains at Deauville-Trouville. More recently the town was featured in the popular film Intouchables starring Omar Sy.

Plage du Butin, Honfleur. FB | G+ | Site

Honfleur (Normandy)

Honfleur is mostly know for its Old Harbour lined with 16th- to 18th-century townhouses, and has been a subject for artists including Monet and Boudin. However, it also has two nice beaches where the Seine meets the English Channel, about 25 minutes walk from the bus station which has connections running from Deauville-Trouville and Le Harve.

Etretat. GEO.

Étretat (Normandy)

Known for its stunning white cliffs and pebble beaches, Étretat is the most beautiful spot on this list and was painted over 80 times by Claude Monet. The easiest way to reach Étretat from Paris and return in the same day is via coach. However, if you are planning an overnight trip to the Normandy coast, you can catch the train to another nearby town and take a day trip to Étretat from there. Étretat was recently featured in the popular Netflix series Lupin, the modern retelling of the chronicles of fictional gentleman thief Arsène Lupin–also starring Omar Sy.

For weekend or longer trips: Marseille and Cassis

Akin to Naples in Italy, Marseille has been the gritty, bad boy of France for the last half-century. But the stunning natural beauty on offer – and the relatively cheaper prices – make it well worth the trip. Thanks to the TGV (high speed rail), you can reach Marseille from Paris Gare de Lyon in just three hours (it’s really not worth flying). Marseille is known for the Calanques–a series of beautiful natural coves just off of its coast. To reach the Calanques National Park (Parc national des Calanques) in Marseille, you will need to take public transport (bus) from the city centre. To reach the equally spectacular port town of Cassis (smaller but cheaper than the French Riviera), it’s just 25 minutes by train from the main railway station, Marseille St-Charles. Enjoy a cool glass of pale Provençal rosé wine or a pastis (usually cheaper than water) or a delicious slice of tarte tropézienne while you’re down south!

Buying a Bike in Paris: Our Guide

Paris is fast becoming a cycling capital. With the introduction of kilometres of cycle lanes in the last few years among other infrastructure developments and the current mayor Anne Hidalgo’s Plan Vélo, Paris ranks the 8th most bicycle-friendly city in the world according to the Copenhagenize Index in 2019.

There are many ways to enjoy the city by bike including the bike-share system Vélib’, monthly rentals like Swapfiets or Véligo, or buying your own. This short guide will cover buying a bike new or second-hand and contains some tips and tricks for bike ownership in Paris.

Buying new

There are a number of places to buy a new bike in Paris. Major chain sports shops such as Decathlon and GO Sport sell bikes ranging in price and quality. They also sell tools and accessories such as helmets and baskets at low prices.

Local bike shops may be slightly more expensive than chain shops but will offer a larger range and more specialised knowledge on choosing the right bike for you.

Le Bon Coin.

Buying second-hand

Buying a bike second-hand will likely save you a lot of money. You can find adverts for second-hand bikes on websites like Le Bon Coin, ParuVendu, and Facebook through Marketplace or community groups. You can often ask if the seller is also selling their bike lock, helmet or basket, and can buy them as part of a deal to save more money.

Buying from individuals online has risks and it’s important to see and test ride the bike before exchanging any money.

Local bike shops may also sell donated and refurbished bikes for a low price, called vélo d’occasion in French. This may be a secure way to buy second-hand as you will be dealing with a registered company as opposed to an individual. However, in this case there is less possibility of haggling for a better price.

Extra Tips and Tricks

Bike theft in Paris, like any big city, can be an issue. Using a good quality, heavy duty lock or two will help keep your bike safe, and can be purchased anywhere bikes are sold. If you have a courtyard or bike shed in your apartment building, this will be the safest place to store your bike overnight or for extended periods of time.

The are numerous bike repair shops across the city to deal with repairs that go beyond your own expertise and tool box. For a cheaper and more socially conscious option you can head to one of the many “ateliers solidaires” such as, Solicycle and Cyclocube, at which volunteers help you to fix your own bike, sharing their skills and the workshops range of specialised tools.

For more information about how to navigate Paris, check out this article on useful apps for life in the city!

Preparing to Leave Paris: Our Checklist

Preparing to leave Paris? The Kent Paris office has created a handy checklist of logistical things to consider before hitting the road!

Giving notice on your rental agreement

You should go over your rental agreement and make sure you have fulfilled all obligations stated in it.

In rented accommodation (e.g. through a standard rental contract), you usually need to inform your landlord of your departure at least one month in advance (for furnished flats) and three months in advance for unfurnished flats. This must be done by letter sent registered post (e-mails are not an acceptable way to give notice). The French government provides a handy template here. In rented accommodation, inventory (état des lieux) is done when you move into a flat and when you move out of it. It is at this time that a landlord will assess any damage and then inform you of any charges. An état des lieux must be signed by both parties. If you paid a deposit, ensure that your landlord has your bank details so that your deposit can be returned. Giving notice cannot be done at the last minute, so it is important to know what you have to do and when. A full overview is available here (in French).

Giving notice on other service contracts

You will need to settle or close any accounts that you will no longer need, for example, electricity and gas contracts, internet and phone contracts, housing insurance, gym memberships, and your French bank account. Speak to your bank or service provider to find out what they require you to do. Be mindful that gym memberships in particular typically require advanced (one to two months’) notice.

If you are required to send a letter to close your bank account, the Institut national de la Consommation provides a useful template.

Return borrowed library books

If you have borrowed any library books, return them to avoid having to pay any fines. Settle any fines you have to pay for overdue books.

Friperie – Second-hand Clothes Store. Les Echos.

Donating or recycling articles to eliminate waste

If you find yourself with lots of things you don’t want or can’t take with you when you leave Paris, you can donate or recycle them.

Donating clothes and other household goods

There are a number of ressourceries and charity drop off points throughout the city for items that are in a good state and can be sold on to customers. This map can help you find your nearest donation point. Be sure to check what items are accepted at your chosen drop off point. Ask the Paris office if you are unsure about where or how to drop things off.

Bulkier items such as furniture

The city of Paris has a (free!) service for the collection of bulkier items such as furniture and larger electronics. The process is simple: you indicate which items you would like to get rid of, and choose a collection time. You also choose a collection address, which in most cases will be your address. This is all done online at this website. Once you have registered your request for collection, you will receive a code that you must affix to the items. You then leave your items on the side of the road at the appointed time for collection by the Service des encombrants staff. You are welcome to get in touch with the Paris office if you need help navigating the online system.

Textiles

Clothes and other textiles can be put in one of the textiles collection points across Paris. In most cases, these are large, dark green bins that are found in many locations across the city.

Small appliances that no longer work

Electronics retailers (such as Fnac, Darty, Bricorama) are required by law to have an in-store drop off point for used/broken electronics. If you have a blender that is no longer fit for purpose or a Nespresso machine that has given up the ghost, we recommend taking your small electronics to one of these shops. You are NOT required to have proof of purchase (you could have purchased the broken item from another shop), nor are you required to make a new purchase in store to use the drop-off–simply ask a member of staff if you cannot find the used electronics drop-off point!

Batteries

Batteries contain corrosive materials that can severely damage the environment. For this reason, they must always be recycled and never be thrown in the bin with other waste. Every supermarket in France that sells batteries is required by law to have a drop-off point for used batteries. In most cases, these are small green cardboard stands that sit near shop entrances/exits.

Unsure of how to recycle or get rid of something?

To understand how to recycle other items, the city of Paris has an extensive guide on waste disposal and recycling (in French): https://www.paris.fr/pages/en-2019-paris-vous-facilite-le-tri-6266#tous-les-dechets-se-trient

If you would like advice on how to recycle anything, get in touch with the Kent Paris office for advice (but please do not wait until the last minute!).

Immigration

Do not overstay your allotment of time in France/the Schengen zone. You must leave the country/Schengen zone when your visa expires.

If you came to France benefitting from visa-free travel, you must ensure that you have not spent more than 90 days in France in a 180 day period.

If you are in France on a long-stay visa (visa de long-séjour or VLS), you must ensure that you “validate” it as per instructions provided when you first received your visa. If you did not validate your visa, you run the risk of not being able to re-enter the country in future.

Overstaying can lead to very serious consequences such as being barred from re-entering France/the Schengen zone. It is important to know your legal entitlement and stick to it.

Jardin des Tuileries. 35mm Film @ad.astor

Saying goodbye to Paris (for now!)

Stop by your favourite bakery for one last croissant, visit your favourite watering hole, or prostrate before your favourite work of art – all in anticipation of your next visit back.

Update your contact details in KentVision

Once you have reached your final destination/new place of residence, please update your contact details in KentVision.

Top Image: iStock

Further reading or listening: