Category Archives: Sustainability

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.

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.

Decathalon Sports Shop. LSA © DR

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.

Solicycle Ateiler Solidaire. Actu Paris ©SL

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

Navigating your local outdoor food market

Paris is known for an abundance of outdoor markets (including farmers’ markets) selling fresh, local and seasonal produce – from carrots to Camembert, and from fish to flowers. If you’re looking to live like a local (and save money on your groceries), then heading to the market is a great place to start.

Here are our top tips on how to navigate a Parisian market:

1. Find your market

Each Paris neighbourhood will have its own local market operating two to three times a week. You can find your local market using this map or this list.

Some more famous food markets you might want to check out include:

2. Make a list

If you want to do your weekly shopping at the market, it is best to make a list. You should also keep in mind that the best produce will be what is in season – you might not be able to find a pineapple in February.

Write down the French translations along side your list to avoid confusion when you get to the market.

3. Pick a time

Markets will usually run from early in the morning until early afternoon, accommodating both early risers and those who like a lie in.

Getting to the market early will allow you to avoid crowds and to pick the very best of the produce available that day.

Going towards the end of the market may mean you get some good deals as market sellers often reduce the prices of produce they know won’t last and need to sell.

4. Enjoy the cheap produce and the smug feeling of being a local now.

Take your time to see which stalls have the best value goods, and over time you will find your favourites and favourite sellers.

(Optional) 5. Forget your list, come home with 3 rotisserie chickens and bag of limes, order a take away and try again at the next market.

Where to Buy Cheap or Used Household Goods in Paris

If you’ve rented an unfurnished apartment in Paris, or are missing some of your favourite household goods, there are several ways in which you can equip your new flat without breaking the bank. Thankfully, there is a wide array of used goods shops and discount stores in Paris that stock everything from socks to strainers. Here are some options to help guide you.

La Ressourcerie rue Léopold Bellan. Photo: François Grunberg/Mairie de Paris

Ressourceries or Dépôts-Vente

There have always been shops selling second-hand (“d’occasion” in French) or refurbished items in Paris, however, over the last few years the City of Paris has made great efforts to encourage these circular economy initiatives. Called either a ressourcerie or dépôt-vente, you may have one near your new Parisian home, otherwise we can recommend these ones. If you’re looking for stores selling exclusively secondhand clothing and accessories, look for a “friperie”.

L’Alternative, 13, rue Léopold Bellan, 75002 Paris: A city hall initiative managed by Emmaüs Alternatives, this centrally located second hand shop also has a Repair café in which a handy local will try to repair broken appliances instead of throwing them out. They also hold workshops and and conferences on up-cycling topics.

Ma Ressourcerie, 126 avenue d’Italie, 75013 Paris: This large three-story shop in Chinatown is run by an association and has a vast variety of items.

La Resourcerie Creative

La Resourcerie Creative, 95 avenue du Général-Leclerc, 75014 Paris: This shop is located not too far from our Paris School. More than a simple shop, the vibrant venue has become a dynamic player in the daily life of the local community.

La Ressourcerie des Batignolles, 132 rue de Saussure, 75017 Paris: If you’ve found a flat in the up and coming northwestern neighborhood of Les Batignolles, then stock up your new place with items from this neighbourhood ressourcerie. A pioneer in the circular economy in Paris, it also has a “cantine solidaire”, which offers economical “anti-waste” meals.

Le Poulpe. Photo: Ville de Paris

Le Poulpe Ressourcerie, 4bis rue d’Oran, 75018 Paris: Another local circular economy association, this time at located not far from Montmartre, gives new life to donated used goods, offers useful workshops and has a café solidaire.

Emmaüs Défi à Riquet, 40 rue Riquet, 75019 Paris: The largest of the Emmaüs used good shops in Paris, this huge shop occupies 1200 m² complex in the 19th district near the Canal de l’Ourcq. It also has a large book and vintage clothing sections.

Emmaüs Défi au 104, 5 Rue Curial, 75019 Paris: This cool art space also in the 19th (more on it in this article), has a Emmaüs branch, allowing you to combine culture and household shopping!

Porcelaine M.P. Samie

Discount New Items

If you don’t find what you’re looking for at them, then there are also a number of discount shops selling household items. Every neighborhood will have a “bazar” a local household goods shopping at reasonable prices. Monoprix and some larger supermarkets also have a household items section. Alternatively, these shops have some good bargains.

Porcelaine M.P. Samie, 45 Av. du Général Leclerc, 75014 Paris: Situated not too far from our Paris School, since 1983 this company has been making good value tableware.

Gifi: With seven stores around the city, this discount shop has a large array of good value household items as well as toiletries, makeup and some clothing.

At Reid Hall, Paris mayoral candidates discuss the place of the bike in contemporary Paris

With both rounds of Paris’ mayoral elections taking place in March 2020, five candidates including incumbent Anne Hidalgo, visited Reid Hall yesterday to discuss the place of bicycles and cycling in the French capital.

Paris was a world pioneer in developing its successful bike-share system, known as Vélib, in the first decade of the twenty-first century. Representing an important part of the Parisian psyche, each candidate presented his or her plan to make cycling easier and more accessible to Parisians. Forming part of a global trend, Parisians increasingly rely on bicycles to go to work, class, and move freely about the city. To that end, Paris continues to develop bicycle-only lanes across its paved surfaces.

As with all events held at our Paris Centre, University of Kent Paris School of Arts and Culture students had the opportunity to attend the event and ask questions.