Watch our past events

Bonjour Paris Live is our online events series offering expert lectures, discovery talks and conversations about la vie française. Bonjour Paris members can watch all our past events below:

The Gourmet Renaissance of Rue Oberkampf

Join veteran Paris writer Jeffrey T Iverson for a virtual tour of a street in flux, where a young crop of avant-garde artisans and entrepreneurs is leading a renaissance of traditional food professions, offering epicureans the chance to taste wine, bread, meat and cheese in all new ways.

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The Evolution of French Cuisine

In this exclusive event, author Jane Bertch took us on a journey through the various eras that have shaped French cuisine, from its humble beginnings to its status as a global culinary powerhouse. We learned about the impact of historical events on the food industry and how they led to a new era of culinary innovation and experimentation.

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Secrets of the 8th Arrondissement

Paris-based Canadian lifestyle and travel vlogger Arielle D’Ippolito where she explores the most popular highlights of Paris’s 8th arrondissement in a captivating virtual promenade. Uncover the secrets of this iconic district, from its historical landmarks to its vibrant culture, sprinkled with Arielle’s personal insights and insider tips.

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Walking History: In the Footsteps of Marie Antoinette

Join walking guides author Stewart Ross for a fascinating talk retracing Marie Antoinette’s fateful final journey. Steward is the author of a series of historical walking tours of Paris and has extensively researched the events surrounding Marie Antoinette’s final days. In this online presentation, he will revisit the events that led to the queen’s execution, against the backdrop of the French Revolution. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of one of history’s most tumultuous events.

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The Bonjour Paris Book Club: Paris Was Ours: Thirty-Two Writers Reflect on the City of Light by Penelope Rowlands

Penelope Rowlands curated this collection of essays to explore the question of why Paris has had such a profound impact on the lives of so many people. Here writers from a wide variety of backgrounds, including Cuba, Iran, even France, provide “an indelible portrait of an entrancing, sometimes exasperating, yet always fascinating place to live.

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Tout Un Fromage: Let’s Talk About French Cheese

Are you ready to take your cheese game to the next level? With over 1,000 different types produced in France, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Emily Monaco has got you covered with her useful guidelines to create a balanced cheese selection to impress the most discerning guests. Learn practical tips to pick and serve your cheeses, plus some interesting facts to ace any tasting session. So grab your favorite beverage and get ready to say “cheese!”

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The Backbone of Paris, With Jeffrey T Iverson (Part II)

We join veteran Paris writer Jeffrey T Iverson in the second part of a two-part virtual tour of the oldest street in Paris. In Part I, we’ve discovered its history, from the Roman era through the Middle Ages. Now in Part II we meet the entrepreneurs, bakers, pastry chefs and restaurateurs who are keeping the spirit of Rue Saint-Jacques alive after 2000 years.

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The Backbone of Paris, With Jeffrey T Iverson (Part I)

Every city begins with a single street, the backbone upon which an entire urban body grows. For the City of Light, that street is Rue Saint-Jacques in the Latin Quarter. Join veteran Paris writer Jeffrey T Iverson as he unveils this walkway’s forgotten history – from its birth as the cardo maximus of Roman Lutèce to its transformation in the Middle Ages into the intellectual and printing hub of Europe – exploring ancient maps and landmarks along the way.

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The Bonjour Paris Book Club: Paris, Paris: Journey Into the City of Light by David Downie

This delightful collection of essays by a veteran travel writer offers insider views of the “people, places, and phenomena” of Paris. This collection offers something to interest almost anyone, and you will feel like you are right there with him as he pokes his nose into fascinating corners of the city and talks with some of its most interesting people.

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Art Hiding in Paris: Secret Masterpieces and Where to Find Them

Author Lori Zimmer and illustrator Maria Krasinski take us through a wide spectrum of works, from the well known, such as the Stravinsky Fountain, Buren’s columns, and Othoniel’s bejeweled metro entrance, to the hidden treasures, such as the newly restored mural at the Grand Rex by Henri Mahé, the 17th Century painting found behind a wall at Oscar de la Renta, the story behind Miro’s Moonbird sculpture in the 15th, and so many more.

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Best New Restaurants in Paris, With Alexander Lobrano

Tuck in to an exclusive roundup of the best new addresses in Paris with acclaimed food writer Alexander Lobrano, as he takes us on an insider’s tour of the most alluring new restaurants in the City of Light, plus what to expect for la rentrée season in the wondrous world of French gastronomy. This is a culinary journey you don’t want to miss!

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The Secrets of Rue Cadet, With Jeffrey T Iverson

Nowhere are the pleasures of Paris so deliciously distilled as on its pedestrian market streets – yet one of its most captivating is often overlooked. Nestled in a corner of the 9th district, Rue Cadet is an oasis of food shops and café terraces frequented by Parisians in the know. Join veteran Paris writer Jeffrey T Iverson on a virtual tour of a hidden street with an intriguing history, a bastion of secret societies (from diamond dealers to Freemasons) and site of Chopin’s most intimate concerts.

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The Siege of Paris: a Conversation With David Lawday

Join us for a captivating conversation with David Lawday, former Paris correspondent for The Economist and author of ‘A Time in Paris’, as he shares his insights on the historical events that inspired his latest book. Learn about the pitiless siege of Paris in 1870 when Prussian forces, led by Bismarck, surrounded the city and cut off communications for months, and the unlikely love story that unfolds amidst the chaos.

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The Bonjour Paris Book Club: The Paris Wife by Paula McLain

This book tells the story of Hemingway’s first marriage from the point of view of his wife. A fictional account that draws heavily on primary archival material, it includes the backstory of how the Hemingways met in Chicago, and follows their relationship through to the tragic end of his life.

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Dispatch from the Cannes Film Festival

The Cannes Film Festival is one of the most prestigious and famous film festivals in the world, attracting filmmakers, stars, and enthusiasts from around the globe. Join us for an exclusive roundup from Cannes by Manon Kerjean, founder of Lost in Frenchlation, as she takes you through the highlights of this 76th edition, and offers a unique perspective on the rich history of this legendary event.

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The Allure of Le Sentier, With Jeffrey T Iverson

Le Sentier, Paris’s historic garment district, is undergoing a transformation today. Once a gritty enclave of riotous workshops (a veritable El Dorado for generations of immigrants), Le Sentier’s textile businesses are making way for a host of new restaurants, shops, galleries, and hotels. Join veteran Paris writer Jeffrey T Iverson on a virtual tour of a Parisian quartier like no other, with a rich history, remarkable architecture, and a tradition of entrepreneurship which has made it a hotbed of innovation.

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City of Love: is Paris Still the Capital of Romance?

Parisian resident Whitney Cubbison, author of the recently published novel Will There Be Wine? shares the highs and lows of finding love in the city. Come and share your own experiences, ask your questions, and join in the fun and informal debate.

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The Secrets of Mastering French – Part 2

Welcome to the second part of the webinar series “The Secrets of Mastering French”. In this half-hour session, three expert instructors from the Alliance Française will be sharing their insider tips and techniques to help you take your French to the next level. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, you’ll gain valuable insights into mastering la langue de Molière and sounding like a native speaker. Join us for this fast-paced and informative session that is sure to take your French language skills to new heights!

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The Delights of Rue Du Bac With Jeffrey T Iverson

Where in Paris can you go to buy a bottle of century-old Armagnac, a tin of caviar, and a pastry by Pierre Hermé? The same place where the French president gets his Camembert, and the prime minister his filet mignon: Rue du Bac. Veteran Paris writer Jeffrey T Iverson brings us on a tour of a stylish street renowned for its pleasures since the 1800s, where today a proliferation of gourmet addresses has turned the surrounding area into what one French weekly called Paris’s “golden triangle of gourmandise.”

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The Bonjour Paris Book Club: A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway

Hemingway’s classic memoir is a love letter to Paris in the 1920s, to youth, and to his first wife. It offers fascinating glimpses of Gertrude Stein, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and other members of “the Lost Generation.”

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The Secrets of Mastering French – Part 1

Do you want to take your French to the next level à toute vitesse? Three expert instructors from the Alliance Française share a fresh batch of secrets to mastering la langue de Molière and sounding like a native speaker. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced student, there will be something for everyone in this fast-paced half hour! Join the fun on Thursday, February 23rd, and mark your calendars for a whole new set of secrets in a second half-hour session of ‘Mastering French’ at the same time on Thursday, April 20th.

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The Spirit of Rue Dauphine With Jeffrey T Iverson

Veteran Paris writer Jeffrey T Iverson takes us on a tour of one of the most characterful streets of the Left Bank, the place where Paris was reborn after WWII in an outpouring of jazz clubs, galleries, bookshops and cafés. Between Boulevard Saint-Germain and the Pont Neuf, Rue Dauphine is an historic walkway trodden by everyone from Henry IV to Hemingway to Miles Davis, where today a band of booksellers, gallerists, musicians and shop owners are keeping alive the spirit of Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

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A Flâneur’s Guide To Rue De Rivoli (Dec 22)

Join us for a virtual promenade along the two miles of the classic Rue de Rivoli, from the newly opened Hôtel de la Marine on the Place de la Concorde all the way to the Louvre, the Tour Saint-Jacques and the Hôtel de Ville and Marais (including some pit stops along the way at Angelina’s and Galignani and other treats). Along the way, author Richard Birchall shares excerpts from his recently published Paris The Right Bank – A Flaneur’s Guide, with plenty of fun anecdotes, detours, and insider tips.

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In Conversation With Michelin-starred Chef Frédéric Vardon (Dec 22)

Join us for an informal chat with Chef Frédéric Vardon, where we cover his background, the life of a Michelin-starred chef, his celebrated Le 39V restaurant, inspirations, passion for ‘Farm to Fork’ to reduce the environmental impact of food production, and his conscientious choice of suppliers.

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The Taste Of Rue Paul Bert, With Jeffrey Iverson (Nov 22)

Veteran Paris writer Jeffrey T Iverson takes us on tour of a savoury street where the spirit of the French Revolution lives on. In the heart of Faubourg-Saint-Antoine, a neighbourhood whose residents once stormed the Bastille, Rue Paul Bert is a gastronomic enclave of 21st-century cheesemongers, wine merchants, bakeries, and other remarkable food shops, all centred around one deliciously defiant culinary institution – Le Bistrot Paul Bert, a restaurant that critic François Simon calls a ‘rebellion that runs on salted butter’.

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Homage To Jean-Luc Godard (Nov 22)

We celebrate the life and work of the late Jean-Luc Godard, the director who spearheaded the Nouvelle Vague to become one of the greatest filmmakers of the 20th century. Paris-based film specialist Dimitri Keramitas invites us to retrace the highlights of Godard’s enduring legacy.

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Secrets Of The 10th Arrondissement (Oct 22)

A promenade around the 10th district of Paris, and especially along the Canal Saint-Martin. This arrondissement invites us to discover the two great Parisian train stations, Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est, as well as the main square, Place de la République, where most civic demonstrations take place. Once along the banks of Canal Saint-Martin, we discover an increasingly popular area with a highly creative atmosphere, the latest shops, and a new way of gathering in popular cafés.

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Book Talk: A Waiter In Paris (Oct 22)

We chat with breakout author Edward Chisholm about his recently-published memoir ‘A Waiter in Paris, Adventures in the Dark Heart of the City’, an evocative portrait of contemporary Paris as seen through the eyes of a young waiter scraping out a living in a physically demanding, frequently humiliating, and incredibly competitive job. ‘But it doesn’t matter because you’re in Paris, the center of the universe, and there’s nowhere else you’d rather be in the world’. Link to the book: https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1639362835

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Fall Fashion In Paris (Sep 22)

Paris-based travel writer and designer Kasia Dietz brings us her overview of Parisian autumn style – including her favorite local creators and addresses to get the look – all with a focus on sustainable fashion. A regular contributor to Bonjour Paris, Kasia’s work has appeared in Condé Nast Traveler, BBC Traveler, National Geographic, and Architectural Digest.

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Little Tokyo, With Jeffrey Iverson (Sep 22)

Centered on and around Rue Saint-Anne and Rue de Richelieu, today Little Tokyo is where Parisians come for culinary voyages. The neighborhood is known for its concentration of Japanese travel agencies, food shops and restaurants – including the oldest and most authentic such as Takara (opened in 1963) and Issé, the city’s first izakaya, a Japanese bistro specialising in sake – and many other special spots that embody the love affair between Japanese and French cultures.

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In Conversation With Bestselling Author Cara Black (Aug 22)

Cara Black is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of 20 books in the Private Investigator Aimée Leduc series all set in Paris, as well as the standalone thriller Three Hours in Paris. Join us for an informal chat about the riveting 20th installment of the series, which sees the Parisian detective become entangled in a dangerous web of international spycraft and terrorist threats in the 15th arrondissement.

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In Conversation with Matthieu Poirier (July 22)

The contemporary art scene in Paris is undergoing an astounding reawakening, underpinned by an influx of international galleries, high profile art fairs, and a revived market. Art historian and contemporary art curator Matthieu Poirier unveils the forces (and the unmissable events to add to your calendar) that are making Paris the capital of the contemporary art scene once again.

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Jewels of French Cinema (July 22)

French film offers a bountiful diversity, from visionary arthouse storytelling to dazzling epics. Paris-based movie pundit Dimitri Keramitas guides us through France’s enduring legacy to discover a selection of must-see jewels to add to our watchlist.

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Reimagining the Ballet des Porcelains in 18th-Century Paris (June 22)

n 1739, a ballet pantomime called the Ballet des Porcelaines (also known as The Teapot Prince) was performed at the Château de Morville near Paris, and then thought lost forever. NYU art history professor Meredith Martin and choreographer Phil Chan share with us their passion for, and the intriguing story behind, the project that they conjured back to life.

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What’s new in Paris this Summer (June 22)

Paris-based travel writer Kasia Dietz shares the latest and greatest Parisian addresses to add to your little black book before your next visit from where to stay and eat, to the most branché boutiques and cultural spots. A regular contributor to Bonjour Paris, Kasia’s work has appeared in Condé Nast Traveler, BBC Traveler, National Geographic, and Architectural Digest.

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A Flâneur’s Guide to Boulevard Saint-Germain (May 22)

On a virtual stroll along the Left Bank’s main artery, author Richard Birchall shares his favorite haunts, pit-stops and attractions. From Assemblée Nationale to Institut du Monde Arabe, across rue du Bac, Saint-Jacques and Maubert-Mutualité, Richards points out the varied shops, temples, bars and restaurants, along with links to local personalities including Boris Vian, Picasso and more.

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Jeffrey Iverson – Cour du Commerce-Saint-André (May 22)

An oasis of calm restaurant terraces and unique shops off the boulevard Saint-Germain, this narrow, cobblestoned passageway was a veritable crossroads of French history, frequented by the Voltaire and the great minds of the Enlightenment, then later by some of the most bloodthirsty figures of the French Revolution.

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​​Alexandre de Vogüé – Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte (April 22)

Step into the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte guided by Alexandre de Vogüé, co-owner and director of development and public relations. Alexandre will share with us the secrets and history of his extraordinary family home, as well as his personal insights, exciting new features, events, and plans for the future.

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Homage to Jean-Jacques Beineix (Mar 22)

Following the recent passing of Jean-Jacques Beineix, Bonjour Paris’s long serving movie correspondent Dimitri Keramitas revisits the work and legacy of the acclaimed director, famed for his 80’s cult classics Betty Blue, Diva, and The Moon in the Gutter.

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In Conversation with Marie-France Pochna (Mar 22)

Marie-France Pochna is a recognized authority on Christian Dior, and the author of the definitive biography Christian Dior: Destiny, offering intimate biographical details about the secretive and surprising icon who revolutionized fashion. An expert on fashion and trends in the luxury market, she has also published biographies on Marcel Boussac, Gianni Agnelli, and Nina Ricci.

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Secrets of the 18th arrondissement (Feb 22)

This district is unusual in that it stands apart and to the north of the rest of the city. The most famous part, Montmartre, has been attached to the city of Paris since 1860 and overlooks the capital. It has kept its bucolic and village-like atmosphere which enchant Parisians and visitors alike. We discover some of the picturesque nuggets and hidden delights of this special area.

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Secrets of the 4th arrondissement (Jan 22)

This treasure-filled district lies between the Ile de la Cité and the Ile Saint-Louis, the two historic islands of Paris. It also forms a large part of the very chic and famous Marais district, which was once dotted with private mansions during the reign of Henri IV, the grandfather of Louis XIV. We will discover some of the places and streets that create its special character.

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Mastering French – What You Need to Know (Jan 22)

Whether you are tackling French for the first time, or keen on perfecting your mastery of the language, this discussion will provide helpful, actionable insights that will guide you to the next level. Linda Witt, President of the Federation of Alliances Françaises USA and Pauline Chateau, Educational Coordinator, share tips, tools and resources to help you gain confidence in spontaneous, fluid communication.

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In conversation with Héloïse Brion (Dec 21)

Héloïse Brion, raised in France and the US, left the fashion industry to create Miss Maggie’s Kitchen where she shares her singular blend of recipes, lifestyle, travel, and classic French entertaining with a modern twist. She has also published Miss Maggie’s Kitchen: Relaxed French Entertaining.

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The Hidden Edens of Paris with Amy Kupec-Larue (Dec 21)

Paris is known for its elegant monuments and aligned Haussmannian facades but did you know that it also harbors well over 500 parks and many hidden corners of botanical beauty? Some are rather hidden while others are in plain sight, yet overlooked. Join Amy Kupec-Larue for a virtual tour of these charming pockets of greenery.

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Passage Jouffroy and Passage des Panoramas with Jeffrey Iverson (Nov 21)

These covered passages represented a revolution for Parisian society and the way Parisians circulated through their city, as a network grew across Paris in the 1800s. Today, after decades of neglect, many passageways are being rediscovered, capturing hearts again with their 19th century charm.

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In Conversation with Allison Zinder (Nov 21)

Allison Zinder is a gastronomy guide and Food & Beverage educator. A certified chef, she offers food and history tours to anglophone travelers and develops Study Abroad programs. Allison is also Head of Academics at a hospitality management school in Paris, and has lived in France since 1995.

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Secrets of the 2nd arrondissement (Oct 21)

This arrondissement is the traditional district of the textile industry. It is also a great hub of theatre and opera and is home to the covered passages, ancestors of the department stores. The Grands Boulevards, which are full of life, run along the northern side of the district. This is a district less familiar to lovers of Paris and it is really worthy getting to know.

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In Conversation with Meredith Mullins (Oct 21)

We welcome internationally-exhibited fine art photographer Meredith Mullins for an intimate conversation about her life and work in Paris, plus her top tips and secret locations for taking amazing photos on your next trip. She is an award-winning fine art photographer, photojournalist, teacher, and writer, who came for a visit to Paris 15 years ago, and, like many other creative souls, decided to stay.

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Secrets of the 1st arrondissement (Sept 21)

In addition to the temple of culture that is the Louvre, we will discover the emblematic districts between Place Vendôme, rue Saint Honoré, the Palais Royal and the old “belly of Paris”, the famous Les Halles transformed into a shopping centre and the stock exchange which has become a museum of contemporary art. It’s a lively and popular area with many picturesque streets.

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In Conversation with Guy Hibbert (August 21)

Francophile and novelist Guy Hibbert recounts how he first fell in love with the country, realized a lifelong dream to buy a manor house near Bordeaux, founded France Media by accident and gradually came to understand what makes the French different from us Anglo Saxons.

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Parisian Walkways Live: rue du Nil (July 21)

Longtime Paris resident and France Today contributor Jeffrey Iverson brings to life the history, personalities and charm of the city’s more offbeat streets. Rue du Nil was once a run-down side artery of the Sentier garment district, with an infamous link to one of Victor Hugo’s novels, but has morphed into a vibrant 21st-century thoroughfare which is helping to define the future of French gastronomy.

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Secrets of the 6th arrondissement (July 21)

The famous and fashionable sixième district on the rive gauche is home to iconic Paris landmarks like the Luxembourg Palace and Gardens, the abbey Saint-German-des-Prés, the Ecole des Beaux Arts, the Café de Flore and le Monnaie de Paris. Join us for a fascinating insider’s guide to the 6th, taking in hidden histories and recommended visits off the beaten track.

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In Conversation with Alexander Lobrano (June 21)

Alexander Lobrano was European Correspondent for Gourmet magazine and has written about food and travel for Bon Appetit, The New York Times, Departures, The Wall Street Journal and more. In this event the award-winning writer, whose childhood idea of fine dining was Howard Johnson’s, tells how he became one of Paris’s most influential food critics.

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Secrets of the 7th arrondissement (June 21)

We discover the lesser known corners of the famous 7th in our enlightening lecture “tour”. Learn about the history, architecture and the legendary names associated with iconic locations like Orsay, Solférino, Eglise Sainte-Clothilde, Rue de Bellechasse, Rue du Bac and the Beaupassage. We take you to the places that visitors usually don’t go – perfect planning for your next trip!

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In Conversation with Lindsey Tramuta (June 21)

The American culture & travel journalist and podcaster first book, The New Paris: the People, Places & Ideas Fueling a Movement, was released in 2017 and was an Amazon bestseller and named one of Smithsonian Magazine’s top 10 travel books of the year. In this presentation, Lindsey challenges the “French Girl” trope which influences culture, politics, and business in France and beyond.

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