The New Paris Podcast

Following weeks of heavy state and police repression, shifting protest routes, and widespread civil unrest across France, the path forward remains deeply uncertain. Journalist and World War II historian Diane de Vignemont joins the show to break down what recent demonstrations reveal about state power, media framing, and the political tactics shaping the country's future. Mentioned: Diane de VignemontRTL Interview with Secretary of Police UnionPrime Minister x Social Media Cuts Dominique de Villepin on GazaDominique de Villepin on the "ultra-left"Gaullism De Gaulle biopicFree FranceDiane on the Gisèle Pélicot trial Audio production & editing: Matthew Jordan⁠Music by Little Glass Men⁠

Fall in Paris has brought a historic wave of youth protests. Starting in Créteil, high schoolers across France have taken to the streets for several weeks over abysmal conditions, overcrowded classrooms, and underpaid and often absent teachers. While mainstream outlets focus on student unrest, they often ignore a crucial component: disproportionate police violence.Joining me to discuss why the movement has gained traction now and how it fits into broader crises facing the nation are Andrew Hussey, a historian, academic and author, and Cormac O’Keeffe, a former teacher, education consultant, and parent.Mentioned in this episode: Fractured France by Andrew HusseyCormac O'Keeffe Racist policing in FrancePolicing & colonialism Laurent Obertone "La nouvelle France"Louis MassignonPauperization of teachersSociologist on OECD report Zucman taxAudio production & editing: Matthew Jordan⁠Music by Little Glass Men⁠

How did Vincent van Gogh become a household name? Enter Jo van Gogh-Bonger—the woman single-handedly responsible for his legacy, and the inspiration behind Jo Piazza’s latest novel, The Parisian Heist. In this live recording from The Red Wheelbarrow in Paris, we sit down with the bestselling author to unpack her dual-timeline story, the mechanics of crafting a great art heist, her approach to writing complex female characters, and an exclusive teaser for her next book coming in 2027.This episode was made possible by Lingoda! Use my code thenewparis50 at checkout and get 50€ off Lingoda Sprint until October 13!Mentioned in this episode:Jo PiazzaJo on InstagramThe Parisian HeistThe Sicilian InheritanceEveryone is Lying to YouAudio production & editing: Matthew Jordan⁠Music by Little Glass Men⁠

In August, the cult-popular Parisian brand Sézane announced an aesthetic rebrand, a new direction. The reaction among consumers and critics was fast and fierce, and not overwhelmingly positive. I wondered what it signaled for the future of retail and commercial fashion, especially given my previous work reporting on the brand, so I brought back my former co-host, the fashion journalist Alice Cavanagh, to break things down. We also explore the shift away from archetypal Parisian style toward pan-European minimalism, the rise of vintage, and why shopping feels more uninspiring than ever in a world flooded with "sameness". Mentioned in this episode: Alice Cavanagh Lindsey's Sézane piece in the NYTThe New Paris bookLindsey & Alice interviews Glenn MartensSézane controversy Lauren Sherman on the rebrand in Line SheetThe vintage boomRobin Givhan on Galliano at the Met  LVMH finalists Audio production & editing: Matthew Jordan⁠Music by Little Glass Men⁠

Coffee shops in Paris are exploding. In fact, a new one opens in Paris every 3 days, according to a recent study. That's a far cry from 20 years ago, when one cafe roasted and served specialty coffee: Le Caféothèque (which still exists!). What’s going on? Why has it accelerated, and can they all be considered specialty? Coffee roaster Mihaela Iordache, formerly of Belleville Brûlerie, joins me to analyze the state of things, what is and ISN'T truly specialty, and which places she keeps returning to. Mentioned: Mihaela Iordache Changes to coffee tradeJoy x Beck Tactile Paolina Caffè Klover ParisFrance Culture episodeBeantropy / Christophe Servell / Terres de Café COMYU app by Rod JounotAudio production & editing: Matthew Jordan⁠Music by Little Glass Men⁠