The Earful Tower: Paris

Meet Loïc Estimbre, a Parisian entrepreneur who is behind four different eateries on just one street in the 12th arrondissement.    That street: rue Emilio Castelar.    In this podcast episode, we talk food in Paris, the 12th district in general, and the challenges of funding four separate spots.    As for Loic, I met him when he was behind the counter at the Magic Carpet cafe and was surprised to see him literally building a new eatery down the road. Imagine my surprise to learn that he leading a team that was behind half the places on this little street.   His spots: The restaurant: Le Singe à Paris The café: Magic Carpet For beer and whisky: Chinaski The sandwich spot: Johnny Dwich The music in this episode is from Pres Maxson.  *********** The Earful Tower exists thanks to support from its members. For the past 92 months and counting it has cost just $10 a month to unlock almost endless extras including bonus podcast episodes, live video replays, special event invites, and our annually updated PDF guide to Paris.  Membership takes only a minute to set up on Patreon, or Substack. Thank you for keeping this channel independent.  For more from the Earful Tower, here are some handy links: Website  Weekly newsletter  Walking Tours

This week on the show it's Guy Griffin, the owner of Cafe Mericourt in the 11th arrondissement. He talks about the current explosion of speciality coffee shops across Paris and whether it is sustainable.   He also takes us behind the beans... er, scenes... about the change in tipping culture, the challenges of being an entrepreneur in France, and the cost of hiring people in France compared to the US or Australia.   As for you - why not go in for lunch as a savvy diner. Look at his ever-changing menu here. Address: 22 Rue de la Folie Méricourt, 75011 Paris Find Cafe Mericourt on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/cafemericourt/ Explore the website here: https://www.cafemericourt.com/menu The music in this episode is from Pres Maxson.  *********** The Earful Tower exists thanks to support from its members. For the past 92 months and counting it has cost just $10 a month to unlock almost endless extras including bonus podcast episodes, live video replays, special event invites, and our annually updated PDF guide to Paris.  Membership takes only a minute to set up on Patreon, or Substack. Thank you for keeping this channel independent.  For more from the Earful Tower, here are some handy links: Website  Weekly newsletter  Walking Tours

This week on The Earful Tower podcast it's Jake and Holly Barker, two American tourists who were actually inside the Louvre's Apollo Gallery when it was broken into on Sunday.   I met them in the Marais to record their dramatic story.   "When we heard the saws, we both knew that something serious had happened."   It's reported that nine items from the crown jewel collection were taken from the Louvre.    Also featured in this episode was Amber Minogue, our Louvre tour guide. Please get in touch to book a tour with her.   The music in this episode was from Pres Maxson, rather fittingly his take on Elton John's "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters".   *********** The Earful Tower exists thanks to support from its members. For the past 92 months and counting it has cost just $10 a month to unlock almost endless extras including bonus podcast episodes, live video replays, special event invites, and our annually updated PDF guide to Paris.  Membership takes only a minute to set up on Patreon, or Substack. Thank you for keeping this channel independent.  For more from the Earful Tower, here are some handy links: Website  Weekly newsletter  Walking Tours

This week on the show it's Cléophée Poli - aka Cléo - a Parisienne interior designer. She talks about typical Paris apartments and what she likes about them, how you can make your home more Parisian, and the small touches to improve the feeling of any home.   And of course, we talk about a lot more.    Follow her on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/cleointeriordesign/ Explore her website here: https://www.cleointeriordesign.com The music in this episode is from Pres Maxson.  *********** The Earful Tower exists thanks to support from its members. From $10 a month you can unlock almost endless extras including bonus podcast episodes, live video replays, special event invites, and our annually updated PDF guide to Paris.  Membership takes only a minute to set up on Patreon, or Substack. Thank you for keeping this channel independent.  For more from the Earful Tower, here are some handy links: Website  Weekly newsletter  Walking Tours

We're making our fifth children's book, and it's the most Parisian one yet. In fact, there are some major changes to this one, so we decided to open the curtain and show you how we do them.    Lina talks about her illustrating process and I talk about how I wrote this one - and why I changed the whole style.    You can find our other four children's books in all the Anglophone bookshops of Paris, but also in le Peloton cafe, the Ile Aux Fees boutique, the Bon Marché department store, and Messy Nessy's cabinet of curiosities. Also the Louvre museum and the musée d'Orsay. The music in this episode is from Pres Maxson, an original called Walk a Giraffe.  *********** The Earful Tower exists thanks to support from its members. From $10 a month you can unlock almost endless extras including bonus podcast episodes, live video replays, special event invites, and our annually updated PDF guide to Paris.  Membership takes only a minute to set up on Patreon, or Substack. Thank you for keeping this channel independent.  For more from the Earful Tower, here are some handy links: Website  Weekly newsletter  Walking Tours

Meet Charles Pappas - Mr World Fair. Charles likes nothing more in the world than a Universal Exhibition, especially if it's one of the seven that were hosted in Paris. In fact, he's written the book on the topic.  I met him on a road-side terrace at Harvest cafe in the 11th arrondissement to talk Paris, Haussmann, coffee, and of course, World Fairs.  His new book is: Nobody Sits Like the French: Exploring Paris Through Its World Expos, a historical guidebook on how these World Expos, held between 1855-1937, transformed the city of Paris forever. The music in this episode is from Pres Maxson. *********** The Earful Tower exists thanks to support from its members. From $10 a month you can unlock almost endless extras including bonus podcast episodes, live video replays, special event invites, and our annually updated PDF guide to Paris.  Membership takes only a minute to set up on Patreon, or Substack. Thank you for keeping this channel independent.  For more from the Earful Tower, here are some handy links: Website  Weekly newsletter  Walking Tours

After an eventful visit to the Aligre markets in the 12th arrondissement, I came home to share my love of the French food markets with my wife Lina.  Here's an energetic, honest, and in-the-moment recount of what happened when I went shopping for dinner ingredients.  The music in this episode is from Pres Maxson, his take on the classic Sous le ciel de Paris. *********** The Earful Tower exists thanks to support from its members. From $10 a month you can unlock almost endless extras including bonus podcast episodes, live video replays, special event invites, and our annually updated PDF guide to Paris.  Membership takes only a minute to set up on Patreon, or Substack. Thank you for keeping this channel independent.  For more from the Earful Tower, here are some handy links: Website  Weekly newsletter  Walking Tours

Meet Jane Bertch, a Chicagoan who has called Paris home since 2005. She started her life here as a banker, but made the unusual pivot to running a cooking class (which is now the hugely popular La Cuisine Paris). And now, she has written a memoir about it all: The French Ingredient.  She joined me in the studio to talk about the book, how to make a croissant, and even how to make a croissant class (plus a whole lot more).  Follow La Cuisine on Instagram and follow Jane herself here. Book a cooking class at La Cuisine in Paris And follow the La Cuisine newsletter  And of course, find the book: The French Ingredient The music in this episode is from Pres Maxson, his take on the classic Sous le ciel de Paris. *********** The Earful Tower exists thanks to support from its members. From $10 a month you can unlock almost endless extras including bonus podcast episodes, live video replays, special event invites, and our annually updated PDF guide to Paris.  Membership takes only a minute to set up on Patreon, or Substack. Thank you for keeping this channel independent.  For more from the Earful Tower, here are some handy links: Website  Weekly newsletter  Walking Tours

This summer, the city of Paris announced plans to open a museum to showcase the work of architect Hector Guimard. He is the man behind the iconic Paris Metro entrances, several Art Nouveau buildings in Paris, and some very beautiful furniture and decorations in museum displays around the world.  And better still: The museum will be housed in one of the very few buildings remaining in Paris that Guimard designed himself (The Hotel Mezzara in the 16th arrondissement).  I've been a fan of Guimard and Art Nouveau for years, so let's take a deeper dive into the topic in general, with the help of this 2023 episode.  What is Art Nouveau? Who was Guimard, really, and why was his work so important? Where can you find it in Paris? And what's his legacy? All those questions are answered in this episode, with help from tour guide Boris Petrovic from Paris in Person (find his Art Nouveau tour here) and from Paris head auctioneer Christophe Lucien. Do you like this podcast? Become a Patreon member of The Earful Tower here to support this show and get extras. The music in this episode is from Pres Maxson. *********** The Earful Tower exists thanks to support from its members. From $10 a month you can unlock almost endless extras including bonus podcast episodes, live video replays, special event invites, and our annually updated PDF guide to Paris.  Membership takes only a minute to set up on Patreon, or Substack. Thank you for keeping this channel independent.  For more from the Earful Tower, here are some handy links: Website  Weekly newsletter  Walking Tours

I jumped in the Seine river - an activity that's legal again for the first time in 100 years. Here's what happened.  Want to do it too? You have until August 31st, here's more info (in English). Music: Sunset on the Seine, an original by Pres Maxson.  *********** The Earful Tower exists thanks to support from its members. From $10 a month you can unlock almost endless extras including bonus podcast episodes, live video replays, special event invites, and our annually updated PDF guide to Paris.  Membership takes only a minute to set up on Patreon, or Substack. Thank you for keeping this channel independent.  For more from the Earful Tower, here are some handy links: Website  Weekly newsletter  Walking Tours

So what is the best-known street in Paris? And if that seems obvious, then what's number two? And three? After last week's pod with Parisians Abiola and Margaux sharing their take on popular Paris streets, we surveyed our audience for an official answer.  Here it is, presented by Oliver and Lina. Thanks to all who participated. Read some more of the comments here on Substack. Fitting music this week, again, is from Pres Maxson.  Thanks  *********** The Earful Tower exists thanks to support from its members. From $10 a month you can unlock almost endless extras including bonus podcast episodes, live video replays, special event invites, and our annually updated PDF guide to Paris.  Membership takes only a minute to set up on Patreon, or Substack. Thank you for keeping this channel independent.  For more from the Earful Tower, here are some handy links: Website  Weekly newsletter  Walking Tours

Before you listen too far, make a mental note of what you think are the three most popular streets in Paris.  Then listen to two typical Parisians as they take on this unusual question.  Of course, most people would agree on number one... but where do we go from there. Fitting music this week is from Pres Maxson. Thanks to Abiola and Margaux for their voices.  *********** The Earful Tower exists thanks to support from its members. From $10 a month you can unlock almost endless extras including bonus podcast episodes, live video replays, special event invites, and our annually updated PDF guide to Paris.  Membership takes only a minute to set up on Patreon, or Substack. Thank you for keeping this channel independent.  For more from the Earful Tower, here are some handy links: Website  Weekly newsletter  Walking Tours

This week we scale the Eiffel Tower with its managing director Patrick Branco-Ruivo.  What are his tips for visiting? His favourite view? And what would he ask if he had Gustave Eiffel himself on the telephone? Join us on this exciting opportunity to explore one of the world's most iconic landmarks with the maestro behind it all. And hang around - we'll get some exclusive access to the underground section at the end.  Videos: 10-minute video on YouTube here 45-minute video on this link https://www.youtube.com/c/TheEarfulTower Music by Pres Maxson. *********** The Earful Tower exists thanks to support from its members. From $10 a month you can unlock almost endless extras including bonus podcast episodes, live video replays, special event invites, and our annually updated PDF guide to Paris.  Membership takes only a minute to set up on Patreon, or Substack. Thank you for keeping this channel independent.  For more from the Earful Tower, here are some handy links: Website  Weekly newsletter  Walking Tours

I'm not proud to say it, but we got scammed pretty hard. Here's the full story.  Mentioned at the end of the episode: Our walking tours of Paris: http://www.theearfultower.com/tours Music by Pres Maxson. *********** The Earful Tower exists thanks to support from its members. From $10 a month you can unlock almost endless extras including bonus podcast episodes, live video replays, special event invites, and our annually updated PDF guide to Paris.  Membership takes only a minute to set up on Patreon, or Substack. Thank you for keeping this channel independent.  For more from the Earful Tower, here are some handy links: Website  Weekly newsletter 

This week on the podcast, it's The Earful's two interns Thomas Farnham and Genevieve Victoria Gorain. And it's time to hear how they went with their bucket lists after their two-month internship is over.  Here's the post with all ten ideas they mentioned in the episode.  Also mentioned in this episode: The Earful Everywhere podcast (currently in Italy): https://theearfultower.substack.com/p/its-here-the-official-launch-of-the Our walking tours of Paris: http://www.theearfultower.com/tours Music by Pres Maxson. *********** The Earful Tower exists thanks to support from its members. From $10 a month you can unlock almost endless extras including bonus podcast episodes, live video replays, special event invites, and our annually updated PDF guide to Paris.  Membership takes only a minute to set up on Patreon, or Substack. Thank you for keeping this channel independent.  For more from the Earful Tower, here are some handy links: Website  Weekly newsletter 

Meet Corinne Menegaux, the managing director of the Paris tourism board (Paris je t'aime). We discuss Paris, the legacy of the Olympic Games, and what's coming next. We also talk about her Paris, her job, and how she'd spend her last day in this city.  Find more about Paris je t'aime here: https://parisjetaime.com/eng/ Also mentioned in this episode: The Earful Everywhere podcast (currently in Italy): https://theearfultower.com/2025/05/15/lets-explore-italy-with-the-earful-everywhere/ Our walking tours of Paris: http://www.theearfultower.com/tours Music by Pres Maxson. *********** The Earful Tower exists thanks to support from its members. From $10 a month you can unlock almost endless extras including bonus podcast episodes, live video replays, special event invites, and our annually updated PDF guide to Paris.  Membership takes only a minute to set up on Patreon, or Substack. Thank you for keeping this channel independent.  For more from the Earful Tower, here are some handy links: Website  Weekly newsletter 

This week it's Caroline de Maigret, supermodel and author of How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are. Her appearance on this podcast in April 2019 changed the direction and dynamic of the show. While we're between seasons, I take a look back at this episode and explain why it made a difference to The Earful Tower. In the episode, Caroline talks about being a Parisian woman, the freedom of Paris, and how pleasure is a key element of life in the French capital. If you want to find more from Caroline, check out her Instagram page here.  *********** The Earful Tower exists thanks to support from its Patreon and Substack members. From $10 a month you can unlock almost endless extras including bonus podcast episodes, live video replays, special event invites, and our annually updated PDF guide to Paris.  Membership takes only a minute to set up, on Patreon or on Substack. Thank you for keeping this channel independent.  For more from the Earful Tower, here are some handy links: Website  Weekly newsletter  Instagram - Facebook - TikTok  Find our books  Book a walking tour Patreon membership 

Author Cara Black is back on the podcast! She is a friend of the show, and has been appearing on it since 2019!  We chat about writing mysteries set in Paris (she has penned over 20 of them), we talk about her upcoming book (which you can pre-order below), and we talk about Paris, of course.  Helpful links for Cara: Cara Black's official site: https://carablack.com/ Cara Black's Susbtack: https://carablack.substack.com/ Preorder her book Huguette here: https://www.amazon.fr/Huguette-Cara-Black/dp/1641294493 Also mentioned in this episode: The Earful Everywhere podcast (currently in Italy): https://theearfultower.com/2025/05/15/lets-explore-italy-with-the-earful-everywhere/ Our walking tours of Paris: http://www.theearfultower.com/tours Music by Pres Maxson. *********** The Earful Tower exists thanks to support from its members. From $10 a month you can unlock almost endless extras including bonus podcast episodes, live video replays, special event invites, and our annually updated PDF guide to Paris.  Membership takes only a minute to set up on Patreon, or Substack. Thank you for keeping this channel independent.  For more from the Earful Tower, here are some handy links: Website  Weekly newsletter   

This week on the podcast, it's The Earful's two new interns Thomas Farnham and Genevieve Victoria Gorain. They share their bucket lists for Paris for their two-month stay in Paris.  I found it quite interesting to hear the perspectives of American university students on the City of Light, not least because my typical guests are a bit older.  We'll check back in on them in a couple months to see how they fared.  Here's the post with all ten ideas they mentioned in the episode.  Also mentioned in this episode: The Earful Everywhere podcast (currently in Italy): https://theearfultower.substack.com/p/its-here-the-official-launch-of-the Our walking tours of Paris: http://www.theearfultower.com/tours Music by Pres Maxson. *********** The Earful Tower exists thanks to support from its members. From $10 a month you can unlock almost endless extras including bonus podcast episodes, live video replays, special event invites, and our annually updated PDF guide to Paris.  Membership takes only a minute to set up on Patreon, or Substack. Thank you for keeping this channel independent.  For more from the Earful Tower, here are some handy links: Website  Weekly newsletter 

This week on the podcast, I invite my three-year-old son Otis to talk about language. He has been doing a stellar job learning English, French, and Swedish at the same time, and I was curious to pick his brain about it. You'll hear him tell me how I'm no good at rolling my Rs in French, why he speaks Swedish with his mother, and what he thought about Italy. Well... I mean... he's three years old, so he doesn't really get too deep into anything, but it's still a fascinating conversation for anyone interested in language, the human brain, and international life for families with young children. This episode is a follow-up to an episode from over a year ago in Season 15, Episode 9 called "How we're raising a trilingual child in Paris". That was my wife Lina and I discussing the same topic. But now it was Otis's chance to take the mic for the first time.  Also mentioned in this episode: The Earful Everywhere podcast (currently in Italy): https://theearfultower.substack.com/p/its-here-the-official-launch-of-the Our walking tours of Paris: http://www.theearfultower.com/tours Music by Pres Maxson, his take on Douce France. *********** The Earful Tower exists thanks to support from its members. From $10 a month you can unlock almost endless extras including bonus podcast episodes, live video replays, special event invites, and our annually updated PDF guide to Paris.  Membership takes only a minute to set up on Patreon, or Substack. Thank you for keeping this channel independent.  For more from the Earful Tower, here are some handy links: Website  Weekly newsletter