The prices for Paris’ much loved and hated bike-sharing system Vélib have gone up drastically, with some subscriptions being 38% more expensive than before. Under mayor Anne Hidalgo, Paris is rapidly turning into a real biking city, but do Parisians accept the new price they have to pay for it? Reporting from a Vélib' station in the 19th arrondissement of Paris, host Kamiel Vermeulen asks locals about their frustration with broken bikes, the new prices and whether they are considering switching to a personal bike. Turns out many Parisians are set on waving Vélib' goodbye.
In France coming back to school, and back to work after the summer vacation is a very important time of year. The French refer to this part of the year as "rentrée." We decided to take a deep dive into the French school system with Romy Treneer who raised two children in Paris while teaching in the French university system before embarking on a career in the corporate sector. French schooling is internationally lauded but it isn't all perfect. Romy guides us through the common misconceptions, and the challenges we face when judging the philosophy and methods behind the French Schools. With hosts Meg Gerner and ARBL Murray, Romy talks about the differences in parenting and teaching ideology between France and the United States and how are political viewpoints shape the expectations we have for our kids. Romy Treneer has extensive experience in acclimating to the French way life both in her professional and personal life. She has started a consulting agency, Treneer Consulting, to help anglophones navigate work, visas, schooling, starting a business, and even buying property in France. You can also check out her stubstack, Parisian Chronicles. Book recommendations in this Episode: They Shoot School Kids Don't They? by Peter Gumbel
In this episode of Turning Points, Patricia Killeen speaks with Rose Burke, a Pittsburgh native who has made Paris her home since 1994. Rose’s life took a turn for the worse in 2023 when her daughter Emma, then 22, was killed in a bicycle crash in Glasgow, where she was studying architecture and working. Following this tragedy, Rose retired and, together with her husband John Newman, founded the nonprofit Emma Builds A Better World, Association EBN. The association is dedicated to honoring Emma’s legacy, advocating for safer streets, and creating opportunities for young people. Among its initiatives is a €5,000 annual arts grant awarded to emerging young artists, covering art, architecture, and the performing arts. It was recently announced U.K. artist Pax Alberto is the winner of the 2025 'EBN Art and Architecture' grant. Rose spent a decade freelancing in Paris for outlets such as USA Today, BusinessWeek, and The Washington Post. From 2004 until her retirement, she was a senior writer at S&P Global. She also contributed to journalism education, designing and teaching Issues in Journalism at the University of Paris 8 and creating a journalism curriculum for the Sorbonne. Earlier in her career, Rose worked as a policy analyst in Washington, D.C., before becoming an editor at Dow Jones and later writing for the international editions of the Wall Street Journal. An accomplished public speaker, she earned the title of Distinguished Toastmaster in 2020. Find out more about Rose Burke on her LinkedIn. Discover the Emma Burke memoriam blog here. Check out the Association EBN website as well.
French slang is famous for its creative play with language, like verlan, which consists of reversing syllables. But where does such French slang originate, why do people speak it, what are the stigmas surrounding it and what are its latest trends? In this week’s episode of the Culture Cast, host Kamiel Vermeulen is joined by poet-linguist Julien Barret, whose expertise is spoken language and slang. Barret has written 12 books about the modern French language and shares some of his insights on the role of slang in French culture with World Radio Paris. The photograph of Julien Barret featured as this episode's artwork was taken by Charlene Yves.
You believe physical media is useless in 2025? Think again! In this World Radio Paris Presents episode, host Tarek Diouri--Adequin visits JM Video, a video store located in the 11th arrondissement of Paris that attests to the importance of DVDs in our current day and age. Tarek catches up with Theo Bancilhon, manager of the JM Video store to talk about the importance of having a place to connect people worldwide to their passion: movies. Theo also shares some of his favorite anecdotes from working in this old-school shop which often welcomes iconic movie directors and actors!
A new French law bans smoking around public places like parks, beaches, schools and bus stops. It aims to protect children and adults from passive smoking, and is part of President Macron’s plan to create the first tobacco-free generation by 2032. But in a country where smoking is seen as an inherent part of the culture, and one in three people smokes, that might be easier said than done. In this week’s episode of Kamiel’s Culture Cast, host Kamiel Vermeulen asks Parisian smokers how they feel about the new law, whether they are going to obey it and if it will influence their smoking habits.
This month we learn about the history of the parks and playgrounds in Paris with special guest Adam Levy, who talks about the idea behind creating play centered spaces through-out the age of industry. Later, Joelle, Rachelle, and Meg, talk about their favorite parks and picnic spots in Paris. For those with kids or just looking for a great place to picnic "like a Parisian," enjoy the secrets gardens in the latest episode of Parentalité. This show is a collaboration between World Radio Paris and Message Paris, an association supporting anglophone parents and caretakers of children in the Paris region.
How far down the realm of art can technology take us? In this introductory episode of the High-Tech Intermission, host Tarek Diouri--Adequin is joined by Ada Ackerman, researcher at the CNRS and co-curator of the World Through AI exhibition, taking place at the Jeu de Paume until September 21. The show explores the historical, social, ecological and cultural themes showcased throughout the exhibition, vibrant with new ideas based on - but also made by - the technologies of the present and the near-future. The artwork featured as this episode's illustration is Gregory Chatonsky's La Quatrième Mémoire.
On this episode of Lost in Frenchlation Manon Kerjean and ARBL Murray (Alex Brook Lynn) interview Giulio Callegari the director of the new robot comedy 'Un Monde Merveilleux' or the English version 'Robot T-O' The film is set in the not so distant future in which robot companions have hit the consumer market and are now as common as the I-phone. We meet Max and her 10 year old daughter Paula who live off stealing and small time hustles. When they steal an outdated robot model and try to re-sell it, things don't work out as planned and Max is separated from Paula and stuck with only the robot named Tio to help get her daughter back. Although Max hates technology and how robots have changed the world, she learns a few lessons from her new robot friend. Originally a screenwriter for various films and TV shows, Gulio has made his directorial debut with this film. Guilio talks about the classics that inspired the parent/ child dynamics in this film like Cassavetes' Gloria and Eastwood's A Perfect World. We delve into what makes Blanche Charlie the perfect modern day Charlie Chaplin and why we should all be afraid of robots with cute faces. This episode was recorded at the Luminor Theater in Paris. For more information on the cinema club Lost in Frenchlation and how to watch some movies with us go to ]https://lostinfrenchlation.com/
Walk through Paris in August and you’ll encounter a curious scene: empty cafés, shuttered bakeries, handwritten signs in shop windows that read "Fermé pour congés annuels." But why does France shut down every summer? In our latest World Radio Paris Presents episode, host Héloïse Daniel explores how France became the first country in the world to grant paid vacation to workers, and more importantly, where the French actually spend their vacations. From the sun-soaked beaches of Corsica and the Côte d’Azur to the charming villages of Dordogne, Ardèche and Provence, or the quiet mountain retreats in the Alps and Pyrenees, French holiday destinations reveal a lot about culture, class, and lifestyle. Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple Podcasts
No matter where you are in the world and what language you speak, your mental health matters more than anything and should never be neglected. In this episode of World Radio Paris Presents, host ARBL Murray sits down with David and Patsy, two active listeners for S.O.S. Help, an English-speaking suicide hotline in France. David and Patsy tell us about their listening experiences, the situations they face on a daily basis and the history of the organization, which has been serving the anglophone community in France for 51 years.
Step inside Radiodays, a cozy café in the 10th arrondissement where coffee, music, and culture come together 🎶☕ In this episode, Wafa chats with Ibrahim Basbous, the café’s cofounder, about their newest drink : the halva latte! A warm, nutty, and slightly sweet coffee inspired by the classic Middle Eastern sesame dessert. They talk about how traditional Middle Eastern ingredients like za’atar, tahini, and rose water are quietly finding their way onto Paris café menus. If you’re curious about Middle Eastern flavors and specialty coffee in Paris, this episode is for you!
On this episode of Turning Points, Patricia Killeen spoke with John McLachlan, an Irish composer. John was born in Dublin and is currently residing in Donegal. He studied music at the Royal Irish Academy of Music and Trinity College Dublin, where he earned a PhD in musicology, focusing on the compositional techniques of Boulez, Xenakis, Lutoslawski, and Carter. His composition teachers include William York, Robert Hanson, and Kevin Volans. John’s works have been performed internationally across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Africa, and by many prominent ensembles and soloists. He has received commissions from major organizations including RTÉ NSO, New Music Dublin, Music Network, and the National Concert Hall. His music is featured on several recordings and anthologies, and his pedagogical piano works have been published in the Royal Irish Academy of Music syllabus. Notable releases include First and Drinking the Stars, both on Farpoint Recordings. In 2022, he edited and published two books by his mother, writer Leland Bardwell, and organized a literary festival in her honor. He also created a Leland Bardwell website. He is an active writer and broadcaster on contemporary music, and has contributed to the promotion of Irish music through his roles in the Association of Irish Composers and the Irish Composition Summer School. His music is available through the Contemporary Music Centre. Paris has played a significant role in John’s work. During a month spent in the CCI (Centre Culturel Irlandais) in 2023, he created a piece called: Le Dernier Bourgeon de L'avenir. Patricia met up with him the day before he returned to Ireland after spending another month in the CCI.
What better time than summer to dive into a great book? In this special episode of World Radio Paris Presents, host Héloïse sits down with producer ARBL Murray to share a curated list of French books — from literary giants like Dumas and Camus to contemporary voices like Leïla Slimani and Gaël Faye. These are the books we’re reading this summer, all available in English. Whether you're stretched out on the beach, killing time in a café, or just curious about French culture, this episode is packed with titles that will help you see France in a whole new light!
In this Episode of Lost in Frenchlation we talk to Laura Piani, the writer and director of 'Jane Austen Wrecked My Life,' a new romantic comedy about a woman who lives between the pages and struggles to finish her own story. Laura shares with us why she decided to direct, what inspired this story, and how she chose to show the work of Jane Austen in a new light. We delve into some of the autobiographical elements of the film: The main character works at the famed Shakespeare and Co. as did Laura herself-- and discuss the male archetypes in the films wonderfully funny love triangle, and the best book Laura ever read. For more information on Lost in Frenchlation, the cinema club click here: https://lostinfrenchlation.com/ The hosts for this episode are Manon Kerjean and ARBL Murray. This episode was recorded and produced by World Radio Paris.
On this Episode of Parentalité, Joelle Benoliel visits the wonderful, magical, anglophone bookshop for kids and talks with the owner and founder, Penelope Fletcher. Just adjacent to Jardin du Luxembourg, The Red Balloon is the kid focused section of The Red Wheelbarrow and is a haven for little readers and their parents to come, learn, pick out books, and build community. Penelope raised her children in Paris while opening and maintaining the Red Wheelbarrow. She shares her beautiful story of love, difficulty, children, and books in the city of Paris. She also gives her 3 current favorites for young readers. For more information on The Redwheelbarrow and The Red Balloon please visit their website: https://theredwheelbarrowbookstore.com/ If you like the work we do at World Radio Paris please consider donating: https://worldradioparis.org/donate/ PARENTALITÉ is a produced in collaboration with Message Paris, an association of anglophone caretakers and parents in the Paris Region. This episode of Parentalité was Produced by ARBL Murray for World Radio Paris and Message Paris with Host Joelle Benoliel on Location, in Paris, at The Red Balloon Bookstore.
Think Paris is all croissants and coq au vin? Think again. In this episode of World Radio Paris Presents, host Heloise Daniel talks with award-winning British food writer Chris Newens about his new book, Moveable Feasts: Paris in Twenty Meals. Chris takes us on a delicious journey through every arrondissement of Paris, uncovering the multicultural dishes and personal food stories that define modern Parisian cuisine. 🎧 Listen now to discover: The diverse and surprising Paris food scene How food and migration shape French identity Travel and food tips for exploring Paris off the beaten path 📘 Pre-order the book: Moveable Feasts: Paris in Twenty Meals 🌍 Learn more about Chris: chrisnewens.com
What does the world look like through Agnès Varda’s eyes? In this episode, host Héloïse Daniel speaks with Anne de Mondenard, curator of the exhibition Le Paris d’Agnès Varda, de-ci, de-là, currently on view at the Musée Carnavalet. The show celebrates the life and work of one of France’s most original and beloved filmmakers. Anne explains how the exhibition came together and what it reveals about Varda’s universe—from her focus on women and working-class lives to iconic films like Cléo from 5 to 7 and Vagabond. With film clips, photographs, and playful installations, the exhibition traces Varda’s artistic journey and her deep connection to Paris.
On this episode of Turning Points, Patricia Killeen welcomed Úna Ní Cheallaigh, an award-winning poet. Úna hails from Dublin, Ireland. Educated at St Patrick's College (DCU), University College and Trinity College Dublin, she had a varied career in teaching, including Special Education, Home School Community Liaison and Drama in Education. Úna also holds an M.Phil in Theatre Studies from the University of Glasgow and a Master's in Creative Writing from University College Cork. She has been involved in drama and writers' groups and is currently a member of Poetry Circle at the Irish Writers Centre. She has enjoyed many opportunities to travel, and time to write in Ferrazze, Italy, was organised by the Irish Writers Centre. Úna describes her writing journey and presents her collection of poetry entitled ‘The Colour of Time’, described by poet James Harpur as an ‘elegy touched with beauty’. She spent a month at the Centre Culturel Irlandais in Paris in 2018, and revisiting the Camille Claudel salon in the Rodin Museum would lead her to pen a sequence at the very heart of ‘The Colour of Time’, giving voice to the sculptor, Camille Claudel. Many of us know that Claudel was committed to an asylum (in 1913) after destroying some of her artworks. Claudel died in 1943, after spending 30 years in the Montedevergues insane asylum and the 'Mémoire de Montedevergues' sequence in ‘The Colour of Time’ gives the incarcerated Camille Claudel a soul-touching, poetic, and finally, unforgettable voice. ‘The Colour of Time’, by Úna Ní Cheallaigh, published by Arlen House https://thesalmonbookshop.com/products/the-colour-of-time-poems-by-una-ni-cheallaigh Musée Rodin: https://www.musee-rodin.fr/en Musée Camille Claudel : https://www.museecamilleclaudel.fr/
This mix by Samad, Heloise and Astrid, some of our team members, is a selection of a variety of short features and tips that we bring you each day on WRP.