This month is my 18th December living in Paris, and as I reflect on that time, I’m struck by how much the city still enchants and surprises me. It might be a buzzy neighborhood, a refurbished historical marvel like Notre Dame, a dining experience, or something more unexpected. Someone in the business of sussing out and building such experiences, including some I have attended, is today’s guest Catherine Down. She’s a food writer and travel and event consultant who joins to talk about the most surprising spaces and experiences in Paris, what she finds so meaningful about the city after 12 years as a resident and what she recommends if you’re coming to town this month. 

Mentioned in this episode:

Catherine Down

Catherine's newsletter

Catherine on Instagram

Modern Love NYT essay

Caractère de Cochon

Le Marché Saint Germain

Ice Skating at the Grand Palais 

Café Mirabelle

Le Doyenné 

Repaire de Cartouche 

Le Baron Rouge 

Le Bon Marché 

Audio production & editing: Matthew Jordan

⁠Music by Little Glass Men⁠