About this episode
I’ve known Lindsey Tramuta almost as long as I’ve been in Paris. We live in the same arrondissement (go 11th!) and I occasionally see her out and about, when she’s not busy writing books, or magazines and newspaper articles, which are featured in such publications as The New York Times, Bon Appétit, and Condé Nast Traveler. I arrived in Paris quite unprepared, not speaking French not knowing what to expect. Lindsey moved to France the opposite way (and in my opinion, the right way), with a background in French literature, studying in France, and having a boyfriend, who is now her husband. Even so, the move still presented some challenges. I thought it would be fun to talk to Lindsey about her journey—what motivated her to make the move (and how she answers the eternal question from visitors: Is it permanent?), what she loves about the city and living in France, as well as some of the downsides of living one’s life abroad. In Lindsey’s first book, The New Paris , she chronicled the last decade in Paris, during while time the city’s food scene had lost some of its some of its luster , and showcased a new generation of young, engaged Parisians who changed the landscape, rebooting Paris’ reputation as a thriving, world-class gastronomic destination, that continues to evolve. In The New Parisienne , Lindsey tackles the perception of the Parisian woman, profiling pastry chefs, creators, artists, activists, and even the mayor of city, who have changed the image of the French woman (rather than adhering to the stereotype), and who continue to shape the city today. Lindsey also just finished The Eater Guide to Paris , focusing on the bistros, wine bars, pastry shops, cafés, and cocktail bars in the city, which will be released in the spring of 2025. In addition to writing books and articles, Lindsey is the host of her own podcast, The New Paris podcast , and writes the newsletter, The New Paris Dispatch . We had a great time talking about our lives in Paris, including what’s changed in the city since we arrived, if Paris really is a good place to live, what are some of the difficulties of living here (#paperwork), what are some of the cultural differences one must navigate, our thoughts on the French healthcare system, and why we’ve both ultimately chose to call Paris our home. I hope you enjoy our chat! -David Lindsey Tramuta * Lindsey’s website: Lindseytramuta.com * Instagram * The New Paris Podcast * Lindsey’s Books * Paris Tours (customized Paris tours) * Subscribe and read The New Paris Dispatch newsletter Subscribe to get my newsletter sent right to your Inbox. Free subscribers get some posts, recipes, and stories, and paid subscribers get additional bonus content, full access to the recipe archives, and the ability to participate in the community of commenters. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidlebovitz.substack.com/subscribe