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The Paris area of Montparnasse has been home to some of the most influential artists and writers of the last two centuries. Many of them lived on a street called Rue Boissonade.

The neighbourhood of Montparnasse in central Paris has been a creative powerhouse for generations, home to many of the most famous artists, writers, composers and photographers of the last two centuries. This is especially true of two streets. Writer and journalist Joanna Robertson lives on one of them, the rue Boissonade.

In the first of her new series of The Essay, Three Hundred Metres in Montparnasse, she takes us there, and reveals some surprising sides to the street, above and below ground.

Presenter: Joanna Robertson
Producer: Arlene Gregorius
Editor: Sarah Wadeson
Production Coordinator: Maria Ogundele
Sound engineer: Rod Farquhar

Release date:

14 minutes

On radio

New Year's Day 2025 21:45

Broadcast

  • New Year's Day 2025 21:45

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