V is for Vegan. In this episode, we talk to Amanda Bankert, the owner of Boneshaker Donuts, who has just released a book called Voilà Vegan (double V!). In the book, she reveals that this famed donut shop has been secretly vegan for years!! As a vegan herself, Amanda shares her insights into the city's[...]

U is for Underground. In this episode, we take you below Paris: On the Metro, through the sewers, and into the (illegal) catacombs. Mentioned in this episode: Luke's English podcast Amber's Paname Podcast The Comte de Saint Germain who does audio walks of Paris Do you like this podcast? Become a Patreon member of The[...]

T is for Tour d'Argent. In this episode, we take you inside the famed Tour d'Argent restaurant on the Left Bank of Paris, and you'll hear from me and my wife Lina Nordin Gee as we dine. We also discuss our thoughts on the renovation job from 2022/2023, which has made for one of the[...]

S is for Sainte-Chapelle. In this episode, I'll take you inside this ancient royal chapel with its incredible stained glass windows. You'll hear from tour guide and Paris expert Amber Minogue, who gives us some insight into the 13th century chapel. You'll also hear my own thoughts about visiting the Sainte-Chapelle on a VIP tour[...]

R is for Richelieu. In this episode, we'll take you inside the newly renovated Richelieu Library, and then its incredible upstairs museum.  This episode is co-hosted by Lina Nordin Gee. Featured in the episode: Find the library and museum here. Address: 5 Rue Vivienne, 75002 Pariss The app we mentioned is called BNF Richelieu The museum[...]

Q is for Queer. In this episode, I'll give you an insight into Gay Paris. And by gay I mean LGBTQIA+. Where is the gay quarter... or perhaps a better question.... what's happened to the gay quarter now that gentrifcation has hit the Marais?  Also: What's a gay bookshop? What do they sell and to[...]

P is for Provence. In this episode, you'll hear some thoughts on the lovely southern French region, with the help of some great guests.  First, you'll hear from Suzannah and Hugh Cameron from the antique shop Chez Pluie Provence, sharing some practical travel advice.  Then it's my own mother, her first time on the pod,[...]

O is for the Olympic Games. In this episode, you'll hear my first look ahead to the 2024 summer Olympics.  Given it is still so far away, this is more of a light intro to the topic, with the help of some great guests.  First, you'll hear from the American Ambassador to France, Denise Campbell[...]

N is for the Notre Dame. In this episode, you'll hear about where we're at with the restoration of the Notre Dame cathedral. Short answer: It will reopen December 2024.  Long answer: I chat to one of the carpenters involved in the restoration project, I visit the new Virtual Reality exhibition (which is exceptional), and[...]

M is for the Marais. In this episode, you'll hear my thoughts on how I'd spend a perfect last day in the Marais district of Paris (in other words, the third and fourth arrondissements).  You'll also hear from Paul Barron, co-owner of Le Peloton Cafe and Bike About Tours, and then from tour guide Amber[...]

A bit of reflection as we reach the halfway point of this AB-Season. As I said in the episode, a big thanks to musician Pres Maxson, photographer Augusta Sagnelli, editor Eddie Gee, and occasional co-host Lina Nordin-Gee.  

L is for Lyon. In this episode, you'll hear about my experiences after spending 48 hours in Lyon with Lovely Lina.  There's also some local insights from Caroline Connor, who does wine tastings in Lyon, and runs the website and social media accounts by the name of Wine Dine Caroline. You can find more from[...]

K is for Kylie the Crocodile in Paris. In this episode, you'll hear a brand new twist in the story of Kylie the Crocodile.  This episode was taken from a live show at Spilling the Beans.  You can find more from them here. To buy a copy of our childdren's book, Kylie the Crocodile in[...]

J is for Jewish Paris. In this episode, I take you walking through the Jewish quarter of Paris to try to understand what's going on there. Edith de Belleville, a licensed tour guide, author, and expert on Jewish history, writes me an itinerary of what to find, including: The Shoah Memorial The Museum of Jewish[...]

I is for Ile Saint-Louis - an island in the Seine. As far as I'm concerned, it features the most beautiful walk in Paris.  In this episode, I take you walking along the best bits of the island and share my favourite haunts. I also share my ideal route so you can do the same. [...]

H is for Haussmann - Baron Haussmann that is. He was the urban planner behind the redesign of Paris under Napoleon III.  But what is a Haussmannian building? Who was Haussmann, 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[...]

G is for Guimard - Hector Guimard that is. He is the architect 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.  But what is Art Nouveau? Who was Guimard, really, and why was his work so important? Where[...]

F is for Floods - that is, the floods of the Seine River in Paris. And today we're paying particular attention to the game-changing Great Flood of 1910.  Featured is the voice of Jeffrey Jackson, Professor of History at Rhodes College, and the author of "Paris Under Water:  How the City of Light Survived the[...]

E is for the Eiffel Tower, the most iconic landmark in France, probably Europe, and maybe the world.  This podcast episode features 10 facts about the tower, but you're going to have to try and guess them first. There are 10 points at stake, good luck. Featured is the voice two people very dear to[...]

D is for Deauville, a small town north of Paris on the coast of Normandy that has captured the attention of film-buffs, gamblers, beach lovers, and horse racing fans since the 1800s. We visited with the help of the local tourism board for this episode. Featured is the voice of horse-related storyteller and journalist Fanny[...]

C is for Chateaux - of which there are 45,000 in France. I've always been quite fascinated by French castles, and this episode takes a closer look at how they're financed.  We all know they're expensive to buy and to run, so I looked into some exciting modern ways people are making French chateaux work.[...]

B is for Bievre, the river that once ran through Paris. This episode is about our pilgrimmage to track it, how I walked through it with an immortal count, and a word on the exciting future of the river.  Featured is the voice of Lina Nordin Gee and the Comte de Saint Germain, who showed[...]

A is for Arago, the name of the scientist who helped map out the Paris meridian line (François Arago (1786-1853)).  In this episode, I explore the "Rose Line" (as it was called in the Da Vinci Code), seeking out the bronze medallions along the streets of Paris, through the Louvre, and into the Paris Observatory. [...]

Welcome to the ABCeason... or the AB Season... or the ABC-son. Haven't quite figured the spelling yet, but you get the idea, I hope.  Now you know what the next 26 episodes will hold. Support this show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theearfultower

It's our series finale on the French Riviera. This time, we're looking at art, especially through the lens of cinema (and the Cannes Film Festival) - and via the paintbrush of the impressionists.  This episode features author Edward Chisholm (Instagram here) and artist Johan Patricny (Instagram here). Cohosted by Lina Nordin Gee (Instagram video of[...]

After month in the French Riviera, here is the Earful Tower's tips for places we recommend in the area, from big famous towns to tiny and lovely villages.  Mentioned in this episode: Antibes, Juan-Les-Pins, Nice, La Turbie, Monaco, Biot, Cannes, Villa Kerylos, Villefranche-sur-Mer, and Eze.  Music by Pres Maxson.  Become a member of The Earful[...]

Author John Baxter is back - this time discussing literature from the French Riviera. We tackle a lot, with a bigger focus on F Scott Fitzgerald and Marina Picasso (and her tell-all book). Book a walking tour with John and find his books here.  Support The Earful Tower on Patreon and get the second half[...]

We've spent a month in the French Riviera. Here is The Earful Tower's introduction to the area via five golden rules for your own visit.  Mentioned in this episode: Bigger towns: Cannes, Antibes, Nice Much smaller spots: Villa Kerylos, Biot, La Turbie Book list to come, but Lina talked about Bonjour Tristesse by Francoise Sagan. [...]

Here's a poem I wrote to say goodbye to my little red scooter. Inspired by the great Australian bush poet Banjo Paterson. Farewell, Little Red, thanks for all the memories.

Welcome to the Earful Tower, the podcast that explores the hidden gems and secret spots of Paris. In this episode, the season finale, the whole team is on a private boat on the Seine River sharing our favourite secrets.  The boat: Corto from Le Bateau Francais. Secrets from Earful Tour guide Charlotte Pleasants, Louvre guide[...]

A quick episode today where Lina and I reveal our new Paris neighbourhood and our first thoughts.  Get all the extras on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/theearfultower And book an Earful Tower walking tour here: https://theearfultower.com/tours

Welcome to the Earful Tower, the podcast that explores the hidden gems and secret spots of Paris. In this episode, we're taking a stroll through the bustling marché Beauvau in the 12th arrondissement with our special guest, Joseph Loughney, owner of the Early Bird Cafe. As we walk through the market, Joseph shares his passion[...]

Join Oliver Gee on The Earful Tower as he explores the world of gin with special guest Quentin de Montgolfier, the founder of Distillerie du Gin. In this episode, you'll learn about the history of gin in France, the process of making gin, and how Quentin's passion for the spirit led him to open his[...]

Welcome to the latest episode of The Earful Tower podcast. In this episode, we're joined by Marielle Bourat from the artisanal chocolate shop Atelier C, located on Avenue Dausmenil in Paris. Marielle shares her passion for chocolate-making, which has formed over three generations, and she shares the story of Atelier C and its location in[...]

We revisit a chat with writer John Baxter about Paris and its compendium of history. We especially dig into the Left Bank and its classic restaurants, which are listed below.  Le Select Address: 99 Bd du Montparnasse, 75006 Paris Lapérouse Address: 51 Quai des Grands Augustins, 75006 Paris Tour d’Argent Address: 19 Quai de la Tournelle,[...]

I just found some French antiques in the trash can.  A listener tipped me off, I went and grabbed them, then had them appraised. There are lots of twists and turns in this story, enjoy! Remember: upcoming live video stream for Patreon members in the near future. You can get your invite soon by checking[...]

In this podcast episode, you'll hear me and Lina walking along a stunning Parisian street called rue Cler. But it's a bittersweet walk, as it's the last time we will take the walk as residents If you don't know the street, it's a market street in the seventh arrondissement. We walked from the intersection of[...]

In this podcast episode, you'll hear me and Veronique Savoye walking along a stunning Parisian street called rue Montorgueil. It's a market street in the first and second arrondissement. We walked from the corner of rue Tiquetonne all the way to the Sentier Metro station (so south to north).  We talk about things we see[...]

Meet Chloe Jantzen, a French antique dealer specialing in canes (as in, walking sticks).  You can find her shop at 18 rue de Beaune in the 7th arrondissement.  You can find her website here, and follow her on Instagram here.  If you want to see more of these canes, check out our Instagram, TikTok, Facebook,[...]

Meet Sarah Donnelly, an American stand up comedienne in Paris. She joins the show to discuss the comedy of living in Paris, her popular new show, and her infatuation with France's handsome president.  You can find her tickets for "The Only American in Paris" here, and follow Sarah on Instagram here or search @sarahdcomedy on[...]

Susannah and Hugh Cameron are two Australian antique curators based in the sunny fields of Provence. Their initial interest of street brocantes and finding the perfect French decor for their home soon turned into a passionate search for the most exquisite French antiques and the creation of their online boutique, Chez Pluie. You can discover[...]

So you’re coming to Paris for the third time? How exciting! But what should you do? After we tackled the FIRST and SECOND trips in recent weeks, it's time to get a little more off the beaten path - and in this episode Earful teammate Charlotte Pleasants is on the show too.  Good luck with[...]

So you’re coming to Paris for the second time? How exciting! But what should you do? After we tackled the FIRST trip last week, it's time to get a little off the beaten path - and in this episode Earful teammate Paris Kay is on the show too.  Good luck with the trip and keep[...]

So you’re coming to Paris for the first time? How exciting! But what should you do? Despite doing six years of this Paris podcast, I’ve never focused on a tourist's first Paris trip - so here are my tips, including a checklist of monuments and a smattering of cultural suggestions. Good luck with the trip[...]

  IT'S BACK AGAIN!  Today's guest is the reigning champ of The Earful Tower Bucket List, Oliver Gee. That's right, me! I'm joined by the Stockholm Sting aka my wife Lina, who also has her finger firmly on the pulse of things to do in Paris.  We share our top five things that we want[...]

Oliver breaks down the top blogs posts and podcasts episodes of 2022. All this information with helpful links is on this post here. Become a Patreon supporter here. 

Oliver and Lina take a stroll through the Tuileries Christmas Market. They also took a microphone.   Here's what they found - from German food to mulled wine, ghost rides to disgruntled employees.  Ho ho ho, here we go! Become a member on Patreon here: www.patreon.com/theearfultower  All music by Pres Maxson, including his newest song: Noel[...]

Australian author Jayne Tuttle almost died after an elevator accident in Paris.  She retells the harrowing story and explains how her excellent memoir series helped her with the recovery process. Her books: Paris Or Die and My Sweet Guillotine.  http://www.jaynetuttle.com/ https://www.instagram.com/jaynetuttle/?hl=en  If you enjoy the Earful Tower, become the newest Patreon supporter today: https://www.patreon.com/theearfultower 

Is French difficult to learn? I asked polyglot and YouTube superstar Nathaniel Drew. Find more from him here: https://www.nathanieldrew.com/  @nathanieldrew_ Become a member of The Earful Tower here:  https://www.patreon.com/theearfultower   

Meet Alex Freiman, a Parisian jazz musician. In this episode, we discus the vibrant jazz scene in Paris and how Alex is bringing live jazz to Paris (most recently via the Blitz Society - a chess/jazz club). We also talked about how jazz music can lead to life as an outcast, the trouble with how[...]

This week we shared a picture on social media of a cheese massacre at a Parisian dinner party. The culprit? A newly arrived American in France. The victim? An innocent 18-month-old Comté slice. After the picture went viral in the Earful community, we took a much deeper look at what happened. Here comes an interview[...]

To celebrate the launch of our new book, Grace the Giraffe in Paris, we've put together a little pub quiz for you all.  Ten questions, getting progressively harder.  The rules: Answer out loud. If you're right, you get the points. That's it.  Good luck. Find our book here: www.theearfultower.com/grace or browse the whole shop here:[...]

Today on the pod it's Australian author Sarah Turnbull, the woman behind the 2002 smash hit memoir Almost French. But she isn't in Paris anymore, no no! She is in Sydney, which couldn't be more different. So with all these years gone by, what does Sarah miss about Paris? Of course, this is but one[...]

Edward Chisholm joins The Earful Tower to talk about his new hit book "A Waiter in Paris: Adventures in the Dark Heart of the City". He also gives his thoughts on how much to tip a French waiter, the truth behind the service industry, and what goes on behind closed kitchen doors. We recorded the[...]

Let's explore the Cimetiere du Calvaire, which is the oldest cemetery in Paris and surely the hardest to get inside.  How did we get in? Well, today's guest Eric Lejoindre - the Mayor of Montmartre - happens to have a key. Or at least, he knows the man with the key, father Alexandre Denis, who[...]

Oliver, Lina, and Eddie discuss how three small French words created a tempest of opinions in Earful Tower circles this month...  They also discuss communication between cultures and languages, the risks of "dumbing down" a children's book, and their book tour that's CURRENTLY HAPPENING in Australia.  Get your copy of Grace the Giraffe here: https://theearfultower.com/grace Find more[...]

We’ve just made 20 podcast episodes and 20 short videos around Paris, one for every arrondissement. And Pres Maxson made all of the music. He chats with host Oliver Gee about the soundtrack that went with it all, and how he made it (and chose it!)   This chat was recorded in front of a[...]

We’ve just done 20 photo shoots around Paris, one in every arrondissement. Photographer Augusta Sagnelli chats with host Oliver Gee about how the process of taking the photos.   They also chat about how the city changes with every neighborhood, how to photograph Paris, and the challenges of capturing the spirit of each district.  [...]

We’ve just filmed 20 short videos around Paris, one in every arrondissement. Videographer Eddie Gee chats with host Oliver Gee about how the process of making the movies.   They also chat about how the city changes with every neighborhood, how to film and edit videos about Paris, and the challenges of collaborating on this[...]

This week we reveal the story of the giraffe that walked to Paris in 1827 and made everyone go bananas. This story, especially the bit about Parisians going berserk for giraffes, is the subject of our new children's book: Grace the Giraffe in Paris.  A bit of background: The giraffe walked from Marseille to Paris[...]

The 1st arrondissement is this week's focus on the podcast. Here's what we found after spending a full day there. Mentioned in this show Louvre Museum  Jardin des Tuileries Square du Vert-Galant  Place Dauphine Place Vendôme Pont Neuf Domaine National du Palais-Royal  Samaritaine  Costes Bar  Restaurant Le Dalí   Bonjour Cafe Café le Nemours  This[...]

The 2nd arrondissement is this week's focus on the podcast. Here's what we found after spending a full day there. Mentioned in this show Zouzou cafe Boneshaker's donuts and brownies  Rue Montorgueil Stohrer Bakery Covered Passages: Grand Cerf, Vivienne, Panoramas The beautiful Starbucks on Boulevard Capucines Tour Jean Sans Peur La Fontaine Gaillon restaurant Le[...]