An 'Impossible City': Author Simon Kuper on the reality of life in Paris • FRANCE 24 English

Paris is a city of huge positives but also negatives. That's the view of the author of a new book on what he calls an "Impossible City". Simon Kuper, a journalist for The Financial Times, describes in the book how the French capital is not at all simply the picture-postcard city we tend to think of. While 2 million people live in central Paris, another 10 million live in the banlieues, or suburbs. Kuper says he's hopeful that plans to open 68 new metro stations will connect the two parts of the metropolis better. He spoke to us in Perspective. 

[PhilippeMartinez-loze]

I have lived in Paris city center most of my youth. In the 5th Arrondissement. People do not realize how poor it was, dirty and dingy back in the 70's and 80's. It has become completely gentrified.
Having said that I left just 20 years ago. Lived overseas and in Annecy. No regret, no tears.
BUT I will come back to retire there. Because if you do not need to work and move around on a daily basis, it can be so cool.
Indeed it has become a sort of retiree paradise. And you'll benefit from the cheapest / Highest quality Health system.

[SFSDFR]

I absolutely loved this interview and plan to buy the book right away.
The focus on density is so important. People don’t realize how dense the city is, and that the Western suburbs are as, if not more dense! This is the trademark of Paris. The astonishing thing is how quiet and sleepy the city gets after dark. If you catch it right, sometimes it feels like you have that little corner of Paris all to yourself.

[shawnodonahue]

I’d far rather live in Paris than in the States… McMansions, immense violence, racism, cheap developments, cars and petrol rule above all else, a lack of caring for anyone but one’s self (let alone your neighbor or the environment). I’ve spend a lot of time in Paris and France, looking forward to leaving the States and making that move permanent.

[Bellasie]

Sorry, but saying Paris "tries" to be on par with London or New York is as insulting as it is false... It is one of the top cultural capitals of the world *just like* London or New York without trying. Also, French people are not necessarily "blase" but rather just used to making the most of cultural events on a regular basis. Lastly, unpopular measures like the QR code are the reason the Olympics are unpopular.

[polishtheday]

I’ve lived in Vancouver and am now in Montreal, in places with creaking floorboards where I can hear my neighbours’ conversations as they walk by on the street and have no idea why people are bothered by this. I’d probably like Paris because I hate empty streets and am bothered by cars.

[worldview]

4:33, This sounds just like daily life in New York City just a little less harsh 😎

[JohnEDrury-bflt]

The overly critical soccer journalist, Simon Kuper, pitches his off putting titled book by being overly critical of Paris. Simon remains the same.

[chillout]

giving paris to host the olympics was a really bad idea very big and no security at all, i will prefer lyon or bordeax amazing cities ....

[kasialawecki]

I lived there for a little over a year. My next door neighbor enjoyed casual dating.

[RoseLee-md]

Traveling 59 years in paros and france. Never met a rude person.

[adelaferreira]

Sounds like living in New York or San Francisco, too many people, too little space and crazy expensive rent ! Still, love Paris !

[banksiasong]

Perennial whinging Poms.
Please spare us.

A meaningless commentary on a selfish city that only the well-off live in. It has always been looking at its noble belly button but once upon a time it was open to those on low incomes.