Paname: The Secret History of Paris

What Was Really Hidden Inside Henri IV?

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 12:40:31 GMT

For more than two centuries, a rumour has clung to this monument that inside the body of Henri IV, sealed in the hollow of the bronze, there’s something that doesn’t belong to him at all. A secret hidden during the Restoration, a political joke, or maybe an act of quiet revenge, find out once and for all in this episode..

for pictures sources our tours go to my website

or instagram

Music by Black_Rose_Elmin from Pixabay

Music by Pastichio from Pixabay

Sound Effect by Moses Justin from Pixabay

Music by Daniel Roberts from Pixabay

Shelftop Speech by Blue Dot Sessions

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Vendôme Column

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Today, we’re heading to a monument that is both extremely vertical and surprisingly controversial. A monument that has been built up, knocked down, rebuilt. - the Vendôme Column.

For detailed sources and links go to my website.

Music

Dvir Silverstone from Pixabay" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pixabay & Blue Dot Sessions

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Napoleon: A Very Efficient Magpie

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 09:00:00 GMT

Last time, we explored Veronese’s dazzling Wedding Feast at Cana a Venetian marvel painted for a monastery refectory and admired there for over two hundred years. Today, we follow the painting into a very different world: war, politics, plunder, restoration disasters, and an ongoing question of art crimes and restoration. Once again my main source for today is the excellent book Napoleons plunder by Cynthia Saltzman

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Louvre's Stolen Masterpiece(s)

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 17:00:00 GMT

If you thought the recent theft of the Napoleonic jewels from the Louvre was audacious then just wait for what I have in store for you today because it is one of the biggest, and I mean that literally, the biggest, art thefts in the Louvre’s history. Today we are looking at Veronese’s Wedding Feast at Cana, a dazzling masterpiece that once filled an entire wall of the monastery of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice, and was proudly displayed there for more than two centuries, from its completion in 1563 until 1797 when French troops unceremoniously tore it from the wall, rolled it up and shipped it to Paris.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Artists' Wives

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 18:35:29 GMT

Stretched at full length, on the great divan of a studio, cigar in mouth, two friends—a poet and a painter—were talking together one evening after dinner...

what follows are a series of short stories which might make you think twice about marriage. My favourite is 'Fragment of a woman's letter found in the rue Notre-Dame-des-Champs'

Read the full text here

Follow me on instagram or go to my website for sources and pictures.

Support the show on Patreon or leave a review or tell a friend, it makes my day and helps people find the show.

or you can make a one off donation on PayPal

Artwork Double Merrick

Music The Owl

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Pox

Sun, 18 Feb 2024 11:00:49 GMT

Spend a night with Venus and the rest of your life with Mercury...

have a look inside the museum here

Follow me on instagram or go to my website for sources and pictures.

Support the show on Patreon or leave a review or tell a friend, it makes my day and helps people find the show.

or you can make a one off donation on PayPal

Artwork Double Merrick

Music The Owl

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Delacroix Angels

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 17:00:31 GMT

In part two on Eugène Delacroix let's discover some of his work, for free, in a walking tour of 3 churches of Paris: Saint Paul Saint Louis, Saint Denys du Saint Sacrement both in the 3rd and Saint Sulpice in the 6th and I try to understand the story of Jacob wrestling an Angel.

Follow me on instagram or go to my website for sources and pictures.

Support the show on Patreon or leave a review or tell a friend, it makes my day and helps people find the show.

or you can make a one off donation on PayPal

Artwork Double Merrick

Music The Owl

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Delacroix's Ear

Sun, 07 May 2023 10:00:16 GMT

Eugène Delacroix, the rebel Romantic painter of the 19th century. He would go on to inspire artists for generations to come with his dynamic use of colour and bold brushstrokes. In this episode we take a look at his life & work, visit his studio in Paris and wonder about; the mysterious ear in his garden, why he found the English to be so badly dressed, if Bri really is the king of cheeses and whether is father's eye-watering operation mattered.

Follow me on instagram or go to my website for sources and pictures.

Support the show on Patreon or leave a review or tell a friend, it makes my day and helps people find the show.

or you can make a one off donation on PayPal

Artwork Double Merrick

Music The Owl

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Celebri-Trees of Paris

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 10:00:45 GMT

Paris is full of celebrities but did you know that there are also celebri-trees? Fifteen trees of Paris have been awarded the special status of 'remarkable' you can find the full list here. If that does not seem much then don't worry the Mairie of Paris has chosen 174 trees and they have even made a tree walking tour. So in this episode come with me to find out about the tallest, widest, oldest and most legendary trees of Paris.

Follow me on instagram or go to my website for sources and pictures.

Support the show on Patreon or leave a review, it makes my day and helps people find the show.

or you can make a one off donation on PayPal

Artwork Double Merrick

Music The Owl

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paris - City of Lights

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 15:39:28 GMT

Paris is the city of lights, though whether that moniker refers to the intellectuals that have studied here from mediaeval times, the Enlightened thinkers of the 18th century or simply the street lights there is some debate. But, as with most things in Paris, their light obscures a dark past, so come with me as we head back to a different, darker Paris and discover her journey into the light.

Follow me on instagram or go to my website for sources and pictures.

Support the show on Patreon or leave a review, it makes my day and helps people find the show.

or you can make a one off donation on PayPal

Artwork Double Merrick

Music The Owl

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Count of Paris

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 22:28:24 GMT

Upon his death at the age of 90 his children found his home completely empty, stripped of furniture and even lightbulb, all that was left were 6 monogrammed handkerchiefs and an old pair of slippers, Henri d'Orléans, the Count of Paris had made good on his promise to leave them "nothing but hatred and tears with which to weep”

Follow me on instagram or go to my website for sources and pictures.

Support the show on Patreon or leave a review, it makes my day and helps people find the show.

or you can make a one off donation on PayPal

Artwork Double Merrick

Music The Owl

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Places of execution in Paris

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 11:00:15 GMT

Today we are heading on a rather a rather morbid walking tour of Paris and to the some of the many places of execution where you could enjoy the spectacle of beheading, quartering, boiling or ears being cut off.... enjoy.

Follow me on instagram or go to my website for sources and pictures.

Support the show on Patreon or leave a review, it makes my day and helps people find the show.

or you can make a one off donation on PayPal

Artwork Double Merrick

Music The Owl

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeanne de Clisson - France's fiercest female pirate

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 11:00:55 GMT

Jeanne de Clisson, also known as Jeanne de Belleville, or by her nickname ‘The Lioness of Brittany’ and was France's first and fiercest female pirate driven to war with the French king in order to avenge her husband's death. She became a pirate and in a ship painted black with blood-red sails and called called ‘my revenge’ she wrought havoc on the French. She was renowned for her cruelty; upon capturing a French vessel she would mercilessly kill the whole crew, especially any nobles - usually decapitating them herself with an axe and then throwing their bodies into the sea, but she was always sure to leave one survivor to spread the gruesome tale, warn others of what awaited them should they cross her path and above all to send a message back to the king… but is it just a legend? Find out in this episode.

Follow me on instagram or go to my website for sources and pictures.

Support the show on Patreon or leave a review, it makes my day and helps people find the show.

or you can make a one off donation on PayPal

Artwork Double Merrick

Music The Owl and 'Jeanne de Clisson' by Stetrice

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Gibbet of Montfaucon

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 11:00:00 GMT

In the 10th arrondissement of Paris at place Colonel Fabien, just up from the lovely canal St Martin and opposite the curious headquarters of the Communists building you will see a usual Paris scene of day to day life. but that would have been very different had we passed by here anytime between in the 14th-18th Century so come with me to discover the sombre story of the gibbet of Montfaucon.

Follow me on instagram or go to my website for sources and pictures.

Support the show on Patreon or leave a review, it makes my day and helps people find the show.

or you can make a one off donation on PayPal

Artwork Double Merrick

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Louis d'or

Sat, 24 Dec 2022 13:10:24 GMT

A story by François Coppée set on a cold, Christmas Eve night in Paris. First published in 1893.

Sound design from the talented Christopher Ferreira, find more of his original work here.

Follow me on instagram or go to my website for sources and pictures.

Support the show on Patreon or leave a review, it makes my day and helps people find the show.

or you can make a one off donation on PayPal

Artwork Double Merrick

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Smallest Cemetery in Paris

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 09:40:19 GMT

Come with me to the smallest, most exclusive cemetery in Paris, only open twice a year! I managed to get in for a visit and learn about a particularly interesting Montmartre family who defended their iconic windmills and paid with their lives...

Follow me on instagram or go to my website for sources and pictures.

Support me on Patreon or leave a review, it makes my day and helps people find the show.

Artwork Double Merrick

Music from 'The Owl' Daria Shakhova

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The pig that killed a King

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 18:34:32 GMT

The 13th of October was really an unlucky day for the Capet Kings! In this episode find out how a humble pig changed the fortunes of France.

Follow me on instagram or go to my website for sources and pictures.

Support me on Patreon or leave a review, it makes my day and helps people find the show.

Artwork Double Merrick

Music from 'The Owl' Daria Shakhova

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Other Wife

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 10:44:53 GMT

A special episode for Valentine's day about love..... sort of. Colette's short story entitled 'The Other Wife' or 'L'autre Femme' will have you wondering who really is the other woman? You decide.

Sound design from the talented Christopher Ferreira, find more of his original work here.

Follow me on instagram or go to my website for sources and pictures.

Support the show on Patreon or leave a review, it makes my day and helps people find the show.

or you can make a one off donation on PayPal

Artwork Double Merrick

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Curse of the Knights Templar

Thu, 20 Jan 2022 17:28:18 GMT

"Pope Clement, iniquitous judge and cruel executioner, I adjure you to appear in forty days’ time before God’s tribunal. And you, King of France, will not live to see the end of this year, and Heaven’s retribution will strike don your accomplices and destroy your posterity"

The curse of Jacques de Molay rang out as he was burnt at the stake for the crime of herasy, and maybe we would have forgotten about it if it had not come true..... In this episdoe come with me as we follow in the footsteps of the Templars in Paris and the cursed Kings.

Follow me on instagram or go to my website for sources and pictures.

Support the show on Patreon or leave a review, it makes my day and helps people find the show.

or you can make a one off donation on PayPal

Artwork Double Merrick

Music from 'The Owl' Daria Shakhova

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Posthumous Adventures of Voltaire

Sun, 09 Jan 2022 20:27:20 GMT

Voltaire may have lived a full life and one that has gone down in history but less well known is his afterlife. Join me in this episode to find out the extraordinary adventures of the philosopher post mortem and finally get to the bottom of the rumors that shroud his final resting place.

Sound design from the talented Christopher Ferreira, find more of his original work here.

Follow me on instagram or go to my website for sources and pictures.

Support the show on Patreon or leave a review, it makes my day and helps people find the show.

or you can make a one off donation on PayPal

Artwork Double Merrick

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Christmas Eve

Fri, 24 Dec 2021 12:49:42 GMT

A Christmas story by Guy De Maupassant an author famous for his dark and unusual short stories which reflect Belle Epoch Paris in a new light.

Sound design from the talented Christopher Ferreira, find more of his original work here.

Follow me on instagram or go to my website for sources and pictures.

Support the show on Patreon or leave a review, it makes my day and helps people find the show.

or you can make a one off donation on PayPal

Artwork Double Merrick

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

35. The life and love of Voltaire

Sun, 05 Dec 2021 08:26:24 GMT

François-Marie Arouet who made a name for himself as Voltaire was a prolific writer, playwright and philosopher. Famed for his sharp wit and criticism of the Catholic church and institutions of pre-revolutinary France as well as his advocacy for freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the separation of church and state. In part one we look a little and his life, love and philosophy.

Sound design from the talented Christopher Ferreira, find more of his original work here.

Follow me on instagram or go to my website for sources and pictures.

Support the show on Patreon or leave a review, it makes my day and helps people find the show.

or you can make a one off donation on PayPal

Artwork Double Merrick

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

34. Napoleon's Wig

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 06:51:56 GMT

Is it that Louis... or just Napoleon in a wig? Find out in this episode.

Sound design from the talented Christopher Ferreira, find more of his original work here.

Follow me on instagram or go to my website for sources and pictures.

Support the show on Patreon or leave a review, it makes my day and helps people find the show.

or you can make a one off donation on PayPal

Artwork Double Merrick

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

33. Coco Chanel

Sat, 23 Oct 2021 13:41:33 GMT

Chanel is considered a model of female independence, success and good taste, but while her business acumen cannot be denied and her incredible ability to drive fashion and style her personal life and her moral code reveal a more troubled and troubling person.

(also please forgive me, I said Manet when describing a painting of Trouville when I clearly meant to say Monet!)

Sound design from the talented Christopher Ferreira, find more of his original work here.

Follow me on instagram or go to my website for sources and pictures.

Support the show on Patreon or leave a review, it makes my day and helps people find the show.

or you can make a one off donation on PayPal

Artwork Double Merrick

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

32. Chanel No.5

Sat, 02 Oct 2021 12:21:59 GMT

Coco Chanel has certainly left her mark on Paris fashion, but did Paris leave its mark on her? Come with me in this episode to find out about the design and the story behind her iconic perfume Chanel No. 5

Sound design from the talented Christopher Ferreira, find more of his original work here.

Follow me on instagram or go to my website for sources and pictures.

Support the show on Patreon or leave a review, it makes my day and helps people find the show.

or you can make a one off donation on PayPal

Artwork Double Merrick

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

31. The Statue of Liberty (part 2)

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 07:15:37 GMT

In part 2 let's find out how the statue was built and what we can find to remeber her by in Paris.

Sound design from the talented Christopher Ferreira, find more of his original work here.

Follow me on instagram or go to my website for sources and pictures.

Support the show on Patreon or leave a review, it makes my day and helps people find the show.

or you can make a one off donation on PayPal

Artwork Double Merrick

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

30. The Statue of Liberty (part 1)

Tue, 10 Aug 2021 08:24:39 GMT

In these episodes we are once again on the trail of a statue that is no longer here but for a very different reason to last time. The statue of Liberty, as you probably know, was a gift from the French to the Americans. In Paris there are actually 7 different small replicas of Madame Liberty and the one which used to be outside the Arts & Metiers museum, which was made from Bartholdi’s original plaster model, is being sent to America for the 135 anniversary of her big sister’s original voyage. She was sent first to NY and then will be heading to Washington DC. Find out how the idea came about, how she was nearly never made and how she nearly became the statue of Liberté!

Sound design from the talented Christopher Ferreira, find more of his original work here.

Follow me on instagram or go to my website for sources and pictures.

Support the show on Patreon or leave a review, it makes my day and helps people find the show.

or you can make a one off donation on PayPal

Artwork Double Merrick

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

29. Marguerite Durand

Tue, 20 Jul 2021 11:37:32 GMT

Marguerite Durand, Belle Epoch feminist, journalist, pioneer and animal lover. Famous for having a pet lion called 'Tigre,’ having once said "Feminism owes a lot to my blond hair" and for generally standing up to the patriarchy at a time when women were not even allowed to wear trousers. In this episode find out just how much feminism owes to her hair and more.

Music and mixing from the talented Christopher Ferreira, find more of his original work here.

Follow me on instagram or go to my website for sources and pictures.

Support the show on Patreon or leave a review, it makes my day and helps people find the show.

or you can make a one off donation on PayPal

Artwork Double Merrick

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

28. Death & the Statues

Mon, 05 Jul 2021 09:12:50 GMT

During the Nazi occupation Paris and France, saw the sad demise of many of their bronze statues. In this episode come with me to find out what happens to statues when they die and how to remember something that is no longer here.

Read Gary Young's article here

hear about a curious statue of Lenin on 99pi here

Music and mixing from the talented Christopher Ferreira, find more of his original work here.

Follow me on instagram or go to my website for sources and pictures.

Support the show on Patreon or leave a review, it makes my day and helps people find the show.

Artwork Double Merrick

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

27. Charlotte's Skull (Part 2)

Sat, 19 Jun 2021 09:17:49 GMT

Part 2: find out what happened following the assassination of Marat and the Execution of Charlotte.

Music and mixing from the talented Christopher Ferreira, find more of his original work here.

Follow me on instagram or go to my website for sources and pictures.

Support the show on Patreon or leave a review it makes my day and helps people find the show.

Artwork Double Merrick

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

26. Marat's Bathtub (Part 1)

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 12:35:23 GMT

If you are at all familiar with the French revolution you may have come across the painting by Jacques Louis David called ‘The Death of Marat', one of the most famous works of art concerning a revolutionary event. The painting itself depicts the moment of Marat’s assasination; he lies in his bath, holding in his hand a letter, his chest pierced, bleeding, stabbed by Charlotte Corday just moments earlier. It is a gorgeous painting, but also a piece of revolutionary propaganda and a true story, and it speaks volumes both in what is shown and what is absent. In this episode find out more about Marat, Why Charlotte stabbed him and what happened to his bathtub. So come with me and let’s start by going to the Louvre to see what we can learn from this painting. (Part 1 of 2)

Music and mixing from the talented Christopher find more of his great work here.

Follow me on instagram or go to my website for sources and pictures.

Support the show on Patreon

Artwork Double Merrick

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

25. Danton's Finger

Sat, 22 May 2021 14:37:00 GMT

In this episode my attention has been captured by a gesture, a finger - the pointing finger of the sculpture of Danton causing me to wonder why and where is he pointing or rather what is he pointing at? So come with me as we go back to the time time to the revolution and examine the unlovely face and complicated story of George Jacques Danton; the man, the statue and the finger.....

Music and mixing from the talented Christopher find more of his great work here.

Follow me on instagram or go to my website for sources and pictures.

Support the show on Patreon

Artwork Double Merrick

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

24. Ducks & Dragons

Sat, 08 May 2021 07:20:29 GMT

To end our look at signs that gave their names (sort of) to streets let’s visit two lovely streets and discover two fabulous stories; Rue des Canettes and Rue Dragon, or as we might say Ducks and Dragon(s)

To support the show go to Patreon here

Pictures and sources on my website or on Instagram

Music and editing from Christopher Ferreira, see his work here, and listen and vote for his Webby nominated podcast 'Liar, Liar' here

Artwork Double Merrick.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

23. Zamor

Sat, 24 Apr 2021 08:13:00 GMT

In this episode we will look at two shop signs. One that is still in place, and one recently removed. ‘Au Negre Joyeux’ and ‘Au Planteur.’ Do historical racist images deserve to be left in place or should they be taken down?

And who is the man in the picture, could it be Zamor, the Paige and later ‘traitor’ of Madame Du Barry?

For pictures and sources check out my website or Instagram.

Music and editing thanks to Christopher Ferreira, find his work here

Artwork from Double Merrick

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

22. The Headless Woman

Sat, 10 Apr 2021 09:00:45 GMT

Shop signs in Paris go back to as long as there have been shops; they were colorful, creative and often full of word play. Particularly successful signs would sometimes even give streets their names and today some of the best named streets in Paris come from old shop signs. But back in the 17th century things got out of hand and the simple shop sign went from a way of distinguishing your business to lethal street furniture…… Come with to find out more in this episode.

Find pictures on my website or instagram.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

21. Poor Saint Julien

Tue, 22 Oct 2019 12:04:21 GMT

In this episode discover the story of Poor old Saint Julien and the much overlooked church that bears his name. Once a glorious place of learning it is now overshadowed by an ancient tree and Notre Dame Cathedral. All of this was sparked off by my discovery of Paris' oldest street sign.

Find some pictures of said sign and all the rest on Instagram or on my website.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

20. Richelieu, the salaud?

Tue, 28 May 2019 09:42:27 GMT

This episode has been inspired by the book ‘Rue des Salauds by Oscar Lambert.’ The premise of his book is that many of the streets of Paris the ‘rue’ have been named after important or famous people thought history even though some of them have rather dubious characters. On his front cover he writes ‘l’histoire leur a donner une rue… et portante’ history gave them a street… and yet’ We might say that they rue day day that they named the rue after them. Since the first entry to the book is non other than our old anti-hero Richelieu I thought it might be a good opportunity to look a little at the man himself, discover if he was indeed a salaud.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

19. The Haunted Chair

Mon, 18 Feb 2019 16:34:05 GMT

Believe it or not in Paris it is quite possible to become immortal. In fact there are 40 immortals here right at this very moment. So come with me as we explore the cloak and dagger, or should say the cloak and sword world of the Academie Francaise and the mystery of the haunted chair.

check out my website or Instagram for pictures & transcripts.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

18. The Immortal Clockmaker

Wed, 22 Aug 2018 14:41:15 GMT

In this episode as we delve into the urban legend of the Immortal Clockmaker as well as exploring time and timepieces around Paris: from the many curious and often overlooked sundials with their incredible mottos to forgotten meridians, misunderstood meridians and of course clocks: old, beautiful defunct and even revolutionary.

For more info, transcripts music and all that stuff go to my website: panamepodcast.com

For pics and stories follow me on Instagram

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

17. The Alchemist Nicolas Flamel

Sun, 08 Jul 2018 13:17:42 GMT

Who doesn’t like a good story about the mystical world of Alchemists? Certainly JK Rowling does, as did Victor Hugo, both of which make mention of Paris most famous Alchemist Nicolas Flamel. But who was he? Did he really exist? And did he crack the secret that so many alchemists have been searching for – The Philosphers Stone - the key to eternal life and wealth? And what is alchemy anyway? come with me in this episode as I try and puzzle out what it is all about and go on the hunt for Parisian Alchemists.

Follow me on Instagram or check out my website for more info

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

16. Love

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 21:00:25 GMT

In this mini-episode I look at some of the alternatives to the non-tradition of the horrible Love locks which parasite the bridges of Paris and have a look at few examples of love traditions from bygone days.

follow me on Instagram for photos relevant to each episode @panamepodcast

or check out my website for transcripts and photos www.panamepodcast.com

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

15. The Bloody Barber of Rue des Marmousets

Tue, 20 Mar 2018 04:00:00 GMT

Growing up in London I was familiar with the story of Sweeney Todd the bloody barber of fleet street who would cut more than your hair before despatching you to his neighbour Mrs Lovatt to turn you into a pie. So imagine my surprise when, on moving to Paris I discover that they have claimed this story as their own. Sweeney Pierre maybe? I decided to investigate and see who really, if anyone owns this story and if I can find out if there is any truth in it.

see pictures on my website: panamepodcast.com

or follow me on instagram @panamepodcast

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

14. The Obelisk

Tue, 13 Mar 2018 16:46:43 GMT

The obelisk, at over 22 meters high, made from rose Granit and weighing in at an estimated 227 tonnes sits proudly in the centre of the Place de la Concorde and at over 3,000 year old is Paris’ oldest monument. Come with me and lets find out about the fraught journey of the Obelisk from Louxor to Paris.

Follow me on Facebook or Instagram @panamepodcast

You can also find transcripts, links to music and more on my website

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

13. The Flood of 1910

Tue, 06 Mar 2018 20:55:31 GMT

Paris has avoided destruction time and time again in her long history. Saint Genevieve got down on her knees and, as if by miracle, Attila and his horde avoided Paris. Vikings came and went, siege, disease and urban planners all reeked havoc on Paris. Both World War I and II threated Paris with ruin. So it was surprising for me to learn that the Seine, the river that runs through Paris, fundamental to the cities identity, nearly caused its downfall in 1910 when it flooded.

For pictures, transcripts go to my website: panamepodcast.com

Music: The Owl, Dance Nostalgique

Further reading: 'Paris Under Water' by Jeffrey H. Jackson

follow me on Instagram to see pictures @panamepodcast

email: panamepodcast@gmail.com

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

12. A Whiff of Grapeshot

Sun, 28 Jan 2018 13:43:48 GMT

Come with me to the Saint Roch church and have a look at some of the scars left on Paris. These particular ones date all the way back to the Revolution and can blamed a certain young Corsican and, in the words of historian Thomas Carlyle, a whiff of grapeshot.

Music by The Owl

Find transcripts on my website

Revolutionary calendar

Further reading Andrew Roberts - Napoleon the Great.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

11. Homme Rouge

Fri, 22 Dec 2017 16:40:00 GMT

There is a legend that tells of 'Le Petit Homme Rouge', the Little Red Man that haunted the Tuileries palace for over 300 years, between about 1570 when it was built to 1871 when it was burnt down by the Paris Commune. He appeared only to the inhabitants of the palace, in other words kings, queens and emperors and was, usually, a harbinger of doom or bad tidings. Come with me and find out more about this curious urban legend.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

10. Saint Médard

Mon, 20 Nov 2017 12:06:07 GMT

"God is forbidden by order of the King to perform any more miracles in the cemetery of Saint-Médard."

Find out why in this episode.

For pictures & transcripts go to panamepodcast.com

music by The Owl

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

9. La Cour des Miracles

Sat, 28 Oct 2017 10:13:54 GMT

La Cour des Miracles, so named because each night, as if by miracle, the blind would regain their sight, the deaf hear their names being called and the lame regain use of their limbs. In this episode come with me to the slum of 17th Century Paris precariously perched between the city proper and the outside world; a hidden den of thieves, outlaws and prostitues made famous by Victor Hugo in his novel 'Notre Dame de Paris.'

Music by The Owl

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

8. Landru

Thu, 12 Oct 2017 09:13:06 GMT

In this episode we will be finding out about one of Frances' most famous serial killers, a storybook monster come to life: Henri Desiré Landru, otherwise known as the real Blue Beard. Like his fictive namesake he had a full beard, even though it was not blue, and a propensity for murder.

Music from The Owl

Other clips include: Renaud, Charles Trent, Mr Verdoux

See picture on my website

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

7. La Guillotine

Tue, 26 Sep 2017 11:26:09 GMT

When the French talk of The Revolution of 1789 they might want us to think ‘Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité’ but most of us probably think of the Guillotine. Come with me as we find traces of her around Paris and discover how her status, stature and use changed over the 200 years that she was used as the means of execution in France.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

6. The Gouffé Affaire

Thu, 17 Aug 2017 10:16:16 GMT

Following on from the last episode we discover how sometimes the Paris Morgue did indeed help to catch a villein but not as you might expect. The Gouffé affair also known as the 'Bloody trunk' or 'malle sanglante' in French, was a media sensation in 19th Century Paris. The body of Augustin Gouffé was discovered stuffed into a wooden trunk but thanks to the pioneering work in forensics of Dr Lacassange and the unusual move of displaying the trunk at the Paris Morgue the criminals were found and brought to justice. Music from 'The Owl' http://www.youtube.com/c/theowlmusic

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

5. The Morgue

Tue, 04 Jul 2017 08:47:02 GMT

Between 1864 and 1907, behind the Cathedral of Notre Dame, Parisians in their thousands would go to visit the public morgue and see the unclaimed dead displayed behind a huge window. Find out more about this most macabre of activities and the beautiful 'drown Mona Lisa' also know as 'l'inconnue de la Seine' and how she became the most kissed person in the world. Music 'The Owl' http://www.youtube.com/c/theowlmusic Further reading: 'Spectacular Realities' Vanessa R. Schwartz

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

4. Bertillon

Thu, 22 Jun 2017 12:03:28 GMT

Meet Alphones Bertillon, the French Sherlock Holmes. He revolutionised police work and his legacy lives on this very day and yet his stubbornness nearly resulted in the loss of one of the Louvre's most precious works of art. Music by The Owl: http://www.youtube.com/c/theowlmusic and Poddington Bear.Logo design by the fabulous Double Merrick: https://doublemerrick.myshopify.com

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

3. Père Lachaise

Tue, 13 Jun 2017 11:12:17 GMT

Let's take a walk through Paris' most famous cemetery and discover how, even centuries after their death, the tragic love story of Abelard and Heloise changed the fortunes of this cemetery, making it the number one place to be buried.Music from 'The Owl' find more of her work here: https://www.youtube.com/c/theowlmusic Logo designed by the talented Double Merrick; find more of his work here: https://doublemerrick.myshopify.com

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2. Bastille

Wed, 31 May 2017 20:50:58 GMT

In this episode we will discover what elephants, giraffes and ancient Egyptian mummies have to do with Bastille and where the prison went. Intro music 'La Danse Nostalgique' by The Owl, find more of her work here: https://oldowl.bandcamp.com/ Art work from Double Merrick, find his fabulous prints here: https://doublemerrick.myshopify.com

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1. How Paris became Paname

Sat, 20 May 2017 08:08:25 GMT

In this episode we will discover the story of 'Paname' and how if Paris made the fortune and reputation of Gustave Eiffel Paname destroyed it. Intro Music ‘La Danse Nostalgique’ by The Owl. http://www.youtube.com/c/theowlmusic - my Youtube channel

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/panamepodcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.