Les Américains à Paris

In this episode of Critics at Large, Alex Schwartz interviews Lauren Collins, The New Yorker's correspondent in Paris, about the enduring allure of Paris for Americans. They discuss the historical context of Americans in Paris, referencing figures like Edith Wharton, Janet Flanner, Josephine Baker and James Baldwin, and explore how Paris has represented different ideals—from sophistication and sexual liberation to artistic freedom—at various points in history. Collins shares her personal experiences of living in Paris, her work for The New Yorker, and some of the realities of French culture, including the diversity of its population and the emergence of new culinary trends like French tacos. The conversation also critiques the romanticized and often stereotypical portrayals of Paris and Parisians in popular culture, such as in "Emily in Paris," and touches on the social and political factors that contribute to the quality of life in France.