Paris

Episode 1

City of Dreams

Episode 2

Blood and Chocolate

In this episode we explore the history of Paris, from its origins as a small island in the River Seine to its emergence as a centre of cultural richness. Behind elegant squares and romantic bridges lurk rough back streets and a heritage of bloody revolution. Art historian Sandrine Voillet meets the current trend-setters including fashion designer Christian Lacroix, leading porn star Ovidie, and rebel rap band Sniper.

Episode 3

Bohemian Rhapsody

Sandrine Voillet tells how the city embraced technology (the Lumiere Bros, Louis Renault and the Metro), counter-culture (Picasso, Josephine Baker and Serge Gainsbourg) and immigration to preserve its reputation as lighthouse city to the world. But it was not plain sailing: resistance to modernisation, the Occupation and rioting in the Banlieue tell a darker story and reveal problems unresolved to this day. Along the way, Sandrine meets Picasso's grandson and Jane Birkin.