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Isild Le Besco singing, from Le Marais Soundwalk, Paris. Photo by Valerie Sadoune.
This thursday, Camille Kiejman, editor of Le Nouvel Observateur‘s fashion and lifestyle blog “En mode Libre” talks about one of her “coup de coeur” of the year, namely the soundwalks. After a quick description of the origins and concept of Soundwalk, she reviews the different tours that are available in Paris : Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Le Marais, Le Palais Royal, Belleville, Pigalle. Having tried out all the Parisian Soundwalks herself, she offers an authentic overview of her impressions and gives out her own recommandations about the tours.
“Soundwalk is a really unique experience, a way of looking at the city and travelling in just one hour, but also a way to learn things and get away from everything. My advice : do it together with someone else, it gives the impression to be plugged into a secret frequency and to escape from the nervous spin of the everyday city life.”
Read Camille Kiejman’s article on Le Nouvel Observateur’s blog (in French)
More info about the tours on Soundwalk’s website
Have a look at Soundwalk’s tours catalogue in the Soundwalk iPhone App
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Le Marais Soundwalk is one of three audio tours that launched the Soundwalk iPhone application during the 8th edition of Nuit Blanche in Paris on October 3rd, 2009. Saint Germain des Prés, Belleville, and Marais Soundwalk iPhone applications feature interactive maps using geo-localization, real-time walking itinerary, practical information about the locations visited, and more, as you explore the cityscape guided by the voice of an iconic figure from the neighborhood.
In this audio excerpt of Le Marais Soundwalk take in the beauty of one of Paris’ most unique neighborhoods, as you keep up with the unpunctual narrator Isild Le Besco, an actress who finds herself late to an audition. Set your eyes upon the statue of Louis XIII at the Place des Vosges as you stand beside Isild. Her voice, ringing with honesty in your ears, will enchant you.
Check it: Marais: Soundwalk
Audio and Image: Soundwalk
Music: Fred Avril
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“My childhood neighborhood changed although in some little corners it remains the same. Two communities still live perfectly together: jews and gays. But the Marais is getting more and more invaded by clothing stores… No matter what, le Marais keeps its soul if you know where to look for it. As I took the Soundwalk, I found it (hopefully) back. The cheesecakes still have the same taste as my grandmother’s one, the gay bookstore has the best selection of thrillers!” – Helene Zylberait
Images: Le Petit Fer à Cheval (where the walk starts), Derek Jarman dvd (original version in latin, subtitled in german), hasidic tags, courtyards… by Helene Zylberait
Check it: Soundwalk Paris Marais narrated by Isild Le Besco
Check the New York City Hasidic Community in Williamsburg: Men’s Hasidic walk narrated by Joseph Piekarski and Women’s Hasidic walk narrated by Pearl Gluck