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Joana Hanna’s Insider’s Guide to Paris: A love story
Joana Hanna, Multisport Creative, On Partner and Parisienne, moves through the city sharing her pick of the best places to feel the ‘anything is possible’ energy.
Words by Joana Hanna. Photography by Jean-Marc Jaleel.
Romance, revolution and reaching new goals: From fashion weeks to sporting seasons, the world’s doers, makers and dreamers are coming together this summer to celebrate their love for the French capital. On speaks to multisport creative and Parisienne local, Joana Hanna, to get an insider’s take on what the city of light – and the secrets it holds – means to her.
“Bienvenue to Paris, my home, my city.”
I was born in Courbevoie, a Parisian suburb, and grew up in the East of Paris. I spend a lot of time in Paris central and around Le Marais in the 4th arrondissement, also known as SoMa (South Marais). It’s full of independent stores, galleries and bars.
It’s also home to the Maison de Victor Hugo, now a museum dedicated to the famous French writer who once said, “Breathe Paris in. It nourishes the soul.” In the early-mid 19th Century, Hugo wrote a big part of Les Misérables at this Musée mansion – and it’s worth a visit to feel inspired by his creativity alone.
Mornings, when the sun rises, are when I’m at my most creative. But I’m not one of those people who has to have a strict routine. I travel a lot, but I consistently start the day with good coffee and a good walk. Espresso is the classic local coffee order, but I treat myself to an oat milk latte. It goes on ice when the sun’s out.
“Espresso is the classic local coffee order…”
I’m a naturally active person, and Paris is a joy if you love to move. Soccer and basketball were my favorite team sports at college. Today, I enjoy Vinyasa yoga classes at Kind Yoga, indoor soccer (futsal) sessions with my friends and family at Le Five on Sundays, or a good run “sur les quais” by the Seine. Running on the waterside is beautiful, and I run best without all the Parisian traffic lights, so I can relax and find my flow.
You can’t come to Paris without trying the ‘Choux à la crème’ from boulangerie, Mamiche. They’re not too sweet, super light and incredibly moreish. Or you can also try the ‘Babkas’ (for the cinnamon lovers) at French Bastards, perfect with a Jasmine tea – my favorite combination. My favorite coffee shops (Partisan Café Artisanal, Café Kitsuné, and Noir) of course serve delicious coffee, but also have an aesthetic that works well on Instagram – everything tastes better if you can share it with friends.
My favorite way to travel around Paris is to walk or run. We have more and more bike paths too, so that’s another great option to get a feel for the city. I think the Metro’s the most cost-effective way to get the furthest, the quickest – that’s the most popular mode of transport for Paris locals, for sure.
“Everything tastes better if you can share it with friends.”
There’s this tiny hidden coffee shop not far away from the Eiffel Tower in the 16th arrondissement that I kept to myself for a long time. It’s very small and in Maison de Balzac, where there’s also a tiny museum dedicated to Honoré de Balzac, the French writer well known for his comedy and short stories. It’s got a cute garden and view of the Tower – go on a sunny day if you can.
I’m proud to be a local and it’s fun to talk about what makes a person ‘Parisienne’ – whether that refers to food, wine, culture, style, the sports they choose or the attitude they have. That said, Paris also has an incredible global community, and celebrates bringing people together through those same, shared passions. Everyone is welcome. Great food, art, architecture, green spaces – and of course, romance – is for everyone.
Just as the history and legacy of a city like Paris informs its future, so you can make an analogy here with the discipline of running. All the training that goes before race day, will inform your performance, and perhaps, your destiny as a champion.
“Training will inform your performance, and perhaps, your destiny as a champion.”
My one piece of advice for anyone visiting Paris is, don’t fall in love too fast! Take your time to enjoy all the city has to offer.
Explore On’s running routes in Paris
A 12.3km route with just 62m of elevation. Start in the spirit of revolution at the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall), pass The Louvre and take in the glorious sights of the City of Light.
A more challenging 17.6km route, with 106m of elevation. This route covers some of the distance elite marathoners will run this summer. Follow in their footsteps, without the obligatory ice bath and recovery time.
An easy, 9.5km route with just 44m of elevation. It connects Bonjour Jacob with some of the city's best refueling stations (Note: French Bastards bakes are a right of passage) and finishes up at fitness studio, La Montgolfière. Raise your warm-up game with an espresso, and let your legs do the rest.