Fransk-norsk kafé: A conversation with Jørgen Skullerud Hesselberg
Paris often makes the headlines because of political tensions, demonstrations and the challenges of urban life. But it is also a city of inspiration, literature, art and everyday discoveries. This is the side of the French capital we explore in the latest episode of Fransk-norsk kafé.
Our guest, Jørgen Skullerud Hesselberg, is a young Norwegian who has lived in France since 2023 and in Paris since 2024. Passionate about writing, literature and cultural life, he has founded Byleik, a bilingual French-Norwegian publication exploring art, literature and urban life.
Discovering Paris beyond the landmarks
For Jørgen, Paris is much more than its famous monuments. It is a city to explore through everyday experiences: cycling through its streets, spending time in neighbourhood cafés and observing the people around him.
In his columns published on iEuropa, he describes spontaneous bicycle rides, his favourite cafés in the 19th and 20th arrondissements, and the pleasure of discovering a city without always having a destination in mind.
These experiences also reflect his interest in writing personal columns, turning small observations into stories about the world around us.
Byleik: a literary project between three languages
At the heart of our conversation is Byleik, the French-Norwegian publication Jørgen has created in Paris.
What inspires someone to start a literary and artistic journal in two languages? How can everyday experiences become stories? And how can art and literature create connections between different cultures?
We discuss creativity, inspiration and what it means to find your own voice while living abroad.
A different, more positive view of Paris
This episode is also an opportunity to explore a side of Paris that is sometimes overshadowed by the news: its lively neighbourhoods, café culture, artistic energy and countless everyday encounters.
Without ignoring the difficulties of life in a major city, Jørgen offers a curious and enthusiastic perspective on the place he now calls home.
A warm, thoughtful and inspiring conversation in Norwegian and French about literature, cultural encounters and the joy of discovering Paris.
Listen to this episode of Fransk-norsk kafé on your favourite podcast platform.
