The living and the dead

Available for over a year

The neighbourhood of Montparnasse in central Paris has been home to some of the most influential artists, writers and composers of the last two centuries, perhaps nowhere more so than the area around Joanna Robertson’s street, rue Boissonade. In the last of her series, Joanna explores the lasting influence that some of the area's writers, painters and film-makers have had, and continue to have. Their presence and appeal linger not just in the buildings where they lived, but also in their final resting place, the famous cemetery of Montparnasse, which has become a destination in its own right. Some white marble graves have lipstick stains on them, left by adoring fans. Presenter: Joanna Robertson Producer: Arlene Gregorius Editor: Sara Wadeson Production coordinator: Maria Ogundele Sound engineer: Rod Farquhar Song 'Sans Toi', performed by Corinne Marchand, from the film 'Cleo de 5 a 7', written and directed by Agnes Varda, in 1962. Lyrics of 'Sans Toi' by Agnes Varda, music by Michel Legrand.