Have you ever wanted to live like a true French girl, with the effortlessly chic ‘I-woke-up-like-this’ look, croissants & coffee in hand, perusing one of the many French cafes and soaking up that “joie de vivre”?
Ah, the allure of the French lifestyle – from the chic fashion to the delicious cuisine, charming architecture… it’s no wonder that so many of us dream of incorporating a little bit of that‘je ne sais quoi’ into our own daily lives.
And while hopping on a plane to Paris may not be feasible for everyone, worry not!
With a few simple adjustments and mindset shifts, you can easily bring a touch of French lifestyle into your everyday routine, no matter where in the world you are.
In this post, I’m going to share with you some of my favorite tips and tricks on how to live a French-inspired lifestyle from anywhere – because who says you need to be in France to embrace la vie en rose?
My Favorite French Lifestyle Essentials!
What does a Typical French Lifestyle Look Like?
As someone who has had the great pleasure of immersing myself into the French way of life, I can say that a French Lifestyle is all about savoring the little moments and finding pleasure in the small things.
The French have an appreciation for taking things slow and savoring each moment. They never rush their meals, always try to be present in the moment, and have adopted an effortlessly minimal way of living.
You’ll most likely find the French leisurely enjoying their favorite café or boulangerie, spending quality uninterrupted time with friends and family, or appreciating the French fine art, culture or cuisine.
What French Lifestyle is NOT
The French lifestyle is definitely not about rushing through life or living by a strict schedule.It is not about ‘grabbing a quick bite’ or eating at your desk whilst working. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a French person at a a fast food restaurant, or multi-tasking while eating their meal!
It is also important to note that the French lifestyle is not about consumption. French people don’t accumulate possessions just for the sake of it.
The French tend to steer clear of fads just because they are trendy, but rather adopt a more minimalistic approach to living, which stands the test of time over and over. After all, the word ‘timeless’ is most commonly associated with the French style, is it not?
Embracing La Vie Française: How to Live A French Lifestyle from Anywhere
Savor your Breakfast: Delight in Daily Fresh Baguettes and Pastries
If there could only be one defining aspect of the French lifestyle, it would be its emphasis on fresh, local food.
The French are known for starting their day with a fresh, warm baguette straight from their favorite boulangerie. They are also known for shopping at their local farmers markets for the freshest ingredients.
And while the stereotypical French breakfast consists of croissants and baguettes, the truth is that most French people eat a well-balanced breakfast, which consists mainly of a bread, jam, fruit of choice, and perhaps a small yoghurt on the side. All of this alongside a classic espresso, of course.
Tips for incorporating a French breakfast into your daily routine:
* Seek out your local bakery for the freshest bread.
* Drink a more modest portion of coffee, usually no more than the size of a teacup. Black, preferably… or with a dash of milk and sugar (I can’t go without it!)
* Try to hit your local farmers markets if you’re lucky enough to have one by you! You can pick up fresh fruit, flowers, and some crisply-baked bread for the week.
Embrace the Art of Simple Elegance
The art of simple elegance – it’s something the French have truly mastered and elevated to an enviable way of life.
From tousled hair and rumpled linens to savoring a lingering cafe au lait or artfully composed cheese plate, the French ideal is all about being fully present and finding beauty in life’s uncomplicated moments.
The French have an expression for this way of life, and they call it the ‘joie de vivre’.
This phrase focuses on elegant simplicity – living life to the fullest while leaving unnecessary noise behind.
Here are some tips to incorporate the art of simple elegance into your everyday:
* It starts with cultivating an appreciative eye towards life’s simple pleasures
* Begin your day by lingering at your favorite cafe, and savoring each sip of your morning coffee
* Always leave the house wearing something you feel good in. Throw on an ironed pair of trousers, a camisole, and one of your favorite accessories. Voila, the simple art of elegance and joie de vivre.
* Be more present in the little moments of everyday. Put down your phone for just a moment and go out for a post-work walk.
Cultivate a Polished Appearance
French women are known for their polished yet effortless look. Achieving this doesn’t require a lot of time or special skills, but rather a few key habits and tips.
When it comes to clothing, think classic and versatile pieces. French women often invest in a few high-quality items rather than filling their wardrobes with fast fashion.
When it comes to skincare, French women are all about that minimalism. They typically focus more on skincare than makeup.
When it comes to makeup, French women believe that it’s important to enhance your natural beauty rather than hide behind it. Consider lightweight choices when applying makeup.
Here’s how to incorporate all of this into your everyday get-ready routine:
* Build a capsule wardrobe: that includes essentials like a little black dress, a trench, well-fitted trousers, and neutral colored blouses. Add simple accessories like scarves, a statement watch or good quality handbag!
* For your skincare, use gentle products that have less or more natural ingredients in them. All you really need is a good cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF!
* Keep it light on your face during the day. The French makeup look usually consists of a lightweight foundation, mascara, light blush, and maybe a red lip.
When it Comes to Home Decor, Less is More
One of the best ways to embody the French lifestyle is to incorporate a bit of it into your home!
French homes are all about cultivating that timeless elegance and effortlessly chic look. Think of Parisian apartments for example, you’ll usually find the base setting a neutral palette, with lots of gray, cream, pale blue.
And then you have those gorgeous pops of color and vibrant hues through fabrics, art, and books! I always find that my decor & furniture are the two things that bring a bit of that ‘Parisian flair’ to my home.
Find my Parisian-inspired home decor favorites in Week 2 and Week 3 of the EuroChic!
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Here are some ideas & pieces to incorporate more of that ‘Parisian style’ into your home:
* Furniture: Opt for a few well-made pieces of furniture. A comfortable sofa, vintage coffee table, and a beautiful armchair can make your home feel inviting.
* Décor: Choose art and décor items that resonate with you personally. This could include framed prints, vintage mirrors, or even a vase of fresh or dried flowers. I absolutely love this book set from Etsy, it totally gives Parisian chic.
* Lighting: Good lighting can change the entire ambiance of a room. Use a combination of natural light, table lamps, and floor lamps to create a warm and cozy atmosphere.
French Lifestyle Etiquette and Manners
The French are known to have this quiet sophistication about them, that makes them all-the-more mysterious. It can sometimes be mistaken as being ‘self-involved’ or ‘stuck-up’ but that couldn’t be further from true!
French etiquette is all about keeping things polished yet low-key. Instead of big hugs, greetings are relaxed air kisses on the cheeks.
The French do not prefer loud scenes or over-the-top antics. Just an easygoing, elegant flair in everyday interactions. It’s all about remaining polished…with a side of edgy nonchalance!
Here are some ways to embody that French etiquette and elegance in your everyday:
* When catching up with friends over drinks or coffee, take your time listening & responding. Seamlessly mix laid-back conversation with people watching. The French don’t feel the need to fill every silent moment with conversation. It’s perfectly OK to sit in comfortable silence and take in the surroundings!
* Speak eloquently and calmly. The French speak so softly, one might almost call it a loud-whisper. They do not raise their voice to make a point, and view soft-speaking as a sign of respect to others around them.
* Host more dinner parties. These do not have to be over-the-top. In fact, in France, dinner parties are casual yet chic affairs. It’s very common to host dinner parties with friends at least once a week. Set up a charcuterie board and let everyone mingle naturally. More on how to set up the PERFECT wine & cheese night below.
Prioritize Leisure and Balance
The French way emphasizes true work-life balance and making time for simple pleasures.
They take breaks during the day to unwind, like long lunches. If you ever sit at a café in France, you’ll notice nobody is in a rush to serve you, and you can stay there as long as you like!
One might say that the French even take ‘leisure’ to an extreme, as they take their vacations very seriously! Not only does France basically shut down the month of August, but you’ll find most places closed throughout the year between the hours of 12pm-2pm, with stores and supermarkets closing as early as 7pm in the smaller cities.
The French truly value their leisure time, and usually choose to spend it with family, completely unplugged. Typical French leisure hobbies & activities include art, music, cooking, visiting museums.
Tips to incorporate more work-life balance into your everyday life, like the French do:
* Instead of jumping straight to your work emails over morning coffee, ease into your day with a low-key ritual like enjoying a croissant and café au lait while catching up on your favorite book or podcast.
* Channel your inner Parisian and treat yourself to a legitimate lunch break. Step away from your desk, even if it’s just a stroll to a park bench. Having a change of scenery in your day makes all the difference!
* Schedule non-negotiable “me time” a few times a week, just as you would any other commitment. Use it for a leisurely grooming session, going to your favorite cafe, journaling, or doing your favorite self-care routine.
* While Sunday is typically reserved for chores and errands, keep your Saturdays open for true leisure. Explore the latest happenings in your city, discover a new restaurant, or entertain friends at home over a dinner party.
Appreciate Wine and Cheese like a Parisian
There is nothing that quite comes close to the way the French do ‘Wine and Cheese’. In fact, I think most of the world turns to French influence for these iconic picnic fundamentals.
So let’s dive in and truly discover how to appreciate wine and cheese like the French do, while also learning how to master the perfect charcuterie board at home!
To truly appreciate wine and cheese like a sophisticated Parisian, it’s all about cultivating an unhurried, sensory-focused mindset.
How to Appreciate Wine and Cheese the Parisian way:
* Wine Appreciation: Instead of throwing back a glass, slow down. Gently swirl and let the aromas waft up before sipping. Become acquainted with what you like. Now, I’m not saying you should become a wine snob. But, knowing what you prefer as well as the basic differences between dry vs sweet, “nutty” vs “fruity” vs “earthy” will definitely impress your friends at the very least.
* Always keep a bottle of wine on hand. I can’t imagine walking into a French person’s house and not finding a single bottle of wine! PRO TIP– a kept bottle of red is always your best bet.
* Cheese Mastery: With cheese, almost always make an occasion of it. Artfully arrange an assortment of textures and milk types on a beautiful wooden board. I personally love this one and this one.
* Lastly, make sure your charcuterie board is accompanied by fresh fruit, nuts, cured meats, crusty bread or a baguette, and, bien sûr, wine. Some cheeses to ALWAYS add to any board are: a good brie, chèvre (a delicious goat cheese, opt for an herb or jam-filled one!)munster, and a camembert (cows milk with a soft, mushroomy taste)
The Café Experience
Cafés in France go far beyond just being a place to grab a coffee—they are a lifestyle.
At its core, the French café is a social hub for connecting with friends, losing yourself in thought over the pages of a well-worn book, or simply indulging in unhurried people-watching.
So, the idea is to slow down and savor the small moments in the everyday – remember, the French never gulp their drinks, but rather linger over each sip.
Here’s how to channel that quintessential café ambiance and mindset:
* Create a cozy café corner in your home: Curate a dedicated “café corner” with a bistro table and chair, preferably by a sunny window or source of light. Also, add a few durable ceramic mug and saucer sets to your dish collection. I love this one. You can even affix a vintage French placard or painting to the wall for ambiance.
* Make sure to stock up on magazines, fresh (or beautifully dried!) flowers, and have access to good music to set the mood. Even better, get a vintage record player and set it near your café corner!
* Finally, enjoy your coffee or tea with a book or some quiet reflection.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, creating a French lifestyle wherever you are revolves around prioritizing that ‘joie de vivre’ we talked about and savoring life’s little luxuries to the fullest.
Make sure not to approach it as another checklist to cram into your schedule. The French way is meant to feel laidback and indulgent, not stressful.
Instead, start small by being more present as you slowly sip your morning cafe au lait or get lost in people-watching on your lunch break.
Redefine luxury as thoughtful moments of delight – whether that’s lingering over a delicious charcuterie board with friends, taking the scenic route home, or lounging in a plush robe with relaxing music. It’s about self-care and intentionally celebrating humble joys.
While mastering the art of the French-inspired lifestyle is certainly a journey, making little changes in your day-to-day can provide an instant reset.
Likewise, going all-in on embracing that effortless ‘je ne sais quoi’ philosophy offers immediate benefits. After all, our busy lives could certainly use more simple pleasures and fewer obligations. That’s precisely what the French lifestyle is all about!
