The French Art of Living: Embracing Joie de Vivre
The French attitude to life is effortlessly elegant, rooted in authenticity and a deep appreciation for everyday beauty. It reflects not just how they feel—but how they choose to live. At the heart of it all lies the timeless concept of joie de vivre—the joy of living.
More than just a phrase, joie de vivre is a mindset. It’s about savoring simple pleasures, prioritizing balance, and finding beauty in the present moment. French, Français – no matter the language, it is a beautiful lifestyle to covet and explore.
It is no surprise that I love French influences. I have spent time working in France and working with French brands. My husband’s family is originally of French heritage from Benaud, Laps – a village in the Arrondissement de Clermont-Ferrand. And having European heritage myself I have always been drawn to its beauty, fashion, architecture and history, and the way of life. I seek out the more intimate areas on the coast and in the country where you can really experience the lifestyle. Some would call it having a ‘French affair’. How could you not fall in love?
A French lifestyle is not about going from place to place at a frenetic pace. It is not a life of check lists, prioritising and constantly rescheduling. You begin to understand it is about savouring moments. It is by taking a step back and incorporating a little bit of that ‘je ne sais quoi’ into our own daily lives. This is a pleasing quality that cannot translated. It is establishing a way to be content and live in the moment.
THE MORNING RITUALS
Angelina Paris | Le Bousse Paris
SAVOURING THE DAY
Boulangerie Mornings: There is a reason French cities, towns and villages have beautiful bakeries – it is to savour those morning moments. The morning rituals of visiting your favourite ‘boulangerie’ (bakery) to seek out your cherished pastries and breads is one of the most French ways to begin your day. This should be accompanied by a beautiful jam, fruit and yogurt. And where would your morning be without a ‘café au lait’. It is about beginning your day with an appreciation of life.
Appreciate Midday: The French do not eat on the run, nor do they snack – they savour each food moment. Lunch is an integral part of each day – time is paused in the middle of the day to enjoy a mid-day meal. Take a moment to stop in the middle of the day.
When In Paris: For that beautiful Parisian moment visit the classical café of Café de Flore that is steeped in heritage and history. Explore the menu. The Angelina Paris a legendary 1903 tea room that offers refined and hot chocolate in a belle epoque-style setting. But remember to book. For breakfast or lunch, the La Bossue is a pastry-tea room located on the Montmartre hill, serving delicious sweet and savoury dishes in a warm atmosphere. Reserve a table for your next visit to the city of lights.
A Cooking Atelier
The Cook’s Atelier | Beaune, France.
Food Market Shopping: Open markets have been established in Paris since the 15th century. Today, more than 80 food markets remain active in Paris. It is an everyday ritual to seek out fresh produce that is in season. Begin exploring your own local farmers’ markets – they are not only wonderful for product but for fresh locally grown flowers, meats and condiments. When in Paris shop for your lunch or dinner in the local market and engage with the vendors. It is also a good way to practice your language skills. Paris Perfect lists the ten best markets to explore.
The Cooking Notes: Experience the importance of French food at The Cook’s Atelier – a family-run French Cooking School in Beaune, offering culinary programs, experiences and cooking masterclasses. located between Lyon and Dijon. Beaune is one of the key wine centres in France, and the centre of Burgundy wine production and business. Learn more about The Cook’s Atelier to create a unique food experience on your next vacation to France. It will be a life time moment.
Evening Encounters
SAVOURING HOME MOMENTS
Savour The Apéritif – A Cherished Pre-Dinner Ritual: Connect to those you dine with and begin with an apéritif, a pre-dinner drink at a meaning dining destination or at home before a dinner party. This is a moment to create what lies ahead for the evening.
Dining At Home – Table Matters: In the evening all around France families sit down to dine together. It is a practice that should be encouraged. Take in new beginnings by setting a table each evening for the family meal. It does not have to be an elaborate affair. Simply add a vase of flowers, a scented candle and some of your favourite plates and flatware to create a special dining space.
The Meaning Of Sundays: This is considered one of the most important days of the week in French life. It is where you can take the time to enjoy your home, family and friends; savour a Sunday meal; and enjoy a day of leisure and relaxation.
The Art Of Conversation: Conversation is important in French culture. The art of holding a meaningful conversation with the French is an important aspect of life – be in at the office, at home or with friends. The French also like to debate a subject, and children from an early age begin to learn this skill at school.
A Life Note: In France you do not talk about money, wealth or how much you earn. It is frowned upon in conversation. To me this is simply good manners.
The Art Of Life
THOUGHTS AND BEAUTY
Getting Lost In Your Thoughts: We speak of wandering – the French word for it ‘flâner’ which has no English equivalent. It is to stroll, it is a word that has no direction, but is full of meaning. It is what you do as you walk through Paris, or other French towns and villages, and are mesmerised by its cultural beauty. You do no rush but amble at a quite pace; you do not have to have a reason to be where you are, you are simply embracing the moment; you may not need a purpose to ‘flâner’. I am a big walker at home or when I travel – so take a moment or two to simply ‘flâner’. Walking is one of the simplest ways to embrace a French lifestyle.
The Flâner Notes: Take a walk in the early morning or post-dinner to capture different moments of that French way of life. One of the most charming parks in Paris is Parque Monceau. It was one of the first landscaped parks to be created in Paris. It was designed for the Duc de Chartres in about the 1760’s. Located on the border of the 8th and 17th Arrondissements you can sit and view French life. Learn more about this beautiful park.
APRRECIATING HISTORY
Museums and Galleries: The embellishment of culture and art is truly French. It is the way to visit museums during leisure times. The French capital is home to three of the most ten visited museums in the world. I remember my first visit to the Louvre Museum; it was overwhelming and inspiring at the same time. But it is not always the most well-known destinations that can inspire you.
The Paris Notes: Seek out the smaller galleries and museums for a more intimate experience. The Musée Carnavalet in Paris is dedicated to the history of the city. The museum occupies two neighbouring mansions: the Hôtel Carnavalet and the former Hôtel Le Peletier de Saint Fargeau. Its beautiful formal garden courts offer a peaceful shelter in the bustling historic neighbourhood of Marais. Discover more of the history behind the stories and exhibitions.
French, Français – it is a beautiful lifestyle. Paris, known as the city of love, has a law dating back to 1910. Did you know that it is forbidden to kiss on a train platform while a train is present? This was originally implemented to stop people delaying trains. However beginning a love affair with France, Paris is the perfect place to start as it will capture your heart – and just maybe inspire you to create beautiful French moments at home, no matter where that may be.
More To Love
For more French inspired moments visit Style And Grace to read French Affairs – La Blouse Marinière – the story of the Breton Top. In The Travel Notebbook A French Affair – Travel Beauty reveals the Caudalie Spa destination in the heart of Normandy. And in The Life Moments discover Carla Coulson – Behind The Camera – a story of life-changing moments.
