Embrace the French philosophy of joie de vivre and unveil the romanticized life of your dreams…no plane ticket necessary.
It’s April in Paris (and in every other part of the world) and that means it’s time to shake off the dust of a long winter, crack open our windows, and let in air full of fresh promises and new delights. But, if you’re in the midst of a season of April showers, the delightful Parisian spring of your wanderlust dreams might feel more than a bit elusive.
Whether it’s literally raining in your part of the world or you just haven’t quite managed to chase away the winter blues, Paris (and a dash of pink) is the cure for everything. And, while we can’t all catch a flight to France and experience the Parisian lifestyle for ourselves, we can infuse our life with a dash of the City of Love’s infectious joie de vivre before the cherry blossoms begin to fall.
It all begins by living la vie en rose. Here’s how to romanticize your life by embracing the art of French living:
Café Society
To begin your journey to living a French-inspired life this spring, set aside time in the morning just for you—no to-do list, no commitments, and no electronics. Even if you have to set your alarm half an hour earlier to build in space for morning “me time”, don’t hit snooze. Instead, jump out of bed, slip into your favorite robe, and head to your favorite cozy nook in the house—or a sunny spot outside if the weather is cooperative.
Turn on our curated playlist of classic Parisian tunes, and make yourself a cup of your favorite coffee or tea—might we recommend this delightful French Breakfast blend from centuries-old Parisian tea purveyor, Mariage Frères? Or, if you feel like you deserve a little treat, consider buying a bottle of Angelina’s famous hot chocolate, beloved by Parisians and connoisseurs around the world since the early 1900’s. Feeling adventurous? This almond croissant banana bread might not be 100% French, but our editors can confirm…it’s 1000% delicious.
As you sip your beverage of choice alongside your breakfast, close your eyes and allow fresh air and French music to awaken your senses. Afterwards, embrace the French art of intellectualism and engage your mind through reading or writing. If you keep a journal, then this is the perfect time to put your early-morning thoughts down on paper. Otherwise, get inspired by reading a chapter or two of Janine Marsh’s How to be French or Alice Oehr’s Pretend You’re in Paris as you embark on your journey toward seeing life la vie en rose.
Daily Delights
Don’t squander the peace and mindfulness you cultivated through your quiet morning by rushing through the rest of your day. Continue to avoid the hustle in your routine by being intentional about your tasks and completing them one at a time—no multitasking! That can be as simple as not bringing your phone into the bathroom and focusing more completely on your skincare routine or taking your lunch outside instead of eating at your desk. What’s important is that you savor each moment of your day.
As you dress for work, don’t consider what is easiest or most comfortable to throw on as you hurry out the door. Instead, slip into something that makes you feel fabulous—accessorize with your favorite jewels or slip on those shoes you only wear on special occasions. One of the most important parts of living la vie en rose is living wholly in the moment, as if there were no yesterday and there is no tomorrow. That means spritzing on a dash of that perfume you’ve been saving for the “right” time and wearing your favorite lipstick just because. The only reason life isn’t romantic is because we don’t romanticize it. But, by living la vie en rose, we can do just that.
If possible, walk to and from work instead of taking the bus or driving—feel the sun on your skin (don your favorite stylish shades if it’s sunny or a silk scarf if there’s a chill in the air) and breathe in the scent of springtime. Instead of grabbing takeout or a premade meal for dinner, try a simple supper with French flair like one of these 17 Easy French Recipes from Food & Wine. Need to stock up on ingredients? Don’t just dash to the nearest supermarket; visit a local farmer’s market and take time to browse and visit with the vendors. While you’re at it, pick up a bouquet of flowers or a loaf of freshly baked bread for your kitchen table.
La Bonne Nuit
When nighttime comes and the dinner dishes have been cleaned and put away (don’t cheat and pile them in the sink!) resist the lure of the couch or your favorite binge-worthy show. In the still of the night, take some time to connect with those closest to you, perhaps over a nightcap or a calming cup of chamomile tea. Don’t simply ask them about their day. Dig deeper and inquire as to their hopes, dreams, and aspirations—then share yours, too. If you live alone, this is your perfect excuse to break out a box of your favorite stationery and write an old-fashioned letter to far-away family or friends.
As you prepare for bed, continue on in your journey of elegant Parisian living by taking an everything shower by candlelight…lavender, rose, or croissant-scented candles, if you have any. Wrap yourself in a robe or your favorite silk pajamas after you’re clean and moisturized—bonus points if you use a gourmand-scented French lotion like this body cream from French apothecary Panier Des Sens. And don’t forget your nighttime skincare routine…one of the reasons the French look so effortlessly ageless is that they don’t skimp on self-care! (If you’re looking to change up your evening skincare routine, we highly recommend Estée Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair trio.)
Once you’re ready for bed, open the window in your bedroom and listen to the quiet chirp of crickets or the patter of spring rain as you indulge in a chocolate truffle or other small sweet—it’s not quite a chocolate on your pillow at the Paris Ritz, but it’s your own kind of beautiful. Spritz your sheets with linen or room spray (this one keeps the croissant vibe alive) and end your evening with a moment of quiet reflection or prayer before drifting off to sleep…
Congratulations—you’ve just lived your first day la vie en rose.
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