There is much to appreciate about French culture. They make living well a true art form and we can learn a lot from them. Let’s explore some of the many ways the French make a life worth savoring.
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Living Well ~ French Style
The French embrace “l’art de vivre” or “the art of living” and this is what makes their lifestyle so enviable. It’s a way of living that prioritizes enjoying life over earning more money. It’s all about enjoying the little things, prioritizing pleasure, seeking beauty and elevating ordinary moments in the day into pleasurable rituals.
The French have mastered the art of living life to the fullest and largely achieving that elusive work/life balance we all seek.
Here are some of the ways the French live a life worth emulating. Perhaps we can all learn a lesson or two and create our own beautiful life.
Enjoy the simple things…
Sip a cup of coffee at a café, stroll through a garden, visit an art gallery or museum, or share a drink with friends. While it might be easier to do some of these things in a city like Paris with it’s renowned café culture and museums, with a little ingenuity, we can all find simple things to enjoy, no matter where we live.
Even in my small, rural Oklahoma city, I can take a walk around the lovely little lake in our city park or meet friends for a drink at a rooftop bar in the arts district.
Make appearance a priority…
It’s no secret that the French have style. David and I both enjoyed people watching when we went to Paris. Everyone from toddlers to the elderly was dressed well.
The French consider it a sign of respect and would never be seen in public in sloppy clothing. And pajamas at the supermarket? Mais, non!
Dressing well doesn’t require a lot of money or designer clothing. In fact, the French eschew logos and blatant displays of designer names. They prefer subtle, casual elegance. Choose well-fitting clothes, wear your hair in a simple style and go easy on the makeup. You can…and should…embrace your own style, but be intentional about it without looking like you are trying too hard. That’s the French way.
Learn the art of conversation…
The French love to talk, debate, argue and discuss. They consider small talk boring and much prefer discussing topics of more depth than the weather or their jobs.
Peruse a daily newspaper, become knowledgeable about an interesting subject or two, read the latest novel everyone is talking about. Listen and ask questions.
Make food and mealtimes a priority…
French cuisine deserves its reputation. Every single meal we ate in Paris was delicious! And it wasn’t just the food that was so enjoyable. It was the entire experience. As a slow eater, I was delighted to not be rushed through my meals as I so often am in American restaurants. The French take time to truly savor their meals.
At least a couple of times a week, try setting the table and enjoy a leisurely meal. An ironed tablecloth, fresh flowers, attractive dishes and glassware elevate dinner to something special.
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Eat like the French…
The typical French diet is significantly healthier than that of the standard American diet (appropriately abbreviated SAD). Eat mostly unprocessed foods with lots of fresh vegetables and fruits, simply prepared and in reasonable portions. The French enjoy their occasional pastries, cheese and butter-rich sauces but they do so in moderation. They also eat three regular meals a day with no snacking in between.
Create a beautiful home…
Home should be a lovely sanctuary that does more than simply shelter us from the elements. It should offer true respite from the outside world and provide an attractive setting for living your private life.
The French home usually reflects their appreciation of beauty and elegance. A neutral palette, a mix of contemporary and antique or vintage items, meaningful objects, books and art all add up to a uniquely French look. But even if that particular style isn’t your preference, you can still embrace the impetus behind it.
No matter your personal home decor, be intentional and lavish your home with care. Keep it clean and tidy. Display items that reflect something personal. Have fresh flowers, plants, candles and other items that make a house feel like a home. And give special attention to lighting. Lamps instead of harsh, overhead light fixtures (except in kitchen and bathrooms, of course) will make a huge difference.
Indulge in small luxuries…
Sip your afternoon tea from a pretty china cup and saucer. Buy a single, fresh flower for your desk. Wear perfume even when you aren’t going anywhere (or to bed!). Light a candle. Indulge in a single, delicious piece of chocolate. Buy a special bar of scented soap for your bath. None of these things need to be expensive. They just need to feel special.
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Invest in culture…
The French deeply appreciate education, culture and tradition. Consider enriching your life à la française by going to the theatre, ballet, opera, museums, art galleries, concerts and such. This doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive. Most universities offer some of these live performances at a very reasonable cost. Search your area online for free museums or consider an annual pass.
You can also find most of these available online, as well. It’s not quite the same as an in-person event but if cost or disability are factors, you can still soak up some culture with nothing more than an internet connection. And of course, reading is free with a library card. Check out one of those classics you’ve always meant to read.
Sundays à la Française…
In France, Sundays are sacred. Not so much in a religious way but in the sense that Sundays are special. This is not a day to work or catch up on chores. Rather, Sundays are to be spent with family and friends, enjoying a long, leisurely lunch, or simply relaxing. Read a book, take a nap, go for a stroll, or do absolutely nothing.
Even in the United States, it wasn’t that long ago that most stores weren’t open on Sundays, especially in smaller towns. We moved to Oklahoma in 1980 and nothing was open on Sundays except a couple of gas stations, a grocery store and maybe one restaurant. Most people went to church, then home for lunch and a long afternoon relaxing together as a family.
I personally think there is something to be said for reclaiming one day a week in which we do not work or shop. With a bit of forethought and planning, most of us can probably fit our working and spending and general busy-ness of the week into six days. The French seem to be able to do so.
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I think we all desire to live well and by emulating our French brothers and sisters, I believe it’s possible to do so. Do you already do some of these things? Which one or two would you like to add to your own life? Start small and create a beautiful life like the French!
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