genevieve.malarkey I think I may have gone through all the stages of grief over missing out on my trip to Paris in March. And I know I’m not at all alone in those feelings- while so many people suffered much worse than cancelling a trip abroad this year, I was admittedly a little heartbroken over not being able to go back to my favorite city after such a long time away. Having done all the planning and researching and making all the reservations, I was brimming with inspiration and possibilities for my trip. Even still, I was holding out hope that I might be able to reschedule for later this summer. But alas, even that hope is starting to fade with Covid-19 on the rise again in America. I read this week that while France plans to open its borders to the other countries outside the EU, the US will still be banned from traveling there as we can’t seem to get it under control. Le sigh.
So that leaves me wondering: how do I bring France to me this summer? I’ve already given you the tools of your own wardrobe to dress like a French girl this summer, but how does one have the French experience? Being French is all about extracting every possible ounce of pleasure from a moment or experience. Even if we don’t have the delightful ambiance of La cote d’azur, we can give ourselves pleasurable experiences that enable us to slow down and enjoy life, wherever we are. If you can’t go to France this summer, then bring a little bit of France to you by following my guide on creating a French-inspired Summer wherever you are.
Enjoy an apéro hour
Apero is the wonderful part of the afternoon where you stop working like a maniac and either meet some friends for a cocktail and a light snack before dinner, or prepare one for yourself at home. It is probably my favorite tradition in France, as it signals an end to the day of hard work, and gives our minds permission to wind down and relax- and what better way to do that than with a cocktail or glass of wine? If you practice this habitually -even strictly Friday-Sunday will do the trick- you will find yourself with something simple to look forward to and feel more relaxed as you anticipate this ritual of relaxation.
Une pique-nique
No translation needed here. If you live somewhere pleasant during the summer months (then I envy you because Florida is abject misery outside this time of year), then pack a picnic into a wicker basket for your family, go to a lovely park, and sip some rosé while you watch your kids roll around and play. Don’t forget a lovely blanket to sit on, and all the utensils you might need. Bonus points if you bring French picnic food, such as a baguette sandwich with ham, lots of fresh fruits, cheeses, cold salads, and of course a beautiful treat for dessert.
I am such a fan of the old-fashioned picnic these days and have been hunting for a wicker picnic set complete with plates, utensils, wine glasses, etc. Here are two that I have my eye on:
Visit some flea markets
A wonderful thing to do in France (especially when the weather is nice) is to stroll through the brocantes and marches aux puces that can be found in any city (part of my itinerary for experiencing Paris like a local!). If you can’t find outdoor vintage sales or flea markets where you are, indoor stores have the added bonus of air conditioning, and you can still spend a leisurely summer weekend perusing vintage dinnerware, frames, and whatever treasures you come across. Bring your French market bag for all your finds, then stop at a local cafe afterward for a light lunch and glass of wine, and you will feel relaxed and pleased with the bargains you’ve acquired.
Host a summer dinner party outdoors
With the kind of Summer we are having, maybe you will only host a dinner party for the members of your household, but c’est la vie. Prepare some fresh local fish and produce with a bottle of chilled white wine: a perfect summer meal to enjoy outside in the cooler evening air.
You can make it feel like a luxurious occasion by decorating your outdoor table with a Provençal tablecloth and candles. Adorn the tablescape with fresh flowers, cloth napkins, and twinkle lights to give it extra ambiance, and dine à la francaise by adding a cheese course and dessert after the entree.
Eat outside at a restaurant with lots of ambiance
If you don’t want to make the effort at home, you can always go out for a meal to a restaurant with similar outdoor ambiance. Dress up, take your time, and enjoy the company of whomever you are with. Practice keeping your mind in the moment to enjoy the pleasurable atmosphere, company, and weather. It seems like most restaurants will remain open despite current conditions; just ask to sit away from other tables, and make sure to wash your hands!
Stroll your downtown in a summery dress
Put on a pretty floral dress and sandals (or sneakers!) and go for a walk downtown like a Parisienne. Window shop (or “window lick,” as the French call it), stop by the park and read a book, and have a cafe on the sidewalk. All of these activities can be solitary or at a distance from others; you don’t have to sacrifice every beloved pastime for safety, if you can do it smartly. Avoid large groups of people, and keep your mask on at all times, except possibly to enjoy a cup of gelato.
Take a trip to the beach and enjoy the beachside town
Be an “Aoutienne,” or a Parisienne who vacates the city for the month of August and goes to the beach… Ok so maybe you can’t take the whole month of August off, but you can pretend for a day or a weekend, right? If you’re near the sea, take a day or two and enjoy a lazy summer retreat by laying on the beach, dining on fresh seafood, and shopping the beach towns. Walk the beaches in the evening, dress in your most luxurious resort wear just because, and enjoy the summer breeze and the sound of the ocean waves. Don’t you feel relaxed already?
And if you don’t live near the beach, do the next best thing by visiting a lake, river, or stay in a cabin in the mountains for a night of solitude if that’s your speed. The point is to get away from your real life and partake in leisurely activities that bring you pleasure. For me it would be an entire day on the beach sans kids (I love them but maman needs a break sometimes), a good book, endless bottles of Perrier, and the entire day ahead to do whatever I feel like doing. Bliss.
Spread out on the lawn at the park and enjoy a book
As most of us know, Paris and every other city in France is full of beautiful parks that allow for a retreat to nature amidst the urban streets and stone buildings. Two of the most popular in Paris, you may already know, are the Jardin de Luxembourg, and the Parc Monceau. Both are full of trails for leisurely strolls or athletic pursuits, as well as ponds, fountains, plenty of shade trees, and chairs to sit and take it all in. The French take their gardens to the next level with beautiful landscaping and even architectural monuments, and spending a summer day surrounded by nature is a wonderful ode to la vie francaise. Find an urban park (or just a grassy one) where you are, take a pretty blanket, a picnic basket, and a book, and enjoy a couple of hours in the sunshine.
ROSÉ, s’il vous plaît
Ok, maybe this idea can be combined with several others of the aforementioned categories, but it doesn’t have to be! Simply pour yourself a chilled glass of French rose, the quintessential summertime wine these days, and sit in your favorite spot at home to savor the taste and effect of the wine as you sip. Or take it to your balcony or porch and sit among the flowers and watch the sunset as you enjoy. The possibilities are endless; the point is to savor the moment with a delicious drink and take a timeout from your day for a luxurious break. If you manage to do this, not only can you check your daily task of self care off your list, but you will also feel like a Parisienne on a summer afternoon.
So, which ideas do you love most? Of course I love them all, and plan to carryout each of these activities this summer as I won’t be traveling to France (like so many of you). The goal of each of the exercises is to slow down and enjoy simple moments of pleasure throughout your summer. As with everything the French do, do it in style and with mindful enjoyment in mind, and you can bring a little joie de vivre to yourself this summer. I hope I’ve inspired you to do so! If you have your own ideas, please share them in the comments- I would love to know what makes you feel more French this summer. And as always, please do sign up for email notifications so you don’t miss a post!
A la prochaine-
genevieve
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