Welcome to the enchanting city of lights, where every cobblestone and corner café has a story to tell. For newcomers, Paris is not just a new home but a new canvas of experiences. Embracing Parisian life is an art that entails savoring the exquisite blend of its rich culture, timeless beauty, and vibrant rhythms. This guide aims to be your companion as you navigate through the subtleties of settling into this iconic city, offering insights into how to truly live like a local and make the most of your Parisian adventure.
The French are very conscious of rest and vacation time, which means that many stores or restaurants usually close at a relatively early hour. Unlike the night markets and late-night culture often found in Asian countries, the streets of French cities are not as lively at night. When traveling, you need to pay special attention to the opening hours of each store to avoid a wasted trip. Especially on weekends and legal holidays, many stores and restaurants may close early or take a vacation, which is a reflection of the French people's emphasis on family and leisure life. Therefore, it is important to keep an eye on local business hours when planning your trip so that you don't miss out on the opportunity to savor French cuisine or go shopping.
A wide variety of museums and exhibitions are waiting for you to dig into, and you'll always find one you like! With all these colourful exhibitions and museums, Parisians have been nurtured by art from a very young age, which is a very fortunate experience indeed. As a member of the community living in the city, you are also fortunate to be able to experience such a strong art scene. Whether you are strolling through the halls of the Louvre, enjoying Van Gogh's Starry Night, or exploring the mysteries of ancient Egypt in the Musée d'Orsay, you are able to deeply feel the unique charm of Paris as an art capital. Here, art is not only a way of expression, but also an attitude to life, which permeates every street corner and alley, between every breath, injecting endless inspiration and imagination for life.
In this busy city, supermarkets are more than just places to shop, they have become an integral part of the daily life of Parisians, offering them convenience and a wide range of choices.
Paris has weekly markets operating in different areas and these colorful fruits and vegetables are so tempting! Grocery shopping at the market is one of the essential routines for Parisians during the week. However, most markets only accept cash, not credit card payments, so you could prepare before you go!
Fresh fruits and vegetables are cheaper at the markets, so check out the addresses of the markets in each area of Paris and their opening hours here.
Of course, there are more than just vegetable and fruit fairs, there are also flea markets or flower and stamp markets for you to dig into! See previous issues of O’BON Paris for details of the various bazaar explanations (click here to see it).
Building a social network in Paris can be both exhilarating and challenging, but the city’s vibrant community offers numerous avenues for forging friendships. Engaging with the community requires a blend of strategy and openness. Start by attending events and meetups that align with your interests. Platforms like Meetup.com and Facebook groups can help you find these gatherings.
Parisians also love their clubs and associations, and joining one can instantly connect you with like-minded individuals. Keep an eye out for posters in local libraries or community centres advertising such events. Furthermore, volunteering for local organizations can not only help you make friends but also give you a sense of contribution to the community.
The role of cafes and bistros cannot be overstated when it comes to socializing in Paris. These establishments serve as communal living rooms where locals spend hours chatting over coffee or wine. Engaging in the cafe culture is not only a way to enjoy the Parisian way of life but also to meet neighbours and establish a routine that includes social interaction.
In Paris, a picnic is more than a simple outdoor activity, it is a symbol of lifestyle. On weekends, people head to the city's parks and green spaces with homemade food, wine and music, looking for a peaceful corner or to join the lively crowds. Spreading out a blanket on a green lawn, the smell of scattered food of all colours fills the air as if it were a delightful picture. Families and friends sit around, sharing food and talking about life with laughter and joy. With the sunshine on their bodies and the breeze on their faces, it is as if time has stopped at this moment, leaving only peace of mind and fulfilment. This simple and cosy lifestyle allows people to temporarily get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and the pressure to enjoy the beauty of life, adding a touch of leisure fun to the busy week.
Lastly, remember that making friends is a two-way street that involves sharing your own culture and being receptive to new perspectives. Whether you're living in Paris, mastering French is not just a communication tool—it's a cultural conduit and a rhythm of life.
Similar to the playful tribulations faced by the character Emily in the popular series "Emily in Paris," not knowing the language can lead to endearing yet comical situations. From quaint misunderstandings at a boulangerie to charming faux pas in social settings, these experiences highlight the essence of immersing yourself in the Parisian way of life.
Adopting the correct method of learning and immersing oneself in a conducive language environment is paramount. Engaging with the language in daily Parisian interactions—whether it’s negotiating prices at a flea market or ordering a café au lait—is more instructive than any traditional educational setting could offer. Language apps and online courses provide structured yet flexible learning, allowing you to tailor your education to your pace. For self-starters, books and self-guided resources can be indispensable tools for in-depth exploration of the language.
For those seeking a comprehensive learning experience, institutions like the Alliance Française de Paris represent an ideal option. This revered institution doesn't just teach French; it's a cultural institution that immerses you in the language through a vibrant blend of classroom instruction and cultural events. From attending a lecture on French cinema to participating in a cooking workshop, you’ll find yourself not only speaking but living the language.
All the enrollment processes can be done online through their website, but you can also directly register there if you are already in Paris. An online catalog of courses shows the available options (click here to see it). While registering, you can use the promo code OBONPARIS1024 to get 10% discount on all the courses!
Navigating the intricate web of Parisian transportation is an art in itself. The Metro, with its extensive network of 16 lines, serves as the veins of the city, pulsating with life from early morning till after midnight. Each station exudes its charm, often decorated with art reflective of the neighbourhood's history. For newcomers, obtaining a Navigo pass is a wise investment for unlimited travel within selected zones on all forms of public transport, including buses and trams. It is also essential to familiarize oneself with the RATP app for real-time schedules to streamline your commute.
For those who prefer surface-level travel, the bus system offers a scenic view of the city's splendour, though it's susceptible to the whims of traffic. Additionally, Paris's Vélib' bike-share program stands as a testament to the city's commitment to eco-friendly transport, offering both traditional and electric bikes. However, one must be wary of potential transport strikes, a not uncommon occurrence in Paris, which can disrupt travel plans. To mitigate this, always have an alternative plan, such as utilizing the comprehensive network of bike lanes for an impromptu cycle through the city.
As you weave through the tapestry of Parisian life, remember that each day presents an opportunity to embrace a new aspect of this multifaceted city. The key to truly embracing Paris lies in the willingness to experience both its monumental splendours and its simple pleasures—from the grandeur of the Eiffel Tower to the quaintness of a Sunday market. Let the city's rhythms guide you, but also bring your unique melody to its symphony. Engage with the community, indulge in the culture, and let the romance of Paris transform the mundane into the extraordinary. By doing so, you'll not only find a home in Paris, but a piece of Paris will forever find a home in you. Welcome to your Parisian life, where every moment is a step in an endless dance with the city’s soul.
Article: Jingxin & Jiayin
Photos: O'bon Paris Team
Address: 101 Bd Raspail, 75006 Paris
Transportation: from Metro Station Saint Placide (line 4) Notre-Dame des Champs and Rennes (line 12)
Website: https://www.alliancefr.org/en/