Paris is one of the most fascinating cities in the world. As the capital of France, it is always in the limelight. If you’re planning to visit Paris, physically or as an armchair traveler, you have to experience Parisian life at least once in your lifetime. Paris represents France’s traditions and has a few unique traditions of its own. Here are a few of them:
Ways to sample the Parisian life
People watching
Perhaps the most consistent image we see in the media of Paris, are its elegant outdoor cafes. Strolling around Paris any time of the day, you will be mesmerized by the people just sitting out in the sunshine, enjoying their coffee, or rather, their café crème. The chairs and tables are placed strategically, facing the town square or the streets so that they can observe the people and events on the street. This is a unique and important part of the Parisian life.
Holidays
An important part of living a French lifestyle is to celebrate the country’s holidays. If you’re in Paris during Bastille Day, Labor Day, Easter, and Christmas, you’d be lucky to experience the unique and fun ways they celebrate the holidays.
La flanerie
Another one of the French culture and traditions is to go for long, endless walks. These walks are relaxed and help you forget all about the stress of your life, as you take in the beauty of the surroundings. Paris is the perfect city for La Flanerie, as it has numerous passages, hidden gardens, and small, quaint streets. The rues, boulevards, and avenues are Haussmann’s work which we still appreciate.
Baron Haussmann was commissioned by Napoleon to modernize Paris and his amazing renovations can be seen even now. He took 20 years to rejuvenate Paris and overhaul the dark and grimly Paris of medieval times.
This is one of the best ways you should be living a French lifestyle, as you can walk with a free mind and absorb the architecture of Paris.
A day at the Seine
You have to experience a day at the banks of river Seine, which divides the city in two parts. Enjoy the company of Parisians by the Seine river bank, with the ‘quais’ filled with crowds of young people. There are many events for tourists, as most of the landmarks of Paris such as Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and Notre Dame are situated close to Seine. So taking a long walk along its banks is the easiest way to see all the famous landmarks.
Love of art
Art is very much a part of French culture and traditions. The Louvre museum is one of the most amazing museums in the world, and houses the Mona Lisa as well as the Venus de Milo. The artists – Monet, Manet, Degas, and Pissarro lived and worked in Paris, giving rise to Impressionism. You can see the influence of different art styles such as Romanesque, Rococo, Neoclassic, and Gothic, in many public building and churches. Parisian life is much immersed in art and culture. There are many ‘creative expositions’ on in Paris, where you might see the works of new artists.
Fashion
Paris is the centre of the fashion world, as it is home to fashion houses such as Hermes, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, etc. In fact, the term Haute Couture is French and is officially protected by law, by Paris’s Chamber of Commerce. The French dress in a sophisticated, elegant mannered and you can pick up many exquisite clothes when you’re in Paris. Parisian life is nothing without its fashion. When in Paris, you will definitely be fascinated by the city’s aura of style and elegance.
Le vélib
The French are fond of fitness and fresh air, as well as being an eco-friendly lot. This results in hundreds of Parisians cruising around Paris on their bicycles. The Vélib is the bicycle sharing system, which is very popular in Paris. You can use this mode of inexpensive transport as a way to see the city in a more personal manner, for only 1.70 euro per day.
Cabarets
The Le Chat Noir was the world’s first cabaret – the word means a café and bar which has entertainment. The Moulin Rouge was a cabaret, which was famous worldwide. Likewise, there are still some cabarets you can visit in Paris.
The delectable French cuisine, flea markets, French music are other must-experience things in Paris. You can include the relaxed way of life in Paris, appreciating art and beauty around you even when you’re not there to bring a little of refreshing Paris into your humdrum life.
