Jardin du Palais Royal, leaf texture, leisurely lifestyle, joie de vivre

Textures, Colors, Lines in Paris

I have visited Paris before, as I have family in the South of France, but never spent more than two to three consecutive days here. Living in a new city differs from vacationing here because I feel more integrated into the culture and I am able to experience life as a true Parisienne. Also, as our apartments are located in a more residential arrondissement, I feel like a local because I commute to class daily via metro, and have become a regular at our fabulous patisserie around the corner for my daily morning treat. Right away, I noticed that I am more well respected when I speak in French at stores and restaurants rather than in English.

When I arrived, I felt a bit removed from the hustle of Paris, as our apartments sit in the 20th arrondissement, which is a quieter area. However, after starting the first day of school, I immediately fell in love with our school’s neighborhood, le Marais. During our lunch breaks and after class, the Marais offers so much to do from vintage shopping, to French cafes, and delicious restaurants. In the Marais, I notice most streets have narrow sidewalks, boutiques, and cool street art everywhere. I was especially drawn to the large, heavy, bold colored doors that open to courtyards and offices in the Marais. These doors are often a vibrant red, royal blue, or deep green hue.

Color of Paris: vibrant blue, summer soldes, girl on the go

My first week adjusting to the Paris lifestyle has been amazing so far! Most importantly, I have learned to step back, relax, and to enjoy leisure time. The French are excellent at having a work-life balance. I love seeing people fill every cafe throughout the day and evenings, even during the week. Living here has taught me to take moments more slowly, such as enjoying a delicious meal at a restaurant for hours, not being rushed by the waiters, and truly savoring every bite of food while catching up with my new friends. Whether it be sitting in a park for a while, taking a leisurely lunch or post-class snack au cafe, or walking aimlessly around Paris to explore, I find that I am much less stressed than when I live in the United States, and I am able to find more pleasurable activities when I take things slowly and intentionally.

Because of my new Parisian life exploring the city and taking life more slowly, I have been able to notice more details around me and take in all that Paris offers. On my walks to class, I pay close attention to the sounds, smells, and sights. Additionally, I spend much less time on my phone and computer than I do at home, and because of this I live in the present moment and enjoy things so vividly. I pay close attention to architectural details, lush greenery, and bushes in the parks that seem so fluffy and healthy. My two favorite parks in Paris so far have been the Jardin de Tuileries and the Jardin du Palais Royal, both where I spent hours admiring the beauty and relaxing with friends.

I have been observing the way that the fashion, culture, and architecture of Paris intersect, and notice numerous crossovers between these. The symmetrical architecture with accents of swirly details remind me of the minimalistic laid-back French girl uniform, with a personal touch always added. Blue stands out as a prevalent color in Paris, seen in store windows, striped tee shirts, ornate doors, and the clear blue summer sky. I look forward to exploring more arrondissements, to figure out my favorite spots. I also can’t wait to improve my French speaking, practice vocabulary, and perfect my accent pour vivre comme une vrais française!

Au revoir bisous,

Josie

My First Week in Paris