As you may or may not already know, I will be heading to Paris this summer as part of a study abroad program at my university! I’ve heard from several travelers that the best way to get the most out of your trip is to really immerse yourself in the culture. The people who have bad experiences are likely the ones who firmly held on to their American mindsets, traditions, etc. In light of this advice, I’ve decided to get my mind right and do a little prep work.

 

Lifestyle | Step one for me was picking up a copy of “How to be Parisian Wherever You Are” written by four beautiful and witty Frenchwomen  (Anne Berest, Audrey Diwan, Caroline de Maigret and Sophie Mas). The book is filled with short entries, lists and pictures that describe what it means to be French. This fun book is divided into sections about the basics, bad habits, allure, love and tips.  While some pages are tongue in cheek (“Either go all gray or no gray hair. Salt and pepper is for the table”), others offer valuable advice for a woman aiming to channel her inner Parisienne (how to do la bise, finding your signature item, etc. ) I found it to be a valuable purchase. After devouring every page in a single day, I feel generally in sync with the French “way.” Even after Paris, it will make for a great coffee table book.

Another way I’ve begun to prepare is in my daily routine. Light breakfasts and late dinners. Undone hair. Café au lait. Most importantly… très chic outfits.

 

Fashion | In Paris, fashion is king. If you are not dressed impeccably, there will be people who actually look down on you. The secret to a classic Parisian look, I’ve discovered, is making whatever you wear look effortless even if you’ve tried really hard. Neutral colored pieces, trench coats, and button ups are all staples to a Parisienne. Simplicity is especially cherished. For packing, I’ve narrowed my fundamentals to an assortment of tees and tanks (in the basic white/grey/black), a few button ups and blouses, a lacy dress, leather jacket, trench coat, trousers, black jeans, black skirt, stilettos, and flats or cute sneakers for long walks. I plan to  make sure all of my pieces fall within one color scheme so I am able to mix and match to create several different looks without overpacking. As far as hair and makeup, the French generally like to keep this simple and low-key too. Going light with face makeup and rocking natural hair are the way to go. Just add a little mascara and a statement lip and au revior!

 

In Paris, you do a lot of walking. [Repeat: A. LOT. OF. WALKING.]

 

Meals on-the-go are inevitable and actually very enjoyable. It might seem hard to find a place to settle and relax with a treat, but there are tons of neat places available if you keep your eyes open. That being said, make sure that you do as the locals do so you don’t commit a faux pas (i.e., you can’t eat on the grass at the Luxembourg Gardens! Oops!).

 

Plus, if you’re looking to keep it a) light b) healthy or c) gluten free, there are options for you. You may just have to look a little bit harder and resist the temptation to order a whole baguette to yourself. African couscous with mild peppers and raisins is extremely popular, as well as cups of assorted fruits. You’ll find these options in many little shops, but they’ll probably cost more than the baked goods. I enjoyed these and a few bites of bread (which came free with my purchase, I didn’t ask!) in Luxembourg Gardens where a lot of Parisians seem to take their lunch breaks. If you’re headed here, make sure that you use the chairs provided, don’t eat on the grass, and keep your noise level at a respectful level.

 

If you’re looking for a sweet treat, you’ll have no problem. Creperies are on nearly every street and a healthy amount of gelato shops are sprinkled throughout the city. A popular, and perhaps tourist-y, shop that I saw often was Amorino. If you’re looking for the insta-worthy flower-shaped gelato, you’ll find it there. Make sure that you taste the ones that are less conventional like *Lime Basil* because they’re usually worth it. My friends and I enjoyed our cool treat on a scorching day after a few hours roaming around the Musée d’Orsay. If you’re at the museum, cross the bridge to the other side of the river and head toward the sandy area with trees for some Amorino and a cute lounge area.

 

If you’re staying in Paris for an extended period of time or looking to save a couple bucks, try hitting up any local supermarket. I stocked up on yogurt, salads, and smoothie drinks since these are the items you won’t find for cheap at every cafe or restaurant. My favorite was a MIX chèvre salad. The healthy-sized box comes with mixed greens, serpentini noodles, walnuts, tomato, herbs, balsamic vinaigrette, three slices of chèvre (aka goat cheese), and a fork. I also loved the Innocent smoothies for a fresh, midday pick-me-up (their version of Naked or Odwalla). If you’re in the 14th arrondissement, hit up Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris for a  picnic in the beautiful grass area behind the big front building, or “maison.” This is more of a relaxed place as young people are exercising, playing games, eating, and generally enjoying themselves.

 

Published July 24, 2015

https://agirlgoneabroad.wordpress.com/2015/07/07/53/

Bob’s Juice Bar
15 Rue Lucien Sampaix
75010 Paris
After a few days of eating nothing but baguettes and cheese in Paris, I was starting to feel the effects on my body. I was also starting to feel a little homesick. While I’m not a perfect eater by any means, I do live a fairly healthy lifestyle at home. I make (or buy) fresh pressed juice regularly, have a mostly balanced diet of carbs, protein, and fruits/veggies. Since I’ve been here, it’s been a breadFEST. Not to mention that I live in a gluten-free household… I sought out a place to get something ultra-fresh and came upon this place. It’s located in the young, fun 10th arrondissement. I ordered myself a green smoothie (spinach, banana, mixed fruit, and mineral water) from the english speaking (!!!) worker and felt instantly rejuvenated. It was cool, fresh, and delicious.