10 Things I LOVE About Paris

May 3rd, 2012

Lifestyle

The first thing I noticed about Paris being different from the US was the lifestyle. Everyone sits down at a meal for at least an hour or two and makes a social event of it- talking and laughing with friends or watching people walk by. There’s no one sitting at the table with their cell phones out (which I’m completely guilty of *cough cough*) or just staring blankly- everyone here LOVES to spend time with friends and family! Paris is a very social city with a laidback feel to it (unless you’re riding the metro or walking the streets, then you better move out of the way before you get run over! haha)

Cafes

On every corner in Paris is a cafe of some sort- no exaggeration! Parisians love food and love to socialize, so there’s plenty of cafes in the city. I’ve heard there’s 10,000 of them here! The best thing to do in the late afternoon (since Parisians eat much later than we do) is to grab a snack and some coffee and people watch. I am definitely going to miss the cafes here- the coffee is amazing too

Ease of Transportation

Now I’m not saying I love the metro… (I realize why scarfs are a must here- you can put over your mouth when it smells funky jk!) BUT, Paris has done it right with their transportation system. It is incredibly easy to get from one side of the city to another using either their bus system, train, or subway. Hardly anyone here has a car as they don’t need it- it’s much cheaper and easier to take the public transporation.

Beautiful Architecture

I have seen almost every major city in the US, and I have to say Paris wins hands down with their architecture! Almost every building here looks like a postcard from centuries ago- just very historical looking and well… “european” It’s hard to describe, but the style is so different from back home. I can’t help but just stand in the street looking like a complete tourist staring at the buildings in awe. I love to just walk the streets and explore as it truly is a beautiful city. Oh Paris, I am in love… haha

The Parisian Muggies

I honestly have not had a full on meetup with my beautiful muggies until now (I am ashamed, but definitely plan on doing many more back home as it was such a fun experience!) Paris was my first official meet up- we just hung out and drank coffee and talked. It was SO much fun! EVERY single person there was so sweet, warm, and hospitable! No lie: after the meetup, I was so sad it ended and wish I could stay to form deeper friendships with each person. I don’t know why Paris gets such a bad rap for being unfriendly, but I have come across some incredibly sweet people here- just very genuine people.

Food

I’m not going to lie: I’m not in love with every single food item here… I will never be caught dead eating foie gras, snails, or raw beef. (Nicola and I tried a hamburger the 2nd day we were here, but couldn’t stomach it Hey, we tried though!) BUT, we absolutely love how fresh and simple the food is here. Salads aren’t slathered with too much dressing, fruits and veggies are natural and fresh, and the baguettes and desserts are to die for! My favorite is the raspberry tartelletes and the macarons I’m not sure how the Parisians stay so thin as the food here is so delicious! OH, and we found the BEST Thai food while here- I’m addicted now and will be finding some great Thai when I get home! LOL.

Shopping

It’s pretty much impossible coming to Paris and not do massive amounts of shopping. Just be prepared when you come: your wallet will be screaming when your trip is over… I can’t count how many times I’ve been out shopping- it’s just that all the little boutiques are so cute! I have to buy an extra suitcase just to hold everything. ruh roh.

My favorite stores here are Zara, Mango, Minelli shoes, the Pharmacies, and the countless little boutiques with unique finds. I’ll do a haul video later showing my goodies The pharmacies alone have the most amazing skin care products- I’m addicted to them now!

Art Galleries

You definitely can’t miss the galleries while here in Paris as there’s so many! The Louvre alone is MASSIVE! It was difficult for me to go to several of them as they’re so busy on the weekends, and I was at school every day during the week But we’re planning on still going to Musee D’Orsay which holds many impressionist artworks. We did get to hang out with Mona Lisa and a mummy at the Louvre though

Hairstyles

I think because French women keep their makeup more simple, that the emphasis is more on fashion or hair. I’ve seen such cute hairstyles while here! My favorite being the Twisted Updo that seems to be pretty popular here. I’ve seen girls rocking full on fros with major confidence, as well as simple yet elegant updos or super long and slightly wavy hair. It’s fun getting on the metro and eyeing which hairstyles the girls are wearing.

Activities

No matter what day of the week, there’s always something to do in Paris! Whether it be listening to live music, going to museums or theatres, or even attending mascarade balls, you can always find something fun that you enjoy. Like I said earlier, Paris is a very social city- the streets are always bustling with activity. OH, did you know that during the summer, the city shut off a couple streets and poured sand down by the Seine River to create a fake beach??! How cool is that?

Ahhh Paris, I will miss you so much…

I hope you all are doing great and are enjoying your trip to Paris with me I’ve tried to document everything well so you feel like you’re here too!!

xoxo,
Marlena

http://demiurgiclust.net shelly

I’m sure a lot of Parisians do a lot of walking from place to place, which helps burns calories, of course. The other thing is, as I recall from my high school French classes (we learned about culture as well as the language), they eat lots of smaller meals during the day instead of three big ones, plus I think their portion sizes are smaller. (If a French MUG can confirm or clarify this, that’d be awesome. )
- Isabelle
  
  I live in Paris, and if I compare my eating habits at home and the ones I see when I go to the US I would say the main differences are:
  - We don’t snack much. When I worked in the US I felt like my co-coworkers were always eating something at every minute of the day.
  - We probably eat less carbs and more veggies. If you to a restaurant you can find plenty of non-carbs option, and you can always switch you carbs (rice, French fries…) with green beans or something like that.
  - We move more. We like to walk around, even if we are not going anywhere. In the place where I went to the US (I’m not talking big cities like NY or Chicago), everything was drive-in. You could do everything from your car. I have to say that was driving me nuts…
  
  We are not all model thin in Paris (one thing for sure, I am not), but we do have a healthy enough way of life.
  - http://demiurgiclust.net shelly
    
    Thanks for filling us in!
- Noy
  
  Oh yes ! The portion sizes in France are quite smaller than in the USA, as I’ve been in Miami twice. But the quality is better, I think it’s more natural (in a relative way…). Plus we eat slower than American people. We have a sit, enjoy our meal and laid back. That helps to feel well feed but not full of food ! It’s a big difference !
TwoDiffSocks

Could you elaborate on the simple makeup style the French are sporting? I’m totally interested. Many thanks!
- http://twitter.com/MakeupGeek Marlena
  
  Many of the women I saw were wearing just mascara, little foundation or concealer, and brighter lips. They love their pink lips, but simple with everything else
- Frenchmakeup
  
  Marlena has it right: Parisian girls don’t know much about make up, so most of the time they like to keep it simple: just a touch of eyeliner and mascara. Sometimes if they are going out, they like to sport a red lip. But you know, less is more!
  
  (I’m a Parisian myself haha)
Ccee2007

Hello! Love your updates! I look forward to them Thank you for sharing with us! You’ve inspired me to save up and visit Paris next year.
Ivette

I love this!!! How I wish I could actually go to Paris but thanks for sharing it with us Marlena.

ps That salad looks soooooooooooooooooooooooooo good!!!!!!
- http://twitter.com/MakeupGeek Marlena
  
  The salads in Paris are sooo yummy! Love the food here
  - AK in PA
    
    Bring home some suggestions! Please! I’m just like you, carbs just go to my belly (hips, arms back and nowhere flattering). Ask what the greens are, maybe there are some varities we don’t know about.
The_Makeup_Guru

Your such a wonderful person Marlena! You’ve helped me lose 40lbs with your tips & motivation. Congrats on everything your accomplishing! By the way, can you please tell me what color dye you have on your hair now? I want something like that for the summer =)

Many Blessings,

Tara
NYC
- http://twitter.com/MakeupGeek Marlena
  
  I wish I knew as my hairdresser does it, but my roots are my natural color, and she does a low key bleach on the rest to get an Ombre look
Montse Romero

Glad you liked Paris it’s an amazing city! I’m a Spanish MUG so I loved that you liked Zara and Mango because both are Spanish shops. You should totally do a European MUG tour with informal meetings and workshops, you would be fully booked!
- http://twitter.com/MakeupGeek Marlena
  
  I’m hoping to some day, but have more schooling to finish first
Missbibi

I check everyday to see if you’ve posted an update on ur French escapades You must be so busy with school, sight seeing then doing updates for us. So a big thank u for staying in touch with us all…. Xx
CaroS

If I were not French, reading you I would definetly love to go to Paris right now!! Thanks so much for your kind comments on our capital! First time for a loooong time I’m hearing so many compliments! usually us French people are not well perceived! Glad you enjoyed your stay in Paris and hope you’ll be back sooon!
- http://twitter.com/MakeupGeek Marlena
  
  I absolutely LOVE Paris! I do have to admit that some people here aren’t friendly, but there’s also many who are very sweet- it can be like that in any country
Sarah F. Juan

Haha “Paris Plage”, our dear fake beach! But, yeah, you’re right, all of this is my dear Paris! Even though you forgot to mention all the bad points like the weather, the smells, the pollution, the noise… But it’s quite normal, it is capital so…

So glad you’re enjoying my country, lovely! What a shame, I go to paris everyday for university and I never see you… Grrrr!
http://twitter.com/thespastkone Diana Davis

Im spending my 30th birthday in Paris this summer, and youve given me lots of great ideas. And some insight on how to appear more parisian and less touristy, Thanks!
http://twitter.com/BeautyJonesToo Beauty Jones

If you like that, you’ll LOVE Italy! Happy Travels!
Kate

Hi Marlena, a little suggestion for Thai food in your area is Thai Basil. There are two locations in your area and their Thai Basil grilled steak is the best. Enjoy.
Sweetlolipop88

Bangkok Garden in Sacramento (next to Bel-Air- arena blvd) has really good Thai food!
- 0clover
  
  Iam lucky I go every other month for 3 weeks, from Calif…my hubby own a company there
- http://twitter.com/MakeupGeek Marlena
  
  Thanks for the suggestion! I’m trying it when I get home as I know where that’s at
Kristy

I have so enjoyed your posts and pictures! Paris is a place I have always longed to go! Hopefully someday I will! Thanks for doing this journal on your travels! Hope to see some pictures of your Italy trip too, another place I would love to go see!
Suebee

looks like its time to come back to usa. oh well
Joycewinh

Nicola and Marlena, do you find yourself snacking much more often than you ever expected, now that “main” mealtimes occur much latter in the day/night, and do you find yourself losing weight because of the walking and small nibbles performed throughout the day?

Even though the food seems to be made with rich ingredients, it seems like everything else you guys do will counter-balance any potential weight gain that could ever occur!

I also like the softer hairstyles that both of you seem to have adopted since landing in Paris; it gives a much more approachable feeling for the beholder, and evokes a very 1920s-1930s feel to this technology age!
Slopez

I was just thinking that you should really try “fromage blanc” while you’re in France. Its one of my alltime healthy eating options. If you get the Tallefine 0% Nature it even better than Yogurt with fresh fruit!

Valeur nutritionnelle pour 100 g

Calories : 49 kcal● Proteines : 8 g● Glucides : 3.9
g● Lipides : 0.1g
Nathalia Traxel

I LOVE the blog!! Just wanted to finally mentioned that at this point I’m checkin’ every day to see if you have posted another article ^^
Much love from Germany :*
Shelly3

you all getting ready to pack it up and come home?
Camille

I’m French and it is nice to read what you say. I don’t live in Paris (it’s REALLY expensive) but i agree : this city is marvellous, and so beautiful. Minelli shoes are gorgeous and you’re right : the food here is awesome. I’m in love with my country too haha
I’m glad that you could visit our beautiful country !
love from france !
Noon

What’s the update in Paris? I’ve been dying to see a new post, what you guys are discovering there. Please post something new so we can see
- Areeza
  
  i am also waitingggg
  - Lisa23
    
    looks like they had to pack it up and go home…already…
Vé.

Hello!
It was a real pleasure meeting you at Paris (and Nicola, too!), you were so lovely with everyone, especially if we were shy a little (like me)… A very nice day!

Your article is sweet: I live in the suburb of Paris, I often go to, and I don’t recognize all your observations… But I think this is the kind of magic being a tourist!
I’m glad you enjoyed Paris, and hope you’ll come again another time!

(Sorry for my poor English… I hope there isn’t too much mistakes…)
Pillywiggingreen

I am french and live in Paris (i am from Nice) but we do have actually three meals but do not eat between those meals! and as well we don’t eat big plates (or just one). We don’t eat so much desserts because we can have whenever we want… Also we move a lot in Paris (running after the metro etc )
http://twitter.com/bbbrunella F. Felice

The Louvre and Musee d’Orsay have at least one night a week when they are open late (until 10:00 PM) The closer it gets to closing time, the less busy it is. If you stick it out until the end you may possibly be able to enjoy the mona lisa (or whatever) all by yourself. As you have already discovered, everything is totally crowded on the weekends. When I’ve been in Paris I’ve tried to discover some things to outsmart the crowds. Shopping is a definite no-no — that’s where all the locals are. Museums are a definite no-no — that’s where all the tourists are. Sometimes I like to go to Pere Lachaise – the cemetery where many famous people are buried. Its quite picturesque – not like American cemeteries. I’m not creeped out by cemeteries and i find it beautiful. Very quiet. You can buy a guide to all the graves from one of the shops that border the grounds. Arguably the most famous grave is Jim Morrison – not much to see these days since someone stole the headstone but still interesting to see all the little “gifts” people leave there. The last time I was there it was a warm sunny Sunday and totally quiet an uncrowded. I highlyy recommend it to get away from the crowds.
bellaevey

Ooooh Paris sounds so amazing (even though I kind of knew that already lol)! I really want to go there so badly. Great post! It reminds me a lot of how Hong Kong is like and somewhat of NYC too ^.^
Rawrs, Evey

bellaevey.blogspot.com
L’Orpailleuse de Paname

Oh you definitely have to come back in the Summer to enjoy ‘Paris Plage’
Let’s just hope the sun will have come up by then, since, as you said, it’s been unusually cold in Paris lately.
gijoemp127

Another problem that we have in the US is that most of our food is full of fillers. For instance, pasta in Italy is 80-90% whole wheat and only minimal fillers. while in the US, our pasta is 20-30% whole wheat and the rest fillers. These fillers are full of carbs and other garbage to help make us feel full (fat).
seligamagda

Come to Warsaw (Poland) We have a real beach, near to CityCenter