French lifestyle is often romanticized, but its true heart lies in l’art de vivre, the art of living well. As a dual citizen of France and the U.S., I provide a bicultural lens on the savoir-vivre that distinguishes our cultures. This isn’t about clichés; it’s about the genuine ‘petits plaisirs’ that define daily life for the French and their Real French Lifestyle. To me, this art of living is a blend of quality, simplicity, and a healthy dose of common sense. Here, I’ve curated the rituals and traditions that allow anyone to infuse their daily routine with an authentic French spirit.
✨ Guylaine’s Art de Vivre Secret
“People often ask me, ‘Guylaine, how do I start living the French way today?’ My answer is simple: Stop rushing. In France, we don’t ‘grab’ a coffee; we sit with it. We don’t ‘kill time’; we spend it. The secret to Art de Vivre is treating yourself like an honored guest in your own home. Use the cloth napkins on a Tuesday. Light the candle for no reason. When you elevate the small things, your whole life begins to feel like a work of art.”
The Poetry of the Everyday
To embrace the French lifestyle is to make a conscious choice: to prioritize quality over quantity, presence over productivity, and beauty over the mundane. It is a tribute to the “Art of Living” for those who believe that life’s greatest luxuries are often the simplest. From the sun-drenched rituals of a Provençal morning to the chic, storied streets of a Parisian afternoon, we explore the customs, the style, and the “Common Sense” elegance that define the French soul. Whether you are creating a sanctuary in your Texas home, a bistro corner in California, or seeking the “Savoir-Vivre” of a Manhattan evening, this is your guide to the intentional life. It is an invitation to slow down, to breathe, and to discover the “Joie de Vivre” found in the perfect crust of a baguette, the drape of a linen scarf, and the warmth of a shared conversation.
Here are a few tips to start to live the Real French Lifestyle and enjoy life’s little pleasures:
Faire la Grasse Matinée
There is a profound art to the slow morning—what we call faire la grasse matinée. Lingering under the covers to enjoy breakfast in bed, whether solo or à deux, is a cornerstone of the French art de bien vivre. It is one of life’s most genuine petits plaisirs, a ritual that shouldn’t be relegated to Mother’s Day or rare celebrations. Instead, it is an invitation to weave elegance and romance into the very fabric of our everyday lives.” Read Article
French Actress Brigitte Bardot. in St Tropez in the movie And God Created Woman
Photo Credit: Ghislain Dussart
French Beauty au naturel
Brigitte Bardot, aka BB, epitomizes the natural beauty or la beauté au naturel of the French woman. It is a beauty that cannot be bottled, manufactured, or created with contouring, highlight, and blush ;), but rather it is beauty “au naturel”. It is a beauty that comes from within, and that radiates in the eyes, in the attitude, and in the overall simplicity. Such simple, natural beauty is not for the very few; it is achievable by all women because each woman has something beautiful about her. Read Article
“Bonjour, un café, s’il vous plaît!” Growing up in France, good manners and etiquette were more than just rules; they were a way of life, or savoir-vivre, which literally means “knowing how to live.” It’s not about being “stiff”; it’s about making life more pleasant for everyone. While the rigid formalities of the noblesse and bourgeoisie may feel a bit passé in our modern era, the soul of French politeness remains unchanged. In the home and especially in public, the ‘magic’ of a simple merci or s’il vous plaît still holds immense power. These aren’t just words; they are the universal currency of respect that ensures the wheels of French society turn with grace and elegance.” Read Article
There is an art of gift-giving in France; faire un cadeau is an exquisite art built into the French lifestyle, etiquette, and savoir-vivre. For example, it is still considered a lack of manners to show up at someone’s house as a guest “Les mains vides” or empty-handed without a little something to bring for the hostess: a bouquet of flowers (avoid chrysanthemums which are for funerals, red roses for lovers, and carnations considered bad luck) a good bottle of wine, liquor or champagne, a box of fancy chocolates, or some bonbons or pâtes de fruits for the children of the house. Read Article
🎁 Guylaine’s Gifting Secret
“When you are invited to a French home, never arrive empty-handed, but also, never bring something that requires the host to work! Instead of a bouquet that needs a vase and trimming, bring a beautiful box of macarons, a high-quality bottle of champagne, or a luxury candle. My secret to the perfect gift? It should be something the recipient would love to have, but might feel too ‘indulgent’ to buy for themselves. A little luxury goes a long way in showing someone they are cherished.”
Happy Hour French Style: l’Apéro
L’apéro, short for l’apéritif, is often compared to the American Happy Hour, yet it carries a distinct, understated elegance. The word itself finds its roots in the Latin aperire, meaning ‘to open’, a beautiful nod to the ritual’s purpose of opening the appetite (ouvrir l’appétit) before a meal. To prendre l’apéro is a sacred French ceremony of connection, a convivial time to gather with friends or family to unwind. During the long days of summer vacation, it isn’t uncommon to enjoy this ritual twice a day. It is a convivial hour of transition, where we slow down to socialize, sip a favorite cocktail, and enjoy the art of grignoter, nibbling on thoughtful, small bites. such as olives, radishes with butter, or high-quality nuts, small things that don’t ruin the appetite but celebrate it. Read Article
To Dunk or Not to Dunk: The Art of Faire Trempette
To dunk or not to dunk? That is the question. In French, we call it faire trempette, the art of the little dip. While French elegance is world-renowned (and our ladies are particularly adept at maintaining it), I’ll admit: there isn’t exactly a ‘graceful’ way to submerge a croissant into a bowl of café au lait. (That’s why we use very large breakfast bowls! ) It is a private morning ritual, a crumbling, buttery rebellion. Unless you’re dunking a delicate petit biscuit, it’s a messy business—but I say, go ahead and live dangerously! Read Article
To me, nothing captures the spirit of vive l’été quite like a summer afternoon in the South. It begins with the golden fragrance of Tahitian Monoi and the savory, sun-drenched flavors of Pissaladière and Salade Niçoise, followed by the sharp, cool sweetness of a Sorbet Cassis. But the true soul of the season is found in a game of Pétanque. Whether you are competing or simply a spectator sipping a chilled Ricard Pastis, because in France, the two always go hand in hand, it is the ultimate ritual of connection. Born in Provence, this jeu de boules brings generations together for hours under the plane trees, embodying the very essence of a slow, intentional life. Read Article
“Do you have to be in France to live a French life. My answer is always a firm Non! French lifestyle is a portable state of mind. It’s about the ‘Small Pleasures’, what we call Les Petits Bonheurs. My secret? Never save your ‘best’ things for a special occasion. Use the heirloom silver for your Tuesday omelet. Wear your favorite perfume even if you’re just gardening. When you treat every day as a gift, you are living the true French life, whether you are in Paris or Plano.”
Have Crêpes for Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner!
Whether for a leisurely Sunday brunch or a spontaneous repas rapide (quick meal), the crêpe is a foundational pillar of the French kitchen. Beyond the bustling stands of Paris, the heart of this tradition lives in the home, where the lacy edges and golden batter represent the ultimate culinary canvas. Making them is a lesson in simplicity and savoir-faire: a few humble ingredients transformed into an elegant, versatile meal.
“Sweet or savory, crêpes are a beloved staple in every French household, the ultimate solution for a quick yet elegant meal. There is a quiet joy in whisking together a homemade batter; it is perhaps the simplest way to bring the spirit of a Parisian crêperie into your own kitchen. The beauty lies in the creativity of the filling. Whether you lean toward the nostalgic comfort of sugar and strawberry jam or the quintessential Nutella or prefer the savory depth of a crêpe filled with ham, melted cheese, and mushrooms, the crêpe remains a timeless celebration of ‘life’s little pleasures.'” Get the crêpe recipe in this Article
In the French tradition, a meal is a sacred pause, a deliberate gathering where the setting is as vital as the sauce. This collection is a tribute to the Plaisir de la Table, where every glass, plate, and linen plays a role in the harmony of the evening. We celebrate the “Art of the Table” as a sensory journey: the cool touch of an embroidered napkin, the weighted elegance of a Laguiole knife, and the crystalline ring of a toast. From the rustic charm of a Provençal lunch to the high-formality of a Parisian dinner, we curate the artisanal essentials that turn a simple meal into an unforgettable memory. It is an invitation to slow down, to set the stage with intention, and to discover that when the table is beautiful, the conversation follows.
🍽️ Guylaine’s Table Secret
“Many people ask me if they need a 5-course menu to have a ‘French table.’ Absolument pas! The secret isn’t the number of plates; it’s the ritual. My rule? Never leave the store-bought packaging on the table. Put the butter in a little dish, the water in a glass carafe, and the baguette in a basket. When you remove the ‘noise’ of labels and plastic, you create a space where your guests feel truly cared for. In France, we eat with our eyes first, but we stay for the soul of the setting.”
To embrace the Art de Vivre is to transform the mundane into the magnificent. It is a tribute to the quintessential French philosophy that life is not merely to be managed, but to be savored with intention and elegance. We curate the essential elements of a life well-lived: the timeless quality of artisanal craftsmanship, the simple pleasure of a beautifully set table, and the quiet sophistication of a home that breathes with history and soul. From the sun-drenched terraces of the South to the chic, storied apartments of Paris, we bring the authentic “Savoir-Vivre” of France to your doorstep in America. It is a celebration of “Joie de Vivre” found in the details, a reminder that elegance is not a luxury, but a way of moving through the world with grace, common sense, and a heart open to beauty.
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