How to Channel French Joie de Vivre Without Leaving Home

For fellow MOD Francophiles longing to infuse their daily lives with Parisian charm, here’s how to curate a très français lifestyle—no passport required.

Home Aesthetic
Fresh flowers are non-negotiable. Display seasonal blooms (peonies, tulips, or lavender) in simple ceramic pitchers or vintage vases. Opt for French linens like Bonsoirs’ crisp cotton sheets, and emulate cafe charm with black-and-white bistro set for morning coffee on the terrace. . Keep spaces clutter-free to emphasize effortless chic. (I know it’s hard to do, but try!)

Culinary Rituals
Indulge in single-origin chocolate (think Valrhona or La Maison du Chocolat) paired with an afternoon tisane like Dammann Frères’ chamomile blend.. Savor meals slowly—set the table properly, even for solo dinners, and prioritize quality over quantity. Always a fresh vegetable or two.  I indulge in fresh croissants on the weekends. Emphasis on Fresh from a local breadmaker. 

Sleep Hygiene
French sleep habits prioritize 9 hours nightly. Invest in a great fresh organic mattress. Wonderful nightwear, and a calming pre-bed routine: cleanse with moisturizers (list to come) , sip herbal infusions, and banish screens an 90 minutes before bed.

Cultural Immersion
Queue French films (Amélie, The Intouchables) or series (Call My Agent!). Follow French artists on Instagram, visit local exhibitions with a French focus, or join Alliance Française meetups for apéro nights. In DC I go to the French Embassy for events. 

Daily Rituals: Get your favorite perfume or invest in a classic Chanel No. 5, Maison Louis Marie’s minimalist scents.or Diptyque’s Eau Rose for an instant Parisian aura. Curate a “French Vibes” playlist with Serge Gainsbourg and Françoise Hardy. 

 Next blog we will expand on this. 

Pro Tip: Host a dîner en blanc with friends—think baguettes, cheese boards, and plenty of Sancerre. Bon courage! I’ll be doing the same!  Invite me? ~Jennifer