The Paris Paradigm: Setting The Global Standard For Chic, Soulful Living

As Europe begins to open its doors again, it may be a little while longer until you’re back in France, grabbing a warm baguette on your way to enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Seine. And that’s okay! This episode isn’t to be missed–no matter when you’re headed back across the Atlantic, Yanique Frances and I are here to share how you can sprinkle a little French woman chic into your every day.

Hint: It’s more than just red lipstick… It’s a whole mood. Hit play to dive in.

About Yanique Frances:

Yanique is a former New Yorker turned Parisian city dweller and street-wise wedding planner, living the joie de vivre lifestyle that most can only dream about. Yanique is the woman behind the internet’s insider guide to Paris, My Parisian Life, and the sought-after destination wedding planning service, Elope In Paris. Take it from me–Yanique is one to watch when the time comes to plan your first overseas trip after the pandemic. You can count on Yanique to curate the chicest list of must-visit spots in Paris no matter the season. Not only that, you can rely on her knowledge and experience with the bureaucracy of the city: Yanique’s worked for French universities and e-commerce companies, not to mention she welcomed her first child on French soil. Before enrolling in school, her son was enrolled in a local daycare–a crèche.

Despite my big move to Paris when I was just twenty years old, Yanique has had fourteen years of living and breathing The City of Lights to reflect on in today’s chat (not that it’s a competition!).

Tips for Your Time In Paris:

• Lingering eye contact = flirting, and you’re likely to be approached.
• Being loud is often a characterization of American tourists, so it’s always a good idea to be conscious of your volume, especially in restaurants.
• It’s okay if you don’t know French, but make an effort to be polite by learning the basic greetings, please and thank you, etc.

Yanique’s favorite places to visit in Paris:

Montmartre: multicultural neighborhoods

• Chateau Rouge – beautiful clothing shop
• Sacré-Cœur Basilica – gorgeous architecture

Le Marais: traditionally a Jewish neighborhood full of history, shopping, bistros, and more.

• Candelaria – Taqueria and Lounge Bar
• Le Mary Celeste – Oyster and Cocktail Bar
• Le Roi de Pique – corner bar & restaurant

One Overrated Tourist Trap in Paris:

Champs-Élysées isn’t necessarily a tourist trap, but not worth spending a ton of time there. Admire the Arc de Triomphe, but don’t plan on spending a whole afternoon there.

The Best Paris Flea Markets:

• Les Puces de Vanves is smaller and allows more conversations with the sellers
• Les Puces Saint-Ouen is one of the largest flea markets in Paris and close to the Montmartre neighborhood

How to bring a taste of France home to you if you can’t travel there:

• Infuse some Joie de Vivre into your life. (Enjoyment of life)
• Take extra time for lunch and appreciate your food
• Have a relationship with the people who run the restaurants, bakeries, shops, etc. that you frequent
• Skip the cake mix and bottled salad dressing and make them from scratch
• Pass on consumerism and start investing in high quality pieces that will last.

For more ways to listen to this episode – CLICK HERE!

Check It Out! 

• Follow My Parisian Life on Instagram
• Follow Paris Foodie Bag on Instagram
• Follow Elope In Paris on Instagram
• Visit the My Parisian Life Blog
• Visit the Elope In Paris Website
• The JOIE DE VIVRE Social Media Bootcamp