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“The wonderful thing about Paris is that nobody judges you for doing nothing.”
– Emily in Paris
I have been interested in French culture for most of my life. Visiting France in 2019 was a childhood dream. I read books, practiced the language, watched movies set in France, and fell in love with many aspects of french culture over my life. The more I learned about France, the more I fell in love with it. I did not just fall in love with the country and the beautiful sites, but also the way of living for French people.
The quote above from Emily in Paris is one of my new favorites! Not only is it like that in Paris, I believe it’s like that in all of France! Nobody judges you for doing nothing. One of my favorite things to do.
I love how much the French aim to enjoy their life, live more simply, enjoy good food, and enjoy their time with friends and family. Not only is France a beautiful place to visit and enjoy, but their way of living is one to model your own simple living lifestyle after. As the quote says, nobody judges you for doing nothing in Paris, the perfect way to live a simple lifestyle.
You may ask, how do you practice simple living the French way?
The French understand how to have a proper work-life balance. They leave work at work. One of my favorite quotes I have heard several times about the French culture is, “We work to live, not live to work,” and I think that speaks volumes about the French culture.
Having a proper work-life balance is partly due to the government regulating working hours and vacations, but it doesn’t mean that French citizens don’t do their part to have the proper work-life balance. They know when to quit for the day, take vacations, and not let work run their lives.
The French work to make money to support their lifestyle. Then, they go out and enjoy their lives. Work funds the things they want in life.
In America, we tend to let work run our lives (I’ve been there so many times!) and define who we are.
Americans take work home with us. We allow it to dictate when we can and cannot do things we enjoy, and we constantly want more from our jobs (money, appreciation, or value). Americans allow work to define who they are. Many people also value their career and status over the simple pleasures in life.
The French do not define themselves by what their job title is (ask any American who they are and they will probably start with their job title). They are defined by what they think their most interesting quality is, wife, mom, or one of the many other awesome things they believe is important to them.
The conclusions all seem to be the same from French bloggers, ex-pats, and the many books I have read about people moving to and living in France… The French understand the delicacies of simple living. They know how to live and enjoy life. They have work-life balance. The simplicities in life are what you should strive to live for.
The French know how to enjoy the simple pleasures
The French know how to enjoy simple pleasures.
I think we can all admit that the simple pleasures in life are in the small things. The small things… like spending time with friends and family, a well-cooked meal, a glass of wine, or a delicious pastry.
The French understand how important these simple pleasures are. What I love the most is that they don’t rush the simple pleasures in life either. Americans are always in a hurry. Americans are always in a hurry to get home, in a hurry to cook dinner, in a hurry to finish their meal, and more!
How can you enjoy things when you are rushing through the best parts?
If you are cooking a meal- learn to enjoy every moment of the process, from planning to cooking to eating. The French know how to have a long meal, and enjoy every minute of it!
If you are out with friends- enjoy the moments of talking, laughter, eating, and enjoying a glass of wine. Take the time to catch up, ask questions, and enjoy all the time you have together.
Instead of rushing through your morning routine, take your time and enjoy the calm before the chaos of your day starts.
Learning to enjoy the moments, instead of rushing through them is the real delicacy.
“Pour bien cuisiner il faut de bons ingrediénts, un palais, du coeur et de amis.”
Unknown
To cook well, you need good ingredients, a palace, a heart, and some friends.
Unknown
You don’t have to be busy to live an Enjoyable life
Slow living is simple living.
I feel like a lot of people think they have to be busy to make it seem like they are being productive and living an enjoyable life. There have been times in my life when I thought I needed a packed schedule to live an enjoyable life.
By doing this, you will be much more productive in your life without being so busy!
The French understand that being busy is overrated. Living a more simple lifestyle still allows for productiveness if you know where to devote your time.
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I hope this post has inspired you to want to slow down your life a little. Take a break. Enjoy the little things in life! There is always time to enjoy the simple delicacies in life.
Catherine is a blogger who helps people find solutions to simplifying their busy lifestyles to enjoy more of what they love doing. She is an eco-friendly advocate who seeks a more simple and natural lifestyle. You can follow along for simple, eco-friendly, and natural living tips.💚
Great ideas! I hope to one day get at a point in my career where I don’t need to work my 11 hour a day job. This way I can start living how I want. On a normal day, if I don’t get whatever done at a certain time, it just won’t get done for that day. So then I’m left feeling rushed, anxious, ahead of myself and before I know it I’m on the brink of burnout. Thanks for sharing!🤗
I hope that someday you won’t have to feel that way because I know how that feels! I have had to work on not feeling so worked up when things don’t get done the when I think they need to. Burnout is no fun!
I love this, and American culture is so weird isn’t it? My old boss expected my entire life be devoted to the job (and not nearly enough pay!) I was like no thanks. I’ve worked for myself off and on since and stay home with my kids. I think the younger generation totally gets this, and the older ones just call them lazy but I think it’s because deep down they’re kind of jealous lol.
I love this comment! I am not making a job my entire life unless it’s my passion. I’ve worked for myself and part time for a while now, and I enjoy the freedom it allows me. I think you are on to something with the younger generation, lol.
The French know what they’re doing when it comes to simplifying their lives. I, too, used to have a very busy schedule and work still tends to run my life. However, I have learned how to say no to things, people, and events that don’t bring me joy.
I’m glad that you have learned to say no to those things! It can still be a struggle for me at times, but I have gotten so much better about not feeling bad for saying no.
I agree with the French lifestyle. I try to leave as much work at work as I can. I’m a teacher, so I’m not always successful, but I do much better than I used to. I also love to make time for travel and activities I like. Again, not always easy, but I make it a priority.
It can be hard to leave work at work, especially as a teacher! I am glad to hear that you try your best to do this, and that you make things you enjoy doing a priority 🙂
I loved reading this and am such a huge advocate of living simply….it’s one of many things I miss about the time I spent living in Europe. Living simply there seems so much easier than it does here. It was so nice to read about living simply the French way….now I want to go lose myself in the lavender fields of the South of France! Thank you for sharing this lovely reminder of what truly matters in life. 🙂
I think it’s amazing that you have lived in Europe! I would love to do an extended stay and pretend like I live there, lol! It does seem like it is easier to live a simple life there. I enjoy reading and learning more about the country!
I love France — Paris is amazing, but the country is where my heart lies. We are going back this summer to explore the Burgundy region — amazing wine, fabulous food, and living the simple life the French way.
I too adore French culture. I fell in love with France when I spent time in Paris and Strasbourg during my study abroad semester in college. I have wanted to go back ever since and indulge in the French way of living. I so wish our country had the same government regulations when it comes to time off, work hours, and even maternity leave. The French have definitely understand the benefit that comes from this way of life. It also took me a long time to realize that a busy schedule doesn’t equal success. I used to strive for business, but now I strive for what makes me happy.
I love that you were able to spend time in France during a study abroad. I would go back in a heart beat! I also used to think having a busy schedule meant I was successful, and for a long time, I strived for that way of life. I am now content with the simplicity of my life. I enjoy the little things like being in my garden and hanging out with my husband and pup. It’s so much better than being busy all the time!
I agree, we don’t need to be so busy to have a good life. These are great reminders and on point. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for reading! I think they are great reminders as well 🙂
Great ideas! I hope to one day get at a point in my career where I don’t need to work my 11 hour a day job. This way I can start living how I want. On a normal day, if I don’t get whatever done at a certain time, it just won’t get done for that day. So then I’m left feeling rushed, anxious, ahead of myself and before I know it I’m on the brink of burnout. Thanks for sharing!🤗
I hope that someday you won’t have to feel that way because I know how that feels! I have had to work on not feeling so worked up when things don’t get done the when I think they need to. Burnout is no fun!
Nice, simple advice! I love it!
Thank you!
I would love to visit Paris and be able to taste their food. Nice post!
I hope you get to someday. It’s amazing!
I love this, and American culture is so weird isn’t it? My old boss expected my entire life be devoted to the job (and not nearly enough pay!) I was like no thanks. I’ve worked for myself off and on since and stay home with my kids. I think the younger generation totally gets this, and the older ones just call them lazy but I think it’s because deep down they’re kind of jealous lol.
I love this comment! I am not making a job my entire life unless it’s my passion. I’ve worked for myself and part time for a while now, and I enjoy the freedom it allows me. I think you are on to something with the younger generation, lol.
The French know what they’re doing when it comes to simplifying their lives. I, too, used to have a very busy schedule and work still tends to run my life. However, I have learned how to say no to things, people, and events that don’t bring me joy.
I’m glad that you have learned to say no to those things! It can still be a struggle for me at times, but I have gotten so much better about not feeling bad for saying no.
I agree with the French lifestyle. I try to leave as much work at work as I can. I’m a teacher, so I’m not always successful, but I do much better than I used to. I also love to make time for travel and activities I like. Again, not always easy, but I make it a priority.
It can be hard to leave work at work, especially as a teacher! I am glad to hear that you try your best to do this, and that you make things you enjoy doing a priority 🙂
I love the quote! I have a hard time since I work at home from cutting off!
Thank you! I feel the same way since I work from home. It can be hard to know when to stop!
I loved reading this and am such a huge advocate of living simply….it’s one of many things I miss about the time I spent living in Europe. Living simply there seems so much easier than it does here. It was so nice to read about living simply the French way….now I want to go lose myself in the lavender fields of the South of France! Thank you for sharing this lovely reminder of what truly matters in life. 🙂
I think it’s amazing that you have lived in Europe! I would love to do an extended stay and pretend like I live there, lol! It does seem like it is easier to live a simple life there. I enjoy reading and learning more about the country!
I love France — Paris is amazing, but the country is where my heart lies. We are going back this summer to explore the Burgundy region — amazing wine, fabulous food, and living the simple life the French way.
I think this amazing! My heart also lies in France… I am visiting Paris again this summer. I’m so excited! I hope you have a wonderful trip as well.
I too adore French culture. I fell in love with France when I spent time in Paris and Strasbourg during my study abroad semester in college. I have wanted to go back ever since and indulge in the French way of living. I so wish our country had the same government regulations when it comes to time off, work hours, and even maternity leave. The French have definitely understand the benefit that comes from this way of life. It also took me a long time to realize that a busy schedule doesn’t equal success. I used to strive for business, but now I strive for what makes me happy.
I love that you were able to spend time in France during a study abroad. I would go back in a heart beat! I also used to think having a busy schedule meant I was successful, and for a long time, I strived for that way of life. I am now content with the simplicity of my life. I enjoy the little things like being in my garden and hanging out with my husband and pup. It’s so much better than being busy all the time!
Paris is high on my travel list! The simplicity you describe really makes me eager to go. Next year!
I hope you are able to make it next year. You will love it!