As I am living in small town France, I often have to make a weekend escape to Paris to regain my sanity and my sense of adventure. I absolutely love the city for everything that makes it so “Parisian,” but I am also an expat who occasionally misses everything American. I have compiled a guide to a casual day spent in Paris:
1. Try to look a bit Parisian. If your intention is to be casual, you don’t want to look and feel like a tourist all day. Paris can often be a bit chilly and rainy, so wearing a simple scarf and boots outfit while carrying an umbrella in your purse is often a good idea.
2. Enjoy Starbucks. Considering the number of Starbucks around Paris, it would almost be sacrilegious to ignore them. Here, though, you do have two options: you can pretend to be at least a little French and sit either outside or inside next to the window and enjoy your mocha while people-watching, or you can be a true American and take your coffee to go. I personally prefer to sit and enjoy one drink in the morning, and then later in the day I hit up another Starbucks and take my second with me as I stroll. I think this is a healthy cultural compromise.
3. Make your friends jealous. Nothing can really make your friends back home more jealous than knowing you are spending a day in the most romantic city on earth while they are thousands of miles away just suffering through the daily grind. The easiest way to do this is by taking lots and lots of pictures everywhere you go. I personally suggest using your iPhone in lieu of a camera, because it is both easier, more subtle, and doesn’t scream “tourist” to the world. This is also the perfect opportunity to upload an obnoxious amount of SnapChats and Instagrams.
4. Visit the Eiffel Tower. Who doesn’t love the Eiffel Tower? Whether you sit on the lawn for a picnic or just pass by, a viewing of this iconic structure is always in order. If this is your first time to the Eiffel Tower, you definitely need to have a tourist moment and take “creative” pictures of yourself with the tower. These photos typically include “throwing what you know” with sorority hand symbols or making a heart with your hands above your head while your back is to the camera.
5. Pass by the Louvre. The Louvre is a gorgeous palace dropped right in the middle of a gorgeous city and is guaranteed to make you smile. Once again, you are allowed to take touristy pictures of yourself here standing on the fountain or pretending to hold onto the tip of the glass pyramid.
6. Eat at Chipotle for lunch. This is as American (or Mexican?) as it gets in Paris. Upon entry, you are guaranteed to hear other expats gossiping in English around you, and the staff might not be French either. Sit down and indulge yourself with a big fat juicy burrito and cold can of Coke.
7. Buy a new Longchamp bag. You can either go to a Longchamp store or to Printemps. I prefer Printemps because the atmosphere is less “stuffy,” and it reminds me of Nordstrom. A Longchamp bag truly is the ideal bag for any American or European girl (or an American girl who is trying to be European). They are less expensive if bought in France, and they have a perfect bag for every occasion. You’ll feel very sophisticated after your purchase as you prance around with your dark green shopping bag.
8. Shop at H&M. Since you just spent all your money on a new purse, and you still need a new outfit that you can say you “bought in Paris,” it’s time to make your way to an H&M. What is more special than buying your unique European clothes at a chain store found everywhere back home as well?
9. Stop by Ladurée. This is an adorable tea and pastry shop famous for their macaroons (which is perhaps the most “French” pastry there is). They have locations all around Paris, so you should definitely stop in for an afternoon tea or at least to purchase some sweets for later.
10. Go out for dinner and drinks. The best way to end your day is with a late, long French dinner and cocktails to follow with a friend. Paris has a literally endless amount of restaurants and cafés, so you are usually pretty safe if you randomly choose a busy-looking place. Or, if you are in the mood to dine in a cute area, head over to Bercy Village for the evening. If it is not too miserable outside, squeeze into a table under the awnings and outdoor heaters, relax, and finally immerse yourself into “la vie Parisian.”