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I found a quiet cafe on a side street in Saint-Germain-des-Prés and took out my well-worn notebook and a pen to write. It was drizzling, as it often does in Paris, but the tables outside were covered with a dark green awning, protecting me from the rain. A waiter came by to take my order and returned quickly with a cappuccino adorned with perfect heart-shaped foam that was almost too pretty to drink. I sipped it slowly, savoring the creamy drink and taking small bites of the biscuit that came with it. I watched people walking by in bright red and yellow galoshes and raincoats. A well-dressed older man zoomed by on his bicycle, his pants carefully tucked into his boots. I had nowhere to be, and that felt like the greatest luxury in the world.
That seemingly insignificant moment embodies what the French call l’art de vivre — the art of living — enjoying simple pleasures, slowing down and finding joy and happiness in everyday things like lively conversation over a carefully prepared meal with friends. Janine Marsh, the host of The Good Life France podcast, says, “It’s a philosophy that has been woven into the fabric of French history, influencing how the French eat, dress, socialize and even think.” Julien Mainguy, co-founder of the Best of France website, says, “It is about taking time to do nothing, giving attention to details and choosing quality over quantity as a means to enjoy life.”
As I’ve gotten older and weathered life’s twists and turns, including the pandemic and the death of my beloved mother, l’art de vivre has become more important than ever to me. Here are some of the ways I practice the art of living well and how you can, too:
Slow down.
While Paris may be the exception, in most of France, people take their time and aren’t in as much of a rush as they are here in the United States. “Don’t take shortcuts. Don’t multi-task. Do one thing at a time completely, in the moment,” says Debra Ollivier in her book Entre Nous: A Woman’s Guide to Finding Her Inner French Girl. “Remember that time is not money, it’s your life.” When you slow down and live in the moment, you allow yourself to enjoy everyday wonders like a butterfly perched on a flower or the first bite of a warm croissant.
Surround yourself with beauty.
This doesn’t mean spending lots of money on expensive things. It’s about creating an environment that makes you feel good. I feel my best in a minimalist, tidy space with well-crafted and comfy furniture, art, beloved books, scented candles, nice music and soft lighting. I also try to spend as much time in nature as possible — whether it’s a stroll through my local park, a visit to the arboretum or time in my garden.
Take care of yourself.
Tending to one’s skin and hair is practically a religion in France. There are salons and institutes de beauté everywhere. But French women don’t see self-care as a luxury; they view it as “maintenance,” says Ollivier. Regular exercise, eating lots of fresh vegetables and fruit, meditation and the occasional facial or massage are ways I invest in my well-being. Taking care of yourself as best you can and prioritizing your well-being is a cornerstone of living well.
Invest in quality over quantity.
My mother always said it’s better to have a few well-made investment pieces that will last forever instead of a closet full of what they call “fast fashion,” and I couldn’t agree more. Over the years, I’ve pared down my clothes and accessories, and I try to only buy a few quality essentials each year. I’ve also realized that a scarf will always fit no matter my size.
Go on an artist date.
Julia Cameron, who wrote The Artist’s Way, describes an artist date as a “once-weekly, festive, solo expedition to explore something that interests you.” It could be a trip to a museum, a favorite bookstore, a farmer’s market or anything that “fires up the imagination, sparks whimsy and encourages play.”
What do you think? How do you embrace the art of living well? Let us know in the comments below.
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