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The years that pass by without a sojourn to France build up the desire ever more to travel as soon as I can figure out and budget for my next trip. Such has been the case in 2023 and 2024. Perhaps this is the case for you as well, or maybe you are fortunate to have just returned from France or have plans already set for a trip that is about to occur. If you are of the former group like myself, then this is a post for you, and if you happen to be in the latter groups, this post is also for you because upon returning home when you are longing to return, these ideas will keep the culture you so love a part of your daily life wherever you call home.
Whether you have traveled to France often or have dreams of visiting for the very first time, the duration when we find ourselves separated from the culture that we are celebrating throughout our annual event this week here on TSLL provides a gift of an opportunity that may be staring us in the face and we didn’t even realize it.
Such simple intentional inclusions into our daily routine and life keep the culture alive as we have found it to speak to us, and for each of us that will be uniquely individual. And as you will discover with some of the ideas shared below, often this time away from France gives an opportunity to become more in tune and knowledge of the culture, so that when we do return or visit, we can connect and/or communicate more deeply and with more understanding.
So much of TSLL has been founded on the premise of incorporating aspects of the French approach to living into everyday life wherever we call home. From the general concept of choosing quality over quantity, to the simple details of décorating with French aesthetics in mind, a significant part of what makes living simply luxurious is the intentionality of the French culture inclusion into the equation.
And because of this, there have been many lists, posts and episodes, along with TSLL’s books and seemingly endless Petit Plaisirs that have included oodles of inspiration for incorporating our love for France into our daily lives. However, today I would like to share with you seven more ways we can savor France especially when we can’t be there and we cannot wait to hop on a plane or train and arrive for our next visit.
1. Fill your days with sounds of the French language (even if you don’t understand it – yet!)
Each week watch at least one or two French programs, shows, series or films in French.
Subscribe to either MHzChoice or France Channel and start choosing the shows that pique your interest. I shared back in 2022 a list of my favorite shows to watch on MHzChoice (see below) and at least twice a week I am watching one of the series found there or a French film.
2. Consider learning the language, and be patient – you will be able to speak fluently in time (give yourself at least 2-3 years of consistent learning)
The United States Foreign Institute (FSI) estimates that fluency occurs once 600 classroom hours have been achieved, and good news! French is one of the easiest languages to learn compared to other languages whether it seems that way initially or not 😌. This involves consistent practice and enrollment in a quality language instruction facility such as a college class or curriculum or an Alliance de Française that will lead you to be proficient (level B2). These total hours can usually be accumulated over 2-3 years time depending upon how intense your classes and the length each time. So, yep, we have to be patient, and also yep, actual classroom attendance (in-person or live online) with an accredited teacher is necessary as well. While language apps are great supplemental support, if you want to understand the construction of the language, seriously consider investing in French classes.
Just being able to hear the language regularly with other students and your professor keeps the love of the French culture alive in your life wherever you live when you cannot be in France.
~Tune in to episode #386 of the podcast later this week where I will share what I have learned so far in French Class, part huit (8) having now concluded FR 202 this past June and getting ready to enter my third consecutive year of online French classes, an investment that has been worth ever penny due to the progress I have witnessed in my own understanding, ease and usage of the language. View the entire series that has been shared so far here.
3. Read books about anything relating to the French culture
While there are endless titles on how to [dress like/be like/live like/etc.] the French, why not read a book that takes you into the culture? From historical, to philosophical (Rousseau, Descartes, Beauvoir, Montaigne, etc.) to modern day culture or pick up a book about a specific region of France that has piqued your curiosity or about a particular French individual that fascinates you?
Below are just a handful of the books I recommend and have thoroughly enjoyed:
- The Impossible City: Paris in the Twenty-First Century by Simon Kuper
- Monsieur Mediocre: One American Learns the High Art of Being Everyday French by John von Sothen (listen to my interview with the author as we walked around Paris together, episode #257)
- How the French Invented Love: 900 Years of Passion and Romance by Marilyn Yalom
- A Taste for Provence by Helen Lefkowitz Horowitz
- The New Parisienne: The Women and Ideas Shopping Paris by Lindsey Tramuta (listen to my interview with Lindsey and her book here in episode #285)
- Camille Pisarro: The Audacity of Impression by Anka Muhlstein
- Monet: The Restless Vision by Jackie Wullschlager
~Explore more recommended French inspired books here in TSLL’s Book Shop for Francophile Finds and in the following posts here – French cookbooks, here, and here.
4. Eat seasonally
Most definitely learning and knowing how to not only eat, but find and prepare food that is in season is a skill, and depending upon where you love, will take effort, but both for our health and our satiation, it is worth it.
And the French do this oh so well. Yes, their country is well-suited to provide amazing seasonal produce, but that doesn’t mean it is impossible wherever we call home. I most definitely continue to be a student of understanding how to get creative with seasonal produce and meals, but I refuse to give up because not only does it taste far better, it also deepens the appreciation when the produce of a particular season becomes available that I have long anticipated. For example, waiting for that first peach to become available freshly picked off the tree in mid-to-late summer, enjoying hearty barley mixed with carrots and sautéed mushrooms in the fall and winter. Enjoying these foods in their off-season now seems odd and definitely doesn’t come with the flavor so loved when it is naturally available.
Ever so gradually when we begin to know what and where to find the produce, or preserve the produce during the amply abundant months so we have delicious organic food in the winter, we are savoring an aspect of France that can be incorporated wherever we may live.
~Be sure to watch TSLL’s Cooking Show – The Simply Luxurious Kitchen (season 7 will premiere on September 14th!) as one of the primary themes is cooking with the seasons.
~Also, coming next summer, TSLL’s will release its Intro to French Cooking online video course. Sign up for the free newsletter for Online Course updates here to be notified when it becomes available and how to save money when it is released.
5. Visit your local (or nearby) Farmers’ Market regularly
Speaking of prioritizing seasonal produce, one of the best classrooms to discover what is in season is to visit your local or a nearby farmers’ market. In the most recent August A Cuppa Moments with TOP Tier Members our question this month was just this – how do you approach and shop your farmers’ market, and the responsive were full of inspiration and ideas and reminders of how to shop well, deliciously and have fun while you do so.
And even if you don’t have a farmers’ market, if you have the opportunity to visit one in a nearby town or when you travel across the state or to a neighboring state, take the time to find a market to go to and discover all that is available, learning as you go.
One of the many reasons I love living in Bend, Oregon, is visiting the farmers’ markets. I sling my market tote over my shoulder, don my Panama straw hat, often the dogs come with me, and along with picking up the produce for the week, I am also talking with the farmers and vendors and learning all sorts of stuff about the food they are experts in. Yet another opportunity to discover how to enjoy the foods that are available at their finest.
6. Bring France to you
Not literally, but sort of literally. Let me explain.
So if you know you won’t be traveling to France in the near future, treat yourself to purchasing items from France, items that have no comparable equivalent in the country you currently find yourself.
This could be by splurging and purchasing a box from Sharon Santoni – her French Country Home Boxes – delivered seasonally and filled with all sorts of French artisanal and home items, most only available in France and not available for purchase online outside of her boutique. Or purchasing a French tea you love and always keeping it in stock (my favorites Palais des Thés, Mariage Frères (their green tea – Vert Provence is like silk – I highly recommend), Dammann Frères). The list of French finds to welcome home will be endless and unique to your tastes and preferences, but I encourage you to satiate your love of the culture by infusing your everyday life with touches of what it is that takes you back or takes you to this beloved culture without ever having step on the plane.
~Throughout each of the eight previous TSLL’s French Weeks as well as sprinkled throughout the years here on the blog, oodles of French items and brands have been shared. Be sure to explore all of these posts in their respective Archives – French Week posts and Petit Plaisirs as well as French-inspired posts and podcast episodes.
7. Read or Subscribe to a French publication (in English or French)
Whether you receive My French Country Home magazine in the mail every other month, or read Le Monde (in English) online, incorporate a publication that is based in France into your regular reading material.
Here are a few more publications (online and/or in print) you might want to explore:
- Perfectly Provence (online magazine/website)
- France Revisited (online website)
- Taste France magazine (online)
- French Daily News (online news site)
- En Francais Facile (RFI) – online news in slow French
- France Today (online website)
- Vanity Fair, France
More than ever, perhaps because of the Olympics being hosted by Paris, taking a trip to France is dancing at the forefront of many of our minds, at least it is for me, even moreso than it was before. But the good news is that even if we don’t have our tickets in hand, we can vicariously travel or immerse ourselves into the culture we love, a little or a lot, either way, just enough to remind us to prioritize a visit as soon as it is possible.
SIMILAR POSTS/EPISODES YOU MIGHT ENJOY
10 Everyday French Details I Incorporate into My Routine, episode #337
Hi Shannon, I love these suggestions and especially the publications list. I always learn something from you. I have not heard of many of them. Can’t wait to tuck into some of them with coffee and pain au chocolat.
Have a wonderful day,
Nanci,
So tickled to be able to share a new discovery! And your pairings sound delicious! Enjoy! 🙂
I love My French Country Home boxes. They are such a simple luxury that takes me back to my days in France.
Lynette,
Sharon does such an amazing job curating them, doesn’t she? 🙂 She continues to find brands that are full of quality and unique offerings. It really is like a waiting Santa’s arrival. 🙂 Thank you for sharing your experience with her subscription boxes.
Shannon, after spending the last fortnight watching the Olympic Games, my appetite has been whetted for a return trip to France and particularly Paris. The Palace of Versailles is definitely on my list as it looks stunning. Some great ideas here for us Francophiles.
Nicola,
I know what you mean! OH my goodness, yes. A trip to France is hopefully coming sooner than later for both of us! 🙂 And watching the Equestrian at Versailles has been quite special, hasn’t it? What a venue!
Hi Shannon – so happy French Week is back! Great list and suggestions above.
Thank you for stopping by Pam! I hope you enjoy the week! 🙂
Thank you for sharing such wonderful ways to savor French culture no matter where we are in the world. I recently started taking French lessons and have been watching French films as “homework.” I will definitely check out the publications you recommend to increase my exposure. It has been so lovely to expose myself to the language again (I studied it at university many years ago) and it has motivated me to start planning a trip!
Aimee,
Wonderful to hear you too are stepping into the language of French! While most of the publications are in English, there are a few in French that are perfect for language learners, especially RFI.
Thank you for stopping by and I do hope you enjoy French week. Bonsoir !
Happy French Week Shannon! So excited to experience my 1st French Week live here this week (I have reviewed your previous years in anticipation ☺️) I thoroughly enjoyed this list & look forward to exploring the books you mentioned. Your book recommendations are always FANTASTIC & my reading list has grown immensely in the best way since discovering you this past year! I will also be listening to your mentioned podcase episode #257 with John von Sothen & looking it his book as it sounds fascinating & what an incredible experience that walking interview must have been for you! Hoping to return to France on a trip in 2025 🤞🏻 Bon Journee & Merci Beaucoup Shannon on the start of French Week! 🇫🇷
Leda,
Tickled you are joining us this year! And I think you will enjoy John’s book. He is a wonderful and engaging writer and our chat and walk about his arrondissement was a delight. He is a fun-loving guy, opening to learning and have a great heart as well. His family stories will make you smile and warm your heart all the while prompting a bit of a chuckle as well. 🙂 May the upcoming trip indeed be scheduled so you can begin to anticipated it all the more! Enjoy the week!
Love these ideas and prompts, they swiftly take me to a French state of mind. I want to incorporate French films and series immediately! I miss the language. Later in life I finished my degree (originally intended to be Interior Design) in French. What a lot of fun that was! Each class taught us the language, of course, but there were ones on a wider view of the culture: literature, art, current news, etc. I loved them all, what a dream. I’m not fluent but I also enjoy reading in French. I can always get the gist, and don’t they have such a way with words?
I was thinking last night about what to enjoy during my morning tea and nibble, et voila French Week begins! I had already settled on a croissant…fortuitous, non?
By the way, I have to mention one of my favorite movies set in Paris is an older Hallmark called Love Locks. I’ll be dusting that off this week. The scenery and music are top notch. And Hugo will steal your heart, guaranteed!
Bonne semaine to all 🥰
Coucou, Melissa! Love Locks looks fun and I love the title in French–Coup de Foudre À Paris! Inspired by the wonderful first giveaway, I’ll be re-watching the charming film, ‘Chocolat’ , with the lovely Juliette Binoche. Bonne Semaine! x Bises x
Parfait! I never go too long without seeing either one, but Chocolat is indeed a must after Shannon’s post. I always have to be eating chocolate during…what can I say I’m weak and impressionable 😉.
The French title for Love Locks is SO much better!! I’ll think of that now…
Melissa,
I do hope you enjoy the week. 🙂 Thank you for stopping by to kick it off!
These are incredible recommendations! I signed up for The French Country Homes newsletter and travel newsletter and look forward to doing more reading of French periodicals.
~ Logan A.
Logan, I do hope you enjoy the reading material. You will definitely stay in the know. 🙂
You have created and curated such a remarkable trove of French-y(is that word?) treasures through the years and my gratitude is immense. I have learned and enjoyed so much from TSLL, merci pour tout, Shannon.
And so I am inspired anew! My french is still a bit rusty–especially with those dratted verb tenses!–, my reading comprehension is fairly good(of course it can vastly improve!), but watching movies and perhaps news reports in French is good advice. And yes, I need to sign up for real classroom experience, and not wholly rely on that passive-aggressive, but charming, owl. Bonne semaine everyone!💕
Rona,
Any exposure is good, and when we catch something that we understand, isn’t that the best! 🙂 Enjoy the week Rona.
I will be going to France for the very first time next April. We are splitting the week between London and Paris so we only have a few days but we intend to make the most of it. I have been saving so many posts for inspiration. If you have any thoughts of things to do with a short 2-3 day itinerary I would love to see a blog post like that. 😊
Deb,
Excited for your upcoming trip! My last trip to Paris was just that long as well, so be sure to go back through my French-inspired posts shared in 2022. 🙂 Have an amazing time!
You are right on with your recommendations on how living like the French can add to our day to day pleasure. Another one I might add is purchasing a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers on our shopping excursions . I love the flower markets gracing the streets. To the French, flowers are as important as food! 🌻🌻🌻
Bonne idée !
Great point, Jamie. Food for the eyes and soul!
The second item listed is super encouraging! Though I studied French for a few years and was able to muddle my way through conversations with French speakers, most of my previous knowledge is lost due to lack of use. The statistic you provide, that fluency can be achieved in two to three years with consistent effort, is empowering. Perhaps I will brush up on my French again, but this has particularly motivated me to resume my German studies, where more of my language interests currently lie. Thanks for sharing this list! If not pursuing learning the French language, I will use some of the other ideas to incorporate a little more French “je ne sais quoi” into my life!
Mary,
Indeed, #2 applies to most languages and I know German would fit in that descriptor as well. The key is persistent effort and it will then be possible. When I began two years ago, I asked my professor if I could be speaking basic conversational French and when she said yes, I became excited, but was still a bit skeptical. It’s true though! My anxiety is nearly gone, I am not afraid to attempt to speak full sentences and have a conversation and I definitely understand most of what I hear, albeit on a more everyday level, not upper. 🙂 Thank you for stopping by and may your language journey continue forward!
Bonjour! Thank you for this post. I am traveling to France next year and very excited. (My first trip there!) Thank you for the ideas above. They are inspirational and I am actually working on all of them.
Merci!
Quinn,
How exciting to already have your plans set so you can begin to anticipate, plan and dream! That first trip is certainly special. Have a wonderful time.
Sharon,
One of the things I love about your posts (and yes, there are many) is that you refer to prior essays/posts that give even more information. Typically I have read the earlier posts, however I learn even more in the rereading. Thank you for your thoughtful writing style, it truly feels like you put readers at the center!
Thank you for your feedback Julia. It is appreciated and I am tickled to hear this approach is helpful. 🙂
Excited for another French week!
In order to savor France this week, I have been listening to TSLL Escape to France playlist on Spotify and have planned all French cuisine for this week’s carte du jour. At this very moment, I have French Onion Soup and Ratatouille simmering away on the stove made with vegetables found at a farm stand on a recent trip and TSLK’s Sole Meunière is on the menu for Thursday evening.
I’ll also be revisiting previous French-inspired episodes as well as the new ones you will be sharing.
Wishing everyone une semaine merveilleuse!
~Michelle
Love your planning and full French Week immersion!
Michelle,
Your menu sounds delicious! Oh my goodness, thank you for whetting our appetite. 🙂 Enjoy the week!
These are great suggestions, and I especially appreciate the recomendations for books and publications =)
Mateja,
Tickled you enjoyed the books and publications shared. I have so many I often forget which ones I have shared already and then I realize I am way behind in sharing and need to start including them in a post!
What a great post! I am a true Francophile and I love to incorporate as much of the French way of living into my life as possible! These ideas are great and remind me of things I already like to do. French language lessons are definitely on my bucket list for when I have more available time. I love the idea about reading of the French culture. I thoroughly enjoy books about relocating / living in France (Janine Marsh and Oeter Mayle spring to mind) and it reminds me I’ve not read a book about France in a while.
Eating seasonally is something I need to work more on, but I love the French approach to simply, good quality ingredients made in a simple (but elegant and decadent way!) And oh my at the sneak peek of the next online course !!!
Merci! Sarah
So many singularly delightful ways to direct one’s compass in this post…I love it! Particularly interested in revisiting essays Montaigne, and am currently thinking about spending three days in Paris on my own this October, so this week is well-timed. Putting together a (very) short list of loved stops to roam during a fleeting amount of time. Thank you for giving us this yearly tradition to anticipate, enjoy, and revisit!
My personal favorite is savoring a delicious French wine while listening to “The Hot Sardines” or watching classic episodes of “The French Chef” on PBS. My heart is already jumping at the thrill of just thinking about it. Happy French week! 🇫🇷
That is a lovely pairing. Thank you for sharing with us all. I too am smiling just thinking about the joy this combination would bring. Thank you Katrina. ☺️🇫🇷❤️
Katrina, that sounds perfect! French wine seems to go with savoring just about anything, doesn’t it? I have to have The Hot Sardines on when I get ready for the day…they just get me hoppin’ like nothing else. I’m also enjoying Sidney Bechet and the Midnight in Paris soundtrack. The movie will definitely be put in soon, too!
Love this post & your approach, Shannon. My dream trip is Italy, and I think I’ll tailor this to fit. I’ve decided to finally go the year I turn 50, which is 2026.
Vert Province is quickly climbing up in my rankings of Mariage Frères’ teas. There is a French restaurant in Scottsdale that serves a selection of Mariage Frères, and I thought Marco Polo was my favorite, but I’ve ordered Vert Province the last several times 😉
Shannon, I love this post and the many reminders of what it means to savor France throughout our weeks and to remember fondly our time spent there. One way I like to incorporate France into my life, is by having a charcuterie with many French cheeses, meats, and other fresh ingredients. It’s a simple dinner and a delicious way to savor France in our life.
Marion,
What a delicious idea! Yes! I have incorporated this apero approach for so long, it is part of my life and I sometimes forget where it was inspired, but not for long. 😉 A you shared, incorporating such ideas really does deepen our appreciation for our time in France when we were fortunate to be there. Thank you for stopping by!