10 Things to Learn From Parisian Women

We can learn a lot from the French in general, but Parisian women appear got hold the secret to life just behind their cheeky grins. There aren’t many things that the women of the capital won’t share with you, if you only ask. 

Here are the 10 things that I know for sure:

1. Speak Up!

France is not a place where one gets what they want without speaking up. Parisian women learned this decades ago, when they started demanding equal rights to their male counterparts, including the option of wearing pants and suits if they so desired. 

The French, in general, are very direct, and can times come across as almost crass. Inherently this is not accurate, as most true Parisians would give you the shirt off their back if you truly needed it, but this specific attitude comes from having learned to say what it is you want, when you want it. 

by Clem Onojeghuo – Unsplash

Parisian women don’t let life occur around them; they insert themselves as and when they desire, and make a point of contributing to spaces that may otherwise have overlooked them. 

2. People Watch at Every Opportunity 

You only have to look at the way the streets of Paris are set up to know that people watching is a major pastime for people of this nation. The cafes are lined with sidewalk tables and chairs, where you can sit through rain or shine and watch the passers by as you drink your coffee. 

Parisian women have mastered the art of looking incredibly busy whilst doing just this, despite doing nothing at all. Never interrupt a woman on her coffee break, especially not if she’s deep in a well of people watching. 

You can learn a lot just by watching how other people make their way through the world, and that’s the lesson here. 

Paris – By Kinga Cichewicz – Unsplash

3. Vintage is Très Chic

The French love nothing more than supporting high end designers and their latest collections, especially those who are native to the country. That being said, a true Parisian knows that thrift life is the best life, and there is nothing more chic that a beautifully put together outfit featuring stunning pieces that were once owned by another. 

Paris has some of the best vintage shopping in the world. 

4. Become an Excellent Conversationalist 

Speaking up, and being good at conversing, are actually not the same thing. Using your voice to express your needs and wants is not the same as being able to contribute to any and every subject of discussion come dinner time at the local cafe. 

by Mimi Thian – Unsplash

Parisian women tend to master the art of conversation from a young age. They view the ability to engage on a myriad of topics, either subjectively or objectively, as a positive attribute. 

Even the most shy Parisian women can engage in quite profound conversion given the right circumstances.  

5. Walk, Walk, Walk

The French walk absolutely everywhere, and in Paris you’ll see that it’s mostly tourists riding the metro (unless the weather is really bad, of course). 

Parisian women will do a lot of their errands on foot, which is why most of the city’s arrondissements are as equipped as the next. You can usually visit a market, the salon, your job and your local bar scene all within walking distance from your home. 

6. Value Quality Ingredients 

Parisians love a balance between dining out and eating in. When they do prepare food at home, they make the effort of sourcing quality ingredients, that their body might thank them for in the long run. 

Shopping at the nearest farmers market is common practice, as is opting for organic, preservative free produce whenever possible. 

If the mustard that they like to cook with is located across town, a Parisian woman will likely make the effort of either going to fetch it, or organizing for it to be delivered, rather than settling for something of lesser quality. 

7. Skincare Over Makeup

French women in general aren’t big on layered makeup. Majority of them will wear a few coats of mascara and possibly a lipstick. The fresh-faced look is popular in France. 

Parisian women are particularly invested in skincare, and spend a lot more money on these good as opposed to cosmetics. Paris has some fabulous skincare brands from all over the world, so staying on trend here is very easy. 

by Park Street – Unsplash

8. Embrace Rituals of Pleasure

If there is one thing to learn from Parisian women, it’s that your life should be one big symphony of pleasures. They get through the mundane day-to-day by incorporating small rituals of pleasure into daily life.

I can’t tell you what the best pleasures for your specific life experience should be; it’s different for everyone. What’s important is that it become a ritual, which means it be repeated in regulated intervals. 

This could be monthly visit to a beach near Paris, or even making time to visit a new exhibition weekly. Parisians also count smoking as a ritual of pleasure, so this is one many people already do daily without realizing it. 

Paris – by Craig Whitehead – Unsplash

9. Use Your City as Your Gym

You won’t find many Parisian women who choose to travel to a vicinity, just to work out inside of it. To them, the city is as good a gym as any, and they make use of parks, stairs and public transportation (city bikes) as their occasional exercise. 

by Kinga Cichewicz – Unsplash

10. Never Deprive Your Soul 

Woke up craving a croissant, even though you’ve had three already this week? So what! 

Parisian woman rule number 1: never, ever deprive your soul of what it is craving. This may be something as simple as a pain au chocolat from the corner patisserie, or even a spontaneous getaway to see your best friend in Nice. 

If it’s calling you, listen and act!