How do you do Paris like a local?
Where to go, what to wear, and what to buy when you're tired of the clichés
Before moving to Paris, my trips to the city were sprinkled with the same clichéd activities you’d expect from any tourist. Not only that, but my everyday looks were composed of the predictable French girl staples that any francophile would wear, and my (obligatory) pharmacy hauls included the same old must-haves touted by every American magazine. It wasn’t until I actually moved here that I realized how much greatness I’d been missing out on by focusing only on the familiar and what I thought the city was all about.
So I began a year of exploration and found a New Paris that’s even more delightful than the Emily in Paris version we all know and love. I wrote about my findings for a few publications recently, so for a quick post today, I’m sharing them below:
Where to go (that’s not touristy and also won’t be too pricey)
For the Toronto Star, I gave tips on where to stay (boutique hotels outside of the first two arrondissements), what to do (make a natural wine bar a priority), where to eat (including where to find the best beignets), and where to shop (for high-quality pieces only). Read it here.
What to wear (that’s not a French girl cliché)
For InStyle, I wrote about the five trendy items I’ve spotted on many French girls around the city—many of which are cool, updated versions of classic pieces—and where to find options in North America. Read it here.
What beauty products to buy
For
’s Substack, I shared five beauty products I buy on repeat—like 5€ perfume papers and a particularly effective pimple sizzler. Read it here.(Full disclosure: I’ve been swamped this month as I wind down my role at one job and take on new freelance projects, so I haven’t had as much time as I’d like to devote to this newsletter. But that’s changing soon. Stick around—I have some juicy pieces coming up.)
Until next Sunday,
Renée