Six tips to blend in with Parisians in Paris
What to wear, where to shop, what to eat...
Hello there!
What a fun week it has been in Paris. I was even in an Eiffel Tower film! Well, I say film… but that’s just what NBC called it.
You can watch it here, it’s part of their “Nightly Films” series, and this one was all about the 135 year anniversary of the Eiffel Tower. It’s two parts, each five minutes long, and I got lots of airtime in the second part.
Speaking of film, this week we experimented with videoing our podcast recordings. So on Monday, you’ll be able to watch us on YouTube (or you can still listen as usual)! This video addition has been a long time coming. I’m very curious to see how it is received.
The audio episode is already published here for Patreon members (and I’ve emailed it to Substack members) - many of whom are already voting on it and commenting.
Blending in with Parisians
Anyway, enough about all that. The topic of this post is “blending in with Parisians”. So what does that mean?
Well, this week on the podcast we were talking about visiting Paris “like a local”. The guest was American author Scott Carpenter, a Parisian for decades, who wrote a new memoir called Paris Lost and Found. I wrote more about Scott, the episode, and the topic in Monday’s newsletter (which you can read here).
But let’s extend the conversation a bit and dive into ways that visitors to Paris can blend in a little, if they choose to. So here is a collection of tips, inspired from the past years of research and reporting on The Earful Tower.
Six tips for blending in with Parisians
1. Reconsider that beret
I know, I know, Emily in Paris wears a beret. So do other Parisians, sometimes. But more often than not, berets in Paris are on the heads of tourists at the Eiffel Tower.
This was a big topic when I was on the Today Show in Australia recently (I just found the footage, watch it below).
But this beret thing is a legit tip, even if the video is a bit tongue-in-cheek. If you want to blend in, dress more casually. I asked my wife, a fashion designer, what she thought about this, and she said it’s better not to dress up if you don’t want to stand out.
“If you want to look like a true Parisian, a pair of simple sneakers, classic jeans, and a simple top are all you need,” she said.
2. Say ‘bonjour’!
This is the most obvious one. Even if you can only say one word of French - and if that word is bonjour - then don’t be afraid to say it. Being silent or saying hello in English are both considered to be quite rude. So if you’re popping into a bakery for a croissant or ordering a glass of bubbly in your neighbourhood cafe - make sure you greet your server with your best ‘bonjour’ and they’ll be charmed.
3. Try a ‘tradition’ instead of a baguette
The famous baguette is iconic, but why not give this more traditional take on it a go?The tradition cost only a few extra centimes, it’s made in the traditional way with only four ingredients, and for our money, it tastes even better.
4. Stroll the quieter sides of the roads
Sure, take a walk around the beautiful Île Saint Louis, but why not go down to the river level? It’s mostly picnicking Parisians and local dog walkers down there.
There are various access points across the island, and one of the most picturesque is via the Square Barye. Keep your eyes peeled for the green gate!
Note: This tip isn’t just for the island. It’s true for all the main streets. Just walk along the parallel streets instead of the popular ones and you’ll be surprised at how quickly the other tourists all disappear.
5. Try the food markets
Forget the supermarket - the action is at the market, at least for your fruits, veg, meats and more. There is a particular pleasure in watching locals shop for the freshest seasonal produce at a food market and you won’t find a better experience than visiting the Marche d’Aligre in the 12th arrondissement.
Place d’Aligre, 75012
Interested in finding out more about the covered market at the Marché d’Aligre? Read on here.
6. Go to the Parisian cinemas
And lastly, why not take in some culture as the locals do. The 5th arrondissement is stuffed full of tiny independent cinemas that frequently show classic films and retrospectives. You won’t fail to miss the long lines of Parisians queueing outside La Filmothèque or Paris Cinema Club for a Kurosawa festival or Audrey Hepburn’s Charade, set right here in the City of Light.
OK, that’ll do! If you want even more tips, watch that short video from the Today Show above. I listed another four of five suggestions there :)
If you enjoyed this email, and if you find some kind of value in The Earful Tower, why not make today the day you sign up as a Substack or Patreon member?
Join the gang, get your finger on the pulse of Paris ;)
Oliver
Bonjour Oliver, we will be in Paris next month. We are interested in using ebikes to get around. Do you have info on how to rent them. Merci