A fresh approach to experiencing Paris

While you may not be able to visit Paris at the moment, you can still enjoy the flavors, sights, sounds, and spirit of the French capital through film, food, music, fashion, history, and culture. And when the time finally arrives, you'll be more than ready to plan your dream trip to the City of Lights—hopefully sooner than you think.

Why not spend a cozy afternoon preparing a classic French recipe, like rich sole meunière or vibrant, wholesome ratatouille, while enjoying a Parisian film for a bit of nostalgia or romance?

Fill your space with blooms that capture the essence of Paris in spring. Or pop open a bottle of Burgundy wine and immerse yourself in a beautiful photo book of Parisian scenes, or lose yourself in a timeless piece of French literature.

However you choose to bring a little Parisian magic into your life, remember this iconic line from Audrey Hepburn in Billy Wilder’s 1954 film, *Sabrina*: 'Paris is for throwing open the windows and letting in la vie en rose.'

Enjoy and fall in love

Movies have the power to transport viewers into their worlds, stirring up deep emotions. Whether it’s laughter, tears, reflection, or nostalgia, watching films set in or about Paris allows you to feel like you're strolling along its iconic cobbled streets.

Paris, the backdrop of countless unforgettable films, offers something for every movie lover—whether you’re in the mood for joy, sorrow, or adventure. We’ve compiled a list of 11 quintessential Parisian films and where you can stream them. Missed a favorite? Let us know.

Set the atmosphere

Springtime in Paris is marked by vibrant floral displays: roses, ranunculus, and peonies in hues of pink and purple. The Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris showcases the most exquisite arrangements, designed by Artistic Director Jeff Leatham.

You don't need an abundance of flowers to evoke the same ambiance in your home. You can create a personalized bouquet with an assortment of colorful blooms from your local grocery store, or order one online. In the US, UrbanStems offers delivery of custom floral arrangements like *The Bourdeaux* right to your doorstep.

The enchanting power of music

Edith Piaf, Louis Armstrong, Iggy Pop—countless artists have put their spin on the Parisian classic, *La Vie en Rose*. Curate your own playlist on Apple Music or Spotify, or simply ask Alexa to play some French music. Whether you're enjoying your morning coffee, journaling, or preparing a dish like coq au vin, there’s a perfect soundtrack for every moment. For something unique, check out Iggy Pop's French album, *Apres*.

Master the language

“Bonjour, madame. Où est la bibliothèque?”

If you've ever taken a French class in school, this phrase may sound familiar. Learning a new language, or revisiting one you once knew, has never been easier. From workbooks and apps to podcasts, YouTube tutorials, and virtual lessons, the tools are abundant.

Jessica Vollman, CEO of Fluent City, an online language learning platform with over 35,000 students, shares, “My passion for travel and exploring new cultures was the driving force behind my love for language learning. While we might not be able to sit in a Parisian café right now, we can still practice French with real teachers online from the comfort of home.”

Fluency may not be your ultimate goal, but spending some time learning a few French phrases is sure to bring a smile to your face. Mais oui!

Here are some great resources to start your language journey:

Rosetta Stone: Take advantage of their free three-day trial and see why this classic is still a great option.

Duolingo and Babbel: Two of the most popular language-learning apps. Download them and start with their introductory offers right away.

Coffee Break French and Learn by French: Two highly-rated podcasts and lesson series, both offering free lessons to get you started.

Fluent City provides a range of subscription plans for online language lessons.

Museums and iconic sites

While it’s impossible to fully replicate the emotions sparked by experiencing art, architecture, or breathtaking views in person, Stendhal syndrome—a psychosomatic condition triggered by encountering art that’s perceived as overwhelmingly beautiful—doesn’t manifest through a screen. But with the right digital experience, who knows? You might just find yourself experiencing what could be called 'Screendhal syndrome.'

Our favorite “virtual” windows into Paris can be found on Google’s Arts and Culture platform. Begin with this online exhibit from the Musée D’Orsay, which offers an intriguing and colorful history of the museum's evolution from a lavish train station to a contemporary art haven. It’s a compelling story of how this iconic structure nearly faced demolition.

On the same platform, you can explore an in-depth exploration of the Eiffel Tower online, featuring detailed sketches, blueprints, historical photos, and artwork. The collection includes four exhibits that track the construction and early years of Gustave Eiffel’s masterpiece, created to celebrate the centennial of the French Revolution. As a grand finale: A 360-degree view from the tower’s summit, where you can take in the spectacular vista of Paris.

Another must-see viewpoint is from the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur, perched atop Montmartre Hill—the highest point in Paris. The basilica itself is awe-inspiring both inside and out, and it's an essential stop when exploring the city. However, the staircase leading up to Sacré-Cœur can often be packed with tourists. Instead, take some time to explore their website to view breathtaking panoramas and discover the rich history of one of the world’s most iconic churches.

Paris through the written word

Arguably the best way to spark a vivid and immersive mental journey to Paris is through diving into one of the many timeless novels set in or around the City of Light. This curated reading list is far from exhaustive, but aims to offer a delightful selection for history enthusiasts, literary lovers, and fiction fans alike. Plus, if you’d like to support one of Paris’s cherished independent bookstores, consider buying these books from Shakespeare and Company and give Jeff Bezos’s wallet a little break.

“Les Misérables” by Victor Hugo (1862)

The tale of an ex-convict, his adopted daughter, their journey through love, hardship, and revolution. This epic story has been adapted into numerous films, television series, and a globally acclaimed musical.

“The Ambassadors” by Henry James (1903)

A middle-aged American’s world is upended and reshaped by a trip to Paris.

“The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas” by Gertrude Stein (1933) and “A Moveable Feast” by Ernest Hemingway (1964)

Both works offer a glimpse into the vibrant, bohemian, and creative circles of 1920s Paris.

“The Dud Avocado” by Elaine Dundy (1958)

A young woman relocates to Paris in the late 1950s and experiences the adventure of a lifetime.

“Paris to the Moon” by Adam Gopnick (2000)

A firsthand account of The New Yorker’s Paris correspondent’s journey through life in the French capital.

Snapshots from an untraveled journey.

Photography books are more than just decorative pieces for your coffee table. They're time capsules that transport you to a different era. We’ve picked out three of the most influential Parisian photography books to bring you closer to the city’s past—and yes, they’ll elevate the style quotient of your home. Want to get even more creative? Consider using an Xacto knife to frame a few iconic shots for your walls.

“Elliott Erwitt’s Paris”

Parisian-born, New York City-based photographer Elliott Erwitt captures the city without the usual glam. His black-and-white images of Parisians and their surroundings are striking, unvarnished, and deeply evocative, pulling the viewer right into the heart of the scene.

“The Best of Doisneau: Paris”

Robert Doisneau, known as the unofficial photographer of 20th-century Paris, documented everything from the Nazi occupation to the city’s post-liberation transformation. Later, he became a fashion photographer and a keen observer of Parisian life and culture. His famous image “Kiss by the Hotel De Ville, 1950” remains an enduring symbol of romance, often found on posters in college dorms.

“Brassai: Paris by Night”

This collection of black-and-white photos offers a dreamy and otherworldly glimpse into Paris after hours. Gyula Halász, who went by the pseudonym Brassai, captured the raw, gritty side of the city alongside its glamour. From the Eiffel Tower shimmering against the night sky to a solitary newsstand vendor, his contrast of light and shadow evokes both mystery and beauty.

The art of French cooking

When Julia Child completed her studies at Le Cordon Bleu in 1951, she unknowingly began a journey that would make her a key figure in bringing French cuisine to America. Her cookbook, “Mastering the Art of French Cooking,” became an instant hit, as did her PBS show, “The French Chef,” where her enthusiastic delivery of ‘bon appétit’ became iconic.

For many, French cuisine is a global influence, with chefs trained in Paris' top kitchens regarded as some of the best in the world. The act of baking croissants or preparing boeuf bourguignon at home transports you to the heart of Paris, where the aromas and flavors of these delicacies come to life.

Jacques Pépin’s French Omelet

Julia Child’s boeuf bourguignon

Francois Payard’s chocolate soufflé

Baked Potato with Caviar from Caviar Kaspia

Croissants from Williams Sonoma

Keep it simple

A fresh baguette, a slice of cheese, and a glass of red wine will do just fine. Enjoy your meal!