How to Have a French-inspired Summer

Are you enamored with the French way of living? We’re sharing 10 tips for living the French lifestyle and embracing a French-inspired summer!

The French have a way of embracing life, and that’s even more noticeable in summer when everyone is outdoors more. Not only do most take off a whole month for ‘holiday’ (if only!), but they seem to embrace that carefree summer attitude even when they’re at home.

Their joie de vivre lifestyle is all about enjoying simple pleasures. Slowing down and enjoying life. Savoring time with family or friends. And of course, eating and drinking. In fact, you’ll see that many of the French summer rituals are traditions centered around food and drink! (How bad could that be?!)

I think I mentioned that for the last few summers my husband has worked out of town for most of the days, which made for decidedly un-French summers for me! 

This year, I’m determined to Frenchify my summer! So with that in mind, we’re sharing our best tips for how to have a French-inspired summer. This way if you can’t get to France this summer, you can bring France to you! 

 

Have a Picnic in the Park

One of my personal favorite summer activities, there is almost nothing that feels more quintessentially ‘summer’ than a picnic. 

And a French ‘pique-nique’ is one of the hallmarks of a French summer. Not to mention, it’s quite possibly the easiest dinner on the planet. Grab a French picnic basket, some charcuterie, a baguette, cheeses, fruit, and wine and you’re set! No cooking needed.

Whether you go to a concert in the park, or simply find a lovely spot in the shade to enjoy an alfresco meal, either way it’s sure to relax and rejuvenate you.

 

Enjoy a Glass of Rosé

In France, their beloved rosé wine is a time-honored tradition in spring and summer. Sit at a café in the summer and you’ll see glasses and glasses of it, and it’s no wonder. It’s light, refreshing, and frequently lower in alcohol, making it perfect for lunch or as an apéritif. Plus, it has that lovely pink color – it’s like a glass of liquid sunshine! (And of course, you have to drink it from a French wine glass!)

To give you an idea of how much of a tradition it is, Provence is the oldest wine region in France, and rosé is the oldest known wine! 

When we were in Provence, I sipped so many good ones. One of my favorites to get stateside is Whispering Angel. It’s sold at most markets and Trader Joe’s.

 

Grab a Straw Bag

I’m sure I don’t need to tell you what a fan I am of straw totes, I’ve talked about them in the French Fashion for Spring/Summer post, as well as my Summer Essentials post. To me, they scream ‘summer.’

And of course, they are quintessentially French! When we were in Provence a few years ago I saw so many women carry them – at every age and in every style.

I love using my straw tote for the farmer’s market, beach, or anywhere else I have things to carry. But I also love a straw bag as a handbag. There are so many unique shapes and they add such charm to a summer outfit!

 

Host an Alfresco Dinner Party

To me, there is just nothing like a meal enjoyed outdoors during the summer months. Gathering friends, enjoying good food and wine, and lingering until after dark is a treasured summer ritual, and one the French partake in often.

While you’re at it, dress your outdoor table with a Provençal tablecloth and candles. Add fresh flowers, cloth napkins, and twinkle lights to give it extra ambiance.

Whether it’s a delicious dinner cooked on the grill, or some simple wine and cheese enjoyed on the patio, everything tastes better outdoors. Dining alfresco makes everything feel just a little more special!

For ideas on summer outdoor dining, check out our Summer Wine & Cheese Party and our Easy Summer Grilling Night.

 

 

Try Making Homemade Confiture

French farmer’s markets are full of fresh berries, so why not make a day of it turning them into flavorful ‘confiture,’ ie; jams and marmalades? Jams go well with soft cheeses and make the perfect accompaniment to a cheese platter.

They are also delicious on a baguette or croissant (with butter too, of course!) or stirred into plain yogurt or ice cream. 😉

 

Don a Summery Dress

I don’t wear dresses a lot the rest of the year, but I love them in summer. A wrap or simple slip style dress in a floral print or solid is a summery classic and might be the easiest way to look pulled together when it’s hot and steamy outside. They also speak to that effortless chic that French women do so well. 

So put on a pretty floral dress with sandals or sneakers and enjoy a summery stroll, or an afternoon café au lait or gelato while feeling chic (and a little cooler!)

 

 

Partake in L’Apéro Hour

The apéritif, also called an “apéro” for short in France, is a treasured cultural ritual of cocktails and a light bite in the late afternoon, before dinner. 

The apéritifs (cocktails) should be simple and modest in alcohol: a glass of still or sparkling wine, a beer or a simple mixed drink. My favorite cocktail for this is the French 75, which despite the name, I only just discovered last year! A combination of gin, champagne, and lemon juice it is truly more than the sum of its parts.

It’s a perfect cocktail for anytime, but especially nice as an apéritif in the summer as it’s very light. (We serve ours in a French champagne flute, but they are also lovely in a coupe glass!)

And there’s no need to cook; the French frequently do something as simple as opening a bag of chips, a container of nuts, or a jar of olives. Or, simply transfer a favorite store-bought dip to a prettier vessel and pair it with vegetables or crusty bread. 

 

 

Make Citron Pressé

Yes, the French drink (and love) lemonade! Come summertime, it’s a staple in French cafés. However, unlike the U.S., the French version is typically served deconstructed. They’ll bring water, fresh squeezed lemon juice, and sweetener to the table so that you can mix it to your own preference.

I hadn’t had lemonade in ages and last summer decided to make some. Take my word for it – there is almost nothing more refreshing on a hot day! Plus, if you’re not a cocktail person it’s the perfect non-alcoholic sip.

I love David Lebovitz’s recipes and he has one for Fresh Ginger Lemonade that I’m dying to try. More fabulous recipes in his wonderful French Drinking book.

 

Explore the City

Stroll your own city; make a day of window shopping, visiting a museum, or simply sit at a café and people watch like a true Parisian.

I think of this as being a tourist in your own city – something my husband and I comment on frequently. We visit way more cultural sites, activities, and restaurants when we are traveling vs. when we are home. 

Or for a true French experience, become a flâneur. It doesn’t have an exact translation in English, but it means someone who strolls around aimlessly. Spend some time walking around your nearest city with no particular path in mind. Who knows? You may discover something wonderful you never would have otherwise!

 

Visit a Farmer’s Market

Though farmer’s markets have existed in France for hundreds of years, here in the U.S. they’ve been gaining steam since the early 1990’s after falling out of favor in the 50’s and 60’s. 

It’s a wonderful way to not only get fresher (and usually, less expensive) produce, but it’s also a great way to become familiar with local farms near you. With summer comes a bounty of produce not available any other time of year. This makes it an especially exciting time to visit and seek out fresh berries, stone fruits, sweet corn, cherries, grapes, and more.

And of course, you have to bring your French market bag! 🙂

 

I hope these 10 tips have inspired you to bring more of the French way of living into your life. By celebrating simple pleasures and enjoying French summer rituals, we can truly enjoy life more and tap into that joie de vivre that the French do so well!

And of course, if you really want a French-inspired summer, you can always hop on a plane!

Happy Summer!

Sheila

 

Shop French-inspired Summer

 

 

If you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out more French inspiration below:

French Fashion Essentials for Spring & Summer

How to Have a French-inspired Spring

50+ Fabulous French Farmhouse Finds

Rustic French Farmhouse Style Home Tour