La Vie en JOIE

As a Francophile, I am drawn to everything French and have been since I was a young boy. While I do not live in France, I often try to spend days “Living French” as I call it. These are usually afternoons where I listen to French music, watch a French movie or TV show, and take myself out on solo dates to a French restaurant or cafe. I typically do these French days once a quarter. However, the other day, I was planning my trip to Europe in 2027. I plan to visit Spain, Italy, and of course France. My traveling companion is learning Italian to get us through Italy (he is already a Spanish speaker) and I offered to brush up on my French to help us along in France. I’m committing to a consistent practice of speaking French in 2026 in preparation. 

This had me thinking, maybe I just commit all of next year to Living French. Really attempting to immerse myself in the idea of living a French inspired life, but not just inspired by, almost as if I do ACTUALLY live in France. A year-long immersion in slow living, elegance, joie de vivre, beauty, and intentional wellness—through the lens of a modern Francophile.

This is not about imitation.It’s about embodying the spirit, habits, aesthetics, rhythms, and pleasures of French living, particularly life in the South of France.

To live more French is to embrace a life shaped by beauty, simplicity, and intention. It is the quiet art of slowing down, savoring each moment, and finding joy in the everyday rituals that make life feel soft, warm, and exquisitely elegant. In the south of France, life unfolds gently—mornings begin with sunlight and movement, meals are shared with presence, and days are guided by a deep appreciation for nature, art, and the pleasure of being alive.

This year I will explore the rhythms, rituals, and philosophies that define French living: mindful nourishment, effortless style, slow wellness, a curated home, and the timeless pursuit of joie de vivre. Through storytelling, routines, and serene glimpses into daily life, I will try to discover how to create a lifestyle that feels softer, more intentional, and beautifully aligned.