Although I have acclimatised myself to my little life on the French Riviera over the last ten years, I must admit that I sometimes miss Paris (I never thought I’d say that!). Its dynamic side, its effervescence, the energy that the city gives off has a stimulating side that I have lost a little in my life as a southerner.
But apparently choosing is giving up and I don’t regret it at all. Living in Nice near the sea and nature brings me a lot of serenity and calms my daily anxiety. I am experiencing South Therapy as I like to call it.
And as there are no problems but only solutions, I go back to Paris from time to time to meet the family and feel the atmosphere that has stimulated me for so many years. Sometimes I even enjoy taking the metro!
But living in Nice is not always a source of happiness…
Let’s see what I like to do most in Paris that I can’t necessarily find in Nice:
1. Exhibitions, concerts & other cultural events
I can’t even count the number of incredible exhibitions at the Grand Palais, the Palais de Tokyo, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, the Musée Maillol, the Musée du Louvre, the Quai Branly, the Centre Pompidou… and many others that I have been lucky enough to see throughout my life in Paris. There are so many of them that you don’t even know where to turn.
The latest one, which moved me deeply, was the photography exhibition “the world of steve mccurry” at the Musée Maillol. A series of portraits of people all over the world that made me travel like never before. An emotion that I have rarely, if ever, felt in museums in Nice or the surrounding area…
The same goes for concerts, festivals, street art and other events… Culture in Paris is abundant to the delight of Parisians.
2. Bistros, terraces and brunches in Paris
It was a Sunday ritual to have brunch at the Breakfast in America in the Marais or brunches in the streets of Montmartre. In Paris, there is something for everyone everywhere! There is no shortage of good brunch addresses. Added to this, the little strolls in the alleys of the Capital where you can be lulled by the Parisian atmosphere
Similarly, having a little coffee on a terrace in a Parisian bistro on the street corner watching people go by.
I sometimes miss these little habits embedded in the lifestyle of a Parisian. Even if we are not going to complain about the Nice style of life with a good coffee on a terrace by the sea, the Parisian atmosphere is unique.
3. International flights
As it is so much easier to travel around the world from Paris airports. The long hours of stopovers are avoided. Tickets are generally cheaper and you can easily take the train to London, Brussels and Amsterdam. Travelling to California or Tokyo from Nice is a bit of a mission! It is important to find stopovers with a sufficient number of hours between the two flights. Sometimes it’s not always that easy, so you have to book a hotel night at the airport to leave the next day.
On the other hand, it is easier to travel around Europe from Nice to visit Lisbon or Brussels for a weekend. And for Italy, the car is perfect as a means of transport which is only 30 minutes away from Nice. But again, it all depends on the city you are going to: 3h30 nice-milan, 4h30 to Bergamo, 6h to go to Rome. Paris, a cosmopolitan and heterogeneous city par excellence where all cultures and foreign languages intermingle.
Since I was a child, I have been surrounded by people of different cultures and origins (Portuguese, Africans, West Indians, Serbians, Italians, Japanese, North Africans, Madagascans, Hindus….). We grew up and studied together. It helped me to open up to the world.
Although the city of Nice has developed strongly and opened up to the world in recent years, it will never be on the same level as a major capital like Paris, London or New York.
4. Parisian architecture
The more I travel, the more I love France, the more I love Paris. I think we live in an incredible country in terms of history, architecture and natural landscapes. Paris, a world capital known for its unique architecture.
Each time I go out in Paris, I am always so dazzled by the beauty of its Haussmannian buildings, its bridges, its quays, its monuments… Paris is an open-air museum that touches the heart of everyone who visits it.
Even if Parisian architecture is incomparable to any other city, Nice’s is just as incredible. Its warm colours are a source of daily well-being.
5. Paris, capital of fashion
At the time of my Parisian life, I was on the lookout for anything fashion-related. I was following the Parisian bloggers and closely following the trends. Autumn was my favourite season, bringing out the long coats, matching the leather boots, the felt hat with the little feather… It was a fashion show every day. Ego at its peak lol.
But as some will say, it’s only appearance… In the end, I had this need to refocus on simpler things. From Paris to Nice, many things have changed in my life. Among other things, my clothing style has evolved into a more “outdoor” style.Indeed, I have replaced the heels for hiking shoes, I have replaced the clip-on pants with yoga leggings… But as soon as I go back to Paris, I resume my role as a Parisian from head to toe ^^
