After our incredible weekend in Megève, we made our way to Nice, where we spent a few leisurely days wandering through the Old Town and relaxing by the Mediterranean. From there, we continued on to Paris.

This visit to Paris was more about soaking in the everyday rhythm of the city than checking off sights. We’d already done the major tourist attractions with our kids during a trip back in 2019, so this time, our goal was to explore at a slower pace and get to know the less touristy neighborhoods.

One of the things I love most about Paris is how art and architecture seem to be everywhere you turn. On one of our outings, we stumbled upon the Grand Palais and the Petit Palais—two breathtaking buildings used primarily for exhibitions and cultural events. I was surprised to learn that both were constructed for the 1900 World Fair (officially known as the “Exposition Universelle of 1900,” or the “1900 Paris Exposition” in English).

It really put things into perspective: my own home in Denver was built in 1908. While I love it, the architecture simply doesn’t compare. Seeing what the French were building at the same time made me realize just how deeply embedded art and design are in French culture. There’s a remarkable attention to detail in everything—from architecture to fashion—and it’s clearly a source of pride for the French.

It was around day five of our trip that I had another realization: I hadn’t seen a single person wearing “athleisure.” Not in Megève, not in Nice, and definitely not in Paris. There wasn’t a pair of Lululemon leggings in sight! Even the wedding planner in Megève—who was constantly on the move and doing physically demanding work—was dressed in tailored pants, a sleeveless blouse, and chic sandals.

In the U.S., I spend most of my days in leggings and a tank top, especially when I’m doing physical work. So this felt almost revolutionary. I opened a note on my phone and started jotting down little cultural observations—subtle but fascinating differences between French and American life. Here are a few that stood out:

• The metro is impressively clean and quiet—both the trains themselves and the passengers.
• The automated announcements on the metro and in public spaces are surprisingly pleasant and soothing.
• Even ambulance sirens sound less jarring than in the U.S.—more like a polite request: “Would you mind stepping aside?”
• It can take several blocks to pull over for speeding because the streets are so narrow, there’s often nowhere to pull off.
• The only visibly muscular people seem to be police or members of the armed forces. Everyone else just looks naturally healthy—and no one appears overweight.
• Driving in Paris looks incredibly challenging.
• People walk or bike almost everywhere.
• Biking is completely normalized. People ride in suits, dresses, and even heels.
• Everyone smokes.
• People eat real, whole food—and the portions are much smaller.
• Meals and coffee breaks are lingered over. Conversation clearly plays a central role in French culture.
• Teaspoons are truly teaspoons. What we call a “small spoon” in the U.S. would be more like a soup spoon in France.
• Only tourists seem to drink from plastic water bottles. And even then, the caps are attached to the bottle to make recycling easier.
• Plastic cutlery is virtually nonexistent. I only saw bamboo utensils, and even those were rare.
• Plastic bags are also scarce.
• The French don’t seem to drink much water. In restaurants, water glasses are tiny—maybe 6 oz at most.
• Laptops are not allowed in most cafés.
• Very few people on the street are on their phones or wearing headphones.
• No one seems frantic or rushed.
• The workday appears to start later—closer to 10 AM.
• Bathrooms are incredibly small. I’m 5’3″ and still felt cramped in most of them.
• Apartments are tiny.
• Closets are even tinier. My 36” wide closet in the U.S. looks enormous compared to the ones we’ve seen here.
• Fashion is highly individual—no two people seem to dress alike.
• The only leggings I saw were paired with boots (definitely not Uggs) and worn under a dress or skirt. The French don’t seem to go for the athleisure look at all.

I feel incredibly fortunate to have taken time off work to fully experience French culture. Slowing down and simply observing how others live around the world is truly priceless. If I had to choose one word to describe French culture, it would be balanced. Nothing feels extreme or excessive. Small portions of thoughtfully prepared food, paired with a lifestyle that includes plenty of walking, allow people to enjoy life without needing intense workouts. Eco-consciousness seems naturally woven into daily life—no extra effort required. And with small homes and tiny closets, there’s simply no space for overconsumption.

What struck me most is how closely the French way of life mirrors what I often preach: buy once, buy well; your surroundings matter; less is more; and surround yourself with things that are purposeful and meaningful. 

In so many ways, the French lifestyle reinforced what I’ve long believed: when we live with less, we make room for more of what matters—more connection, more presence, more ease.

Their emphasis on quality over quantity, thoughtful consumption, and everyday beauty mirrors the foundational principles of the Create Calm philosophy. Whether it’s a slower morning, a smaller closet, or a quiet coffee enjoyed without distraction, the French way of living shows us that simplicity isn’t about restriction—it’s about intention.

Coming home, I felt even more committed to helping others create environments that support a calmer, more purposeful life. Because when our homes feel clear and aligned, our lives do too.

Wishing you all organizational wellness.

Alison