French Lifestyle Secrets I Wish I'd Known Sooner 

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Thirty years ago, I lived in Greece in my late 20’s. What an amazing time, before cell phones and this faster paced life now. A simpler time. I learned to appreciate good food, the slower pace of life, trains, walking to work, time off, long meals, coffees at cafes watching people, Greek history, the islands, sunny days, etc. Memories.

"It is ok to do nothing." Thank you for saying that. There is hope for the future of mankind if they follow the French way of living. Not everyone lives for greed. Glad to hear it. All I hear in the US is how many "steps" people have got in for the day on their Fitbits. If you aren't busy you aren't living. What are your plans? What trip are you taking? What are your goals? Where do you want to be in 5 years? So much discord. Need to have this and do that. Why? I don't know. I feel I don't know anything anymore.

I am Mexican and I traveled for many years to Paris because I used to be a flight attendant and there is nothing in this world as beautiful as their language, the smell of a coffee and un crepe de banana et Nutella. God! I will always miss París! Bon vivan. 🙏🏼💗🙌🏼 Beautiful video and you are lucky!

I lived and worked in Provence for a decade. Spending many weekends in Paris, I can say you have accurately captured the French way of life. Lovely to watch, brought back many warm memories.

A person needs just three things to be truly happy in this world: someone to love, something to do, and something to hope for Thanks for wonderful Vlogs from France Happiness is LIFE Wishes from our family from INDIA

Being French I wish the French were as you describe them in your video! Cos this is exactly what I have been missing as growing up here... we do not have philosophical courses unfortunately and people do not have deep thinking most of them and are superficial and comparing themselves to others while sitting at cafes... but your video was inspiring and refreshing with good French stereotypes which make foreigners dream of France! thanks

lovely, I have French blood in me and I am recognizing and understanding myself more in the revealation of these French lifestyle secrets. Born in Wales and growing up in Canada, I did not understand why in highschool my peers always asked if I was French. "You look French", they would say. I still am not entirely sure what they meant, but today, I take that as a compliment. Thank you..

Thank you for this video. I, too, love France and the French culture, and it’s what keeps me going back there every year for vacation. The French do seem to have mastered all the art forms, including the art of living, which is expressed in everything they do. I really do love and already subscribe to the idea of living life in subtlety, privacy, and mystery. In today’s world, everybody seems keen to live out loud for the whole world to see and take notice of. I wonder how many people actually feel like they are truly living in the moment. Thank you for reminding me that not everything has to be important or momentous to be celebrated. At this moment, I am celebrating discovering your channel by having a glass of Riesling and a generous slice of my favorite cheese.🧀

I am French from the South West, I lived 25 years in Paris and now I live in Normandy. You present in your video our art of living which consists in living the present moment and considering that work and money are secondary. You are right to share it, the vast majority of my compatriots favor quality of life over material possessions and that's how it is wherever you go in France and not just in Paris. That said, preserving our art of living is a fight against the single capitalist thought which wishes to make citizens docile consumers for whom happiness is to work more to consume more. Our art of living is threatened by ultra-liberalism. Everything we have, our national solidarity system, our health system, the education system, our 5 weeks of paid vacation, we got it in the streets and with strikes. Macron the banker is a threat to our way of life. Our way of life is a fight.

I visited a friend in Paris quite a few years back. The beauty and charm of the people has never left me. It was an eye opener to be in a place that didn't rush around. This video has brought back some very positive and pleasant memories. Thank you.

What a beautiful moment of pause you gave me! I lived in Paris for a decade and I am originally Italo-french. Currently in California… and I completely forgotten many of the simple joys and beauty. Here the culture is the complete opposite. While it still has its charms, I very much miss the simple yet effortlessly elegant French lifestyle! Thank you for this reminder ✨ beautiful video!

So beautifully said … makes sense why I love Paris so much 🤍 everytime I come there I enjoy every moment , croissant , sun and rain , getting lost on the streets , finding a little boulangerie , biking around , having picnics and reading a book on the banks of Seine . Every breath in Paris is magical ! Can’t wait to be back :)

🇬🇧 I just adore Paris. The cafes, how they live around food and socialise (although being an introvert, I wouldn’t be good at that) not all the time. I just love to people watch. We live in such a fast pace life these days and I’m learning now moving away from a city to the coast and living a slower pace of life, I’m appreciating life and living in the present as much as I can. The more I read the more I learn the more I learn the more I live. X

While much of my experience is not in line with yours, this is one of the most beautifully rendered videos I’ve ever seen of Paris. It definitely captures a certain aspect of being here. Just beautiful…

Merci beaucoup! Thank you very much for this beautiful serene and touching video! Brought back many great memories. This 73 year old Yankee New Englander learned some of the same traits the French have when I was over in Paris and France many years ago! I live a very similar lifestyle and shared philosophies. Could be part of my French blood in my DNA and family history. I recently heard that international philosopher/psychologist Alain de Botton discovered that many Americans who live in the Northeast do actually embrace the European lifestyle more than the rest of the country in many areas. Not surprising when one thinks and remembers that the founding of this country was just 246 years ago, heavily influenced by the very radical Liberal French Enlightenment aka the "Age of Reason"! In the time frame of 1000 years, really NOT that long ago when you LOOK at those numbers! Vive la France~

Years ago I was in the travel industry. I have been able to visit France three times and I have so enjoyed my visits. What you speak of, Ms. Woods, is a delightfully slow way of living, being mindful and appreciating each moment, hour and day. Thank you!

I did a year abroad in college about 40 years ago (1970's) and experienced much of what you did in this vid. I won't go into all the details , but your comments on food and health were true back then too. I grew up in the NYC area and thought I knew it all, well I didn't, not even close. I had my eyes opened not only to the french way of living but to many other cultures too. France has always been a melting pot of cultures. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to make that trip and know that it changed my life for the better.

This was an inspired gorgeous meditation. Thank you! I lived in Paris and was reminded of every step watching this. I miss that way of life. Thank you Helena!

Thanks for taking such lovely photos of Paris and I appreciate your grown-up wisdom! The French people truly know how to live in the MOMENT.

This reminds me to slow down, live in the present, and appreciate all I am and all I have.

This is simply breathtaking--both visually and emotionally. I have a French best friend and picked up on some of these things before, however with the pandemic we have drifted apart the past few years and I've been caught up with the culture back here again and have forgotten these values. I am so glad this popped up on my feed--this is a very welcomed and a very, very much needed reminder. Thank you for this ❤❤❤❤

The French have inspired you and you have touched our lives in an unmeasurable way, always inviting us around the world to live now and forever. Thanks sooooo much!!!

I can’t help to watch this one twice! That’s how much your insight observations on French people and their lives speaks to our soul, a mysterious being of longing for true happiness and peace.

Miss Woods, your relaxed-to-husky voice says it all, showing that you live what you admire. Thank you, D.

Enjoyed this little break. I spent a week in Paris in April 1987. I would not trade the memory for anything.

I love this video Helena! The RU-vid algorithm sent it to me and I’m so glad it did! I have been to Paris several times and was just there in December. Even in this era of Covid it was still magical! I’m actually writing a song at the moment about Saint Germain, which is my favorite part of Paris! Thank you for making this!

You are a wise woman to learn from other cultures as you have. You’ve truly inspired me to do the same. Thank you for that.

This is beautiful. Moving your body to the pleasure of your soul! Wow! Thank you.

Loved every second of it Helena dear!! Beautiful editing, simple and extremely efficient! You are so much like me, moving house very often! That's one of the reasons why I like you so much! Plus your storytelling it' impeccable, always a joy for me to come here! Now I realize that you've changed the name of the channel and the picture. I've changed the picture as well with the new year :)) See you next time lovely lady! xx

I truly wish you’re keeping all the clips, which I believe you are, and make a whole movie of your journey in France someday. You’re an excellent photographer and story teller. I meant EVERY word I said, dear Helena.

Many will agree with your observations of life in France ,myself included ,since having been there….I found other European countries the same as France🙂💗North Americans could learn a lot from the French

Your voice is so soothing.. you convey such positive vibes across continents!! Thank you :)

Very nice. I did a tour of France in 2017 & visited 3 cities & other smaller ones on day excursions. I've wanted to visit France since high school. I was so surprised that it wasn't what drew me to France that I fell in love with while there: art, gardens, history, fashion, music, architecture & the language. It was the people. I fell head over heels for the people! And I didn't cry when I arrived, which also surprised me. I cried when I left. ❤

Food for thought delivered with true artistry. The manner of the delivery of the message really made me reflect on how I spend my days, and also the approach to life of a couple of French friends whom I lived and worked with last year. Good stuff, Helena!

This video is soooo beautiful, Helena! I love your channel and keep coming back for the loving simplicity of your elegance and confidence. Many of the "French secrets" you mentioned are alive and well in families and small pockets in communities here and there in the States. Unfortunately, that voice saying live for money, live for work, live for more is annoyingly bigger and louder. My neighbors, for example, consider me "old-fashioned" because I live simply, appreciating beauty in all its forms. I work to pay my rent and basic living expenses, yes, but I prefer a work-life balance and have no problem saying no when overtime is offered. Much gratitude.

You captured so many things about Paris, and their culture. Life does not revolved around work. It not about who makes more money or posses more stuff. It's about living the moment. It is always good to learn from other cultures and be able to carry out the positive aspects of them.

This is a great video thanks so much for sharing. The French dont really need to exercise because of the food they eat, smaller portions, and they walk or bicycle more than most of the US does. I love how Marilyn Monroe said that the only thing she wears to bed is Chanel why because it is in my opinion a much better fragrance than some of the cheaper things out there. I agree with wearing silk pajamas so soft. Plus the French dont really wear a lot of fast fashion. They feel that quality is better than quantity.

Wow. This was so just so gloriously peaceful and lovely. Thank you, and you eloquently communicated the French way in a way that was felt.

Gorgeous, and such a timely reminder. Helped me remember to slow down and appreciate the details ☺️

Your ciinama photography captures Paris so well 🙏 it warmed my heart to know that it was french habit to wake up and have a square of dark cholate in the morning as I some times do . Im Australian but my soul is European . Paris will forever be in my 💛 .

Consuming this with my eyes was feeding my soul. Thank you,merci.

What an inspiration ! Thank you for such a beautiful video . God bless you !

Love the soft + slow Paris vibes. ✨💕☕️

Thank you for a such soothing and calming video. It's beyond words, how beautiful. Sending you all my love.

Having been to France this past fall, I completely agree with your observations. You don’t have to be there very long to see it but also feel it. Love to have a dose of The French everyday.💕

Beautifully done! Your work is so visually captivating, relaxing, and an overall treat for the soul. ❤Thank you.

Wonderful. Just wonderful!! I was inspired. I love this slower, softer way of truly living.

Thank you this is so beautiful I must admit I woke in despair today at the emptiness of being lost in what is expected in this busy culture, lost to my soul

This was so beautiful, that I had to watch it twice! Also, your voice is lovely. I woke up recently and started frantically researching France, and I had no idea why, and the more I do I feel closer to home, and so out of place where I live in Australia. The art, culture, slow pace, philosophy, music, the way the women are, and so much more, are what I live by daily (I'm still learning about France and its culture, however). Also, my name is Cherie, and my middle name is French too. I'm weirdly feeling like something has changed inside that I never knew was there.

Thank you so much for sharing such great ways to view life! Your videos really have changed how I perceive my days 💖💖💖

Very nice episode that educates us well about other's culture life, full of serene moments and soul delights.

And every where is closed on Sundays ... Love it.

So wonderfully done and on point photography.👏😍

Beautiful … Well Done !! I noticed this lifestyle in 2010 in a week and it changed my life outlook!

Wow!!! I love everything about video. So classy, poetic and moving. And so true!

These french series in your channel are so inspiring 😍 Thank you 😊

So glad I found your site! 'Dreamy and serene with music that is a perfect accompaniment." I dreamed of going to Paris as a little girl. All I had was that small blue glass bottle with the silver cap and silver tassel and tiny plastic Eiffel Tower attached to it...."Evening in Paris" perfume.... that my mother gave me. Years passed and the dream never died. What we truly desire is attainable if we aspire to it and yes, work toward it. Many years later after saving and planning I was so overjoyed to finally actualize that dream. I've written a short story about my...."A Dream in a Bottle".....Yes, it was only a short visit, but it was wonderful....the morning I opened my beautiful French shuttered window to Rue di Rivoli....walked in the gardens, had a baguette near Notre Dame and an ice cream treat under the Eiffel Tower! We can all learn to live in the moment...to savor the simple, lovely things in life.....Too Many Americans are so rushed, obsessed with their work, their status, their appearance that without their realizing it.....life is passing them by as they miss the scent of a rose, the laughter of a child and the intimacy of friendship. Every moment is an opportunity to live with the view of intention, to be aware, to live fully. I would love to go to Provence, to sit by the vineyard, to smell the scent of lavender, sip fine wine, but that is not attainable at this time....BUT, I can choose to savor life fully and to find joy and appreciation in the everyday glory of the sun on my face and the breeze in my hair, the love of family and friends. Joi d'Verve! Thank you for your lovely videos.....I will savor them all....I may even pour myself a glass of wine!

Gosh that was beautiful. I have always wanted to go to Paris and Italy. This video makes me want to go there even more even though we cant right now - one day that is my wish. I prefer all that you said the graciousness the peace and total enjoyment in life's simple pleasures. I am finding this in myself. How nice would it be for a whole country to be so too. Thankyou for the reminder as I was just enjoying my coffee and just feeling I can relax and enjoy my work is done.

This way of life resonates with me. 💝

What a beautiful moment you gave Paris is so beautiful and clean

This is one of the most beautiful videos I’ve ever seen!!!

I love this beautiful reminder. Thank you x

Absolutely beautiful! I hope you and your hubby has a wonderful Christmas and happy new year.

i love watching your videos. it is cinematic art. you capture everything so gorgeously. Thank you for your work, i'm a vicarious traveler through your videos. your voice is also very soothing.

Beautiful observation of the life in France

That was so lovely to watch before going to sleep.🥰

Beautifully done!

I live in the US therefore I really appreciate the French lifestyle. It sounds wonderful and you are so blessed to be able to live there. Thank you for sharing 😊

Helena, Thank you so much for helping me to See "Beauty in the Ashes" Your Video Quality, the Scenic Features are Priceless..

I love your videos they are so inspiring! Thank you so much

love this - confidence is silence, separationg work from play..

I’m already living the French way, it seems. Next, I need to move there! It’s been a dream for years. The US is so very different. Beautiful video!

Thank you for this video. I've never felt more relaxed.

I absolutely love this video from the meaning of life to the quality of these clips 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

Beautiful words and images. Thanks for sharing.

A gourmet is NOT a gourmand. ☺️ Love your video - cinematic and peaceful.

Best video the RU-vid has ever recommended!

Can I just say that I am so glad I hit the subscribe button ?! 😭🤎🤎 great content

I love all your videos but this one in particular really is my favourite. I love that idea of "cultivating your mind" and "seeking intellectual and philosophical growth". Do you have any tips or ideas about how they do that, and how we can try and do the same. Or maybe make a new video about it! ;)

“Wrinkles are a form of growth in our lives.” How beautiful. ❤

Wow this video was so surreal and magical to watch. Thank you for bringing the joy of France into our souls 🤍🙏🏼✨

This video is so soothing to watch

Lovely and I’m there now myself. Thank you

This is so inspiring and eye-opening, thank you! It’s funny because I just meditated about living in Paris!

Hello Helena, I really enjoy your videos , this was so beautifully to listen to . You are such a beautiful person to listen to , thankyou . My Ansesters are french ,I have my home done in French Style as well. Takecare and I look forward to your next video xo 😃💞

Long time ago I imangined myself not ever having a worry about money they don't live for money, of course not! What a beautiful video thank you for sharing and you have such a pretty voice!

Truly beautiful, Helena! You're very fortunate to live there and to have learned these life lessons.

magnificent video..........I am French/Irish/American and you are describing me!

This was lovely! Beautiful work!

My heart is melted ,love😍 love😍 &love😍 So appreciate for your lovely sharing Happy 2022 to you guys PS this video inspired me deeply

Paris is magical!

This is a beautiful video. I cannot wait until I can return again to Paris, and to the rest of France ❤️🇫🇷

I loved your observation, and your words. Thank you

Beautiful and inspiring video which was certainly enjoyed. The artistic expression displayed was outstanding and helped me feel like I was in France enjoying a coffee after having a stroll. Excellent. I hope you continue to enjoy your moments while living enrichly in France. Stay safe and much gratitude again.

What a wonderful video 💕 loved the videography and your words were mesmerizing ✨

What a wonderful video this was Helena ( well it still is...hee..hee but you know what I mean). I sooooo love the way the french live!! One thing I have begun doing is putting on a few pumps of a fragrance before going to bed. It just makes me feel romantic and just lovely. I've stopped saving things for special occasions as well. I use a pretty tea cup or where a pretty dress now just because...no frills either. Just wearing it makes me feel special...sort of like a forest fairy. You reminded us of how important it is to do nothing and to ENJOY it and not feel guilty!! There is so much around us, so much beautiy in the people , nature, buildings, food, laughter, and all of this is for FREE!!! Thank you so much our godess of the simple joys!! :-)

I love this…I have been beautifully transported to another world🥰🌺

ok now i think i’m french in my past life. lovely video

What a brilliant story about the wonderful French!! Many thanks...Inspiring indeed!!