Join Me for a Casual Morning in Paris

Mornings in Paris always begin like a beautiful film — soft light streaming through open windows, greeting you with a neat row of Haussmannian homes.

A baguette sits on the table, and you wake, drawn by the lingering scent of strong coffee.

This is the beauty of being a permanent tourist in Paris.

More often than not, we would take a stroll to the nearby marché and source fresh produce for lunch. This is the privilege of not staying in a hotel — you get to fold yourself into the rhythm of Parisian life and cook in a Parisian kitchen.

Then eat your heart out — slowly, and (attempting to be) elegantly.

It’s a rather lovely chore.

And if you don’t mind moving a little today, perhaps you’d like to come along with me?

Oui, of course! you say.

Now put on your shades — and grab the basket.

Psst — but first, we need to make a quick stop at an Italian shop for some antipasti.

I know, I know — it’s not French, and it’s ready-made. It does feel a little like cheating… but no one needs to know.

We’re allowed to be a little lazy.

We did say we would be.

Some artichokes, a little octopus, and stuffed olives. Sounds about right, don’t you think?

Now — off to the marché. And… if you wouldn’t mind keeping this right at the very bottom of the basket, that would be ideal.

Merci.

Look at the morning crowd — you don’t regret coming, do you?

Let’s start with the fruit.

We’ll hold on to the last of the summer’s bounty and pick up some peaches and strawberries.

Did you just say you’re only taking one punnet of strawberries? In the last week of summer? The final moment of the year to gorge on these juicy beauties?

You are berry funny!

Cinq, s’il vous plaît… five more punnets!

 

Moving on!

We’ll pick up some greens too. Then, onto the seafood!

This man is terribly chatty — and it makes our food shopping all the more enjoyable.

We’ll have some of these prawns with homemade mustard.

Then we’ll pop into the butchery, pick up a few pork cutlets — and I think we’re good to go.

But if you don’t mind a little more time in the sun, shall we swing by Sephora?

I promise I’ll be really quick.

See? I told you I wouldn’t take long.

Last thing — a beautiful bunch of flowers for our lunch table.

Found the one.

And we’re done — a very casual morning in Paris.

Next, we prepare a proper French lunch. Then we’ll talk — about how beautiful the city is, how fresh the fruit tastes, which coffee to drink, what to have for dessert… everything, and absolutely nothing.

You think you’ve had a perfect, casual morning in Paris?

I’m sure you have.

Bises.

With love x