If you have a Pinterest account, then chances are you’re familiar with the lifestyle of the French—at least to some extent. (Let’s just say the Pinterest universe is fully obsessed with the French lifestyle… and so are we.) There’s just something about the effortlessly cool vibe and passionate lifestyle of the French that we all seem to love… Not to mention, their wardrobes seem to be brimming with pieces that are somehow fashion-forward and understated, all at the same time. Basically, if there’s one lifestyle we wish we could emulate, it would be that of the French, and today we’re taking notes so we can do just that.
Since Gray’s trip to the Côte d’Azur recently, we’ve been dreaming of the laidback luxury and timeless glamour of the South of France (and have even incorporated it into our homes). And now that we’re in the thick of summer, we’ll be planning nonstop beach days with the French Riviera in mind—and we’re here to tell you how you can, too. So whether you’re heading to Cannes or just your local sands, keep scrolling for the French girl’s guide to a day at the beach. And make sure to wait until the end to shop some of our favorite beach day essentials, perfectly fit for the Côte d’Azur…
Never neglect your beauty regimen… even at the beach.
There’s a reason all French girls’ skin seem to have an eternal glow. Their beauty routine is simple, yet effective—and they never neglect it. If you want to keep your complexion glowing and youthful, just like the French, make sure to protect your skin before, during, and after your beach days. Don’t skip the SPF, and always follow up with a thorough face wash and soothing cream moisturizer at the end of the day, whether you’ve been wearing makeup or not. Parisian style icon, Jeanne Damas, recommends this one (which she uses a few times a day) to fight pollutants and anti-aging. On top of that, French girls are no stranger to a good face mist. Throw this rose hibiscus coconut water in your beach bag as you head out the door, and spritz throughout the day for continued hydration.
Don’t strive for perfection.
While the scenery in the South of France may look idyllic, one thing we absolutely love about the French lifestyle is that they don’t take themselves too seriously. Naturally tousled hair and a throw-on-and-go ensemble is always a fit for a summer day in the French Riviera, so don’t overthink it. Their focus is on the experience, not the image, so face your summer plans with the intent of truly feeling every moment and experiencing slow living like the French do—not just posing for the perfect ‘gram.
Keep your wardrobe understated and versatile.
When it comes to packing for your day at the beach, take a tip from the French and make everything a chameleon. For instance, pick a bathing suit that can take you from the waters one moment, then double as a body suit under a breezy wrap skirt for the evening. The French always keep their color palettes neutral, with pops of subtle patterns and colors that never go out of style, like navy, red, and rustic oranges and yellows. Let’s just say you can never go wrong with something woven, something white, and something unexpected (like these wild cat-eye sunglasses below).
- Stripe Midi Wrap Skirt, $49 | 2. Isabella Cat-Eye Acetate Sunglasses, $230 | 3. Chain Reaction Silk Printed Bandana, $28 | 4. Warrior Double Pendant Necklace, $50 | 5. Cult Gaia Zaha Bamboo Clutch, $200 | 6. Cult Gaia Becca Rattan Cuff, $90 | 7. Lindsay and Isabeli Shirred Floral-Print Bikini, $180 | 8. Le Skinny Cat-Eye Acetate Sunglasses, $100 | 9. Onia Underwire One-Piece Swimsuit, $99.95 | 10. Kate Net Tote Bag, $14 | 11. Pioneer Travel Beach Towel, $79
Live slow… but get out and play.
Unlike bustling Paris, the French Riviera is all about slowing down and taking everything in stride. Whether you’re actually taking a dip in Mediterranean waters or just imagining you are, take a tip from the French and follow their laidback lifestyle—but don’t be lazy! The French value their physical fitness and using their surroundings to get out and play, so follow suit. Think hiking, biking, swimming, scuba diving and then taking a nice long nap on the sand… and not taking any moment of it for granted.
Make your beach picnic an experience.
Here in the U.S.A., we’re prone to snagging packaged snacks and processed foods for a day at the beach, but the French don’t just eat food—they experience it. This means taking the time to peruse an open-air market if you can, and getting back to basics with healthy, whole foods… and maybe indulging in a baguette on the side.
Are you going to try these tips to live like the French for a day?
We highly recommend you do… Now we’re just plotting how we can get back to this stunning country ASAP.
Get inspired by more images from the South of France HERE.
Au revoir…
Xx Team GM
Photos: Gray Malin