Personal Stories
On this page, we explore the experiences of two individuals:
- Ethan, a Parisian who has been living in New York City for almost 5 years
- Devon, a New Yorker who lived in Paris for 2 years and has since returned to NYC
By sharing their personal stories, we aim to gain insights into how Ethan and Devon perceive French culture from afar, the aspects of France they miss the most, and what it feels like to live between two worlds—one rooted in the essence of French life, the other shaped by the fast-paced American lifestyle. Their reflections offer a glimpse into the emotional connections they have with France, as well as the challenges of finding familiar French comforts and traditions while living abroad.
| Question | Ethan's Response | Devon's Response |
|---|---|---|
 What aspect of the French way of life impacted you the most, and how have you tried to carry that into your daily life? |
I live my life the French savoir-vivre way. The French way-of-life pushes you to play close attention to detail. | The belief in balance in all things (work/life, being social/alone, STEM/arts, etc.). I now try to make sure in my work and personnal life that I don't get too consumed by one thing. |
Which French product do you miss the most here, and why? |
Bread and pastries for sure, it’s hard to find anything that comes close and that isn’t far away. | Livarot cheese! And Biafine, the best cure for chafing. |
As a French/American who has lived in Paris, what aspects of French culture were the hardest to leave behind? |
Being able to stay at restaurants and cafes for hours, I feel constantly rushed in NYC. | The focus on eating good, fresh food and enjoying it. And speaking French, which I love. |
Do you feel there is a cultural gap between France and the US when it comes to art, fashion, etc? How does it manifest? |
I don’t think so – thanks to globalization, I think that these things don’t change too much. I can find the fashion brands that I like anywhere and the museums in NYC are packed with amazing art that I had never seen in France. | Absolutely. Fashion in France is more focused on elevating, while I think the "athleisure" trend in the US has led to more exploration of ways to make comfortable clothes trendy. Also, I think many Americans are losing their appreciation for high quality goods, from art to clothes to home goods. |
Are there any French products or brands you find difficult to get in New York City? If so, which ones? |
I have a hard time finding Creme Montblanc and good cheese. | Certain cheese and skin care products, like Biafine and A313 Vitamin A Pommade. Also a liquor called Suze. |
If you had to convince a New Yorker to visit Paris, what place or experience would you recommend as a truly French experience? |
I would tell them to go to Fouquet’s for dinner. I think it perfectly embodies French cuisine and service, and you will feel like a VIP. | Getting a baguette and some cheese and sitting in Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, followed by afternoon drinks at Rosa Bonheur. Also les Puces de Paris Saint-Ouen. | What do you think New Yorkers could learn from the French approach to food, dining, or shopping? |
New Yorkers should learn to take their time and appreciate the moment. Anything that touches money is so ephemeral that it often feels wasted. | To slow down and enjoy things, as well as not shy away from classics. |
How do you stay connected to French culture while living in New York? Are there any specific activities or places that help you feel at home? |
I have friends to whom I speak in French. I also like to show my friends things that are French in the city and teach them about our culture. | I speak frequently with my French friends and hope to enroll in a French language class. |
What's one thing you've discovered in New York that you wish France had, and vice versa? |
The art of not caring – New Yorkers are so talented at letting things slide and focusing on their development. That is something I wish was more common in France. | In NYC: Late-night dining with tons of variety. In France: Pornstar martinis (that are actually good). |
What aspect of the French way of life impacted you the most, and how have you tried to carry that into your daily life?
Ethan's Response
I live my life the French savoir-vivre way. The French way-of-life pushes you to play close attention to detail.
Devon's Response
The belief in balance in all things (work/life, being social/alone, STEM/arts, etc.). I now try to make sure in my work and personnal life that I don't get too consumed by one thing.
Which French product do you miss the most here, and why?
Ethan's Response
Bread and pastries for sure, it’s hard to find anything that comes close and that isn’t far away.
Devon's Response
Livarot cheese! And Biafine, the best cure for chafing.
As a French/American who has lived in Paris, what aspects of French culture were the hardest to leave behind?
Ethan's Response
Being able to stay at restaurants and cafes for hours, I feel constantly rushed in NYC.
Devon's Response
The focus on eating good, fresh food and enjoying it. And speaking French, which I love.
Do you feel there is a cultural gap between France and the US when it comes to art, fashion, etc? How does it manifest?
Ethan's Response
I don’t think so – thanks to globalization, I think that these things don’t change too much. I can find the fashion brands that I like anywhere and the museums in NYC are packed with amazing art that I had never seen in France.
Devon's Response
Absolutely. Fashion in France is more focused on elevating, while I think the "athleisure" trend in the US has led to more exploration of ways to make comfortable clothes trendy. Also, I think many Americans are losing their appreciation for high quality goods, from art to clothes to home goods.
Are there any French products or brands you find difficult to get in New York City? If so, which ones?
Ethan's Response
I have a hard time finding Creme Montblanc and good cheese.
Devon's Response
Certain cheese and skin care products, like Biafine and A313 Vitamin A Pommade. Also a liquor called Suze.
If you had to convince a New Yorker to visit Paris, what place or experience would you recommend as a truly French experience?
Ethan's Response
I would tell them to go to Fouquet’s for dinner. I think it perfectly embodies French cuisine and service, and you will feel like a VIP.
Devon's Response
Getting a baguette and some cheese and sitting in Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, followed by afternoon drinks at Rosa Bonheur. Also les Puces de Paris Saint-Ouen.
What do you think New Yorkers could learn from the French approach to food, dining, or shopping?
Ethan's Response
New Yorkers should learn to take their time and appreciate the moment. Anything that touches money is so ephemeral that it often feels wasted.
Devon's Response
To slow down and enjoy things, as well as not shy away from classics.
How do you stay connected to French culture while living in New York? Are there any specific activities or places that help you feel at home?
Ethan's Response
I have friends to whom I speak in French. I also like to show my friends things that are French in the city and teach them about our culture.
Devon's Response
I speak frequently with my French friends and hope to enroll in a French language class.
What's one thing you've discovered in New York that you wish France had, and vice versa?
Ethan's Response
The art of not caring – New Yorkers are so talented at letting things slide and focusing on their development. That is something I wish was more common in France.
Devon's Response
In NYC: Late-night dining with tons of variety. In France: Pornstar martinis (that are actually good).