The Parisian Secret to Enjoying Life: A Terrace, A Friend, and A Drink

Source: scene in Emily in Paris - Season 1

The N.1 Rule: One Friend and a Terrace

If you want to master the art of being Parisian, there is one golden rule: find a friend and a terrace. Whether it’s a cozy café in Saint-Germain or a trendy rooftop overlooking the Seine, the setting must be outdoors. Why? Because Parisians have perfected the ritual of watching the world go by, one sip at a time.

A Coffee, a Noisette, or Something Stronger

Once you’ve secured your spot, order a long coffee, a "noisette," or perhaps a glass of wine if the hour permits (and in Paris, it often does). The key is to take your time. No rush, no takeaway cups—just the slow, deliberate enjoyment of a drink in good company. This is a tradition that dates back to the 17th century when Parisian intellectuals and artists gathered in cafés to debate politics, literature, and love.

As Simone de Beauvoir wrote in Les Mandarins:

"Before the war, there had been so many nights: in the cafés of Montparnasse where people got drunk on café crème and words, in the studios that smelled of oil paint, in the small dance halls where he held the most beautiful woman in his arms..."

These cafés were not just gathering places but the very heart of intellectual and artistic life, where ideas and emotions intertwined over countless cups of coffee and glasses of wine.

The song "La Bohème" by Charles Aznavour beautifully captures the nostalgia of 19th-century Paris, where struggling artists lived for their craft, love, and camaraderie. The era of bohemian life in Montmartre was marked by iconic figures such as Salvador Dalí, André Breton, and Man Ray, who spearheaded the Surrealist movement. They, along with writers and poets, gathered in legendary cafés like Le Dôme, La Rotonde, and Le Select in Montparnasse, turning them into intellectual hubs where ideas and artistic revolutions flourished. These spots weren’t just places to drink—they were places where art was born, friendships were forged, and Paris cemented its legacy as a beacon of culture.

The Art of Conversation: Gossip and Grandeur

Now comes the most essential part: the conversation. Parisians are experts in the art of storytelling, and a terrace is the perfect place to dissect life’s latest dramas. Whether it’s a work dilemma, a love triangle, or a philosophical question, nothing is too small or too grand. Gossip? Absolutely. Sharing intimate details? A must. Parisians bond over stories, turning every coffee break into a scene straight out of Emily in Paris, where witty banter, relationship drama, and career dilemmas unfold effortlessly over a café table.

People-Watching: A National Sport

Of course, the experience isn’t complete without observing passersby. Parisian terraces have always been the ultimate front-row seat to the theater of city life. Watch as elegantly dressed locals glide by, scooters weave through traffic, and small dogs strut down the boulevard as if they own it. Fun fact: the practice of café people-watching is so ingrained in Parisian culture that it was immortalized by famous writers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir at the Café de Flore.

Mastering the Nonchalance

To truly embody the Parisian spirit, practice the effortless mix of engagement and detachment. Discuss your latest existential crisis with passion, then casually shrug it off with a c’est la vie. Lean back in your chair, let out a contemplative bof, and savor the feeling of being part of something timeless.

Bringing Paris to Hong Kong

But what if you’re in Hong Kong? Fortunately, you can still embrace Parisian culture from afar. Find a nice terrace with not too much traffic, or one with a great view where you can watch people pass by. Try the small hidden cafés in Sheung Wan like Common Ground, Kahu, or Mixo, where the atmosphere is perfect for a leisurely drink and a long chat. For a more classic terrace experience, Louise’s terrace offers a relaxed, French-inspired setting.

If you're in the mood for a rooftop, Alto provides an elegant escape with a view, perfect for people-watching while enjoying a glass of wine. Or head to La Cabane and Corks, both excellent choices for indulging in fine French wine and cheeses.

For an ambiance closer to a true Parisian gossip, find a spot on Peel Street or Elgin Street in the afternoon, where you can watch tourists and locals blend into the city's lively rhythm. Finally, keep an eye out for events that celebrate French wine, food, and festive gatherings, because after all, the French love to toast to life in good company.

Most importantly, wherever you are, find a good friend to share that drink with. Because in the end, the real essence of being Parisian isn’t about where you are—it’s about who you share the moment with.

At Hong Kong Je T'aime, we celebrate Hong Kong’s vibrant French Touch, bringing together lovers of French cuisine, fine wines, and festive traditions. Through our exclusive gatherings, we create moments that transport you straight to a Parisian evening—filled with laughter, good company, and the true essence of joie de vivre. Join us and raise a glass to French elegance, right here in Hong Kong!