On our way home from our latest work trip to India, we made a *strategic* stop in Paris where we met two lovely friends of friends who were kind enough to swan around with us while wearing pieces from our new loungewear collection. Expats AC Bethea and Miranda Robertson wandered with us around their favorite arrondissements, and we have to admit, we were more than slightly envious of their Parisian lifestyle and joie de vivre. To eat baguettes every morning and zip easily to French beaches and other fabulous European cities – oui, sil vou plait!
We eagerly asked them *all* the questions to get the full scoop on what it’s like to live in the City of Lights – from French pharmacy treasures to the best neighborhood to stay in while visiting. Enjoy reading their responses below and planning your next trip to Paree immediately following!
MIRTH: Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from and what brought you to Paris? How long have you lived there?
MR: I fell for Paris hard when I first visited as a 12-year-old -- I even kept a 10-franc piece from that visit in my wallet for 20 years afterwards as it was my plan since then to live here! I did a full year abroad here as a student and felt very integrated - I had a little studio on rue Saint-Paul, an internship at an art gallery in the Marais and taught ballet classes to little french 6-year olds. I loved it so much, but then after graduation spent 10 happy years living in the East Village in NYC. When my friends all started moving to the suburbs or to other cities I decided it was finally time to fulfill my promise to myself and move to Paris!
ACB: I’m from Conway, South Carolina, and I brought myself to Paris! I came for the first time, when I was studying abroad in Florence, Italy, and simply fell in love with its charm and luster. I remember that the waiters all wore suits, and that there were herds of hip young people everywhere practicing their French traditions (early in life) of staining their teeth with bottles of Bordeaux while smoking skinny cigarettes, and I remember being fascinated by the women. The women!! They ALL oozed chicness.
I returned in 2018 to visit my longtime friend, Miranda, another fan and model of MIRTH, who I met when we were both living in NYC (in our 20s). It hit me then that Europe was where I needed to be — it was forcément! Four years later, when she got married, and I brought myself back, I stayed for two full weeks. I remember the night before I was to fly back, trying to will the universe to cancel my flight so that I could bask longer in this incredible Parisian life, I felt this need to live here. I loved it! So, in 2023, when I was in a need to changer ma vie I took a leave of absence from work for three months, hopped the pond, and tested living in Europe. I started out in Italy and ended in France where I decided to stay. It was bliss! I called my boss on the first of July, who was hoping for my return, to say - “Ring the alarm! I’m staying! It’s time to find my permanent replacement.” Therefore, in short… or long, rather… I have now lived here for a solid year. And if we’re counting (and I mean, I am always counting!), there were also those three months before I made the "real move." I’m going with 15 months. Yep! 15 months all together.
MIRTH: Any fun projects you are working on or recently worked on?
MR: I work for a tiny company as fundraising consultants for charities and we do tons of projects in Europe so it actually made a lot of sense professionally to relocate here. I was in Saint-Tropez to organize a benefit auction a few weeks back and am heading to Venice during the film festival for the amfAR Gala Venezia (we also do the amfAR Gala Cannes which just celebrated its 30th anniversary Cannes Film Festival gala this past May).
ACB: My current project I’m working on, not sure if we’d call it “fun,” is hunting for the perfect apartment. Quite the feat … and I guess I could admit… very fun at times! (I mean who doesn’t want to snoop around in as many chic apartments as often as possible and get ideas / inspo? I’m raising my hand high for this!)
On the work front though. I’ve just accepted a freelance position with a luxury travel company. So that will be a (well, many) VERY fun project(s)! Planning beautiful travel at all ends of the earth? Yes. Please!
And on a play front. The MOST fun project recently was when I was styled by Katie, at MIRTH, and played model behind Carlton’s lens. Ok, so maybe it wouldn’t be considered a “project” pour moi, but it was definitely "FUN."
MIRTH: What arrondissement do you live in and how would you describe it?
MR: I live in the 15th arrondissement which is the Yorkville of Paris. My spiritual home is still the Marais, but when my daughter was born the call of this quiet, family neighborhood filled with parks, wide sidewalks, and non-trendy restaurants where you can always get a table was strong! I'm less in the loop on all the cool bars, restaurants, and gallery shows, but know all about the best playgrounds and what cafes have high chairs!
ACB: How much time do you have? Or maybe the better question is what arrondissement haven’t I lived in? Just like my days in NYC… I have lived in them ALL. Most recently, I was living in the 17th Arrondissement - close to Parc Monceau. It is THE most precious neighborhood. I lived at the end of Rue de Lévis - the most precious pedestrian shopping street. Before that, I took my coffee in the mornings in my pied-à-terre in Le Marais (a neighborhood that feels almost mandatory to try out if you’re an American. Very West-Village). Before that, I lived my best Emily in Paris life on Île Saint Louis. And now, since I’m hopping around, I can officially add these arrondissements to the list: the 15th, 9th, 11th, 2nd, and in a week, I will have the pleasure of adding the 6th. I am very lucky! And very confused now about where I want to call home. Because, well, I have fallen head over heels in LOVE with ALL of Paris. Stay tuned.
MIRTH: What arrondissement/hotels do you recommend to friends and family who are visiting?
MR: I think everyone visiting Paris should spend time in the Marais. With Hausmann's transformation of the city much of the original feel was lost, but the Marais (which includes the Ile de la Cité with Notre Dame and the adjacent Ile Saint-Louis) still has the original medieval feel of the city. Although it's getting taken over by chain stores, you can still find secret gardens and see amazing art. Plus the people watching is amazing!
ACB: Where do I begin? In truth though, it depends on which friends and which family members are visiting. Each area in Paris has a different personality — just like all of my friends and family. But, if I had to narrow down, I would always suggest the 6th and honestly…even near La Madeleine. I lived there for a minute last summer and really liked how central it was to everything. I think you can’t go wrong (ever) staying in the center of town.
MIRTH: Any weekend trips from Paris that you recommend? Any boutique hotels for a quick getaway?
MR: With the European train system there are so many places that are easily accessible! Reims and Honfleur are two of my favorite getaways. Reims because I love champagne, and Honfleur is a charming former fishing village on the English channel. I love the hotel Auberge de la Source just outside of Honfleur - you need a rental car but it's a wonderful getaway!
ACB: Humm.. another thing I’m becoming a pro at…taking trips. A few places I’ve been in the past few months, and that I’d highly recommend are Seignosse, Biarritz, and if you have it in you for a 6+ hour train ride, Menton. The beaches at all of these places are EVERYTHING. But, if you want to pop in and out of France… because you don’t mind leaving the country for a weekend… I would go to Belgium. Brussels and Bruges are easy to get to from Gare du Nord.
Hummm, I only know Chez Miranda, Chez Selden, Chez Justine, and the occasional Chez Leah for accommodations — all my friends who have put me up since starting my apartment search here in Paris! Alas, there are definitely places that I’d help research for friends on www.tablethotels.com. It's a great site for fancy hotels that don’t break the bank.
MIRTH: What does your morning routine look like?
MR: Since I work with both Europeans and Americans I have the luxury of easing into the morning and rarely have any meetings until the afternoon! Mornings I take my daughter to the crèche and then usually stop by a primeur to buy some fresh fruit and vegetables for the day. If my husband is working from home too I often will swing by a boulangerie and pick up a mid-morning treat for us both, then home to finally have a morning coffee and start work around 10/10:30.
ACB: Everyday is different. Alas, it always starts with the necessary meditation and then coffee. Always coffee!
MIRTH: What is your favorite Parisian tradition that you have adopted since living there?
MR: Vacationing like it's my job! Many Parisians are actually required by their companies to take a full three weeks of vacation between the 14th of July and the 31st of August, and by the end of January everyone has booked their summer travel. Since I always have projects in the summer I can't actually take vacation in July or August but things get pretty quiet and I can take conference calls from some of the most beautiful beaches and lakes in the world!
Another favorite tradition is the apéritif: before dinner you gather with your friends and family for a drink and some simple nibbles. We were just with my husband's family in Provence so an apéro might include olive tapenade, brandade de morue (whipped cod and potatoes), sliced baguette, almonds, and pale rosé served with ice.
ACB: Buying a (almost daily) baguette, of course! I’ve never eaten so much bread in all my life. I'm here for it!
Miranda sporting our Fuji Cardigan (left), Mirth Lounge Pant, Stowe Sweatshirt, and Cordoba Sweatshirt (right)
MIRTH: How would you describe a Parisian’s approach to style? Has your style changed since moving there?
MR: I appreciate that Parisians care more about finding what works for an individual and wearing that, rather than each buying the same new must-have item each season. I love taking out my favorite timeless pieces with each season and then adding in with the occasional new item.
ACB: I wouldn’t say my style has changed. I have always had a pretty specific style — solid color palette of white and black typically, with the occasional blue. But I have gotten inspiration and an extra one or three pairs of black skinny jeans!
I credit my time working for Ralph Lauren in regards to my style. He taught us the 5 pieces (suggested) rule. Basically, dress with five pieces everyday. (example, if you're wearing a dress (1), add a belt (2), beautiful shoes (3), a necklace or a broach (4), and a cool bag (5). You get the idea! But in RL language ... you would also always have a good blazer and bandana on the ready - Which I, still, always do.)) I adopted that layering / 5 pieces idea years ago. And although I don’t necessarily count for five anymore, I do think it keeps your style interesting and oftentimes... double-take worthy.
MIRTH: Favorite restaurants / cafes in Paris?
MR: Although it's so touristy I love going to Deux Magots and Flore in Saint-Germain. In the 11th arrondissement are some of the most wonderful bars and restaurants. The site le fooding has wonderful recommendations!
ACB: I write a sub-stack weekly where I make sure to LINK the restaurants I dine at. Because they’re practically ALL my favorite. However, I do have one that I ALWAYS send to my friends and family when coming into town (especially if it’s their first time in the City of Lights). Chez Janou. It is the quintessential Parisian café in my opinion. And, come to think of it!! It’s where some of my MIRTH shoot took place. It’s also around the corner from my all time absolute MUST visit on the regular and lay in the grass any chance you get when you come over square... Place des Vosges.
MIRTH: Any shopping secrets you dare to share?
ACB: Shop in July? When there are TONS of sales? Eeee, I don't know, really - I don't do a ton of shopping yet. Come back to that question in a few years!
Well, actually, I do have a secret that isn't really a secret, but more of an absolute requirement given the freshness. ALWAYS forgo the supermarket when there is a market in your neighborhood. Which is to say… ALWAYS forgo the supermarket. Because, well, there IS a market in your neighborhood. They're in EVERY hood.
MIRTH: French pharmacy favorites?
ACB: Hummm. You know. I'll say… for someone who even came out of the womb before her mother’s doctor could give her an epidural, because she did NOT want medicine!! Yours truly. (And still will rarely take a Tylenol even with a headache) I have found that the French are right… Doliprane is a miracle drug. One pill and you’re pretty much set for the whole year (in my case!). It cures most everything.
AC Bethea wearing our Mirth Lounge Pant (left) and Cordoba Sweatshirt
MR: My perfect Parisian day would involve a bike ride along Paris' amazing bike paths including the Quai de Seine. A visit to a gallery or museum exhibit. Stroll through the Jardin de Luxembourg. Apéro at a café terrace and dinner at a timeless favorite like Fontaine de Mars.
ACB: When I can remember how to say … well, anything in French!
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