French New York
By Megan Snedden
Some may say New York City lacks the necessary Francophile accoutrements to be considered Parisian. Instead of rues there are avenues, geometric high rises dominate the skyline, and there’s the constant hustle and bustle paired with the hum of subway trains rumbling below.
Since Marie Delecourt—author of the blog Paris in New York—moved to the U.S. in 2000 she has missed many things about France: the redolence of fermenting grapes in Épernay where she grew up next to the Moët & Chandon champagne factory; the romantic curves of Parisian architecture; and the ubiquity of alleyway cafés and corner bakeries. “It was difficult to adjust to the fast pace and the harshness [of New York],” she said. “Immigration is not easy because you have to cut out a part of who you are to integrate in the new country.”
But as a cosmopolitan metropolis, New York City is so diverse that just about anyone from anywhere could rediscover the idiosyncrasies of home and construct their own cultural enclave around them. Delecourt used to take periodic trips to France and return to New York with suitcases full of her favorite products, but she has since explored every nook and cranny of Manhattan to find them here, documenting the pursuit on her blog.
Here are six ways to feel French in New York City, recommended by Delecourt, the New York in French community, and the French Institute Alliance Française:
- Bon appetit! It’s easy to eat like a Parisian in New York: Sip on brut cuvée or sparkling rosé at Flute Bar and Lounge, grab a fresh baguette at Francois Payard Bakery, or for a wide selection of low-priced fromage visit East Village Cheese. Don’t forget about the myriad of French eateries throughout the city—Epicerie Café Charbon, L’École Restaurant at the French Culinary Institute, and Balthazar to name a few.
- Trés Beaux-Arts: Amidst New York’s brick-faced, English-style buildings you’ll find grand façades rooted in French Beaux-Arts. Characterized by grandiose pavilions, tall parapets and columns, classical detailing, and arched windows, many of the Beaux-Arts style buildings were constructed by American architects who trained at L’Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris from the 1890s until the First World War. Marvel at the New York Public Library, Grand Central Terminal, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art or visit the Beaux Arts Alliances for lectures and walking tours of the city that highlight this architectural movement.
- French cinema: Take a free cinematic tour of France en plein air by catching a French summertime film screening in New York City parks during the Films on the Green series, co-organized by the Cultural Services of the French Embassy.
- Walk like a Parisian: Meander the cobblestone streets of 9th Avenue in Chelsea and dine at Pastis French Bistro. Then, peruse Chelsea’s High Line, which is similar to the Promenade Plantée in Paris. Both structures are tree-lined parkways built on former railway lines that run across rooftops in the city.
- French indulgences: Spoil yourself with macaroons and hazelnut mousse at Francois Chocolate Bar, located on the fourth floor of Mauboussin, a Parisian jewelry boutique. Then, pop into the nearby French Institute Alliance Française and browse their list of French cultural activities or head over to The Paris Theatre to catch a French film.
- Picnic in the park: Grab a crepe Suzette to go from Creperie NYC in the West Village then enjoy it under the Washington Square Park arch, which echoes the tunes of street musicians. New York architect Stanford White modeled the arch after the Arc de Triomphe.
Megan Snedden is a California-born writer and adventurer who currently lives in New York City. Connect with her on twitter @megansnedden.
Photos: Above, Ashish Bajracharya/My Shot
Go Further
Animals
- How can we protect grizzlies from their biggest threat—trains?How can we protect grizzlies from their biggest threat—trains?
- This ‘saber-toothed’ salmon wasn’t quite what we thoughtThis ‘saber-toothed’ salmon wasn’t quite what we thought
- Why this rhino-zebra friendship makes perfect senseWhy this rhino-zebra friendship makes perfect sense
- When did bioluminescence evolve? It’s older than we thought.When did bioluminescence evolve? It’s older than we thought.
- Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?
Environment
- Are the Great Lakes the key to solving America’s emissions conundrum?Are the Great Lakes the key to solving America’s emissions conundrum?
- The world’s historic sites face climate change. Can Petra lead the way?The world’s historic sites face climate change. Can Petra lead the way?
- This pristine piece of the Amazon shows nature’s resilienceThis pristine piece of the Amazon shows nature’s resilience
- Listen to 30 years of climate change transformed into haunting musicListen to 30 years of climate change transformed into haunting music
History & Culture
- Meet the original members of the tortured poets departmentMeet the original members of the tortured poets department
- Séances at the White House? Why these first ladies turned to the occultSéances at the White House? Why these first ladies turned to the occult
- Gambling is everywhere now. When is that a problem?Gambling is everywhere now. When is that a problem?
- Beauty is pain—at least it was in 17th-century SpainBeauty is pain—at least it was in 17th-century Spain
Science
- Here's how astronomers found one of the rarest phenomenons in spaceHere's how astronomers found one of the rarest phenomenons in space
- Not an extrovert or introvert? There’s a word for that.Not an extrovert or introvert? There’s a word for that.
- NASA has a plan to clean up space junk—but is going green enough?NASA has a plan to clean up space junk—but is going green enough?
- Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?
Travel
- Could Mexico's Chepe Express be the ultimate slow rail adventure?Could Mexico's Chepe Express be the ultimate slow rail adventure?
- What it's like to hike the Camino del Mayab in MexicoWhat it's like to hike the Camino del Mayab in Mexico