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
- These 'trash fish' are among Earth's most primitive animalsThese 'trash fish' are among Earth's most primitive animals
- These photos are works of art—and the artists are bugsThese photos are works of art—and the artists are bugs
- The epic migration of a 6-foot long, 200-pound catfishThe epic migration of a 6-foot long, 200-pound catfish
- Frans de Waal, biologist who studied animal emotion, dies at 75Frans de Waal, biologist who studied animal emotion, dies at 75
Environment
- Are synthetic diamonds really better for the planet? The answer isn't clear-cut.Are synthetic diamonds really better for the planet? The answer isn't clear-cut.
- This year's cherry blossom peak bloom was a warning signThis year's cherry blossom peak bloom was a warning sign
- The U.S. just announced an asbestos ban. What took so long?The U.S. just announced an asbestos ban. What took so long?
- The most dangerous job? Inside the world of underwater weldersThe most dangerous job? Inside the world of underwater welders
- The harrowing flight that wild whooping cranes make to surviveThe harrowing flight that wild whooping cranes make to survive
History & Culture
- Meet the powerful yokai that inspired the demon king in ‘Demon Slayer’Meet the powerful yokai that inspired the demon king in ‘Demon Slayer’
- A surprising must-wear for European monarchs? Weasels.A surprising must-wear for European monarchs? Weasels.
- Meet the woman who made Polaroid into a cultural iconMeet the woman who made Polaroid into a cultural icon
- Inside the observatory that birthed modern astrophysicsInside the observatory that birthed modern astrophysics
Science
- LED light treatments for skin are trendy—but do they actually work?LED light treatments for skin are trendy—but do they actually work?
- NASA smashed an asteroid. The debris could hit Mars.NASA smashed an asteroid. The debris could hit Mars.
- Humans really can have superpowers—scientists are studying themHumans really can have superpowers—scientists are studying them
- Why engineers are concerned about aging infrastructureWhy engineers are concerned about aging infrastructure
Travel
- Why you should try beach-hopping by boat around Paxos, GreeceWhy you should try beach-hopping by boat around Paxos, Greece
- Mansion museums show visitors the gritty side of the Gilded AgeMansion museums show visitors the gritty side of the Gilded Age
- 2024 will be huge for astrotourism—here’s how to plan your trip2024 will be huge for astrotourism—here’s how to plan your trip