I’m not exactly sure when or where I first heard the French phrase, “l’art de vivre,” but it has been an ever-present thought in my mind throughout my experience studying abroad in the French Riviera. I am almost one month away from the end of my semester, and I feel like I have truly experienced “the art of life” in the south of France. To me, l’art de vivre means making the most of the small, simple moments in life. It is about appreciating where you are and finding joy in everything. Honestly, it’s not very hard to put this into practice when living in the French Riviera. 

Pretty view from one of my walks 

Last weekend, I had no plans. My friends were all on trips, and I had four days free to do whatever I wanted. The south of France is probably the best place in the world to have no plans and no responsibilities. Naturally, I decided to spend my days reading in the sun, walking by the water, and exploring my beautiful home. I think this time to myself is when the art of life truly made sense to me.  

Delicious (& beautiful!) coffee and croissant at Nomads 

To be honest, before the weekend started, I wasn’t in the best headspace. My travel plans had fallen through, and I was sure I’d go stir crazy being by myself for four days while seeing all of my friends post their exciting trips on social media. However, I was determined to make the most out of my alone time and do all the things I knew I would miss most from the French Riviera. So, I woke up early every morning to sit on the beach, drank lots of coffee and ate many yogurt bowls (my current hyperfixation), and took lots of walks along the water. I discovered that one of my favorite things to do is explore beautiful places and find pockets of sun to read in. Antibes, France is pretty much the best place for this, and it seemed like everyone in town was in on my plans.  

One of my reading spots :) 

One specific interaction that I loved being a part of was in Nomads, one of my favorite coffee shops in Antibes. The cafe owner was having a friendly conversation with a woman who came in with her massive dog, and then a young woman with her baby walked in and they were all talking, switching quickly between French and English. Soon, it seemed everyone in the coffee shop was involved in the conversation, and we all ended up singing happy birthday to the baby! It seemed like everyone knew each other, and I’m still not sure if this was true or not. It wasn’t an intimidating environment, though. It can be tough when you’re in a place where everyone knows each other but you, but this experience was purely warm and welcoming. I doubt anyone in there gave this interaction a second thought, but it genuinely holds a special place in my heart. It gave me a new appreciation for the people in the south of France—their kindness and hospitality. 

There are many pieces of art displayed all over the city! I found this one hidden in the bushes during a walk. 

People-watching in the French Riviera is the best. I can’t help but smile when I see a young couple with cute kids, retirees reading their books and eating baguettes by the harbor, or fabulous women with their little chihuahuas (it is absolutely true that all people look like their dogs). All of the people here truly know what it means to practice l’art de vivre. Peace radiates all around. Everyone here just takes it slow! By the end of my weekend, I was a little disappointed to leave (even though I was going on an exciting trip), because I really realized how much I would miss all of this when I have to go back to the States. I appreciated how lucky I was to have nothing to do in the French Riviera. 

One of the boat harbors where many locals gather to watch the sunset and eat a baguette! 

Françoise Hertel wrote that, “the art of living life to the full is not so much about complicating the simple things as it is about simplifying the unsimplified.” To me, this explanation means that I don’t have to be living in the beauty and charm of the French Riviera to practice the art of life. I can make the most of my life no matter where I am or what I am doing. L’art de vivre is a simple practice. It’s one of the most meaningful things I have learned from my semester in the south of France, and it is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life.