Paris in New York Quoted In National Geographic

French New York

Posted by Intelligent Travel July 19, 2011 

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, theNew York in French community, and the French Institute Alliance Française:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Walk like a Parisian: Meander the cobblestone streets of 9^th 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.