Random things I'll miss about life in France (in no particular order)

From the beautiful architecture and amazing food to the markets and cafes, there’s a lot that I’ll miss about our life in France. Here are some of the little details that come to mind when I reflect on what I’ve loved the most about living here. 

1. Elegant elderly ladies on bikes. Everyone seems to ride bikes in Bordeaux, even quite elderly folks. I love seeing stylish moms riding around in their cargo bikes or biking with the kids trailing behind like little ducklings. I love seeing full bike lanes in the morning as commuters make their way to work, and the clever contraptions they use to stay dry in the rain. But most of all I love to see the women in their 70s and 80s, dressed ever so properly and zipping around town on two wheels. 
2. The accessibility and affordability of incredible bread and pastries. As in most French cities, Bordeaux has a wealth of excellent boulangeries and patisseries — I have yet to find a bad one! And they somehow all seem to stay busy, whether customers are buying morning pastries, lunchtime sandwiches, after-school gouter, or a loaf of bread for dinner. It’s not a stereotype: Walk down the street and you’ll spot countless folks with a baguette tucked under their arm or sticking out of a tote bag, or nibbling on a croissant. Even the smallest French village will have at least one bakery, because good, fresh bread is a crucial element of the good life in France. And with shockingly low prices at most places (we’re talking around a euro for the best baguette or pain au chocolat you’ve ever had), it really is accessible to everyone.
3. Kids walking to and from school alone. It’s not at all uncommon to see elementary-aged children walking or scootering to school on their own. Sometimes I see slightly older kids riding their bikes or the tram home from school as well. Here in Bordeaux, kids often live within a few blocks of their schools, which makes this possible. I also think drivers here are generally quite careful and courteous, and overall there’s a feeling of everyone looking out for one another. It really is a beautiful thing. 
4. Pharmacies. Ah, the French pharmacy. I love all of the beauty products, and I love asking the pharmacists for recommendations (even if it means embarrassing myself with my broken French). I wrote about some of my favorite products here. 
5. Natural beauty. In general, French women really embrace their natural beauty, whether that’s letting their natural curls go wild or choosing a simple makeup look over anything too dramatic. You don’t often see obvious Botox or fillers here, heavy makeup, or perfectly blown-out hair. Instead, they focus on good skincare, nutrition, and subtle makeup that enhances their features. 
6. Cafe culture. I love that in France, simply sitting on a cafe terrace is an event. You can be alone or with friends, you can buy a bottle of water or a bottle of wine, you can stay for a few minutes or for the afternoon. Read a book, do some writing or sketching, or just people-watch. This is a very common pastime in France that keeps the cafes filled year-round. It’s hard to imagine Americans slowing down enough to enjoy such a simple pleasure.
7. Good, cheap wine. I’m not a wine connoisseur and I’m probably a lot less picky than the average French drinker, but I usually spend (much) less than 10€ for a bottle of wine at the grocery store, and about 3€ to 4€ for a glass at a restaurant. 
8. Les chiens. Why are French dogs so darn cute? You don’t see a lot of variety here, at least not in Bordeaux, I think because the French favor pure-bred dogs? Sheepdogs, corgis, and golden retrievers are all very popular here, and they also happen to be some of my favorite kinds of dogs. They tend to be very well-trained, often obediently following along behind their owners without a leash.
9. Shutters. The creaky sound of shutters opening in the morning and closing at night has become a familiar part of my daily aural experience. Shutters are commonly used for safety and privacy in the evenings, to keep the heat of the sun out during the summer, and to keep the warmth in during winter. 
10. French style. I can’t walk out the door without seeing at least a few people that I would photograph if it wouldn’t seem creepy. Dapper men in colorful corduroys, blazers, and scarves. Older women in quirky round glasses and perfectly tailored coats. Younger women on bikes, their dresses and scarves flapping behind in the wind. And even the kids, wearing tiny versions of grown-up clothes that I’d gladly steal for myself.