March in Paris

March 26, 2023

March- the month in Paris where some days feel like spring and others forecast snow. One of the best parts of this ambivalent weather is the fact that Parisians end up unsure of what each day’s appropriate head attire should be, thus upping my odds of a few non-ironic beret sightings.

What is a non-ironic beret sighting, you ask? Well first, I’ll tell you what it isn’t. The majority of people you find walking the streets of Paris in a beret fall into two categories, both of which are dripping with irony. 

Category 1: The sightseeing tourist who has purchased a beret from a corner stand along Rue de la Huchette or Place du Trocadéro in order to feel “more French.” Their presence, particularly the red variety, seems to explode around Valentine’s Day. The irony lies in the fact that many of these tourists either already know or come to realize that the other people around them wearing berets are as non-French as they are- but don’t really care. Somehow the whole world remains convinced that French people wear berets, a belief perpetuated by non-French people continuing to wear berets while visiting the country.

Category 2: A smaller, yet even more ironic group of beret wearers exist, and they are actually French. Some of the younger French generation is having fun “bringing back the beret” in the same ironic way some Americans can be found sporting butterfly clips à la 1999 Britney. Look for them in the Latin Quarter or along the canal, where they may very likely be fulfilling two French stereotypes at once thanks to a cigarette in hand.

I’m not hating on either of these two categories, c’est la vie parisienne these days. Both categories make me smile when witnessing them out on my daily runs around Paris, but not nearly as much as when I occasionally witness the third category of a non-ironic beret wearing Parisian. It is rare and therefore gratifying.

This third, albeit small, category are the true sustainers of authentic beret life: older Parisians who pull out their old, crumpled beret to run an errand or take a stroll in the neighborhood. Their gait is a little slower and the vibe is pure old Parisian charm. In fact, my  favorite non-ironic beret sightings are complimented by a baguette in one arm and folded newspaper in the other.

These are the non-ironic beret sightings I am always on the lookout for. They seem to become more common in March, when Parisians are no longer fully bundled for winter, but still in need of protection from the elements. Look for them up in the hills of Montmartre or buried deep in the 14th arrondissement, strolling along Parc Montsouris.

Their beret holds no irony, just years of memories- the kind I’m grateful to be making here.

Where to Eat with the Locals in Central Rome

Where to Eat with the Locals in Central Rome

The Eternal City is filled with trattorias and corner cafes that will make all your pasta and wine related dreams come true! However, in a city this busy and tourist laden, it can be hard to tap into the true local gems. Here are three options that will give you a...

Top 10 Tips for Visiting Central Park

Top 10 Tips for Visiting Central Park

Spending a perfect day in Central Park is bucket list material thanks to countless movies, books and television shows. The last time I was there, I got to chatting with the middle-aged woman sitting on the bench next to me, only to discover that this was not just her...

25 Rainy Day Activities in Paris

25 Rainy Day Activities in Paris

"Actually, Paris is the most beautiful in the rain." Lea Seydoux, Midnight in Paris Paris weather can get pretty moody, but shouldn't stop your Parisian adventures. Here are 25 ways to make the most of a rainy day in Paris: Get lost in the Louvre. This alone could...

8 Lesser Known Eiffel Tower Views

8 Lesser Known Eiffel Tower Views

When living in Paris, I maintain a personal goal of finding at least 1 new view of the Eiffel Tower every week. Honestly, many weeks that just happens naturally- her ladyship has a lovely habit of popping up from rooftops or around street corners when you’re doing...

8 Spots to Watch a Gorgeous Charleston Sunset

8 Spots to Watch a Gorgeous Charleston Sunset

Ain’t no sunset like a Charleston sunset, especially in the fall. The perfect combo of salty sea breeze, lapping waves, and pink streaked skies will have you all up in your feelings. Here are 8 different spots that will take you all over the city as you chase those...

Walk the 7 Hidden Alleys of Downtown Charleston

Walk the 7 Hidden Alleys of Downtown Charleston

I still remember the first time I visited Charleston and feeling aesthetically overwhelmed as I wandered the residential streets of the lower peninsula with colorful homes, beautiful ironwork, and long side porches with swirling fans and perfectly manicured flower...

5 Most Instagrammable Bridge Views in Paris

5 Most Instagrammable Bridge Views in Paris

As you stroll the riverbank of Paris, you will undoubtedly notice there are many beautiful bridges spanning across the River Seine- 37 to be exact. In fact, I pass by 20 bridges in less than 4 miles on my regular running route through central Paris! As the City of...

The Guide to a Perfect Day on Ile Saint Louis

The Guide to a Perfect Day on Ile Saint Louis

In the middle of the Seine River in the shadow of Notre Dame Cathedral lies a small pedestrian bridge that leads you from the western edge of Île de la Cité to its smaller sister island, the idyllic Île Saint-Louis. Less than half a mile in length and full of old...