Category: Paris

Life in Paris, in all its elegance and exasperation. From immigration and administration to everyday rituals and moments of beauty; stories and insights from living inside the city, not just passing through.

Renting in France comes with a certain romantic aura — cobbled courtyards, wrought-iron balconies, and the faint whiff of existential despair. But behind the shutters lurks a more sobering truth: as a tenant, you carry rather a lot of responsibility, and when things go wrong with your landlord, you’ll need both patience and paperwork.

Here’s what every tenant should know before they hand over their security deposit and their peace of mind.

The Sacred Inventory (État des lieux)

In France, the legal presumption is deliciously simple: everything is your fault. You are responsible for the apartment in its entirety, insured accordingly, and your liability is measured against two documents — the entry and exit inventories.

These inventories must match exactly if you hope to see your deposit again. A scratch here, a dent there, and suddenly you’re funding your landlord’s new parquet flooring. The paperwork may feel tedious, but it is, quite literally, your only protection.

Deposit Disputes

The landlord has two months after your departure to return the deposit. That’s the law.
They cannot hold it back for “normal wear and tear” (faded paint, softened sofa cushions, the honest erosion of Parisian living).

But beware: the deposit is not your last month’s rent. You must keep paying rent until the very end of your tenancy — France is particularly humourless on this point.

If the landlord withholds money, they must provide receipts or estimates. Should they decide to don their DIY overalls and fix things themselves, they can only claim the cost of materials, not their own “labour” (translation: no charging you €500 for an afternoon with a paintbrush).

When Things Escalate

If mould blossoms in the corners, the heating dies in January, or a window remains eternally cracked, what then?

  • Report it: Start with the landlord, naturally, but if they remain unmoved, you can escalate to la mairie or la préfecture de police. Authorities can impose penalties, which usually gets a sluggish landlord moving.
  • Withhold rent (carefully): The bold option. Technically possible, but riddled with procedural traps. The safest version is to pay the rent into a separate account that the landlord cannot access until repairs are made. Do this wrong, and you’ll find yourself cast as the “bad tenant” — not a role you want in French housing court.
  • Seek mediation: Cheaper and faster than litigation, mediation through a local housing association can untangle many disputes.
  • Take legal action: If nothing else works, the courts can compel a landlord to make repairs. It’s slow, but effective.
  • Terminate the tenancy: When the property becomes genuinely uninhabitable and the landlord remains obstinate, you may have grounds to break the lease. Get a lawyer before you pack your boxes.
  • Recover your deposit: If your landlord clings to your deposit like it’s a family heirloom, you can file a formal complaint or take legal steps to recover it.

Practical Advice

  • Keep everything in writing — emails, registered letters, scribbled notes slid under doors.
  • Take photos with timestamps.
  • Collect witnesses if you can.

Think of it as compiling a dossier for the inevitable courtroom drama, should it come to that.

And remember: procedures can vary by department, so always check with local housing associations or lawyers before making bold moves.

Associations That Can Help

  • Association de Défense des Habitants — lacnl.com (€70/year).
  • Agence Nationale pour l’Information sur le Logement (ANIL) — anil.org.

Both can provide guidance, support, and occasionally, much-needed moral outrage on your behalf.

Final Thought

Living in Paris is rarely simple, and dealing with landlords is no exception. But armed with the right paperwork, a decent insurance policy, and perhaps the phone number of a good tenant association, you can survive – and even triumph – in the charming but unforgiving theatre of French property law.

If you’ve ever asked me about my skincare routine — here it is, finally written down in one place. I get this question a lot, and instead of repeating myself, I thought I’d share the full story of how it all started, what I actually do, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.

The YouTube Era That Started It All

Let’s rewind to my university days, when YouTube was the wild west of beauty content. This was the time of Makeup Geek tutorials, Blair Fowler’s hauls, and Zoella’s bedroom vlogs. I was watching all of it, wide-eyed.

Somewhere down that rabbit hole, I stumbled across Ruth Crilly’s A Model Recommends. And one day, she posted a vlog with Caroline Hirons, back then just “Caroline, the skincare lady,” long before book deals and cult status.

Her videos were simple: twelve minutes of straight monologue about drugstore cleansers and toners. No edits, no gimmicks. I was hooked. Caroline cut through the noise and made skincare feel logical.

That was my lightbulb moment. From then on, I treated her advice as gospel. I still adore her today.

The Rules I Still Live By

Caroline eventually published her “Routine Cheat Sheet”, and I followed it religiously. Fast-forward more than a decade, and the core principles haven’t changed:

  • Sunscreen every single day. It’s the cheapest anti-aging trick out there.
  • Double cleanse at night. With a proper flannel, always.
  • Consistency is key. No constant stopping and changing.
  • Active ingredients used with purpose. Retinol, acids, antioxidants (but not all at once).
  • Chemicals rule. Sorry #cleanbeauty people.

Skincare Trends Come and Go

“Skin cycling,” “clean girl routine,” “glass skin”… every year there’s a new buzzword. Each season, a new hero product takes center stage. But in reality? The magic is in the boring stuff.

Cleanse. Moisturize. Protect. Repeat.

I’ve kept that rhythm going for over a decade.

My Routine

Morning:

  1. Cleanse
  2. Antioxidant serum (Vitamin C or something brightening)
  3. Moisturizer
  4. Sunscreen (always, usually Anthelios or Bioré)

Evening:

  1. First cleanse (to remove SPF/makeup)
  2. Second cleanse (to actually clean the skin)
  3. Active treatment (retinol or acid, alternating nights)
  4. Moisturizer, sometimes with a face oil if my skin is dry

Simple.

My Hero Products

Over the years I’ve tried hundreds of products, some amazing, some not amazing. But a handful have earned “hero” status in my routine:

  • Biologique Recherche P50
  • Embryolisse Crème Concentré
  • Glossier Cleanser Concentrate
  • Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair
  • La Roche-Posay Anthelios (and sometimes Bioré UV Aqua Rich)
  • The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
  • Dr. Hauschka Gesichtstonikum – a mist.

These are the products I always come back to, no matter how many launches I test.

Want More?

I could easily write separate reviews of the hundreds of cleansers, serums, and moisturizers I’ve tried over the years. But I’ll only do that if you actually want me to. Let me know in the comments or on Instagram and I’ll happily go full skincare nerd (you know it).

Moving to France and need a French social security number? Whether you’re working, studying, or planning to stay long-term, this 13-digit number is your key to healthcare, benefits, and more. Here’s everything you need to know to get yours.

What is a French Social Security Number?

A French social security number (Numéro de Sécurité Sociale) is a unique identifier used for accessing healthcare, unemployment benefits, pensions, and more. Without it, simple tasks like seeing a doctor, opening a bank account, or receiving government support become complicated.

Why Do You Need One?

Your social security number is essential for:
✔️ Medical coverage – It links to your Carte Vitale, France’s health insurance card.
✔️ Employment – Your employer needs it for payroll and tax contributions.
✔️ Government benefits – It’s required for accessing maternity, disability, family allowances, and more.
✔️ Ameli.fr account – This online portal manages all your healthcare reimbursements.

What Happens If You Don’t Have One?

Without a social security number, you might struggle to:
🚫 Get reimbursed for medical expenses.
🚫 Receive unemployment benefits.
🚫 Secure a pension in the future.
🚫 Open a French bank account or apply for certain visas.

Who Is Eligible?

If you live and work in France, you’re eligible for a social security number. This includes:
✅ Employees (full-time and part-time)
✅ Self-employed workers
✅ International students (under certain conditions)
✅ Unemployed individuals with residency in France

Where Can You Find Your French Social Security Number?

If you already have one, you’ll find it on:
📌 Your Carte Vitale
📌 Your tax documents (e.g., tax returns)
📌 Your pay slips or employment records
📌 Your Ameli.fr account

How to Apply for a French Social Security Number

If you’ve never had a social security number or can’t find proof of one, you’ll need to apply.

Documents You’ll Need

📎 Identity Documents – Passport, national ID, or residence permit.
📎 Birth Certificate – A full version with parental details.
📎 Proof of Address – Utility bills (1 if employed, 3 if unemployed).
📎 Employment Documents – Work contract or first pay slip (if applicable).
📎 Bank Details (RIB) – Required for reimbursement.
📎 European Health Insurance (if applicable) – If previously covered in the EU, you may need an S1 form or a refusal letter from your previous provider.

How to Submit Your Application

👉 Fastest method – Ask your employer’s HR department to handle it. This can take 1-2 months instead of 6-8 months.
👉 Direct application – Mail your documents to CPAM (Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie) or submit them in person.

Pro tip: If you’re coming from another European country, request an E104 form from your old health insurance provider to avoid complications.

How to Get a Social Security Number Without a Job?

If you’re unemployed and not a student, the process is trickier but possible. You must:
✅ Go in person to your local CPAM office (Find your nearest location here).
✅ Submit the same required documents listed above.
✅ Be patient—processing times vary!

Getting a Carte Vitale in France is essential for accessing the healthcare system. Whether you’re a student, employee, or freelancer, you’ll need it for doctor visits, pharmacy prescriptions, and hospital stays. Some say the process is complicated, but if you follow these steps, it’s actually quick and easy.

What is a Carte Vitale and Why Do You Need One?

A Carte Vitale is your French health insurance card, ensuring automatic reimbursements for medical expenses. Instead of dealing with paperwork, your refunds go straight into your bank account.

Without it? You’ll have to manually send forms to France’s national health insurance (Sécurité Sociale), which can be a hassle.

What Does a Carte Vitale Look Like?

It’s a small, green card, similar in size to a credit card, and fits right in your wallet. It includes:

  • Your social security number (which you won’t remember by heart!)
  • The names of people covered, including children under 16.

📌 Tip: Always carry it with you for doctor’s visits and prescriptions!

Is a Carte Vitale Mandatory in France?

Yes. If you live in France, you must have state-provided health insurance—whether you’re an employee, freelancer, student, or job seeker.

Is a Carte Vitale Free?

Yes, applying for a Carte Vitale is free. However, if you’re submitting documents from abroad, translation costs may apply.

How Long Does a Carte Vitale Last?

Forever! (As long as you’re living in France.)

How to Get a Carte Vitale in France: Step-by-Step Process

Eligibility Checklist

You need to:
✔ Have lived in France for at least three (3) months
✔ Be 16 or older
✔ Have a French bank account
✔ Have your Social Security Number (Numéro de Sécurité Sociale)

Documents You’ll Need

  • Copy of your passport
  • A portrait photo
  • Proof of residence (utility bill, rental agreement, etc.)
  • RIB (Relevé d’Identité Bancaire) for reimbursements

How to Apply Online

💡 Everything happens on ameli.fr (France’s national health insurance website). It’s all in French, but here’s your shortcut:

1️⃣ Create an Ameli account

  • Sign up with your Social Security Number

2️⃣ Start the application

  • Look for “Commander une Carte Vitale” (Order a Carte Vitale)
  • Can’t find it? Try this path:
    • “Remboursement, prestations et soins” → “Être bien remboursé” → “Carte Vitale”

3️⃣ Upload your documents

  • Passport, photo, proof of address, and RIB

4️⃣ Submit & wait

  • Your card arrives in about two weeks
  • Track your order on ameli.fr

Keeping Your Carte Vitale Up to Date

✔ Annual Update: Do this once a year at a pharmacy or doctor’s office.
✔ Child Turns 16? They’ll need their own Carte Vitale.

Lost It? No Panic.

Go to ameli.fr, log into your account, and report it lost or stolen.

Final Tips (Because We’ve Been There)

🚫 Don’t call it the “Vital Card” (it sounds weird in French)
📲 Use the Ameli website or app ONLY—no shady third-party sites
📝 Always send copies, never originals of your documents
📜 If you got a paper form for your Carte Vitale request, toss it—it’s easier online

✨ Voilà! You’re now officially part of the French healthcare system. Need help? Drop your questions in the comments! 💬

As someone who loves a good “buy it for life” moment, I thought the BÉIS Sports Backpack would be my new travel and work companion. The sleek black design, the promise of durability, and the price tag north of €100 were convincing enough to make me press “purchase.”  I love a good deal, I snagged it for €98 instead of its usual €119. 

As someone who tries to support women-owned businesses, I was drawn to BÉIS, the brand founded by Shay Mitchell. Her marketing is undeniably on point, which made the purchase even more appealing. After years of carrying a tote to work, like a “vraie Parisienne,” I had perfected the effortless, chic commuter vibe. Bag slung over my shoulder, my mobile phone in hand—but that oh-so-French style came at a cost. I started noticing my posture was becoming wonky. Switching to a backpack seemed like a kinder choice for my body in the long run, especially since I often brought my packed lunches to work most days of the week. I wanted something functional yet stylish, a balance of practical utility and understated cool that felt très moi. 

Unlike so many other celebrity-backed brands, Shay Mitchell is not just the face of BÉIS, she’s actually the founder and acting CEO. Her involvement in the brand’s product design made me feel like I was supporting something authentic. One year later, I’m wondering: was I scammed by the marketing, or has “lifetime” taken on a whole new meaning?

 NThe first year of ownership for this bag was nothing special: weekday commutes, carrying my MacBook Air, a charger, maybe a small notebook and my lunchbox. No rock climbing trips. Nor camping excursions. No yoga mats, just the humdrum of daily professional life. Despite this minimal use, the bag is falling apart. The shoulder strap stitching is unraveling and the inner lining is frayed and torn. I’m not sure if I should laugh or cry that a supposedly “premium” backpack couldn’t handle light use for even a full year.

So, I did what any annoyed millennial would do: I reached out to the brand. BÉIS’s customer service reps were quick to respond (thanks, Jemmy!) but less quick to resolve. Their policy? If you didn’t buy directly from their website, you’re out of luck. They advised mme to contact Revolve, the retailer I purchased it from. Cue the customer service ping-pong match.

Revolve’s response? A dismissive “this is normal wear and tear,” accompanied by a polite but hollow apology and a 10% discount code for my trouble. To recap: I spent over €98 on a backpack marketed as durable, used it lightly for one year, and now they are telling me that its rapid deterioration is “normal.” What exactly is the life expectancy of BÉIS products—a single rotation around the sun? The real kicker here is the disconnect between price and performance. A backpack in this price range should offer more than fleeting aesthetics; it should deliver on its promise of durability. Instead, I’m left with a fraying, dysfunctional bag and a discount code I have zero intention of using. Why would I want another BÉIS product when the first one failed so spectacularly?

This experience has me questioning the “quality guarantee” of so many modern brands. If we’re paying triple the price of a standard backpack, we should be getting triple the quality—or at least something that doesn’t unravel under the weight of a laptop. BÉIS’s branding might scream chic and reliable, but the reality is far less glamorous.

To BÉIS and other companies offering premium-priced products: your customers aren’t just paying for aesthetics. We’re paying for trust. If you can’t stand by your product, then don’t expect us to stand by your brand. A 15% discount code doesn’t fix a broken reputation.

As for me, I’ll be taking my search for a durable, high-quality backpack elsewhere. BÉIS might want to rethink what “buy it for life” means, because at this rate, it’s the lifetime of a fruit fly—not the customer—that they’re guaranteeing.

PS: If you’re curious about the discount codes I got, feel free to reach out—I’m happy to share!

French: bouillir. English: to boil.
In France, however, a bouillon is not merely broth, but a whole institution: a bustling, democratic restaurant where good food arrives quickly, wine flows freely, and the bill arrives with suspicious modesty.

A butcher’s idea

The story begins in 1855 with Pierre-Louis Duval, a butcher from Montlhéry. His idea was brilliantly simple: serve workers a hot plate of boiled beef in broth at a fixed price. He opened his first shop on rue de Montesquieu, a stone’s throw from the great market of Les Halles. Porters, butchers, and market workers — who spent their days hauling carcasses and cabbages — needed something hearty and affordable. Duval gave it to them.

The formula was irresistible. By the turn of the century, bouillons had multiplied across Paris. More than 250 dotted the city by 1900, feeding everyone from labourers to clerks, artists to students. They were efficient, lively, and egalitarian — France’s answer to fast food long before the phrase was coined.

Cafés for the bohemians

It’s easy to imagine Montparnasse’s writers and painters — drunk on wine, words, and self-importance — ending up in a bouillon. Between arguments about philosophy and politics, they fuelled themselves with onion soup, steak, and cheap Bordeaux before stumbling back to create something immortal. Proust, no doubt, would have found something to remember about the ritual.

The decline and the revival

Bouillons began to fade in the mid-20th century. Modern cafés, brasseries, and the arrival of international fast food pushed them into decline. By the 1980s, only a handful survived, chief among them the legendary Bouillon Chartier near Grands Boulevards, still feeding Parisians in its gilded Belle Époque dining hall.

And then, against all odds, the bouillon made a comeback. Around 2017, new owners reopened historic dining halls and revived the format for a new generation. Bouillon Pigalle, with its cavernous red banquettes, was an instant hit. Suddenly, queues wrapped around the block for the very experience Parisians’ great-grandparents once took for granted: classic dishes, served without fuss, in a noisy, cheerful room where nobody pretends to be discreet. Even Emily in Paris has been to a bouillon.

Today, bouillons are thriving again — in Paris and beyond. They have become a modern ritual: friends meeting after work, tourists seeking “real” French food, students splurging on dessert, families eating together at long tables. It’s fast food à la française — but with linen tablecloths and a respectable wine list.

What’s on the menu?

A bouillon menu is a parade of French essentials:

  • Entrées: oeufs mayonnaise, os à moelle, escargots.
  • Plats: soupe à l’oignon gratinée, steak frites, roast chicken with chips.
  • Desserts: the canon of French patisserie — riz au lait, baba au rhum, pain perdu, île flottante, mousse au chocolat, crème brûlée, profiteroles.

The delight lies in the abundance. A table of four can order half the dessert menu without risking financial catastrophe — the true luxury of a bouillon.

Why go?

Because bouillons are loud, generous, and joyful. Because they remind you that good food doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. And because there’s something deeply Parisian about clinking glasses in a crowded dining hall where, 150 years ago, the city’s market workers once did the same.