✨ Bienvenue: Escape to Paris Without Leaving Home
There’s something magical about Paris. Imagine the sound of cafe chatter drifting onto cobblestone streets and the smell of fresh baguettes. The soft notes of jazz echoing through a tiny bistro at dusk. But what if you can experience that same Parisian charm without packing a bag or stamping your passport?
In this Travel From Home series, we’re bringing the world’s most enchanting cities right into your living room. Starting with the City of Light. With a few simple touches you can be transported to this iconic city. I invite you to slow down, savor the moment, and feel like you’re wandering Paris for a day.
Put on your favorite lounge sweater, light a candle and pour yourself a French 75. Join us as we turn an ordinary Friday into a dreamy Parisian escape. Because sometimes the best trips don’t need plane tickets just a little imagination.
✨ Why We’re Doing This: The Joy of Traveling From Home
In a world that moves so fast, busy workweeks, family schedules, and budgets create challenges. It’s not always possible to travel to faraway destinations. But the spirit of travel doesn’t have to wait for a vacation or a passport stamp. Kurated Kultures is our way of bringing that same sense of wonder, curiosity, and joy right into your everyday lives.
It’s about slowing down. Savor the feeling of discovering a new place. Do this without the packing lists, airports, or jet lag. It’s about lighting a candle that smells like a Parisian cafe. Play a playlist that makes you feel like you’re strolling the streets of Montmartre. Prepare a simple meal that transports you straight to a tiny bistro by the Seine.
When we “travel at home,” we create small moments that make the ordinary feel extraordinary. We build memories around our kitchen table. It’s a way to connect with loved ones and remind ourselves how big and beautiful the world is. It can all be done while staying cozy in our own little corner of it.
The Benefits of Traveling From Home:
- ✈️ Affordability: No flights or hotels required just a few intentional touches transform your space into a new destination.
- 🌍 Flexibility: Escape for an hour, an afternoon, or a whole weekend whenever you need a break or inspiration.
- 🧘♀️ Well-Being: Cultivating moments of joy, wonder, and creativity helps reduce stress and refresh the mind.
- 👨👩👧👦 Connection: Whether it’s family, friends, or solo time, these experiences bring people together in meaningful, playful ways.
- 💡 Inspiration: Exploring new cultures, recipes, music, and stories broadens your perspective and all from your living room.
So tonight, we set our table for Paris and tomorrow, who knows? Maybe we’ll wander Florence, daydream in Kyoto, or toast to adventure on our back porch. Wherever we go, remember that travel is not just about where we are. It’s about how we choose to see the world. Sometimes, the best adventures start right at home.
Read on and you will find:
- a ‘Day in Paris’ itinerary
- easy yet delicious Parisian-inspired meal ideas
- a practical shopping list for everything from fresh croissants to cozy candles
- plus perfectly paired music, books, and TV shows to set the mood
You are planning a special date night. Maybe it’s an at-home birthday brunch. Or you simply want to savor a touch of Paris from your living room. This guide provides all the inspiration you need. It offers every detail to do it beautifully. No passport required.
🕘 9:00 AM — Bonjour, Paris!
Activity:
Wake up slowly. No alarms blaring — and open a window for fresh air. Play a soft French Café Lounge playlist in the background.
Breakfast:
- Warm up fresh bakery croissants or toast frozen ones in the oven.
- Add butter, strawberry or apricot jam, and fresh berries.
- Brew a café au lait or your favorite latte.
Ambience:
- Set your table with a white napkin and a small vase of fresh flowers (tulips or peonies).
- Read a few pages of A Moveable Feast by Hemingway as you sip your coffee.
🕚 11:00 AM — Flâneur Time
Activity:
Go for a slow stroll around your neighborhood. Channel your inner flâneur (a leisurely wanderer). Stop at a local park or corner cafe for people-watching.
Optional:
Pick up a fresh baguette from a bakery to use later for lunch or dinner.
🕐 1:00 PM — Parisian Bistro Lunch
Lunch:
- Bake or buy a simple quiche (Quiche Lorraine or spinach + goat cheese).
- Toss together a side salad with mixed greens and a Dijon vinaigrette.
- Add sparkling water with a slice of lemon to sip.
Watch:
- Put on Someone Feed Phil: Paris on Netflix while you eat or Emily in Paris for a lighthearted vibe.
Décor:
- Use a checkered napkin or small tablecloth.
- Light a small candle, even for lunch. Très chic.
🕒 3:00 PM — A Sweet Break
Activity: Treat yourself to an afternoon snack.
- Brew a cup of black tea or espresso.
- Pair it with a macaron or a square of dark chocolate.
Read:
- You can pick up or order from Amazon the book A Paris Year by Janice MacLeod. Alternatively, flip through a Paris travel coffee table book.
🕕 6:00 PM — L’ Apéro Hour
Cocktail:
- Make a French 75: Shake gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice. Strain into a flute. Top with Champagne. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Optional Snack:
- Small cheese plate with brie, grapes, nuts, olives, and crackers.
- Baguette slices with butter or goat cheese topped with honey.
Playlist:
- Switch to Paris Jazz Nights — Edith Piaf, Charles Aznavour, or mellow Parisian lounge music.
🕗 7:30 PM — Cozy Parisian Dinner
Dinner:
- Roast chicken (store-bought rotisserie is perfect).
- Roast baby potatoes with olive oil and fresh herbs.
- Haricots verts (thin green beans) sautéed with garlic and olive oil.
- Fresh baguette slices with good butter.
- Glass of French red wine — Pinot Noir or Bordeaux.
- Store bought creme brulee for dessert
Décor:
- Set your table with candles and your best dishes.
- Dim the lights — make it feel like a candlelit bistro in Le Marais.
Watch:
- Midnight in Paris to wrap up the day with dreamy scenes of Paris at night.
🕙 10:00 PM — Sweet Dreams of Paris
Wind Down:
- Jot a note about your favorite moment of the day
- Drift off to a soft French Acoustic playlist or sounds of a Paris café at night.
🗝️ Optional Add-Ons:
✔️ Light a Paris-scented candle (vanilla, lavender, or fresh linen).
✔️ Use a simple photo backdrop or digital Paris skyline screensaver to set the scene.
✔️ Snap a few photos and share your “Paris From Home” day on Instagram with #Kurated Kultures.
Ah! Someone Feed Phil is a feel-good travel-food show hosted by Phil Rosenthal. He does have a great Paris episode if you want a French theme for your Travel at Home night!
📺 Episode to Watch:
- Season 2, Episode 1 — Paris Phil explores classic Parisian cafés, neighborhood bistros, and local cheese shops. He shares his joyful, goofy love for food and people.
✨ Perfect Pairing:
- Watch it during your Parisian lunch or dinner at home — it’s light, funny, and full of delicious visuals.
- Pair it with your French 75 cocktail, fresh baguette, or a cheese board.
🎉 Bonus Idea:
Use Phil’s episode to pick one dish he tries. Something like croque monsieur or duck confit. Then recreate an easy version at home.
🥂 Affordable & Well-Rated French Wines
(approx. $10–$25 per bottle)
| Wine | Type | Where to Buy | Approx. Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Vieille Ferme Rosé | Rosé | Total Wine, Trader Joe’s | $8–$12 |
| Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages | Light Red | Total Wine, Costco | $12–$16 |
| Les Hauts de Lagarde Bordeaux Blanc | Crisp White | Whole Foods, wine.com | $14–$18 |
| Mouton Cadet Bordeaux Rouge | Medium Red | Total Wine, Kroger | $12–$15 |
| Veuve du Vernay Brut Rosé | Sparkling | Total Wine, BevMo | $10–$15 |
✨ Tip: Trader Joe’s and Costco often have excellent affordable French wines. Always check their seasonal selections.
🧀 Affordable, Classic French Cheeses
| Cheese | Type | Where to Buy | Approx. Price (per lb) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brie (e.g., Président Brie) | Soft | Trader Joe’s, Aldi, Kroger | $6–$10 |
| Camembert | Soft | Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s | $7–$12 |
| Comté | Semi-hard | Whole Foods, Sprouts | $18–$22 |
| Roquefort | Blue | Whole Foods, local cheese shops | $20–$25 |
| Boursin Garlic & Herb | Spreadable | Almost any grocery store | $5–$7 |
✨ Tip: Trader Joe’s has great, budget-friendly Brie and Camembert. Whole Foods is great for Comté & Roquefort if you want to splurge just a little.
🥖 Good-Quality Baguettes
| Where to Buy | Typical Price |
|---|---|
| Local bakery | $3–$5 |
| Whole Foods | $3–$4 |
| Trader Joe’s | $2–$4 |
| Costco (pack of 2) | $5–$6 |
| Aldi | $1.50–$3 |
✨ Tip: For a really authentic touch, check if you have a French-style bakery nearby. A fresh artisan baguette will make your day feel truly Parisian.
🍓 Classic French Jams
| Brand | Flavors | Where to Buy | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bonne Maman | Strawberry, Apricot, Raspberry | Target, Kroger, Costco | $4–$6 (13 oz jar) |
| St. Dalfour | Wild Blueberry, Red Raspberry | Whole Foods, Amazon | $4–$6 |
| Maison Francis Miot | Premium, various | Specialty grocers, Amazon | $8–$12 |
✨ Tip: Bonne Maman is the most accessible. It feels perfectly French. Those cute gingham lids are an aesthetic bonus for your table!
🗝️ Where to Shop (U.S.)
- Trader Joe’s: Great for cheese, baguettes, jams, and affordable wine.
- Whole Foods: More premium cheeses, organic jams, and unique French bottles.
- Total Wine / BevMo: Solid French wine choice at good prices.
- Local bakeries: For baguettes that taste like they just crossed the Atlantic.
- Aldi: Surprisingly good options for brie, baguettes, and jams on a tight budget.
- Costco: Great if you’re buying for a group — bigger bottles, cheese wheels, and multi-packs.
💡 Pro Tip: For a real Parisian vibe, wrap your baguette in a simple paper bag. Tie it with twine or a linen napkin. très chic for your table or photos.
🥐 Top Easy-to-Find French Pastries (U.S. Shopping Guide)
🥐 1️⃣ Croissants
Where to Buy:
- Trader Joe’s: Frozen 4-packs (Butter Croissants, Almond Croissants) — proof overnight & bake fresh.
- Whole Foods: Fresh-baked daily or frozen options.
- Local bakery: Best for a real boulangerie vibe.
- Costco: Large packs of butter croissants — great for a crowd.
Average Price: $4–$12 per pack / dozen.
🥐 2️⃣ Pain au Chocolat (Chocolate Croissants)
Where to Buy:
- Trader Joe’s: Frozen Chocolate Croissants — proof & bake.
- Whole Foods: Fresh daily, near the croissants.
- Local bakery: Most French bakeries offer these daily.
Average Price: $2–$4 each fresh / $5–$7 per frozen 4-pack.
🧁 3️⃣ Madeleines
Where to Buy:
- Costco: Large packs of individually wrapped madeleines — good for snacking.
- Trader Joe’s: Packs of 6–12 near the bakery section.
- Starbucks: Packs of 3 by the register!
- Local grocery bakery: Often found near muffins or packaged cookies.
Average Price: $4–$10 per pack.
🍰 4️⃣ Eclairs
Where to Buy:
- Whole Foods: Fresh from their bakery — classic chocolate eclairs.
- Local French bakery: Best option for authentic eclairs.
- Some frozen food stores: Look for Duchess or Delizza frozen mini eclairs at Costco or Aldi.
Average Price: $2–$4 each fresh / $8–$15 per frozen box.
🥧 5️⃣ Tartelette (Mini Fruit Tarts)
Where to Buy:
- Whole Foods: Fresh fruit tarts in the bakery.
- Local bakery: Many European-style bakeries have fresh mini tarts daily.
- Trader Joe’s: Occasionally carries seasonal fruit tarts in the bakery fridge section.
Average Price: $3–$6 each.
🛒 Quick Where-to-Shop Recap
✅ Trader Joe’s: Croissants, pain au chocolat, madeleines.
✅ Whole Foods: Croissants, eclairs, mini fruit tarts — fresh bakery.
✅ Costco: Bulk croissants, madeleines, mini frozen eclairs.
✅ Local French Bakery: Best for authentic pastries (and worth the splurge!).
✅ Starbucks: Grab madeleines if you’re in a pinch!
✨ Pro Tip for Serving:
- Warm up frozen pastries according to the box for that fresh-from-the-oven feel.
- Dust with powdered sugar for café vibes.
- Serve on a simple white plate with a linen napkin — très chic!
🗝️ Bonus: Pair with…
- Bonne Maman strawberry or apricot jam for dipping croissants.
- French press coffee or café au lait to finish your Parisian moment.
Where to Buy:
- Trader Joe’s: Frozen Assorted Macarons (vanilla, pistachio, raspberry, chocolate, coffee, etc.) — just thaw & serve.
- Costco: Look for Tipiak French Macarons — frozen box of 36, assorted flavors, great value.
- Whole Foods: Fresh bakery macarons, sold individually or in packs. Croissants, eclairs, mini fruit tarts — fresh bakery.
- Target: Some stores carry Cheryl’s or Tipiak frozen packs.
- Local French bakery: For the best texture & flavors — pistachio, salted caramel, rose, lavender, etc.
✨ Pro Tip for Macarons:
- Thaw frozen macarons in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving.
- Arrange on a pretty tray — they make your table look instantly Parisian and festive.
- Pair with an espresso or a glass of Champagne for a chic treat!
🎷✨ Paris Bistro Classics —
Playlist Song List
Add these iconic tracks to your Spotify or Apple Music:
1️⃣ Edith Piaf — La Vie en Rose
2️⃣ Edith Piaf — Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien
3️⃣ Charles Aznavour — La Bohème
4️⃣ Charles Aznavour — She
5️⃣ Yves Montand — Sous le Ciel de Paris
6️⃣ Serge Gainsbourg & Jane Birkin — Je T’Aime… Moi Non Plus
7️⃣ Françoise Hardy — Tous les Garçons et les Filles
8️⃣ Django Reinhardt — Minor Swing
9️⃣ Django Reinhardt — Nuages
🔟 Georges Brassens — Les Copains d’Abord
1️⃣1️⃣ Zaz — Je Veux (a modern twist with classic vibe)
1️⃣2️⃣ Carla Bruni — Quelqu’un M’a Dit
1️⃣3️⃣ Yves Montand — Les Feuilles Mortes (Autumn Leaves)
1️⃣4️⃣ Edith Piaf — Milord
1️⃣5️⃣ Charles Trenet — La Mer
1️⃣6️⃣ Joe Dassin — Les Champs-Élysées
1️⃣7️⃣ Henri Salvador — Syracuse
1️⃣8️⃣ Claude Debussy — Clair de Lune (instrumental Paris moment)
1️⃣9️⃣ Yann Tiersen — Comptine d’un autre été, l’après-midi (from Amélie)
🗝️ How to Make a Playlist on Spotify
✅ Step 1: Open Spotify and click “Create Playlist.”
✅ Step 2: Name it “Paris Bistro Classics” (or your custom twist).
✅ Step 3: Add a short description: “Your soundtrack for a cozy Paris café at home.”
✅ Step 4: Use a cute cover — maybe a photo of a croissant or Paris skyline.
✅ Step 5: Copy the songs above into the search bar, click the ➕ to add each one.
✅ Step 6: Click “Share” and grab the link — add it!
🕯️🇫🇷 How to Style a French Table
1️⃣ The Table Linen
- Opt for a crisp white tablecloth or a natural linen runner — classic French.
- For a rustic countryside vibe, use a blue-and-white checkered cloth or a soft floral Provencal print.
2️⃣ The Plates
- White stoneware or simple ceramic plates — timeless and versatile.
- Use wooden cheese boards for breads & charcuterie.
- Bring in a classic carafe for water or wine.
3️⃣ The Flatware & Glassware
- Keep it simple but elegant — basic silver cutlery is perfect.
- Use stemmed wine glasses — mismatched glasses can feel charmingly French.
- Small water glasses — bonus if they’re short & ridged (bistro-style).
4️⃣ The Centerpiece
- A small bouquet of fresh flowers. Think lavender, white peonies, wildflowers, or eucalyptus in a simple glass jar or ceramic pitcher.
- Scatter small tealight candles in clear holders down the center of the table.
- Add a rustic baguette in a linen napkin or basket — very Paris cafe.
5️⃣ Little Touches
- Fold napkins simply; tie with a piece of twine and tuck in a sprig of rosemary or lavender.
- Use small dishes or ramekins for jam, butter, or olives.
- If it’s a Paris Bistro vibe: Add a tiny chalkboard sign with “Bon Appétit!” or the menu written out.
✨ Styling Inspiration
- Paris Cafe: White tablecloth, small round café table, candles, single flower vase.
- Provençal Garden: Floral cloth, rustic wooden table, lots of herbs & lavender, carafes of rosé.
- Night in Montmartre: Darker linen, candlelight, wine bottles right on the table, Edith Piaf playing softly.
🗝️ Where to Shop (U.S.)
- IKEA: Simple white plates, linen napkins, tealights.
- Trader Joe’s: Fresh flowers & baguettes.
- Target / HomeGoods: Carafes, glassware, simple table runners.
- Local farmers market: Fresh herbs, wildflowers for a natural look.
Bringing Paris into your home is more than a themed night—it’s a celebration of culture, cuisine, and curiosity. You can sip café au lait with a good book. Prepare a French-inspired meal. Curate a playlist of classic chansons. The magic of the City of Light is always within reach. With just intention, your everyday space can become a passport to Parisian charm. Stay in, travel far—and let your heart and home be forever touched by the beauty of Paris.
