When I moved to Paris in 2012, I thought I knew what to expect: Charming cafés, marvellous architecture, people carrying baguettes under their arm (oh yes, they actually do. I love it.). But what also I discovered were Parisian habits and quirks that left me both delighted and quite surprised. From unexpected social customs to surprising lifestyle trends, here’s what really stood out to me while living like a local.
1. Young People and Smoking: Still a Thing
I have 6 positives and one negative. Let’s get the latter one out of the way. One of the biggest shocks for me was how many young Parisians still smoked. I couldn’t believe my eyes — seemingly every stylish 20-something had a cigarette in hand, even at breakfast. While smoking rates have thankfully been declining over the last years, it’s still much more common than what I’m used to. The paradox? They manage to look cool doing it.
2. Relaxing is a Fine Art
Moving on to something I adore, admire and daily join them doing when I’m in Paris. Parisians have truly mastered the art of slowing down. Whether it’s spending an entire afternoon with a book in the park, lingering over coffee, or enjoying a leisurely meal with family, relaxation isn’t just accepted — it’s a high-status skill. Keep doing it, I say!
3. Rude Parisians? Think Again
Before moving to Paris, I’d heard endless warnings about cold and unfriendly locals. Yet, I found Parisians surprisingly warm — as long as you follow the golden rule: Be polite. A simple “Bonjour, Madame” or “Merci, Monsieur” works wonders. Smile, show respect, and you’re likely to be met with kindness (and maybe even a smile back). Read more about the most important do’s and dont’s – politeness in Paris.
4. Paris: Reborn as a Biking Capital
I am amazed at how drastically the city has embraced biking. Back in 2012, spotting a cyclist was like finding a unicorn. Now, thanks to improved bike lanes and car-free zones, biking has become a major mode of transportation. In fact, the number of cyclists has exploded in recent years — up by over 50% compared to 2012. Today, more people are biking than driving here. Paris has truly pedaled into the future.
Want to try it? Here’s some useful information from the Paris Tourist Office. Remember to bring or buy a helmet, be careful (some Parisians are biking like crazy people) and test it in a quiet area first. The pedestrian area along the Seine is a good place to start. Where there used to be a highly trafficked road at the river bank, there’s now a wonderful car-free area stretching from the east to the west of the city.
5. Running in the Streets: A New Norm
In 2012, running through the streets of Paris was like committing a social faux-pas — neither athletic wear nor sweaty faces belonged to the city culture. Fast-forward to today, and runners are everywhere. The Olympics seem to have inspired a new wave of fitness culture — or perhaps everyone’s just embracing the chance to burn off all those croissants.
If you want to go running yourself, I’d especially recommend you to run by the Seine in the morning or afternoon. You may also go running in parks, see why Parc des Buttes-Chaumont can be a great choice.
6. Parisian Dogs: Super-Cute and Utterly Spoiled
And finally, the dogs. Parisian dogs are not just pets; they’re practically royalty. They ride the metro, join their humans at cafés, and strut through the city like they own the place. The best part? They’re remarkably well-behaved — no barking frenzies or leash-pulling chaos, just poised pups living their best Parisian lives.
Near Place des Voges, you’ll even find the first Parisian dog café, Le Bone Appart. Here you can buy delicacies for yourself and your loved one, as well as cute accessories.
7. No Laptops in Cafés (Go to the Coffee Shops)
The last one here, I am embarrassed to say that I recently found out about. There I have been sitting with my Mac, working, writing, being impolite without knowing it. I truly admire the Parisians for sticking to this social code. Never quit, please.
So. If you’re planning to sip espresso while typing away at your laptop in a classic Parisian café — don’t. Traditional cafés are for socializing, reading, or simply watching the world go by. If you need to work, head to a dedicated coffee shop instead — they’re popping up all over the city and are much more welcoming to digital nomads.
Living like a Parisian came with its surprises — some amusing, some inspiring, and all unforgettable. If you’re planning to visit, embrace these quirks — they’re part of what makes Paris, well, Paris.