Fall is here, the air is chill and the leaves are turning vibrant shades of orange, red, and gold. It is the perfect opportunity to break from my summer routine. It is the time to adopt my French-style fall self-love rituals to nourish my body and soul. From indulging in a spa day at home to layering up to have a picnic, these “me-time” practices help me relax, recharge, and bring a touch of elegance and mindfulness to my autumn days. I invite you to try some of my French-inspired self-care ideas this fall season.
Let’s explore some of the most delightful autumn self-love tips à la française!
Here are 15 Ways to Embrace a French-Style Fall
- Afternoon tea
- Read a French novel
- Baking day
- Essential oils
- French cinema night
- Spa day at home
- Flower arrangement
- Slow mornings
- Mindful decluttering
- Walk in nature
- Cozy layers
- Seasonal farmer’s market
- Café culture
- Autumn picnic
- French cooking class
Read the article “French women self-care ideas: 14 top tips!”
Indoor French-style fall self-care ideas
- Afternoon tea (le goûter)
The French love to unwind with a tradition called “le goûter”, a delightful afternoon break filled with warmth and sweetness. Brew a pot of your favorite tea or make a real homemade, velvety hot chocolate “chocolat maison” with melted black chocolate. Enjoy alongside a freshly baked “tarte tatin”, a buttery pastry with caramelized apples. To set the autumnal mood and make it extra relaxing, sit by the window with a cozy blanket and light a few candles! This special ritual not only nourishes the body but also brings a sense of calm to your afternoon.
- Read a French novel
Curl up with a timeless French novel like the whimsical and profound tale of Le Petit Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Or, discover the beauty of classic poems by Paul Verlaine, Victor Hugo, Arthur Rimbaud, and Charles Baudelaire. Diving into these rich literary worlds offers a perfect opportunity to escape and embrace the cozy charm of fall. Find your favorite reading niche, near a window where you can watch the leaves fall, or by the fireplace. I love reading while in my bath but I wish I had a window in my bathroom to savor the beauty of fall’s colors.
Reading in this relaxed setting adds to the seasonal fall mood and invites reflection. It is a perfect way to nurture your mind during the autumn months!
- Baking Day (jour de pâtisserie)
Delight in the art of French baking and fill your home and heart with autumnal bliss. Set aside an afternoon to have a French-inspired jour de pâtisserie.
How irresistible is the scent of freshly homemade pastries that transforms your kitchen into a cozy haven! It is so comforting and therapeutic to bake during fall! French pastries like croissants are complicated to make, so I suggest starting simple like madeleines, the iconic shell-shaped sponge cakes, an excellent treat to pair with your tea or coffee on a cool afternoon. You can also try making the pain d’épices (spiced bread), a perfect fall recipe, or tarte aux pommes (apple pie), ideal for celebrating the season’s harvest. Your home will be filled with the aroma of butter, sugar, and spices and connected with French traditions.
- Essential Oils (huiles essentielles)
In France, people value holistic beauty self-care rituals like the use of essential oils. Their healing properties not only make you feel better physically but also turn your simple moments into mindful, sensory experiences. I use essential oils as a gentle and aromatic way to care for myself, helping me feel relaxed in both my body and mind.
A few drops of lavender, orange, and peppermint can instantly transform your environment. They help nurture your well-being and unwind after a busy day. I add these oils to a warm bath or use them in a diffuser to let the soothing aromas fill the air and create a quiet atmosphere at home. The medicinal effects of lavender with its floral scent, for instance, are known to ease stress and promote relaxation, perfect for chilly autumn days.
- French cinema night
Treat yourself to a thoughtful curated French movie evening that transports you, for example, to the streets of Paris, all from the comfort of your home. Iconic movies like Amélie capture the essence of French culture, cinema, and storytelling. Amélie offers an enchanting escape that shares a unique French perspective with its heartwarming narrative. Create the best cushy evening by cuddling in a warm blanket, and pair the cultural appreciation experience with a cup of rich homemade hot chocolate (chocolat chaud maison) or if you prefer, a glass of red Bordeaux.
- Spa day at home (journée spa)
Once a week, I love to create my own relaxing French-inspired spa day to melt away any stress. In a warm bath, I pamper myself with nourishing skincare body products, body scrubs, sometimes bath bombs, and facial masks. After my bath, I continue my at-home spa ritual with moisturizing creams, oils, and serums. They provide deep nourishment and hydration, leaving my skin glowing for the cooler autumn weather. Not only that, I ideally use organic products that protect my skin microbiome. Did you know keeping your skin healthy improves your immunity and overall well-being? Skincare is much more than a beauty routine!
- Flower arrangement (art floral)
In France, flower shops are everywhere. You can even find them underground in the metropolitan area. That clearly says a lot about the French love for flowers and plants. I remember one of my coworkers buying herself a fresh bouquet every weekend!
Welcome fall and bring the beauty of the changing season indoors. Create your art floral and make an autumnal bouquet with seasonal flowers like dahlias and fall leaves. Arrange them in a casual, effortless way that feels organic. The French way of home décor is simple and classy. Also, taking the time to arrange your bouquet and making your home cozy, is like a meditating act.
- Slow mornings (douce matinée)
A slow morning is a way to celebrate life’s little luxuries and take inspiration from the French art de vivre. Instead of rushing, I start my day enjoying simple pleasures like a French breakfast with a fresh croissant paired with a delicious brewed cup of coffee. I am lucky to have a bakery only a 2-minute walk away, where I can get freshly baked loaves of bread and pastries. Besides, a quiet morning allows you to reconnect and appreciate the present moment.
- Mindful decluttering (désencombrement)
Fall is a great time to declutter my home and sort through unnecessary items. It is the perfect opportunity to create a peaceful environment that brings both body and mind clarity. It is based on the French idea that less is more. Begin sorting through things with intent and only keep what makes you happy and serves a meaningful purpose. I reorganize my clothes, deep clean the house, clear off countertops, and refresh my living area. I take my time, aligned with the slower pace of autumn. You can focus on one room of the house a week.
Outdoor Autumn “me-time” tips
- Walk in nature (balade en forêt)
In France, people cherish moments spent in nature, especially during autumn, when the countryside is most scenic.
As the leaves change into bright red, orange, and golden shades, immerse yourself in the beauty of fall by walking in nature. Slow down to appreciate nature’s transformation and boost your senses by breathing the cool air of the autumn season. Connect with your surroundings by listening to the sound of fallen leaves underfoot. If you feel more adventurous, practice earthing, walk barefoot for a few minutes, and ground yourself to help reduce stress.
Read the article “The secret to better health: how earthing can help!”
- Cozy layers (porter des couches)
As the crisp autumn cooler months roll in, opt for the French style’s effortless elegance, where comfort and sophistication meet in the best harmony. The French, indeed believe in the notion of “less is more”. They layer with chic yet comfortable pieces like soft wool scarves, stylish trench coats, and cropped jackets. A belted thread coat keeps you warm, moreover, it flatters your figure!
We love to invest in high-quality, timeless pieces like knitted sweaters or cashmere pullovers, essentials for layering. They offer softness and ease while keeping you cozy during the chilly fall season.
I remember an American telling me that almost all French people wear wool scarves. As a French person myself, I had never noticed this detail.
For a classic, stylish mix-and-match look, choose neutral shades and autumnal colors like olive green, charcoal grey, or burnt orange. Finally, add that quintessential French flair by elevating your look with minimal accessories like leather gloves, a beret, and red lipstick.
- Seasonal farmer’s market (marché d’automne)
Go to a local farmer’s market to stock up on yummy seasonal fruit and veggies like apples, pears, chestnuts, and pumpkins. At the market, I enjoy the delights of autumn, where vibrant colors and delicious tastes awaken my appetite. I find fresh foods loaded with vitamins, perfect for making hearty fall dishes like pumpkin soups, buttery pies, and oven-roasted chestnuts. So ideal on a chilly night!
Besides, the French love eating the finest seasonal produce and helping local farmers and the environment.
- Café culture
In France, cafés are more than places to grab a quick coffee and go. They are special spaces to fully soak in the ambiance for talking, thinking, and appreciating life. Enjoy a delicious creamy café au lait inside or outside in the heart of the city buzz. People watch and notice the details of the outside world like the French do. You can also find a cozy spot and bring a book or magazine for a quieter moment au café. It is a simple you-time ritual that brings a touch of French culture to your day.
- Autumn picnic (pique-nique d’automne)
Delight in the charm of fall by having a French-inspired picnic with friends or family in the park or near a lake. Layer up with warm blankets and scarves to enjoy the gentle chilly air while admiring the stunning colorful autumnal scenery. Fill your basket with French favorites like an assortment of cheeses (brie, camembert, Emmental). Don’t forget the freshly baked baguette, cold cuts, charcuterie, fruit of the season salad, and a bottle of wine. The cool breeze, and the warmth of an automne pique-nique, create a perfect balance of comfort and the refreshing fall atmosphere.
- French cooking class (cours de cuisine)
Enjoy the flavors of France and join a cooking class for a fun afternoon. Learn to cook a French traditional dish like beef bourguignon, quiche lorraine, coq au vin, or the famous ratatouille. You’ll learn the art of French cuisine. Chopping, stirring, and simmering veggies are all part of the popular slow-cooking way of life in France. It provides a soothing escape from daily stress and is a way to nourish yourself with hearty autumn meals.
Bottom line
This fall, let the French approach to life inspire you to slow down, embrace the season, and prioritize self-love in its most simple and fulfilling form. Whether it’s through cozy layers, comforting foods, or slow mornings, these French-style fall practices align perfectly with the spirit of autumn.
How do you show yourself some love this fall season? Please share your thoughts below!
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