Since its debut in 2020, Emily in Paris, a Netflix original has won the hearts of many with its soap-opera style, and romantic comedy storyline that’s based in Paris, France. Of course, the Day Translations blog could not resist giving our two cents about this series and the impact it has made in helping us to better understand French culture.
Here’s a Brief Synopsis of the French Culture Series
Emily Cooper’s (Lily Collins) journey in and around Paris introduces us to many interesting French characters, foods, events, and traditions. When we first meet Emily, she’s in Chicago and it is evident she is as naïve as they come and has no French knowledge. This reason is exactly why Emily in Paris is the perfect TV show that finds a light-hearted way of introducing its audience to Parisian culture.
Just how much does the role played by Lily Collins teach us about French culture? Buckle up mes amis, let’s take a quick trip to France and explore this new Netflix romantic comedy and see how Emily maneuvers her way through France.
How the French People Greet
Mindy pointed out from early on in the show that shaking hands as a form of greeting is tres Americans. In France, greeting individuals by touching their face with your face or kissing both cheeks have always been the standard in offices, cafes, restaurants, and practically anywhere else.
French Pronunciation from the Perspective of a French Person
We’ve all heard Emily Cooper’s tragic pronunciation of very basic French words and phrases. Can you say Je ne sais quoi? One of the best things about Emily in Paris is its use of French cast members. This is important because what good is a show based in France if there are no French actors?
If you watch the series in French, Sylvie, Luc, Camille, and Julien only speak French, thus you’ll learn French with the proper French pronunciation. The French friends Camille and Luc frequently use slang, while Sylvie, a typical elegant Parisienne in her sixties, speaks a more nuanced and polished French language.
It’s easy to watch the show and pick up a couple of basic French words and phrases and hopefully pronounce them the right way. As you follow the tales of the young American woman learning French and experiencing the cultural differences of a new world, you’re swept into a whole new world.
Parisians Love their Food
Paris is known as the food capital of the world for a reason. Whether it’s pain du chocolat or a warm croissant or crepe the French basically invented cuisine and fine dining. Emily in Paris beautifully showcases the relationship Parisians have with food. Let’s admit it, Emily in Paris has succeeded in making its audience crave French cuisine.
The show introduces us to an array of other foods including; Steak au Poivre, Gâteau Moelleux au Chocolat, crepes, and an assortment of delicious fromages.
The Tradition of Spraying Champagne is True to French Culture
Remember that one scene where Emily accepts Camille’s family as a client to sell their Champagne as a spray for parties? When Emily’s boss Sylvie dismisses the concept as “very American,” Luc explains that the practice of spraying Champagne started in France in the 1960s with Formula One drivers.
Jo Siffert unintentionally sprayed the audience after winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966. Why? Because the bottle of champagne had been hanging out in the heat, causing pressure to build up.
Then racer Dan Gurney won the same race the following year. He purposely mimicked Siffert’s action. And thus the tradition began. Emily in Paris has given us a little history lesson.
Always Try to Arrive a Little Late
While this is considered impolite in many countries, this is an unspoken rule in France. French people will always arrive a bit late. They do this so they don’t surprise their host while they may still be preparing. Apparently, this also applies to French workplaces, a lesson Emily learns early on in the show.
At her new job Emily soon realizes that m
ost French people arrive when the doors open. Work starts at 10:30 a.m., rather than two hours earlier, as she is accustomed to in America. Watching Emily find her way around Paris and its customs is a great example of the adjustments many people have to make when living abroad.
Parisian Romance isn’t Limited to Paris
French cuisine aside, Paris is also known as the city of love. As a romantic show, the series definitely did its job in casting swoon-worthy love interests for Emily Cooper. Our top three contenders Gabriel, Mathieu, and Alfie have all shown Emily a side of Paris (and French people) that is always fondly spoken about in books and movies.
Can You Speak French and Understand the Culture?
It’s been a fascinating journey! We love a good TV show that embraces the cultures and traditions of foreign countries. The Netflix series Emily in Paris makes you want to learn a few French phrases, experience fine dining, or travel to France and take in the beautiful scenery and interact with French people. With shows like these, learning French (and other languages) and uncovering cultural differences is an experience many can afford to enjoy!
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