Paris is known by many monikers: the City of Light, the Fashion Capital of the World, the City of Love and sometimes, the City of Relationships. Having been tagged such as the latter, you can expect every Parisian to be in a relationship – official for that matter. If you are single and would want to mingle in Paris, it would probably disappoint you to know that there aren’t much single men or women in the city. Even the young Parisians are mostly in a relationship.

One of the reasons why the people in Paris are mostly ‘taken’ is because they simply do not want to be single. Some would claim that the Parisians are a bit paranoid and they often see threats and danger posed for them, and that being in a relationship would help keep them company and avoid these said risks. Although being in a relationship is a risk in itself, many Parisians believe this is one risk they can master and take control of. This is probably why Parisian relationships are long-lasting ones. Although this isn’t good enough to be married, this isn’t bad enough either to break up.

In Paris staying single at the age of 26 gives a clear indication of having a troubled mind. Well, not necessarily crazy, but they often interpret this to having a strong tendency of being a trouble-maker. Americans may call being single as “lonely”, but Parisians only has a word for it: seui, which is generally term referring to the “threatening shadows of loneliness”. And yes, because the Parisians are perceived to be paranoid, they often see someone single as a threat to their safety as well.

But of course with the romantic background and innate romantic characteristics of the Parisians, it’s just hard to stay single by choice in the city, especially because the Parisians, men in particular, enjoys flirting and loves complimenting beautiful women. This may shock foreigners, but this is something that the French just get amused of. To say that Paris will charm anyone is actually an understatement.

So you’re starting the year with a trip to Paris. Great! But aside from your itinerary and tickets, did you know that you’d also have to plan what you will wear in the City of Light in January? Of course, the capital of France isn’t called the fashion capital of the world for nothing. And being there on a winter certainly requires you to think ahead of time to protect you from the cold and to blend in with the Parisians.

Here are hints and tips to help you pack your bags before heading to Paris:

Prepare to dress up

It’s Paris! So you better prepare to dress up and not dress down. And being in the city on a winter, it wouldn’t really take some creativity and imagination to blend in with the crowd, simply leave your baggy jeans, T-shirt, and rubber shoes behind. Nothing’s wrong with looking like a tourist in Paris because you really are, but you wouldn’t really want to be followed around by draguers or pickpockets. Besides, dressing up would actually help you avoid advances of men, lower-class weirdos in particular.

Bring on the black

When in Paris, wear black – lots of it! January can be extremely damp and cold in the city, putting on some black skirt, black sweater, black tights, and black jeans will help give you that warm yet sophisticated fashion. You will never go wrong with black when in Paris!

Don’t forget your scarves

To complete your look, put on a scarf on your neck, on your waist, or on your head. Wherever it pleases you, scarves will not only help protect you from the cold, it is also considered a staple in every Parisian accessory. And while it is advised for you to wear lots of black, you can be flamboyant with your scarves to stand out in the crowd.

Accessorize

While already at with your scarves, don’t hesitate to add up your accessories. Put on some fedora hats for that stylish yet casual looks.

Boot-up

If you are thinking about putting on a pair of tennis shoes in Paris, then forget it. Instead, pack a pair of boots with or without heels. Why not the sneakers? Well, unless they’re what you call fashionable sneakers, then go ahead. If it’s not, then go back to boots. If you still don’t realize it, you are in Paris! No one will put you to jail for wearing tennis shoes but then again many would act as fashion police for you.

Avoid smiling too much

This may not have anything to do with dressing up in January in Paris but just so you know, putting on an extra warm smile may be misinterpreted by local males as a come-on. So unless you really are flirting, hold your head up high and contain that smile.

Below are just a few of the best bakeries in the City of Light:

Maison Kayser

14 rue Monge

33 (0)1 44 07 17 81

http://www.maison-kayser.com/

The Kaysers have long been known to produce some of the best pastries in Paris. For three generations, the family has already established several bakeries in the city. Their tasty breads comprise a mix of milk, honey, and hazelnuts.

Le Grenier à Pain

38 rue des Abbesses

33 (0)1 46 06 41 81

http://www.galloyer.com/

This Montmartre-located prestigious bakery is run by Michael Galloyer, France’s “Académie Culiniaire” member. It bagged the prize as the Best Baguette in the city in 2010. The bakery’s rustic setting, appealingly presents its range of cakes and breads. Among its best-sellers are its chocolate tarts and apricot bread.

Le Nôtre

10 rue Saint Antoine

33 (0)1 53 01 91 91

http://www.lenotre.com/FR

The bakery’s displays on its windows are in themselves an art form. Many tourists do come here to observe its impeccable presentations of dense chocolate cakes and sponge cake with strawberries. However, some actually veer on the shop because of its ceiling high prices.

Poilâne

8 rue du Cherche-Midi

33 (0)1 45 48 42 59

http://www.poilane.com/index.php?index_module=listings&index_theme=english&index_template=en_home.htm

This bakery established in 1932 by Pierre Poilane has stood through the test of time. Its tradition of baking bread in a wood-fired oven has been continued by Pierre’s son, Lionel. Among the favorites of the bakery is the sourdough bread which is baked from flour that’s stone-ground. It also offers an online ordering system that’s convenient when wanting to give bread as presents.

Au 140

140 rue de Belleville

33 (0)1 46 36 92 47

http://www.davidlebovitz.com/2006/12/140/

Au 140 already holds several awards that recognize its tasteful offerings. Its baguette once bagged the award of being the best in Paris in 2001, while its baker, Pierre Demoncy has brought bakery a second place award for a croissant competition in Paris. The bakery’s huge selection of organic breads is worth the visit as well.

La Bague de Kenza

106 rue St Maur

33 (0)1 43 14 93 15

http://www.labaguedekenza.com/

La Bague de Kenza offers an alternative to French pastries by offering you a range of Algerian concoctions. If you have a sweet tooth and are looking for a different-tasting pastry in Paris, this is one of the best places to be as many consider it to be the home of the most sumptuous North African pastries.

Aside from the landmarks and boutiques, it’s also great to check out the bakeries of Paris and get a taste of their pastries and breads that you’ll never get to taste elsewhere in the world. Enjoy the sumptuous and delightful offerings of the city all for yourself of bring home some to share with your friends – it’s probably one of the best souvenirs you can take.

Happening every weekend of the month, the city’s flea market was opened in 1885. It was then called Le marche aux puces de Saint-Ouen. And while it was used to be just a shopping venue for those looking for inexpensive antiques, the 6-hectare market now features over 2000 shops that sell almost everything you need or would want to have while in the city, from old postcards (for those who are collectors or hobbyists) to stylish furniture. Every weekend, from 9am to 6pm, more than 70,000 people visit the area and enjoy a true Parisian shopping experience.

With thousands of locals and tourists crowding the flea market each week, it would take a lot of patience, wit, and some research to make the most of your visit in the area. To help you with this, here are hints and tips for you:

1. Whether you are traveling alone or with a group, the flea market is best visited in the morning. Aside from having to be in lesser crowds of people, mornings in Paris will give you a different boost all throughout the day.
2. If you are with your friends, it’s best to set a meeting point, where everyone can meet. You may want to explore the place as a group, but there are times where each member of the group has their own interest and would want to go on separate directions.
3. Leave your passport in your hotel. Believe me, you will not need it in the flea market. What for? What you can bring instead are your credit cards as you will really need it for your shopping.
4.  Because you already have your credit cards with you, try, as much as you can, to bring less cash and avoid putting them inside a wallet. If you really have to, hide your wallet under your sweater or shirt. Although there aren’t many pickpockets in the city, it still pays to be vigilant.
5. With a wide range of shopping options, it would be nice to have someone, like a husband, to tell you which item you need and which are not. Shopping can be quite overwhelming in the flea market but you really wouldn’t want to leave the place with empty pockets and empty stomachs, right?
6. Negotiate. Haggle. That will add more excitement to your shopping in the flea market.

The flea market offers a one-of-a-kind experience in Paris. So make sure not to miss it and do your shopping.

New Year in Paris is also known as St. Sylvestre. Unlike other cities where New Year starts and ends in January 1, the celebration in the city stretches to February 1. It is common to hear people during this time greeting each other with a cheerful Bonne Annees while exchange small kisses on the cheek (bises). On New Year’s Eve, expect the tables to be filled with sparkling white wine and champagne. As the drink choice of the New Year in the city, these drinks add to the party atmosphere in Paris. Vin chaud, which is a white wine, is one of the wine favorites in many restaurants and bars in the city.

The drop of temperature in the city during this time, which can really give a shiver, cannot hinder the people from partying and from feeling the hype of the New Year. Among the biggest crowds in Paris during this time can be found in Sacre Coeur, Trocadero, Moulin Rouge, and of course, the world-famous Eiffel Tower (like who’d really want to miss the New Year in the Eiffel Tower, right?!). Upon the countdown of the last few minutes that will lead to the New Year, the streets are then filled with people dancing and singing with all their energy.

As the New Year strikes, hold your breath to witness one of the most spectacular display of fireworks in your life. Be amazed and in awe how the city put forth their resources and ingenuity coming up with its fascinating fireworks to make your visit to the city truly unforgettable.

And if you are ever worried about what to wear attending the parties in the world’s fashion capital, then relax and be relieved to know that there isn’t any rule about how and what to dress in the city during the New Year. This will all the more give you the chance to enjoy your New Year experience in Paris.

Nanny job in Paris is not really the same as nanny jobs in the US. Although the process to becoming one is almost identical, there are a few considerations to add when thinking about getting employment as nanny in Paris. Here are steps for one to become a nanny in Paris:

First, a nanny candidate in Paris should have the right training and education. Because you will be dealing with kids, it is a major factor that you get yourself educated in child care. Any parent, a Parisian in particularly, would not want to entrust their kids to someone who do not have the training, experience, and knowledge on kids. A natural skill to communicate and connect with kids will be a good edge for you to get the job. Additionally, the nanny should also have a certificate on CPR and First Aid training (you know, just in case of emergency).

The next step to do when wanting to become a nanny in Paris is of course to find for job postings in the city. You can do this by searching through local classifieds or to submit to the family a direct application. When you get an appointment with them, both of you (and the family) can decide on your work arrangement. An important thing to consider when applying being a nanny though is your French proficiency. If you will be working with a family who does not speak English, you will really have to get yourself good with the French language.

If all is already set, then all you’d have to think about is getting your foreign work visa. To obtain this, you must provide an application to the French embassy for a long-stay visa. The nanny, who is also referred to as “au pair”, should have an employment contract that has to be submitted to France for signature then forwarded to the employee (the nanny for that matter) for other documentation. Once all documents are submitted, then you are ready to go work as a nanny in Paris!

Coco Chanel

Born Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel, nobody in the world of fashion does not know the name, Coco Chanel. Greatly contributing to the concept of chic and elegance, Coco Chanel has redefined the world fashion trends. She started a new era in fashion by putting emphasis on simplicity – classic but expensive. The little black dress and the tweed suit are all Coco Chanel’s inventions; they bear her original logo which is also considered her symbol of excellence.

Emma Watson

Whether you are 10, 13 or 30, Emma Watson’s face is not something you’ll forget. Famously known for playing Hermione Granger in the world-hit film series, Harry Potter, Emma has literally grown up in everybody’s eyes for the past 11 years. She is also widely respected for her interest and knowledge in fashion that she has also been chosen as the face of Burberry in 2009 by Christopher Bailey. She also appeared in several magazine covers and has been photographed by top photographers which include, Mario Testino, Patrick Demarchelier, Nick Knight, and Karl Lagerfield.

Brigitte Bardot

If the US has Marilyn Monroe, France has Brigitte Bardot as sex symbol. Often referred to by her initials, B.B., Brigitte Bardot has been modeling for Elle even before she turned 15. She’s one of those French actresses whose popularity spread all around the world. Not all may have known it, but BB is also the one who made bikini swimwear popular.

Victor Hugo

If you are a Broadway fan, then you must’ve already heard the name Victor Hugo. A French visual artist, novelist, and poet, he is famous all over the world for writing mature fiction like the “Notre Dame de Paris” and the “Les Misérables”. The greatness of his work resulted to the first’s restoration, and of course, increased popularity. Both of his books have also been turned into films. Many of the Parisians treat Victor Hugo like their national hero.

These are just a few people who made their marks in their respective fields and made Paris all the more remarkable in the world.

Ecole Normale Superieure

45, rue d’Ulm, 75230 Paris Cedex 05, France

Tél. +33 (0)1 44 32 30 00 (standard)

http://www.ens.fr/?lang=fr

Also known by its abbreviation, ENS, the Ecole Normale Superieure is one of the most prestigious universities in France with worldwide recognition for its excellent education. Founded during the French Revolution originally to simply train teachers in the Republic’s ‘spirit’, the university has grown today to be an elite institution and a training ground of leaders both in the private and public sectors. It serves an average of 2,300 students and about 650 doctoral researchers every year.

Ecole Centrale de Paris

Grande Voie des Vignes

Paris, France

Tel. + 33 1 41 13 10 00

http://www.ecp.fr/

Excelling in the field of engineering, the Ecole Centrale de Paris is more known by its original name, École centrale des arts et manufactures. Having been founded in 1829, the university is recognized as the oldest –not to mention, most prestigious – engineering institution in all of France. The university offers courses for both Bachelor and Masters Degrees.

Universite Pierre et Marie Curie

4 place Jussieu 75005

Paris, France

+33 1 44 27 44 27

http://www.upmc.fr/en/

The Pierre and Marie Curie University or the Paris VI University was founded in 1971 as a division of the University of Paris. It is known to be among the country’s center for research and studies with 125 laboratories for various areas, which include, health, earth and environment, and modeling and engineering among others.

American University of Paris

7e Arrondissement  75007 Paris, France

01 40 62 06 00

http://www.aup.edu/

Often referred to as simply, AUP, the American University of Paris is a private, independent university known for being among the forefronts in providing arts and sciences programs in the country. It offers 17 major courses and a total of 36 minor courses. The university uses English as its language of instruction, thus, making it ideal for those who are not proficient in their French.

Although expensive, studying in Paris will make all the expenses all worth it. Of course, when you have a Parisian university written on your resume, who would not be impressed?

The City of Light

Yes, it takes the singular form (light) not the plural form (lights) as many people and even resources put it. Although some would say this moniker came from the fact that the city was the first in Europe to illuminate their streets, particularly the Champs-Elysées, using gas lamps in 1828, it was actually during the Age of Enlightenment where the nickname came from. Being the center of vast education and learning, Paris has been home to several Luminaries which include Kant, Diderot, Marquise de Lambert, Voltair Rousseau and Montequieu.

City of Love

An objective reason to why Paris is called the City of Love is its geography. French is considered to be the language of love and because the city is France’ most famous city, people have also started calling it the City of Love. However, many couples would definitely say that it’s more than just the geography because Paris has got the most romantic spots in the world. The Eiffel Tower for instance provide couples a very romantic view especially at night. Paris is also said to be the favorite destination of couples on honeymoon or those who want to get married.

Fashion Capital of the World

Paris is just one of the four cities to be tagged as the Fashion Capital of the World (along with Milan, New York, and London). It is called so because the fashion industry in the city holds a very important position in the local economy. Being so, everyone can expect the best and most expensive clothes to be in Paris – women from the Western world consider the city to be “the all and end all of clothes”. In addition, it is a common knowledge that those who want to succeed in the fashion world should have to be in Paris as it is home to some of the biggest fashion shows in the world. Fashion magazines, big or small, also take an eye on the city’s fashion scene.

You can call Paris whatever you like. The bottom line here is that the city is just versatile and flexible to interest everyone.

Coiffeur Vintage

32, Rue de Rosiers

75004 Paris

A small packed store, Coiffeur Vintage will entice you with its boots and purses displays on its windows. Its vintage sweaters placed on the racks are cheap enough you would probably end up buying more than just a piece.

Fripes Star

1, Rue de la Verrerie

75004 Paris

A bigger shop compared to Coiffeur Vintage, Fripes Star features racks and racks of vintage frocks which can go as low as 10-15 Euros per piece. Because the shop is spacious, it will give you more room to move and roam around.

Free ‘P’ Star

8 rue Ste-Croix-de-la-Bretonnerie

75004 Paris

If you want to get vintage purses, boots, and leather jackets, this is the place to be. You will not have a problem buying several pieces here as most items are sold inexpensively. There are also leather bags here from the 70s which you can use in casual occasions.

Wochdom

72 Rue Condorcet

75009 Paris

A small and dark shop, Wochdom may not have a lot of offerings for its customers; however, if you browse over its racks more, you will find a number of lovely offerings – from shirts to dresses to sweaters.

If you still haven’t gotten enough of your shopping, you can also head to St. Ouen Flea Market for more vintage items displays. The largest among other markets in the city, St. Ouen boasts of over 2500 dealers that sell not just vintage fashion pieces but antiques as well. With this large number of stalls, you’ll probably not be able to visit all of them in just one day.

Who says you need to get everything new in Paris? With the vintage pieces you can buy from these shops, you’ll realize how cool buying old pieces are.