Hygge in Paris: a capital escape
An art of living whose philosophy is as simple as its spelling is complex. Hygge is the enveloping well-being that comes to us from Scandinavia. Ready to discover it from home?
The Scandinavian countries, led by Denmark, are quite simply the happiest regions in the world, according to UN indicators. And that's not all! And why is that? There are surely many reasons, but we at Polaar are convinced that the "Hygge" philosophy has something to do with it.
What exactly are we talking about? Well-being. Comfort. Calm and relaxation. Do you curl up in a plaid by candlelight in the evening, while the rain beats down on the window pane? You're a fervent follower of Hygge!
In the end, it's not at all complicated: all countries practice it, each in their own way. The English, for example, have their own word for it: "cocooning". The formula is already more familiar.
However, our practices are not as elaborate as they may be in the Nordic countries, where this art of living takes on the appearance of a well-codified ritual. The motto? Live happy, live warm!
Of course, ritual means accessories: candles, cushions, woollens, fireplaces, steaming mugs of herbal tea and wood-panelled crockery all play their part.
What about activities? Reading, music, puzzles, long conversations, knitting... Just stay indoors and do something quiet and often still.
Of course, if you're interested in the recipe for Nordic happiness but don't have all the ingredients you need to live it, there's no need to panic. All you need to do is get the facts right: Hygge boutiques are springing up all over Paris.
The fifth arrondissement welcomed Bolia, the Danish designer's first French boutique. Rendezvous on boulevard Saint-Germain for enveloping furnishings.
The tenth arrondissement, meanwhile, has seen the arrival of Camilla and her pretty NordKraft concept store. Here, slippers will keep your feet warm. Crossing the Seine? Not far from there, on rue du Château d'Eau (11th arrondissement), La Trésorerie can also provide you with the accessories you need, in every possible format.
