Latest news with #EmilyCooper
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Lily Collins puts on a very leggy display in white mini skirt and knee high boots before changing into quirky floral print trousers as she continues filming for Emily in Paris
Her character is known for her sensational style and bold looks. And Lily Collins looked stylish as she continued to film scenes for the fifth season of Emily in Paris in the French capital on Monday. The actress, 36, who plays marketing executive Emily Cooper, put on a very leggy display in a white mini skirt and knee high black boots which appeared to be patterned with white rose flower shapes. The star paired the skirt with a bold patterned jacket with black sleeves and a simple black and white striped T-shirt, before completing the look with a brown handbag. Earlier in the day Lily turned heads in a pair of cropped floral print trousers with a red and white knitted top. The star added brown Adidas trainers and toted her belongings in a straw basket bag. Appearing deep in conversation with the shop keeper, Lily cradled a huge bouquet of flowers as well as a white net bag full of groceries. The upcoming series will see Emily juggle her potential new life in Rome and her past life in Paris. Emily was left with a decision at the end of series four, as she was offered the position of the lead of the Italian Agence Grateau office. Despite falling in love with Paris and the agency, Emily admitted she was tempted by a new life - with a new man - in Rome. Fans will remember Emily and Gabriel's (Lucas Bravo) romance fell apart after they finally tried to make a go of their relationship after he broke off his relationship with Camille. Following a fake pregnancy scandal, Camille revealed she wasn't actually expecting and Emily and Gabriel tried to work out a romantic future. However, it wasn't meant to be for the star-crossed lovers who were unable to work out their differences and she was pushed into the arms of Marcello, after they met on the slopes of Megève, when she was abandoned at the top of a slope by Gabriel. They crossed paths again at a polo match in Paris and they enjoyed a night out together in the city, which lasted until the following morning when he asked her to come and visit him in Rome. Earlier in the day Lily turned heads in a pair of cropped floral print trousers with a red and white knitted top Emily followed her heart and travelled to meet Marcello, where she was also tasked with acquiring his family's business by her boss Sylvie. However, Emily was reluctant to mix business with pleasure. The pair hit a stumbling block when he learned of her plans to try and secure a professional relationship with his family, who owned a luxury cashmere company, but they eventually managed to iron their issues out. At this point, Gabriel had a candid conversation with Alfie (Lucien Laviscount), who urged him to try and win Emily back, despite previously being romantically involved with her himself. But despite dashing to Rome with the hope of reuniting, Emily was nowhere to be seen as she enjoyed her romantic day out with Marcello. Speaking about the upcoming series, Lucas said: 'I think Gabriel realized that he doesn't want to let Emily go so easily, and he might have made a big mistake. 'They certainly had a big fight and a cooling-off period. But I think he realized that by the end of the season, that there's something that he doesn't want to let Emily go. 'I don't know what that means. Doesn't necessarily mean they're going to be together instantly or ever. I don't know, but I think he feels there's unfinished business with the two of them.' However, there is hope for the couple as according to creator Darren Star, the season is not fully moving to Rome. He told Deadline: 'She didn't change her Instagram handle to Emily in Rome. She is working in Rome sometimes. Sylvie's company has an office in Rome. 'Emily's getting that on its feet. I don't necessarily think that it means a permanent — in my mind, it's definitely not a permanent — move to Rome. We're not leaving Paris.' The series is expected to air towards the end of this year, but one of the main characters has revealed they won't be returning. Camille Razat, 31, who plays Camille in the romantic comedy-drama - took to Instagram to reveal the shocking news with an emotional goodbye post after fans fumed at bosses for 'destroying the character'. Camille has played Emily's pal and love rival in the show since the programme hit the streaming service back in 2020. Now, after five years on our screens as Camille, the actress is ready to move on. Sharing various snaps from her time on the show, she wrote: 'After an incredible journey, I've made the decision to step away from Emily in Paris. 'It has been a truly wonderful experience, one filled with growth, creativity, and unforgettable memories. 'I'm deeply grateful to @starmandarren and the entire team at @netflix and @paramountpics for their trust and for giving me the opportunity to bring Camille to life and leaving the door open for her return, as she will always be a part of Emily In Paris world. 'This character has meant a lot to me, and I feel that her storyline has naturally come to an end. It felt like the right moment to explore new horizons.' She added: 'I've recently wrapped two series: Nero for Netflix and the Lost Station Girls for Disney+. I'm also excited to share that I've launched my own production company, @tazar_production. 'We mainly produce music videos and short films for now, but we're currently developing our first feature film, something I'm truly passionate about and excited to grow. 'I leave the show with nothing but love and admiration for the cast, crew, and fans who have supported us along the way. Thank you for the beautiful ride.' Her fans and co-stars rushed to the comments section to share their support. Lily said: 'Love you sister. It's been a wild ride and an absolute pleasure. You're a rockstar. So proud of you.' Philippine Beaulieu added: 'You'll be so missed ma chérie Frenchie!!!' Lucien wrote: 'From day one you've been my rider on this show. Your passion for story telling, your dark sense of humour, your unwavering ability to stay true to yourself, when everything's pushing you in a different direction. 'You're special Camille and I feel absolutely honoured to of been able to dance with you these past seasons. Keep on shining. 'I'm going to miss laughing with you. I'm cheering you on in everything you do.' Emily In Paris premiered on Netflix in October 2020. The synopsis on the streaming service reads: 'New passions. New fashions. New Emily? 'A plucky American marketing whiz spreads her wings in life and love after landing her dream job in Paris.' The show, created by Star, has had 40 episodes run over four seasons. It stars the likes of Lily, Philippine, Ashley Park, Lucas, Samuel Arnold, Bruno Gouery, William Abadie and Lucien.
Business Upturn
04-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Upturn
Emily in Paris Season 5: Release window, cast and plot details – Everything we known so far
By Aman Shukla Published on August 4, 2025, 20:00 IST Last updated August 4, 2025, 17:32 IST Emily in Paris fans are buzzing with excitement for Season 5, and it's easy to see why. This Netflix rom-com, created by Darren Star, keeps delivering swoon-worthy romance, jaw-dropping fashion, and dreamy European settings. After Season 4's dramatic twists, everyone's eager to see what's next for Emily Cooper. Here's the full scoop on Emily in Paris Season 5. Release Window for Emily in Paris Season 5 No official release date has dropped yet for Emily in Paris Season 5, but signs point to a premiere in late 2025 or early 2026. Filming started in Rome in May 2025, with shoots in Paris over the summer and Venice in August 2025. Past seasons took roughly 8-12 months from filming to release—Season 4, for instance, wrapped early 2024 and launched in two parts on August 15 and September 12, 2024. Following this trend, Season 5 could land between April and June 2026, though a late 2025 debut isn't out of the question if editing moves fast. Netflix confirmed Season 5 on September 16, 2024, right after Season 4, Part 2 hit screens. With 58 million households streaming Season 1 in its first month, the show's a global hit, so expect updates on Tudum or official social channels as production wraps. Who's in the Emily in Paris Season 5 Cast? The beloved cast is back, with some fresh faces stirring things up. Here's who's confirmed and who's joining the Parisian (and Roman) party. Returning Favorites Lily Collins as Emily Cooper: The bubbly marketing whiz navigates love and work across two cities. Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu as Sylvie Grateau: The fierce agency boss faces new personal and professional drama. Ashley Park as Mindy Chen: Emily's bestie chases her music dreams after her Eurovision stint. Lucas Bravo as Gabriel: The charming chef stays central to Emily's heart, despite his arc feeling 'messy' to some. Samuel Arnold as Julien and Bruno Gouery as Luc: The quirky Agence Grateau duo keep the laughs coming. William Abadie as Antoine Lambert: Sylvie's lover and perfume tycoon returns. Lucien Laviscount as Alfie: Now a series regular, Alfie's role in Emily's love life grows. Eugenio Franceschini as Marcello: Emily's Italian heartthrob from Season 4 takes a bigger spotlight. Thalia Besson as Geneviève: The New Yorker causing waves at the agency is back. Paul Forman as Nico and Arnaud Binard as Laurent G.: Both add depth to the ensemble. Newcomers to Watch Minnie Driver : The Oscar-nominated star joins in a mystery role, bringing major star power. Michèle Laroque as Yvette: Sylvie's old friend adds new dynamics. Bryan Greenberg as Jake: An American in Paris, likely sparking fresh drama. A walk-on role winner from the 2024 amfAR gala auction at Cannes, who bid €250,000, will make a cameo. A Big Exit Camille Razat as Camille: In a shocker, Razat shared on Instagram that Camille's story has 'wrapped up naturally.' While she hinted at a possible return, her exit leaves fans wondering how the show will handle her absence. Talk of a Kim Cattrall cameo floated after Lucas Bravo said he's 'manifesting' it, but nothing's set in stone. The mix of returning stars and new talent promises plenty of sparks. What's the Plot for Emily in Paris Season 5? Season 5 picks up after Season 4's jaw-dropping finale, with Emily diving into a new chapter in Rome alongside Marcello. Here's what's brewing based on the latest details. Paris Meets Rome (and Venice) Emily's world now spans Paris and Rome, with a special shoot in Venice from August 5-15, 2025. Darren Star shared that Emily will keep a 'foot in both cities,' working for Agence Grateau's Rome office while staying tied to Paris. The Venetian backdrop adds a romantic twist, likely tied to Emily's evolving relationships. Fans are split—some love the Italian vibe, while others, like French President Emmanuel Macron, jokingly griped that 'Emily in Rome' feels off. Expect gorgeous shots of Roman landmarks, Parisian streets, and Venetian canals. Romance on High Heat Emily's love life stays messy and magnetic. After Gabriel chose Camille in Season 4, Emily connected with Marcello, who offers a 'real, uncomplicated spark,' per Darren Star. Season 5 will explore her pull between Marcello's grounded charm and Gabriel's lingering chemistry. Alfie, now a bigger presence, could throw a wrench into things after his Season 4 heartbreak. Lucas Bravo voiced frustration over Gabriel's repetitive arc, hinting the chef might get a fresh path, perhaps chasing a Michelin star or dealing with Geneviève's advances. Work, Friends, and Drama At Agence Grateau, Emily tackles the Rome office expansion, facing new challenges. Sylvie's past comes into focus with Yvette's arrival, adding layers to her story. Mindy's post-Eurovision journey brings financial hurdles and creative hustles. Julien and Luc keep the workplace lively, while Geneviève's rivalry with Emily could heat up, especially if she eyes Gabriel. Ahmedabad Plane Crash Aman Shukla is a post-graduate in mass communication . A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication ,content writing and copy writing. Aman is currently working as journalist at
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Rome Is A Travel Hotspot For 2025 – Here's How To Experience The City In Style
Arguably, Rome is never not having a moment. It has been considered caput mundi – head of the world – for a reason, and almost two millennia, after all. This year, however, the Italian capital does feel particularly alluring. In 2025, Rome will welcome millions of pilgrims for the Vatican Jubilee, host major fashion shows for Dior, Fendi and Dolce & Gabbana, celebrate the 20th anniversary of its glitzy annual Film Festival, and become the official new home of TV's Emily Cooper to boot. Add to this the fact that many of its main monuments have recently been restored, a number of big-name hotels are set to open, and that casual Harry Styles sightings are a regular occurrence nowadays, and it follows that the city is set to be the travel hotspot of the year. FIND OUT MORE ON ELLE COLLECTIVE Of course, this means that the already sizeable crowds will likely be more madding than ever for visitors in 2025 – but there is a way to avoid them, and still experience the Eternal City at its very best... Simply follow our luxury travel guide to Rome, for the tried-and-tested, inside track on how to visit the city in serious style. We've done the leg-work to bring you the most fabulous hotels, celebrity-loved restaurants and buzziest bars to know (and book ASAP), as well as the ultra-exclusive travel guides to call on for truly unique experiences while you're in town. Buon viaggio! Hotel Eden Emily Cooper may not have the best track record with romantic partners, chic outfits or BFFs, but her taste in hotels cannot be faulted. Season four saw the Emily in Paris protagonist hole up at the five-star Hotel Eden while she was in Rome, and we can confirm that the Dorchester Collection property is every bit as fabulous in real life as it looked on-screen. It's centrally located and walking distance from all the main hotspots, but with just 98 rooms and the lush Villa Borghese gardens right next door, it offers an elegant, peaceful oasis in which to relax after a hard day's exploring. Think ultra-plush beds, marble bathrooms, a small but perfectly formed spa, and thoughtful personal touches that make it feel like home (but better). Little wonder that over the years, it's acted as the Roman residence for the world's biggest stars. Seriously, though: walk up to the rooftop Il Giardino restaurant (a must-visit for an al fresco dinner) and you'll be greeted with the proof, as signed photographs of everyone from Meryl Streep, Jane Fonda, and Keanu Reeves to Pavarotti and Fellini line the walls. Die-hard Emily In Paris fans will also delight in recognising the exact suite, scenic breakfast spot, grand entrance and plump pink pastries that made cameos in the show. BOOK NOW Bulgari Hotel Roma If unadulterated glitz and glamour are what you're after, look no further than the Bulgari Hotel. Unveiled in 2023 with a next-level opening party attended by Zendaya and Priyanka Chopra, it has brought a whole new level of luxury to Rome – and immediately established itself as the most exclusive address in town. The property is located in the heart of the Campo Marzio district, on the prestigious Piazza Augusto Imperatore that is also home to Augustus' Mausoleum and the Ara Pacis. A most fitting location for a brand with such an illustrious Roman heritage, that blends influences past and present both in its exquisite jewellery and hospitality projects around the world. Inside, the hotel is a celebration of the finest Italian craftsmanship, from the (genuine) ancient sculptures that line the lobby, to the spectacular mosaic floors, Murano chandeliers, bespoke, hand-made furnishings and coloured marble bathrooms in each of the 110 bedrooms. Even the spa is a work of art; a subterranean temple of wellness inspired by the Baths of Caracalla, that offers treatments by Augustinus Bader. Make sure to secure a table at Il Ristorante by Niko Romito for an unforgettable dinner made up of twists on contemporary Italian classics, before closing the day with a digestivo on the rooftop – it's entirely reserved for hotel guests, and reason enough to justify a stay. BOOK NOW Hotel De La Ville Set within an 18th-century palazzo poised practically right on top of the iconic Spanish Steps, Hotel de la Ville is the perfect base from which to explore central Rome's endless wonders. The pure luxury of falling out of bed to sip coffee on your private balcony while looking out onto the city's rooftops and epic monuments beyond simply cannot be overstated. Nor can the joy of taking breakfast in the hotel's sun-soaked courtyard, for that matter, that provides a much-needed moment of quiet before the day's exploring begins – as well as an epic array of fresh-baked pastries to ensure you're adequately fuelled. The interiors are a real highlight here, as has become the norm for any Rocco Forte-owned property. Think funky furnishings, splashes of colour and quirky details aplenty, alongside more classical touches that nod to the historic location. Plus, of course, there's the added treat of having an Irene Forte spa right downstairs, that in this iteration is complete with a Mediterranean salt room, sauna, ice fountain, Kneipp foot baths and hydro and plunge pools. The undisputed highlight, however, is on the roof – more on this below... BOOK NOW art'otel Rome In a quiet corner just moments from Via Veneto, the newly opened art'otel Rome is a design-led jewel bringing contemporary cool to the Eternal City. Opened in March 2025, this five-star boutique hotel is less a place to sleep and more a fully immersive art experience. The sophisticated interiors are sleek and striking, and the artistic soul of the space belongs to Pietro Ruffo, the Roman contemporary artist whose dreamlike constellations, botanical illustrations, and celestial maps are etched into walls, balconies, and corridors. Ruffo's works, which also grace The Vatican and Dior's couture collections, form the hotel's permanent collection—the largest display of his pieces anywhere in the world. Even the lift becomes a canvas, wrapped in fantastical, floor-to-ceiling illustrations that transform a mundane ride into a moment of wonder. Downstairs, YEZI offers a sensual reimagining of pan-Asian cuisine, complete with terrace dining, aperitivo DJ sets, and cocktails inspired by ancient spice routes. A pastel Vespa awaits those craving cinematic city spins, easily arranged by art'otel, and with Jubilee Year unfolding, there's never been a better time to roam Rome. BOOK NOW Pierluigi By all accounts the place to see and be seen in the Eternal City, this legendary, family-run restaurant has been an A-list go-to for decades. Everyone from Charlize Theron and Kendall Jenner to George and Amal Clooney has been spotted here, so don't be surprised if you arrive to the sounds of paparazzi furiously snapping away. It's all part of the fun, though, and certainly lends a certain glamour to proceedings. Don't miss the lobster calamarata pasta, prawn Catalana and raw seafood platters, accompanied by some truly epic wines. CieloBeg, borrow, or steal your way into the rooftop restaurant at Hotel de la Ville, that's well worth visiting whether you're an in-house guest or not. Cielo is nothing short of a hidden gem and guaranteed to be the highlight of any Roman holiday, with its stunning views, awe-inspiring sunsets, and an exceptional fish-focused menu formulated by award-winning chef Fulvio Pierangelini. Go early, stay late, and lap up every romantic second. Hostaria Da Pietro A longtime favourite of well-to-do Romans and celebrities alike, this unassuming restaurant just off Via del Corso and moments from the landmark Piazza del Popolo serves some of the most authentic local fare around. The artichokes are a must, as are the fried courgette flowers and classic Carbonara – all followed by a huge Fiorentina steak for the table to round things off nicely. Save space for a slice of the owner's mother's freshly-baked cakes, too. Stravinskij Bar It's not easy to bag a table at the Hotel de Russie's iconic Stravinskij Bar, but once you're in, you'll understand why. As grand, glorious and greenery-filled as they come, it's set on the hotel's inner courtyard terrace and enveloped in perfectly manicured gardens. It feels a world away from the hustle and bustle beyond the doors; a serene oasis that gets buzzier and buzzier as the evening goes on, much helped by flowing botanical-inspired cocktails. NOTOS Rooftop For a front-row view of the epic Vittoriano monument and some seriously spectacular sunsets, head to the recently opened Six Senses hotel's fabulous rooftop bar. On any given day at aperitivo hour, you'll find a chic selection of well-heeled Romans and in-the-know tourists enjoying a moment of calm amid the urban garden scenery, creative cocktail in hand and with the city quite literally at their feet. Explore the city with Imago Artis When high-profile people and top-tier celebrities come to town, they invariably call on Imago Artis to organise their itineraries. Founded by art historians with unparalleled access to some of the most exclusive spots in the city, they quite literally unlock doors to a secret side of Rome you'd never see otherwise. Think everything from private, out-of-hours tours of the Sistine Chapel and journeying around the city by vintage Alfa Romeo in search of Bernini's lesser-known masterpieces, to mosaic-making in the gardens of a usually-inaccessible palazzo – not a queue or crowd in sight. But we won't reveal too much: this is a company founded on unveiling the usually hidden, treating clients to off-the-beaten-track, once-in-a-lifetime experiences of the most authentic kind; and so an air of secrecy and discretion is part of the package. Just trust us: once you visit the city this way, you'll never look back. Visit the nearby beachesIf you're visiting Rome in the summer months, it's well worth following in the footsteps of locals and embarking on the short journey along the coast for a beach day. By all accounts, the best spots are in Circeo and Sabaudia, but even closer to town you'll find the lovely Santa Marinella beach that boasts charming architecture, proper summer holiday vibes, and particularly excellent seafood lunches at Bianca. Relax Too often during a city break, we find ourselves so overwhelmed with all the new things to see and do, that we forget we're actually meant to be on holiday. Do as the Romans do and embrace il dolce far niente while you're in town – aka, the sweet art of doing nothing. We'd recommend booking into the Bulgari or Six Senses spa for an afternoon of pure indulgence or, if it's tanning weather, spend the day soaking up the rays by the outdoor pool at Rome Cavalieri, that's perched high up in the residential Balduina area and offers a fresh new perspective of Rome (and some excellent people-watching, too.). ELLE Collective is a new community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers. For access to exclusive content, events, inspiring advice from our Editors and industry experts, as well the opportunity to meet designers, thought-leaders and stylists, become a member today HERE. You Might Also Like Pyjamas You Can Wear All Day 10 Hand Soaps To Make Your Bathroom Feel Like A Fancy Hotel 8 Of The Best Natural Deodorants
Tatler Asia
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
6 times a luxury bag stole the show in a TV series
2. Bridget's Burberry Tote in 'Succession' When Tom Wambsgans derides Bridget's enormous Burberry tote as a 'ludicrously capacious bag' in Succession Season 4, it becomes one of the show's most quotable lines—and a cutting example of how fashion choices function as social litmus tests. The checkered Burberry design, once a hallmark of early-2000s aspirational style, is read here as dated and outsized. The bag's size and branding mark Bridget as someone new to wealth, unfamiliar with the codes of quiet luxury. In a show obsessed with class signals and status missteps, the bag becomes an efficient symbol of exclusion, its scale mocked not for utility but for its lack of subtlety. 3. Emily Cooper's Peter & James Atelier Butterfly Bag 'Emily in Paris' In Season 3 of Emily in Paris , Emily Cooper is seen carrying a sculptural Butterfly bag by Peter & James Atelier, a Paris-based brand known for its unconventional shapes and architectural designs. The bag, with its exaggerated curves and matte finish, stands out even among her often eccentric outfits. Unlike legacy fashion houses featured throughout the series, this piece reflects Emily's embrace of bold, visually arresting accessories over heritage classics. The bag serves less as a status symbol than a conversation starter—fitting for a character who thrives on visibility and disruption. 4. Rory Gilmore's Hermès Birkin in 'Gilmore Girls' In Season 6, Logan gives Rory a Hermès Birkin, a gesture that's both lavish and telling. At the time, the Birkin was already established as one of the most recognisable luxury bags in popular culture, known for its scarcity, high price tag and long waitlists. Rory's initial unfamiliarity with the bag highlights the social gap between her and Logan's world. Her acceptance of it marks a shift—from someone navigating privilege from the outside to someone beginning to benefit from it. The moment underscores the tension between her middle-class background and the elite circles she's starting to move in. 5. Blair Waldorf's Lady Dior in 'Gossip Girl' Blair's wardrobe in Gossip Girl was curated with precision, and her Lady Dior bag was no exception. The quilted cannage stitching and top-handle silhouette suited her preference for polished, traditional luxury. Unlike Serena's more bohemian, label-mixed looks, Blair's accessories were anchored in old-guard fashion houses, reinforcing her aspiration to uphold legacy, status and control. The Lady Dior became synonymous with her version of femininity—calculated, elevated and always aligned with the rules of the Upper East Side. Off-screen, its reappearance helped cement the bag's revival for a new generation of viewers. 6. Issa Dee's Telfar Shopping Bag in 'Insecure' In Season 4 of Insecure , Issa Dee carries a white Telfar Shopping Bag—a detail that didn't go unnoticed. At the time, the bag was surging in popularity for its accessibility, genderless design and status as a product of a Black-owned brand challenging traditional luxury norms. For a character navigating career pivots and self-reinvention, the choice felt intentional. Issa's use of the 'Bushwick Birkin' reflected her connection to a broader cultural shift: one that prioritised authenticity and community over gatekeeping. The bag's appearance contributed to its already viral momentum and solidified its relevance beyond fashion circles, including a prime spot on Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter tour.
Telegraph
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Has Paris finally become friendly? I posed as a clueless tourist to find out
The aloof Parisian stereotype has been around for decades, with Paris often voted the most unfriendly city in the world. But lately, something strange has been happening. Parisians haven't started sparkling in the sunlight, but they have, dare I say it, become rather personable. Friends and colleagues agreed. Were they basking in an Olympics afterglow that made it impossible to be mean? (Even though, ironically, there didn't seem to be a Parisian left in the city during the Games.) I decided to put the friendly Parisian theory to the test. I felt like a spy. My partner is Parisian, we speak French at home, and I live in Lyon, but for the purpose of this experiment I decided to channel my inner Emily Cooper from Emily in Paris. I boarded the train pretending that my linguistic skills were limited to 'merci beaucoup' (pronounced like 'merci beau cul', or 'thanks, nice arse'). Innocent and slightly bemused tourist mode activated, I made my way to Le Marais. The variables were in favour of a positive result. Paris basked in 25C bright sunshine, the kind of weather where toes poke out of Juliette balconies and even the grumpiest Parisian is at least 50 per cent sunnier in disposition. Since I was here to observe Parisians in their natural habitats, I skipped sightseeing in favour of a café. Disappointingly, the woman who served me was American. It's ironic that we have so many preconceptions around Parisians when many people living there aren't Parisian at all. But perhaps it's like the Berlin effect. Take a nerdy kid from rural Shropshire and drop them in Berlin and within a few months they'll have a shaved head, a tonne of tattoos and a love of techno. Do the same in Paris and they become aloof and solely dressed in monochrome. Two other variables were in my favour. I was alone, and from experience seem to always give off a 'please-talk-to-me-no matter-how-weird-you-are' vibe (a nightmare on buses). Sure enough, it wasn't long before a Frenchman struck up an unsolicited conversation with me. 'I was at law school with Marine Le Pen,' he said. 'She was brunette then, so as you English say, you can be sure the carpet doesn't match the drapes.' Eccentric, yes, but I couldn't fault the man for his friendliness. I crossed Place des Vosges, a mass of bare skin and pigeons in the sunshine, to look for a bistro for lunch. Rocking up at a bistro at 1.30pm, the end of lunch service, is already taboo, doing so with a big grin and an emphatic 'bon JOUR!' even more so. 'Do you have a menu in English?' I asked, but it was already there, a scannable QR code with (almost) entirely accurate translations of the dishes. I eavesdropped on the conversations around me, wondering if anyone would comment on this annoying, too loud British woman. Nothing. The waiter replied to me in very passable English, and was all smiles. I was 15 the first time I came to Paris, on a school trip. One of the girls in my year was half French, and I remember her raining a torrent of choice French swear words on two middle-aged women on the metro – words I didn't understand then but would now – and our flustered teacher trying to repair the damage. Sharing their coach with a gaggle of loud and overexcited schoolchildren had brought out all their Parisianness, and they'd said some pretty rude stuff. In hindsight, who could blame them? No-one relishes sharing their coach with a eurotrip. My food arrived almost alarmingly fast. I dropped my book on the floor – accidentally I might add, this wasn't a Michelin fork test, and the person at the table next to me scooped it up straight away. Remember when the New York Times wrote that Paris had really bad coffee? It was such a slight that the city yo-yoed the other way, and now you can't move for bean-to-cup roasters with a library of plant milk. Perhaps this new-found friendliness is less Olympic hangover and more a matter of pride. Outside Hôtel de Sully, I asked a woman to take a photo of me (for this article of course). She had headphones in, but Anna in Pariswas obnoxious. She also didn't speak any English, so I acted out my request like a game of charades, getting her to take horizontal and vertical shots. She wasn't only obliging, she smiled. On the metro, I saw someone help a woman with a pushchair unsolicited. As I boarded the train back to Lyon, I even overheard someone helping a fellow passenger with their luggage say 'avec un sourire, on arrive à tout faire' ('we can do anything with a smile'). Was I on the lookout for positivity? Definitely, but perhaps by damning Parisians with a cold reputation we've been predisposing them to live up to it. Who knows whether all these friendly Parisians were radiating post-Olympic bonheur or whether it was simply a sunny day in the City of Light, but this Briton was greeted with nothing but warmth. I'll have to reconduct the experiment in the rain to be sure.
