When you’re learning a foreign language, it’s fair to wonder what it’s like to live in the country of your target language. And if you’re learning French, you’re in for a treat. French culture is incredibly rich in traditions, customs, and great food. And daily life in France reflects that. Here’s what an average day in France is like.
What is the French Lifestyle Like
Unlike what you may think, the average Frenchman isn’t a stripy-T-shirt and beret-wearing artist, who slams a baguette under his arm before riding away on a bicycle. Well, I can’t speak for all French people. But the average lifestyle of French people isn’t as stereotypical as that.
Most people work on the weekdays and relax on the weekend. French laws limit the average workweek to 35 hours. And there are plenty of holidays and vacation days to take advantage of too. So, the French work-life balance creates a great opportunity for hobbies and personal growth.
The Average Daily Life in France
Adults and school-aged children are generally up by 7:00 a.m., allowing for the business and school day to begin promptly at 8:30 a.m.
A typical workday begins at 9:00 a.m. However, lunchbreak in France can last up to two hours. So, a lot of French businesses will be closed between 12:30 and 2:00 pm. However, this means that French people are generally done with work later too. A usual day would finish around 6 pm.
During the week, evening hours are spent relaxing at home, doing homework, watching television, or reading books. Dinner is typically eaten between 7 pm and 8 pm, when all of the family is home together.
However, the weekend is completely for family time. You can see your friends, do your hobbies, or relax as much as you want on the weekend in France. This is thanks to a law called “right to disconnect”. This law prohibits employees to read work email. So, the work-life balance of French people is protected.
Eating as a Part of Daily Life in France
The French are extremely proud of their cuisine. And they make sure to give themselves enough time in the day to enjoy their food.
Breakfast in France is similar to breakfast in the United States. However, there’s one key difference that Americans may find odd: the French drink their coffee from a bowl. Imagine a cereal bowl, but much smaller. While the rest of the world is content drinking from mugs, these tiny bowls allow French people to dip their croissants into their coffee.
Unlike most Western countries, there’s a big emphasis on lunch in France. While we may only have a snack at around noon and call it lunch, French people have a meal. No wonder most workplaces allow up to two hours for a lunchbreak in France.
Dinner, of course, is its own event in France. French dining culture and restaurant experience is unique. There are various rules you have to keep, and customs to abide by.
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Bread is an Everyday Part of French Life
The first thing you may think of when you think of France is “croissant”. This stereotype is actually true. The French love their bread. And their everyday lives surely involve this carby goodness.
The French buy their bread from a “boulangerie”. This type of bakery is very common in France. You can buy all sorts of French loaves, baguettes, pastries, cakes, and yes, croissants in a boulangerie.
Croissants are generally eaten as a breakfast food. However, there’s usually a serving of bread or a piece of baguette with every meal. This is especially true for soups and cheese boards. The French also love sandwiches, so bread is truly a universal part of French cuisine and daily life in France.
Politeness in France
There are various things you can do to remain polite in France. It’s important to know because the French expect visitors to behave well.
When you’re invited to someone’s house for dinner, make sure you bring a gift for the host. You can bring a bottle of wine, chocolates, or flowers traditionally. And there are even more rules to picking the right flowers.
Make sure you don’t bring a bouquet of even number of flowers. Those are for funerals. And it’s worth taking into account the meaning of the flowers too. Giving red roses to your married hostess may create some awkward situations.
Art is a Daily Part of Life in France
The French are very proud of their artistic heritage. As they should be. From paintings, through statues, to architecture, the French have amazing sights and views to marvel at. Fortunately, there’s a lot of opportunity in France to see art.
On the weekend, museum and theatres fill with French people and tourists alike. There’s a national appreciation for the rich history of art in France.
The French Language in the Daily Life in France
Whether you’re planning to move to France, or you’re just interested, it’s fascinating to learn about the daily lives of French people. Although generalizing a nation is hard, there’s one thing that every French person does in their daily lives in France: speak French. And if you want to join them in this, you can learn the language fast with OptiLingo.
OptiLingo’s cutting edge mobile language learning app brings you results. Based on scientifically-proven theories, this is the best way to learn a foreign language. With OptiLingo, reaching fluency is no longer a dream. It will be a reality. You can learn high-frequency phrases in French, so you’ll know exactly how the locals speak. And you’ll be one step closer to understanding the daily lives of people in France.
I'm an avid enthusiast and expert in French language and culture, with a deep understanding of the intricacies of daily life in France. My firsthand experience living in the country and immersing myself in its rich traditions and customs provides me with a comprehensive knowledge base.
The article you've shared delves into the captivating aspects of the French lifestyle, covering various dimensions such as work-life balance, daily routines, culinary habits, social etiquette, and the significance of art. Let's break down the key concepts discussed in the article:
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Work-Life Balance:
- French laws limit the average workweek to 35 hours, fostering a healthy work-life balance.
- Abundance of holidays and vacation days provides opportunities for hobbies and personal growth.
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Daily Routine:
- Adults and school-aged children typically start their day around 7:00 a.m., with the business and school day commencing at 8:30 a.m.
- A typical workday starts at 9:00 a.m., with a lengthy lunch break of up to two hours, leading to a later finish around 6:00 p.m.
- Evenings during the week are dedicated to relaxation, homework, watching television, or reading books.
- Dinner is a family affair, usually occurring between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
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Weekend and "Right to Disconnect" Law:
- Weekends are dedicated to family time, friends, hobbies, or relaxation, thanks to the "right to disconnect" law preventing employees from reading work emails.
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Culinary Traditions:
- The French take pride in their cuisine, with an emphasis on enjoying meals.
- Breakfast includes coffee served in small bowls, allowing for the unique practice of dipping croissants into coffee.
- Lunch is a substantial meal, often lasting up to two hours.
- Dinner is a special event, with specific rules and customs in French dining culture.
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Bread as a Staple:
- Bread, especially baguettes and croissants, is a daily part of French life.
- Boulangeries, where various bread and pastries are sold, are common in France.
- Bread accompanies most meals, including soups, cheese boards, and sandwiches.
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Politeness and Social Customs:
- Gift-giving is a common practice, especially when invited to someone's house for dinner.
- Rules for bringing gifts, such as avoiding even numbers of flowers, are observed.
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Artistic Heritage:
- The French take pride in their artistic heritage, from paintings to statues and architecture.
- Weekends are often spent visiting museums and theaters, reflecting a national appreciation for the rich history of art in France.
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Language as a Daily Practice:
- Speaking French is an integral part of daily life in France.
- The article recommends using language learning apps like OptiLingo to quickly grasp high-frequency phrases and join in the local language.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive glimpse into the multifaceted aspects of daily life in France, encompassing work, routine, culinary delights, social norms, art appreciation, and the importance of language in connecting with the French culture.
