10 Every Day French Habits that Startle Most Americans
10 Every Day French Habits that Startle Most Americans
When I lived in the US, I remember talking about the French way of life triggering surprised reactions. When Americans visit France, they often find themselves intrigued by certain French customs that are quite different from what they are used to. Here are some of the French habits that I find surprise Americans the most.
1. No use for dryers, just hang laundry
In France, many people prefer to dry their clothes naturally, using clotheslines or drying racks instead of electric dryers. This practice is not only environmentally friendly but also helps to preserve the quality and longevity of clothing. For Americans, who often rely on the convenience of dryers, this more traditional method of drying clothes can be quite surprising.
2. Eat at table together for every meal
French culture places a strong emphasis on enjoying meals together with family or friends. It’s common for all family members to sit down at the table for each meal, sharing food and conversation. This practice fosters a sense of closeness and community, contrasting with the more individualistic dining habits sometimes observed in the American lifestyle, where meals can often be on-the-go or solitary.
3. Longer lunch breaks
In France, lunch breaks can last an hour or even more, providing a substantial break in the middle of the workday. During this time, workers often enjoy a full meal and relax, which contrasts sharply with the shorter, often work-focused lunch breaks typical in the U.S. This extended pause allows for a more leisurely pace of life and emphasizes the importance of balancing work with relaxation and socialization.
4. More vacation
French workers typically enjoy a generous amount of vacation time compared to their American counterparts. It’s standard in France to have several weeks of paid vacation per year, promoting a culture that values rest and recreation. This approach to time off can be surprising for Americans, who may be used to a more limited vacation allowance, pushing the idea that taking time to unwind is essential for well-being.
5. Kissing on the cheek to say hello
A common greeting in France is a kiss on each cheek, known as “la bise.” This form of greeting, used between friends and acquaintances, can be quite a novelty for Americans. It reflects the warm, personable nature of French social interactions and is a stark contrast to the more reserved greetings, such as handshakes or waves, often used in the United States.
6. Striking and Defending Our Rights
French citizens are known for their readiness to protest and strike to defend their rights. This cultural habit of advocating for social and political causes through collective action can be more pronounced and more accepted in France compared to the United States.
7. Bread with Every Meal
Bread is a staple of French cuisine, and it’s served with almost every meal, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Americans might be surprised by the ubiquitous presence of bread on the French table.
8. Wine with Lunch
It’s common for French people to enjoy a glass of wine with lunch, even on weekdays. This relaxed attitude toward alcohol consumption can be surprising to Americans used to stricter attitudes about drinking during the day.
9. Late Dinners
In France, dinner is typically eaten later in the evening compared to the United States. It’s not uncommon for restaurants to start serving dinner at 7 or 8 p.m., which can be surprising to Americans accustomed to eating dinner earlier.
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10. Sunday Closures
Many shops and businesses in France are closed on Sundays, especially in smaller towns and villages. This tradition of Sunday closures can be surprising to Americans used to the convenience of shopping seven days a week.
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We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home.
We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home. With over 10 years of experience in dating and traveling to romantic places, we share our favorite date ideas and romantic destinations to help couples level up their relationships. Having lived in and traveled through the USA, we also share our favourite things to do in the States.
With 70,000 monthly readers and 16,000 followers on social media, Be Right Back is your go-to resource for romantic trip ideas and couple activities at home and abroad.