What Makes French Culture and Customs so Beautiful?
If you have ever traveled to France, you will surely have been impressed by the French customs and culture. France is such a gorgeous country, and whilst it is true that some French may appear to be rude at times, I have found them in general to charming, helpful and welcoming. When you travel to France, be sure to spend some time taking a break from tourist attractions and immerse yourself in the French culture and customs.
French Food
It is a known fact that French culture and customs is often times associated with food, and for a very good reason. French people absolutely love their food, and mealtime is a leisurely and treasured affair they choose to spend with their family and friends. Whereas Americans tend to opt for quick meals, often taken on the run, in the car or in front of a television set, in France, things are different. For the French food is an occasion to savor life and thus they make sure they fully enjoy each one of the meal they take. Lunchtime meals for example are not taken sitting at a desk, munching at a stale sandwich, but rather sitting at a local café or restaurant and sampling the “menu du jour†which offer a diverse choice of delicately prepared meals full of taste and aroma and in smaller portions. The French always prefer to sit at a table to eat (not in front of the television), and eat late dinners, often with multiple courses. And wine almost always accompanies the meal.
Fashion and Style
One cannot talk about Fashion and style without referring to France. And while so many if the world’s top designers come from France, the custom of French culture is also deeply rooted in the fashionable. The French pride themselves to be well dressed and take pride in their overall appearance. While jeans, t-shirts, and sweatpants are commonplace in the United States, they are far less common in France. Women wear high heels as a matter of choice, and the common US t-shirts popular with the graphics displayed on them are rarely. Society has an aura of formality. Well-made, well-tailored clothes are the norm. When in France make sure to make Galleries Lafayette or Printemps, a priority on your list of places to visit so that you may see for yourself the essence of French fashion.
French Customs and Culture for Travelers
If you are used to the fast pace life of the US you will discover that French customs and culture even extend to that area and you will gradually learn to slow down. Indeed the pace of life in France is much more leisurely. Take the time to enjoy your trip and to soak up the culture around you. Secondly, no trip to France would be complete without the pleasures of a meal or two in a French café. The café culture is an essential part of France, especially in Paris. When you are in a restaurant, the tip is generally included in your bill; generally, it is considered appropriate to round the bill up to leave an extra Euro or two for good service. And finally, make the effort to try to speak French, even if you can only ask if someone speaks English.