Top 26 French Culture And Traditions

In this article, we are sharing twenty-six surprising things you will discover about French culture when you visit France. This will hopefully increase your enthusiasm about your next trip to France or if you are planning to take one.

Fascinating Cultural Traditions in France

French culture and traditions are amazing and you will find them really interesting. Some of these are popular around the globe while some are only known in France. Here is a list of the top 26 French cultural traditions.

Table of Content

1. French People Smoke A Lot

The French love to smoke. It's up to you to manage it. Although smoking is not allowed indoors, it's quite common outside. If you are used to smoking-free air you will be surprised at how much you can smoke. No one will ever think twice about lighting up next to you in an outdoor cafe.

2. French People Are Extremely Friendly

It will surprise you to see how helpful and friendly French people are as opposed to their rude stereotype. Except for Parisian waiters, the crude stereotype of Frenchmen is completely untrue. French people are amazing. You will be surprised at how friendly the locals are, even in Paris. And if you speak French, even if you are a tourist, they will treat you like one of their own.

3. The Business Hours in France

France businesses are known to close for an hour or so at lunchtime. Many museums close on a specific day. For many it is Thursday. The Louvre closes on Tuesday. It might shock you to discover that you have grown up with 24/7 businesses and are now trying to shop in France on Sunday. You can avoid missing out by checking the business hours online ahead of time.

4. The Don't Touch Policy

It's possible to be surprised at the French "look but don’t touch" motto when you visit France. This is a common sight in France. You are not allowed to touch fresh produce at the markets. You can ask the shopkeeper to get you the item.

This is also true for some parks and gardens throughout France. It is possible to see beautiful parks that are empty only to discover that you are not permitted to sit in them. You can check for signs and see what locals are doing.

5. French Love Their Dogs

France is a country where people love their dogs. You can see it everywhere. Many people in France don’t take care of their dogs so be careful when you’re out and about. It can get slippery when it rains so be careful. We have warned you.

6. Topless Beaches In France Are Common

It's quite normal to be topless on the beach in France. It's not a "topless beach"; it's a regular beach. Although not everyone is topless, it's so common that most people don't notice. You won't see a French tourist if they aren't looking or trying to take photos.

7. Restaurant Hours In France

Restaurants in France often close at the end of the dinner and lunch shifts. Dinner is served in France later than in the United States. You might not be able to find a restaurant that serves dinner at 5:00 or 6:15 in France if you are looking for a place to eat unless you live in a tourist area.

8. French Cuisines Is One of The Best In The World

France's food is amazing. French cuisine is one of the most delicious in the world. Even simple foods like baguettes with cheese can be a great meal. You can eat well in France with a simple meal or a great meal at a restaurant. It might surprise you to learn how long it takes in France to eat. It can take several hours to eat a multi-course meal.

French people love to linger over meals. Even if you are sure you've finished eating, it is important to ask for the check. They don't always bring it to you.

9. You Need To Learn French

It might shock you to learn a little French while visiting France. Even if you only speak a little French, it can make a big difference in your travel experience. French is a language that older people don't know. Younger people learn English in school so they can speak some English when needed. However, a Merci or Bonjour will increase your chances of meeting friendly French people.

10. French Children Roam Free

You will be surprised at how many children roam free in France, especially if you're from the United States. French children are allowed to be children. You won't find helicopter parents in France riding their scooters and bikes around without helmets. It's a wonderful opportunity to teach independence and give your kids a chance to travel with you.

11. Famous Places In France

There are many other places in France other than Paris. Paris is a great and iconic city, but there are many other wonderful places in France. France has many wonderful destinations, including Avignon and Bordeaux, Toulouse,

Mont Saint-Michel, and Toulouse. Many people only visit Paris, and they don't see all of France. You would be surprised at the incredible destinations in France.

12. Beggars In France

It will shock you to see the number of children and beggars in France. Although they will claim to be French, you should expect to see them all over France. Children, street musicians, and beggars will all be seen in the Metro asking for money.

Don't give them money, it encourages their practice. Keep walking. The government also asks tourists to not give them any money. Pickpockets are also common at tourist attractions so be on the lookout for them.

13. French Students Are Multi-Talented

If you've had the pleasure of meeting a French person, perhaps you were struck by their intelligence and how well-informed they were. French people often become the center of conversation in any social setting. They can have a conversation about any topic! What makes them behave this way?

It all begins at the l'ecole primary which is a French term used to describe the elementary primary school system. French elementary schools are reminiscent of social sciences or arts universities in the USA. From the initial stages of education, students are taught more than basic learning skills. They are taught music, theater, and philosophical concepts.

Moreover, physical education is one of the most demanding periods in schools. A child in elementary school does laps and also plays dodgeball. The Following sports a played by almost every Frenchmen;

Badminton
Table Tennis
Football
Swimming

14. Drinking Wine And Water With Meals

Young people may indeed prefer beer and soda in recent times. However, if you're attending a formal event, be prepared to sip wine or water. And this wine goes well with any cheese or meat you're enjoying.

15. How Fish Is Served In France

If you love to eat Fish, then you might find it very interesting. When you dine at an eatery, it's served with eyes. So on a funnier note, the fish that you will eat will be looking at you. It is believed that the French offer fish in this manner to show that it's freshly caught.

However, there is one way that can help you identify whether the fish is healthy or not; just check If the eyes are cloudy, it means that it's not fresh. Perhaps you should avoid fishing altogether in the vicinity of French people.

16. The Popularity of Beets

You've probably heard that the French consume a variety of strange things including snails. But did you know that beets are extremely well-known? Beets diced are often seen in a dish or plate of crudites (assorted raw vegetables) or salads, but perhaps the most well-known beets recipe nowadays can be described as "peasant beets,". They are combined with Cheese and chard.

17. French People Prefer To Keep Few Clothes

"Less is more" is one of the most popular concepts that are popular in French fashion. In contrast to a normal person's collection of about a dozen dresses, twenty T-shirts, six pretty tops as well as three pants, the French are minimalist. They generally use the same clothes repeatedly with various accessories to spice their look. Particularly with top-quality handbags and shoes.

This is why they're typically willing to pay an extra amount for good clothing and accessories in shops. Because they'll wear the shirt at least once a week, they're confident that they're getting value for their money.

18. French Prefer Dark Clothes

What are the signs to spot an individual Tourist in Paris?

It's the one wearing vibrant clothes. They're not French!

Dark colors are an old French fashion. Remember, however, that this trend is most popular in the larger urban areas. It's also more popular during winter. In summer, and especially in southern France the majority of people wear lighter or more vibrant colors.

19. Women Avoid wearing Short Clothes

There's a good chance you won't see any French woman wearing run shorts, sweatshirts, and flip-flops. Women like to appear attractive every day since their appearance is an exact reflection of what they're like. You'll be more likely to see those with high heels and a dress or an attractive accessory.

20. Women Have One Style

You may have been told that French women possess an innate je I don't know what (I don't know what it is) about their appearance. He is not sure is a phrase that refers to something intangible that makes someone attractive. You would like to hang out with them. They've got something cool about them however, they don't have you don't know what it is!

French women are aware of the person they are. And they own it. There's no French woman in overalls on Friday, a simple black dress on Saturday, and an edgy jumpsuit on Sunday. There's no way. She is what she's about and conveys that through her distinctive personal style.

21. Religion In France

The French aren't particularly religious.

In reality, a whopping 24 percent of people say they're atheists or not religious. This is quite a staggering number considering the population in France. The modern outlook on life and dependence on logic and science has made the general public prone to anti-religious sentiments.

On the other hand, religious groups are in minority. Muslims and Christians are the most popular religious minority in France.

22. Catholicism Is Popular In France

Indeed, religion isn't the main topic in France. Of all the various religions, Catholicism is the most common. A majority of French Christians consider themselves Catholic. Catholicism is the main religion practiced by most of our ancestral ancestors. Thus, although a majority of French citizens identify themselves as Catholic, however, very few attend masses, unless on holy days.

23. The Influence of Religion on Art

Even though the French don't believe in religion, they are fond of art.

While the younger generation may be more interested in modern and funky art. But if Gothic or Renaissance art is brought by the older generation, they'll be able to appreciate it a lot.

Artists of the Renaissance and Gothic periods took their inspiration from religion and church as such, so art enthusiasts can talk about the religion of their choice, or at a minimum, the religious significance, to a certain degree.

24. They Celebrate May Day

If you're European the holiday won't be completely foreign to you.

For those who aren't aware, May Day is an American holiday celebrating the nation's workers which are celebrated on the 1st of May. It's similar to American Labor Day, except it's held on the same date each year.
The most exciting aspect?

This means that the government and schools are shut down for the day! Everyone enjoys having an extra day off on vacation. If you're located in France during the time that May Day falls on a Thursday or Tuesday, consider your luck! Many French employers permit workers to do the pont (take an entire four-day holiday.)

French individuals also distribute Lilies from the Valley or even take them to the graves of loved ones who have departed on May Day.

25. Never Forget July 14th

In France on the 14th of July be thankful! It's Bastille Day or the French national holiday. On July 14th, 1789 the peasants fought for their rights to overthrow the French monarchy. Like all countries, people celebrate by lighting fireworks.

If you're in a major city, such as Paris or Lyon there's a chance to witness some of the largest and most spectacular fireworks. When you're visiting Paris visit the Champs-Elysees military parade.

26. Christmas and Easter Are Popular

As we have mentioned in this article earlier, religion is not a priority in France. It is not commonplace for people to go to mass or church on Sundays. However, on Easter and Christmas, these pews fill up!
In reality,

it is possible that celebrating these celebrations could be a chance to connect and bond with French citizens. Like many Western societies it is commonplace for the French to hunt eggs during Easter, and then display the Nativity scene during Christmas.

Conclusion

With these knowledge-based facts along with a little French knowledge in your mind now, you're set to meet any French or visit France.
To witness these cultural gems in the real world authentic French videos can help you refresh what you've learned and much more. From streaming movies to language learning platforms one can find plenty of sources to learn about the French language and customs,

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