Living French: 7th edition

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One of the most notable differences between the American lifestyle vs. the French lifestyle is how much reading is still very much a part of daily French life. In a day and age where most people tend to get their news or information from digital sources, it’s quaint and refreshing to see the French still reading the paper or supporting their local bookstore. My French Living Blog is a lifestyle blog for francophiles, bon viveurs and anyone who appreciates the good things in life! French Living Blog France differs to the UK in many ways, and the business workplace is no exception to this general rule. Life in France doesn’t revolve around work, money, or having the nicest things. French lifestyle is all about savoring the small moments, being in the moment, choosing quality over quantity, and squeezing every last bit of pleasure possible. It’s about elevating simple everyday routines into something pleasurable. Here are 12 French lifestyle tips you can steal for a happier and more enjoyable life.

Indeed, in France life doesn’t revolve around work, money, or having the nicest and most expensive things. Instead, the French lifestyle is all about enjoying the best moments in life, whether it’s through social gatherings (with the “apéros”), French cuisine, arts, or philosophy, among other things. It’s all about living in the present moment and finding contentment in most things in life. Fill your home with inspired music. For techies or retro audiophiles, have your turntable or playlists ready for any occasion. From leisurely jazz tunes when you return from work and wish to read the daily news to beautiful Bach in the morning as you get ready for work, set up your music station, turn off the television and forget about time, even if for a moment. Finally, there is this peasant heritage that characterizes French society. “Most French people come from the peasantry,” says Mossuz-Lavau. Farmers would hide money away, in cash, somewhere in the house, and would not talk about it so that nobody would steal it. 4. Visit Museums In a village or small town, it pays to remember that any two or more people might be related. Even family members who may not talk to each other can consolidate against outside offence! Routines and Courtesies To live intelligently, thoughtfully and sincerely each day to experience fulfilling true contentment every day.

Going to the farmers market goes hand-in-hand with the French habit of eating mindfully and getting outside for fresh air. Just like everything else in their life, the French favor quality over quantity, whether that’s quality food or quality time. Instead, the way the French care for themselves is more about doing something for themselves every day. It’s something naturally embedded in their daily routine like traditions and rituals passed from generation to generation. Here are a few tips to take better care of yourself: Lunch time breaks in France are a sacred thing. A survey found that half of the French spend over 45 minutes eating lunch each day, and it’s over 30 minutes for three-quarters of them. This is by far the biggest percentage for the extended break of all 14 countries surveyed. For the French, walking isn’t just a way to get your healthy 10,000 steps in each day. Walking is a part of normal everyday life. It’s a way to get fresh air, possibly surround yourself with nature, and socialize with your community. Whatever inspires you in your travels or remains memorable to you from your past, why not bring it into your everyday life if at all possible? Cultivate an everyday life that perhaps no one would believe is possible, but rest assured it is. After all, as Annie Dillard reminds us, how we spend our days is how we spend our lives. Why not spend your life living well each and everyday?

As cliché as it sounds, practicing the “joy of living” is one of the most fundamental components of French life. Now, this doesn’t mean dancing around town and singing about how great life is (although you can if you want!). Coursing out your food is a an easy switch, but it really elevates the meal and makes it feel so much fancier; like a special event instead of just a daily part of life. It also forces us to slow down while we are eating, which makes dinner more of an event and allows for more conversation. It also helps us feel satisfied with less.

Good – and that usually means formal - manners are considered important – and you’re expected to conform. When entering a shop or restaurant or meeting someone, do say Bonjour Madame/Monsieur and always start any conversation in French. The response will usually be more friendly, however limited your language skills. There are many excellent public healthcare facilities across France and waiting lists are short. Government funding and salary contributions cover up to 70% of medical costs – most expats take out insurance to cover the difference. The government provides free treatment for people who are seriously or terminally ill. Private hospitals and clinics tend to specialise to a greater degree than public hospitals. The French government is active in negotiating reasonable fees in the private sector.

This means that happiness lies in living humbly and being modest even when experiencing a resounding success. This proverb implies that there is a cost to shining in the world or being successful; think of emotions it can arise in others like jealousy or envy —which are normal human emotions. Living Room - La Maison Chic | French Living Room Furniture | Classical Sofas | Elegant Coffee Tables | Linen Armchairs | Console Tables | Footstools | Bookcases | Display Cabinets | Writing Desks | Occasional Tables | Cupboards | Sofas At the beginning of the 20th century, GeorgesAuguste Escoffier, known as the King of Chefs and Chef of Kings, adapted haute cuisine to be more modern with his publication of Le Guide Culinaire in 1903. Many French chefs became known overseas among which Paul Bocuse, Michel Guérard —who built the foundation of Nouvelle Cuisine, the Troisgros brothers, Alain Chapel, George Blanc, Alain Ducasse, Guy Savoy, and Joël Robuchon. In France, we’re much more comfortable with confrontation or with criticism than in other countries in the world. And râler is more like a cultural, conversational tic. It can be a way to open a conversation: one’s can complain about the weather, the government, or just the fact one’s lost their keys or phone. The apéritif, also called an “apéro” for short in France, is not just about the food and drink (though those are certainly important) but it’s about taking a moment to reset and appreciate life. It isn’t traditional to have this with every meal but more when sharing with friends and family —either at home or at a restaurant.What’s the truth behind all these myths – and could French life work for you? If you plan to buy property and live in France, either permanently or part-time, it pays to be flexible about embracing the culture and keep an open mind and heart. So find out more about the many different aspects of living in France. Family life Somewhat similar to the concept of eating mindfully and devoting proper time for meals is the idea of just taking it slow and steady on a daily basis in your overall routine. Mossuz-Lavau attributes this historical French reluctance to three factors. First, there is the role of Catholicism which “is a religion for the poor” and gives a negative image of personal enrichment. Then, there is the influence of Marxism whose (oversimplified) ideology is that “profit is bad”. Find time to treasure hunt. Even if you are not necessarily going to buy, poke around in local consignment shops, yard sales, second-hand shops, antique boutiques and even boutiques that catch your eye. If nothing else, you will walk away with ideas on how to design, style and mix and match what you already have.