I always wondered how the French seem to navigate life with an effortless style, sipping café au lait and balancing work and leisure while the world rushes by. Imagine this: you’re juggling work, your social life, and a never-ending to-do list, all while trying to remember if you left the back door open when you leave for work. Meanwhile, your French counterpart is leisurely enjoying a flaky croissant al fresco, completely unbothered by the chaos around them. This delightful approach to life isn’t just a cultural quirk; it’s rooted in French lifestyle habits that prioritize joy and presence in everyday moments.
As the saying goes, “Savoir-vivre” (knowing how to live) or “La vie est belle” (life is beautiful). This way of thinking permeates French dining customs, where people enjoy their meals rather than hurrying through them. From embracing leisurely lunches to cultivating French healthy habits that promote balance and well-being, there’s much we can learn from their French lifestyle and culture.
If you’re curious about how to live the French lifestyle and incorporate these French lifestyle habits for a better life, dive into our exploration of practical tips that can transform your daily routine into a celebration of life’s simple pleasures. Embrace the art of living well and a more fulfilling life.
1. Take your time and savor your foods
You already know that the French treat meals as something like a sacred ritual. Mealtime is about slowing down—sitting at the table, savoring each bite, and actually tasting the food. French people like long lunches with fresh baguettes, creamy cheeses, and lively conversation that lasts until the coffee arrives. No distractions, no multitasking. This habit isn’t just about indulgence; it’s appreciating the moment and giving your body time to feel satisfied. When you make every meal a ritual, not a race, it enhances your relationship with food, your own health, and the people around you.
2. Make time for family meals
You already know how to take time during your meals, either with yourself, your friends, or your colleagues. But family mealtime is a whole different topic. It can be as simple as sitting down for dinner together every night, no matter how busy the day has been. When was the last time you truly connected over a meal with your loved ones? In France, family meals are one of the non-negotiable parts of life. It is a good time to share the day’s stories, laugh, and just unwind. You can recreate this by setting the table (even if it’s a pizza takeout!), turning off the TV, setting your phone on silent mode, and letting conversation take center stage. Doesn’t matter if it’s just once or twice a week; prioritizing time with your family can deepen your bonds and create memories far more nourishing than the food itself.
3. Celebrate little wins
You don’t need a big milestone to celebrate—it’s the little accomplishments that bring joy to everyday life. Whether it’s finishing a good book, doing your hour workout in the gym, or even just making a week’s worth of meal prep for yourself. You can celebrate these small wins with simple pleasures: a glass of wine, a small dark chocolate treat, or a walk through the park. Make it a habit to encourage yourself to go through your tasks and pick one thing you’re really proud of each day—then mark that moment, even if it’s just a nice little dance. Acknowledging these small wins boosts self-esteem and makes you want to progress more toward personal goals.
4. Add more walks into your routine
According to the French, walking isn’t just exercise—it’s a way of life. Add regular walks into your daily routine, whether in the morning or an evening stroll after dinner. You must start small if you want to make walking a habit. For example, if you usually drive, park further away or take a different route on your regular coffee run. By picking a block away from your typical location, you can also use your lunch break for a stroll. This habit offers a chance to clear your mind, soak in your surroundings, and sneak in movement without the pressure of a gym.
5. Appreciate life’s simple pleasures
Finding a great book to get lost in or appreciating a lovely sunset that moves you is its own kind of magic. As the French writer Voltaire said, “Paradise is where I am.” Simple pleasures like buying yourself fresh flowers from the farmer’s market, savoring a buttery croissant, or pausing to admire a beautiful painting can turn the daily ordinary moments into a thing of beauty. You can sprinkle them into your day: browse an art gallery (or your own favorite Pinterest board), stop to enjoy street art, or treat yourself to a slice of cake just because. These small joys in life serve as a reminder to calm down and view each day with new eyes.
6. Focus on your nutrition
If I had to describe the French way of eating, it’s all about quality over quantity. Their secret? Prioritizing fresh and seasonal ingredients that are as nutritious as they are flavorful. For example, market-sourced leafy greens, colorful berries or citrus fruits, and crusty bread paired with creamy cheese are all enjoyed in moderation. . To focus more on your own health, you can always start small, like swapping processed snacks for whole foods, making more visits to a local farmer’s market, or planning your meals around what’s in season. Like the French, savor each bite and let mealtime be an experience. Aim for a more balanced diet to nourish your body and soul.
READ MORE: 7 Small Japanese Habits to Add in Your Life
7. Enjoy things in moderation
While I personally have a sweet tooth, I’ve discovered that moderation is key when it comes to the French way of enjoying treats. They love sweet desserts or buttery pastries without guilt, but in smaller portions and with full attention. How can you practice this on your own? Try serving your foods on a smaller plate, slowing down to truly taste your food, and stopping and checking in with yourself when you’re satisfied (not stuffed, ok?). For meals, balance indulgent dishes with lighter options, like pairing a creamy pasta with a crisp salad. Pro tip: Make a mental note to treat eating as an experience, not a task, and you’ll find joy in every bite without overdoing it.
8. Notice what makes you joyful
It might be as simple as listening to the laughter of your loved ones or feeling the softness of your freshly laundered bed sheets. The joy is in the details—like the first sip of your morning coffee, the aroma of fresh flowers, or the quiet peace of a walk in the park. To notice more joys, take a moment to pause, breathe, and appreciate the small wonders of your day. Dedicate more time each day to self-care activities that you truly enjoy and that bring you happiness. The world is full of them if you’re open to seeing them.
9. Use your vacation time
In today’s hustle culture, it can feel like taking a break from work is a luxury we can’t afford. But did you know that in Europe, many countries require employees to take at least four weeks of vacation a year? That’s right—relaxation time is built into the system. So make it a priority to incorporate more downtime into your life (especially if you’re someone who needs it); you can plan a long weekend getaway, use your days off as a day to truly disconnect from all work-related tasks, or even schedule “do nothing” days. It’s important because stepping away from work refreshes your mind and ultimately makes you more productive in the long run. Remember that rest is essential for living well.
10. Disconnect from work
You’ve likely heard about the “Right to Disconnect” and no, it’s not just an excuse to leave work early with no guilt (though that does sound nice, doesn’t it?). It’s a simple rule that after work hours, you have the right to step away from emails, calls, and all things work-related. To actually disconnect, try setting boundaries: leave your phone in another room, turn off notifications, or give yourself permission to leave work at the office—even if that means closing your laptop and walking away. Mentally, focus on hobbies or relaxation; physically, go for a walk or stretch. In the long term, disconnecting helps prevent burnout and keeps you energized for the days ahead. And you’ll actually enjoy life more!
11. Create your own regular rituals
Whether it’s sipping coffee in the morning while enjoying the sky outside or a quiet moment reading a book by the park, the French have mastered the art of simple rituals. Did you know that in France, a casual “apéritif” before dinner is a cherished ritual, where friends or anyone in the family gather to sip wine and nibble on light snacks? These small moments help reset the mind. You can start adding these small rituals in your own life by carving out time for a daily walk, lighting a candle when you wake up, or even making your daily coffee a peaceful ceremony. Regular but simple rituals help ground you, offering moments of mindfulness in our busy life.
12. Less is more
You can, of course, accumulate endless things, but the French have mastered the art of “less is more” without sacrificing style. In fact, they often embrace a minimalist approach to living, choosing quality over quantity. Their homes are full of simple yet beautiful items like classic furniture, carefully selected décor, and a wardrobe composed of versatile pieces. We need to bring this mentality into today’s consumerist world, try to declutter one area at a time, spend money on high-quality items that will last, and focus more on experiences over stuff. This practice not only reduces mental clutter, but it also benefits your wallet. Less spending on excess means more savings for what truly matters. In the end, it makes you content having only what you truly need.