The French are definitely more comfortable saying “no” than in other countries. And I don’t think it’s a bad thing at all! Learning how to say no can be an efficient skill to help you earn respect, prioritize your needs, and determine appropriate boundaries. Whereas trying to please everyone (and anyone) by saying yes to too many things can definitely lead you to feel stressed, overwhelmed, and resentful. 8. Learn The Art of Râler One of the hardest parts about being a Francophile but not living in France full-time is missing out on all the cultural practices and nuances that the French lifestyle encourages. I find myself dreaming of 4 pm espressos and trips to the boulangerie more often than you can probably imagine. French Lifestyle Tips 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.

Appreciate the small things in life: do not fuss too much about how you look or what people might think of you and do not try too hard to be healthy. Because of this, the farmers market tends to be a convenient way to incorporate more community involvement and socialization into your daily life, a big part of the French lifestyle.Housing options range from city apartments to countryside chateaux. It’s not easy to find a place before you arrive, as landlords prefer to meet tenants first. By far the most common type of accommodation in French cities are apartments. In rural areas, cottages are usually up for sale rather than being available to rent. Although full of character, city apartments tend to be old and small with poor insulation. In an unfurnished rental property, the kitchen may be bare, with no appliances or white goods.

And if you want to know more about this typical French custom, I’ve written a guide to hosting the perfect French apéritif. From the optimum time for apéro to préparing the table, to the types of drinks and foods to serve, you’ll learn everything you need to know to create the perfect French apéritif at home. 12. Take Long Lunch Breaks This tip goes hand-in-hand with dressing your best. French women have a long tradition of taking beauty tips from their grandmothers vs. magazines or the internet. They also love their local pharmacies for skincare and other beauty products. Follow your own schedule.Perhaps it’s Friday or even Saturday night, everyone must be out doing something, staying up late, right? Wrong.Your daily schedule is one that works for you and those you spend your time with. Perhaps you prefer Wednesday evenings out because Thursdays are lighter days at work and you enjoy spending your weekends waking up early and getting things done. Whatever schedule works for your goals, intentions, health, family, etc – adhere to it and don’t apologize. After all, our lives, needs and desires change, listen to what is nudging you, calling your name and that is where you will find the unexpected beauty. 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. 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:Also, if 67% say it’s not easy to talk about either the amount of their savings or their financial investments, 52% think it’s difficult to talk about their salary. In fact, in France, it’s more taboo to talk about money than it is to talk about sex, according to Janine Mossuz-Lavau, a sociologist and senior researcher at the Cevipof, and author of the 2007 book L’Argent et nous (Money and us). To secure a rental property in France, you’ll need proof of income, and your monthly salary should be at least three times the rent. While deposits for unfurnished properties are usually no more than a month’s rent, you may be asked for a much bigger deposit to secure a furnished place. If you live in an apartment building, utilities will be included in your rent, but you’ll have to get home insurance and pay an annual French occupier’s tax. The French don’t judge you by the car you drive, they judge you by the books you read. Being well read and cultured is an extremely important part of French lifestyle. Embrace this custom of French living and cultivate your own intellectual wealth. Don’t do it because you’re trying to prove something, but because learning can be a pleasure and an adventure that’s available to us every day. Dive into any interest or curiosity you may have, no matter how fleeting it may seem, and devour material on the subject. Don’t limit yourself to any particular genres, but instead embrace a well rounded selection of knowledge. You may surprised to find what ends up interesting you or what you learn. Then, the French Revolution in 1789 further helped to spread the study of cooking and table service in restaurants began. In the 1800s, French cooking became a sophisticated art called “Haute Cuisine” that emphasizes moderation and quality. It’s a way to invite other people’s opinions, but above all, it’s a means to connect, build intimacy, and bond with others. Because let’s face it, life is complicated and is definitely not picture-perfect. And in France, someone being too optimistic about things can be perceived as being naïve and insincere. On the contrary, sharing good and bad things in life is seen as a sign of authenticity. 9. Be Authentic

The French cherish their history and culture. They’re also fiercely proud of their language and any effort to speak it will be appreciated. Manners and etiquette are highly valued and it’s important to follow French codes of conduct in social and business circles. To help you learn French cuisine, see the following articles about the best French pastry cookbooks of all time, and the best French cookbooks by actual French chefs. You can find all the best French recipes here. 11. Enjoy A French Apéritif Since we are obsessed with all things French lifestyle, there are many French lifestyle tips that we’ve slowly adopted or are trying to adopt. France is one of our favorite countries to travel to and a large part of that is because we absolutely love French lifestyle habits. Our recent three week road trip around France opened our eyes to the French mentality of how to live well.They find a rural life still marked by the rhythm of the seasons, farming traditions and a strong sense of community cemented by the authority vested in the local mayor. Fete days and festivals are celebrated inclusively. French people are very reserved; they don’t smile too much, never spoke too loudly, and don’t show too much excitement or enthusiasm. They do not want to be seen and heard by the world. And I think the French lifestyle’s mantra could be summarized as “ Pour vivre heureux, vivons cachés” by French poet, novelist, and fabulist Jean-Pierre Claris de Florian —literally in English: “To live happily, live hidden”. The French are often forced to practice a less is more mentality because of space limitations. French homes and apartments tend to be smaller than those found in America. The closets, in particular, are tiny and limit the French’s ability to amass tons of clothing. 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.

Be sincere, yet kind. While everyone has days that you are simply grumpy for any list of reasons, taking it out on others is something you will most likely regret. And even if you have to deliver news that isn’t favorable, there is always a way to do so with kindness. Being conscious of how we treat people and our delivery will almost always be appreciated, and even if it is taken for granted, at least we can go home at night and feel good about the energy we put out into the world. 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.

Love, Marriage & Partnership

Moreover, working in France only involves working a 35 hour week. Though there are now more flexible laws regarding this strict time limit, you should still be careful about working overtime – you will probably not be paid much in return. On the other hand bear in mind the amount of maternity leave available to working women, the excellent childcare facilities and the efforts to remove formal wage inequalities and you will see that working in France has many positive sides! One can blame French people for being rude or mean but can never blame them for being authentic and honest. Authenticity is a quality dear to the French. Oh how we loved the 3 hour dinners full of multiple courses while we were in France. While 3 hour dinners aren’t always doable, it is pretty easy to course out a dinner. This is probably one of our favorite aspects of French lifestyle. 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.