How to eat in France is very important, so much so that it has special etiquette that must be observed. Stay with Saed News to get familiar with these French manners.
The first French cookbook dates back to the Middle Ages and has a long history. Standards for measurements and portions were the first French standards for precise and delicate cooking. Food holds a special place among the French people. French cooking is done very carefully and skillfully, with great attention paid to preparation, cooking methods, details, and the use of fresh and healthy ingredients.
Different regions of France have various cuisines, heavily influenced by the local agricultural and meat products. Each region offers a wide variety of dishes — from healthy, tasty, and affordable meals to rich, expensive dishes made with costly ingredients and served with diverse sauces and seasonings.
When invited to a French gathering, especially by a French host, there are specific etiquettes to observe:
🌸 Sending Flowers: If you plan to send flowers, send them in the morning of the day of the party so the host can display them on the dining table, especially important in Paris for large gatherings.
👗 Dress Code: Pay attention to what you wear, as your attire and the host’s fashion preferences are important.
⏰ Arrival Time: Plan your arrival to be exactly on time or at most 10 minutes late. Timeliness is very important to the French. If unavoidable delays occur, inform the host by phone beforehand. This time sensitivity is less strict in southern France.
Napkin Use: Place your napkin on your lap before starting to eat.
Wiping Your Mouth: After each bite, gently and delicately wipe your lips with your napkin without leaving lipstick or food marks.
Compliments: Always show appreciation for the food and compliment the host on the table setting and food presentation.
Never slurp your food; this is very rude.
Avoid eating with your mouth open or talking with a full mouth.
Do not burp; it is absolutely forbidden.
Sip your drink slowly, never gulp it all at once.
Don’t rush your meal or finish all your food within a couple of minutes; eat slowly and calmly.
France is a land of diverse regional cuisines and customs. Each region has its own traditional dishes, historical recipes, and food cultures. The agricultural products, meats, and dairy available in each area greatly influence local cuisine.
Example: Bordeaux is famous for its unique grapes used in Bordeaux wine.
Burgundy and Franche-Comté wines are also renowned.
Champagne is celebrated for its sparkling wine.
In Paris, seafood such as shellfish and snails are popular.
In southern France, where agriculture is common, vegetables, fruits, especially potatoes, are favorites.
Many French people favor meat dishes, but seafood is generally the most popular type of food, often served with a variety of sauces.
Appetizers: Served to stimulate the appetite at the start of a meal.
Fish Course: A decorated fish dish usually served after the appetizer and before the main course.
Main Course: Typically consists of red meat or chicken, beautifully garnished with vegetables.
Salad Course: Traditionally a mix of vegetables with olive oil, spices, and vinegar, now often served with diverse dressings.
Cheese Course: The French consume more cheese than anyone else worldwide. After the main course, various cheeses served on a wooden board along with fruit slices mark the end of the meal.
The French generally resist fast food, but there are many restaurants and cafes serving ready-made meals and sandwiches.
Older fast-food outlets sell sandwiches that can also be bought at stores and cafes.
Cafes often serve burgers and vegetable salads as light meals.
The French dine out more frequently than many northern European neighbors.
Hold the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right hand while eating.
Wait for the host to show you where to sit.
Never start eating before the host says "Bon appétit."
When not finished, place your knife and fork crossed on your plate, fork on top of the knife.
Never rest your elbows on the table.
Finish all food on your plate; leaving food is considered impolite.
Peel and cut fruits before eating.
If you do not want more drink, do not empty your glass completely — leave a little in it.
Eating is a way of life in France. Meals are enjoyed fully, often seen as moments to strengthen family ties. Meals can last for hours, sometimes feeling like a celebration.
Breakfast: Light, usually croissants, pain au chocolat, bread or baguette, with hot coffee, hot chocolate, or tea, plus butter, honey, and jams.
Lunch: Once the main meal of the day but now often lighter and quicker, especially in urban areas.
Dinner: A full meal including soup, main dishes, cheese, fruit, and dessert.
Breakfast: 6 to 8 AM on weekdays.
Lunch: Usually 12 to 2 PM.
Dinner: After 8 PM; some regions eat dinner later.
Meals are taken calmly and leisurely, sometimes lasting over two hours for special occasions, including appetizers, main dishes (fish or meat with vegetables), salad, cheese, fruit, dessert, and coffee.
Bread is a staple on the French table, symbolizing hospitality. Meals are never served without bread, while water is rarely present at the table.
Cheese is highly favored — over 300 varieties exist across the country. Desserts such as chocolate soufflé and tartines are popular.
Among breakfast, lunch, and dinner, lunch holds special cultural importance, and the French often keep other meals lighter.
Meals are significant social events, with families or colleagues inviting each other. Because calmness is prized during meals, dinners or lunches can last up to two hours or more.
