French Traditions

The French love to eat and drink. They are also very proud of their gastronomy, which they often consider to be the best in the world. Many foreigners agree on this point, but not all – ask an Italian or a Spaniard for their opinion… except that, in reality, there are also several French culinary traditions that leave them relatively perplexed.

Dipping bread in coffee

An absolute must in French culture, and, even if it’s not very chic, I admit it… I’m a big fan of dipping toast, so much so that even now that I’ve settled in England, I dip my crumpets in my coffee, under the astonished gaze of my British husband. Well, amazed the first time, bemused the second, very amused the third the day he realized it was a well-established habit, and completely used to it ever since. To his question why do you dip your toast in your coffee? I replied Because it tastes better that way. That’s all there is to it. Do I ask him any questions?

Time spent at the table

It’s a pity there are no official statistics, because I’m convinced that the French would be on the podium of nationalities who spend the longest time at the table. Especially at family dinners or at Christmas. Spending 3 hours at the table on a Sunday for your grandmother’s birthday? Nothing could be more normal in France. And that’s not even counting the aperitif beforehand, and the digestives afterwards. Foreigners who find themselves in this situation – from certain countries more than others, it’s true – have the impression that the thing will never end. Bon appétit!

This video can explain it more:

Not all French people are wine experts

I often see disappointed faces when I explain that no, not all French people are wine experts, and I fall into this category, even though I’m a great wine lover. In fact, some of them don’t like wine at all, which is a hard reality to accept for your foreign friends, who are always asking you to choose the wine at the restaurant. Or even to taste it! So why do all French people have an opinion on wine and on the fact that France produces the best in the world, even those who don’t drink it? Ah, that’s the French arrogance talking!

The royal cake

So important in France every January, the royal cake is actually not so well known outside our borders. And if you can find them in French bakeries abroad, many people are unaware of the rules that govern the royal cake: putting a child under the table to allocate the slices once the cake has been cut and the fights between children to have the honor of being in charge of this task, finding the bean, choosing your king/queen, wearing the crown… What fun!