French cuisine is famous around the world, but many visitors are surprised by when the French eat, not just what they eat.
Daily life in France follows set meal times and rituals, which influence work routines and social events. A typical day in France includes three main meals, and sometimes an afternoon snack.
Knowing the French eating schedule helps you appreciate the culture and enjoy your stay in France.
Le petit-déjeuner (Breakfast)
Breakfast in France is usually light and a bit sweet, eaten between 7:00 and 9:00 AM. It’s rarely a big or savory meal. Common breakfast foods are:
- Coffee or tea
- Bread or toast with butter and jam
- Pastries such as croissants
- Cereal with milk
- Yoghurt or fruit
Le déjeuner (Lunch)
Lunch is traditionally the main meal of the day in France, usually eaten between 12:00 and 2:00 PM. It often has several courses:
A typical French lunch might include:
- A starter, such as a salad or a soup
- A main course, which may include meat, fish, or poultry with vegetables
- Cheese
- Dessert or fruit
- Wine and bread
In cities today, lunch is sometimes lighter. People might eat sandwiches, quiches, salads, or order food at work. Some bring their own lunch or eat at the cafeteria or university restaurant.
Le goûter (Afternoon snack)
Around 4:00 or 5:00 PM, the French enjoy a snack called “le goûter”. While adults might skip it, it’s a special part of childhood. Popular snacks include:
- Pastries
- Fruit or nuts
- Yoghurt
- Biscuits
- A small sandwich
Le dîner (Dinner)
Dinner is served between 7:30 and 9:00 PM. It’s often lighter than lunch but still has several courses:
- A starter, such as soup or salad
- A main course, which may be simpler than the lunch main course
- Dessert or fruit
- Bread
How much does lunch cost in France?
Lunch in France usually costs between €7 and €9 for a sandwich, and €13 to €25 for a “menu du jour” (set menu) in a bistro.
Grocery costs depend on where you live and your lifestyle. In Paris, you can expect to spend about €200 to €250 per month. In other regions, the average is closer to €150 to €200.
To help explain student expenses, we asked Allison, one of our students in Paris, to share what she spends in a day. She agreed to give us some insight. Read more here.
Table etiquette in France
In France, sharing a meal is about good manners as well as good food. Table etiquette reflects the country’s respect for tradition and social life.
Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Wait for the host to say “Bon appétit” before starting to eat.
- Keep your hands visible above the table, but rest your wrists (not elbows) on the edge.
- Bread is placed directly on the tablecloth, not on a side plate. Tear off bite-sized pieces instead of biting directly from the loaf.
- Don’t start drinking wine until everyone has been served and a toast is made.
- It’s polite to finish everything on your plate and to compliment the cook.
One more thing, try not to put your mobile phone on the table. Instead, focus on the conversation and enjoying the meal together.
If you want more tips and insights about French culture, check out our Go! Go! France blog.
