Contact us on WhatsApp: +33 6 95 73 52 90

Important meals and dinner etiquette in France

By Aline
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Lunch in a Parisian terrace. Mealtimes in France.

France is renowned for its rich culinary heritage, and mealtimes are an integral part of French culture. Understanding the rhythm and customs of French mealtimes can significantly enhance your experience when visiting or living in France.

This guide will walk you through the typical French eating schedule, common foods enjoyed at each meal, and etiquette tips to help you navigate dining like a local.

Breakfast (Le petit-déjeuner)

The French typically start their day with a light breakfast, usually between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM. “Le petit-déjeuner” often consists of:

  • Coffee (Café) or tea (Thé)
  • Bread (Pain) or toast (Tartine) with butter (Beurre) and jam (Confiture)
  • Pastries (Viennoiseries), such as croissants (Croissants) or pain au chocolat (Pain au chocolat)
  • Yogurt (Yaourt) or fruit (Fruit)

Breakfast is usually a quick affair, enjoyed at home or at a local café before starting the day.

mealtimes in france

Lunch (Le déjeuner)

Lunch is traditionally the main meal of the day in France, and it’s typically enjoyed between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM. While weekday lunches may be shorter due to work schedules, leisurely weekend lunches can stretch for several hours.

A typical French lunch often includes:

  • A starter (Entrée), such as a salad (Salade) or soup (Soupe)
  • A main course (Plat Principal), which may include meat (Viande), fish (Poisson), or poultry (Volaille) with vegetables (Légumes)
  • Cheese (Fromage)
  • Dessert (Dessert)
  • Wine (Vin) and bread (Pain) are often served with lunch

Mealtimes in France, lunch in Paris

Snacks (Le goûter)

In addition to the three main meals, the French often enjoy a light afternoon snack called “le goûter”, usually around 4:00 PM. This snack is particularly popular with children and may include:

  • Pastries (Viennoiseries)
  • Fruit (Fruit)
  • Yogurt (Yaourt)
  • A small sandwich (Petit sandwich)

Dinner (Le Dîner)

Dinner in France is usually a lighter meal than lunch, enjoyed between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM. It typically consists of:

  • A starter (Entrée), such as soup (Soupe) or salad (Salade)
  • A main course (Plat Principal), which may be simpler than the lunch main course
  • Dessert (Dessert) or fruit (Fruit)
  • Wine (Vin) and bread (Pain) may also be served

Dining etiquette in France

Observing proper dining etiquette is essential in French culture. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:

  • Wait for the host to say “bon appétit” before starting to eat.
  • Keep your hands above the table, not in your lap.
  • Use your fork and knife to eat, even with foods like pizza or sandwiches.
  • Don’t cut your salad with a knife; fold it with your fork instead.
  • If you don’t want any more wine, leave a small amount in your glass.
  • Indicate you’ve finished eating by placing your knife and fork parallel on your plate.

Read more about table manners and etiquette here: https://www.bonappetit.com/search?q=etiquette

One last thing, don’t be surprised if you see people using bread as an accompaniment to their meal instead of eating it separately – this practice is quite common in France. Bon appétit!

Share this article

Go! Go! France

Search articles

Popular posts

DO YOU WANT TO LIVE AND STUDY IN FRANCE?

We at Go! Go! France are all about turning your dreams of living and studying in France into reality!

Go! Go! France Blog

Related articles

Applying for a visa to live and study in France can feel overwhelming, but that’s where Go! Go! France comes in. Our team is here to simplify the process, making it easier and stress-free for you. Check your visa requirements Do you need a visa to live and study in France? It depends on your...
Studying in France requires careful financial planning and an understanding of various costs associated with living and studying in the country. Whether you plan to stay for a short-term or long-term period, this article will explain the financial requirements you need to meet. Do you need a visa to study in France It depends on...
Whether through language, cuisine, or tradition, French people have perfected the ways in which they express affection. In this guide, we’ll explore the various ways in which French people express love, allowing you to embrace the charm of romance in France. Verbal expressions of love Vocabulary to express love French English Example Mon amour My...
La Chandeleur, also known as Candlemas, is a traditional French holiday celebrated annually on February 2nd, exactly 40 days after Christmas. In this article, you’ll learn about the history of this day, its customs, and how the French celebrate it. Historical background La Chandeleur blends pagan and Christian traditions. Originally linked to the Roman festival...
The Carnival of Nice, celebrated annually, is a vibrant festival held over approximately 15 days in February or March. The carnival is renowned for its extravagant parades and thematic events that draw thousands of visitors to the French Riviera each year. Historical roots The Carnival of Nice, dating back to 1294, began as a local...

Contact us

Any questions? We are here to help