How Might You Gain A Wonderful Understanding Of France?

*This is a collaborative post

France is perhaps one of the most special and unique European countries, and countries in the world generally. It has had an outsized impact on history, its culture is extremely unique and influential, and anyone familiar with our language norms, cuisine, and art will no doubt have, in some respect, an appreciation for France.

Not only have some of the best philosophers, artists, writers and chefs come from this incredible nation but anyone familiar with the progression of world history will sooner or later come across the French, if only by exploring the endless battles and wars that the nation shared with Britain and others over the years. Thankfully, much of that is now over.

If you have a wonderful family trip booked to France next year, how might you prepare? Well, you get to decide where and when you go of course. But if you’re looking for an incredible experience that feels wonderful to engage with, you may wish to consider some of the following advice:

Read Its Literature

Some people say that English or Russian, perhaps even American literature is the best in the world. But you simply can’t have a conversation about literature without sharing your respect for the French, because as far as writing is concerned, their language is full of treasures. 

Everyone seems to have a favourite even if they haven’t read many books, for instance, the sweeping romance of Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables to the thought-provoking works of Albert Camus whose books still have a willing audience, there’s something for everyone. 

Reading a book by a French author can give you a glimpse of the culture and history that shaped the country. We would like to recommend The Count of Monte Cristo written by Alexandre Dumas, it’s long but perhaps one of the best adventure and moralist stories out there.

Don’t worry, you don’t have to “read this in French or nothing else,” there are many very capable translations out there from most of the main publishing houses. If you’re not sure where to start, choose a story tied to the area you’re visiting. 

For example, Marcel Proust’s In Search of Lost Time has some amazing descriptions of Parisian life at a certain time. Or, if you’d prefer something lighter, try The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, which is generally a children’s book but still has mature themes and a somewhat heartwarming story.

Learn Some Common Phrases

It’s always polite to learn a few basic phrases when visiting another country, and France is no exception. Now, there’s a sentiment online that French people will just mock you if you don’t know how to speak perfectly fluently, but that’s not the case. You don’t need to be fluent, but simple words like bonjour (hello), merci (thank you), and s’il vous plaît (please) are customary for the most part.

Most French people appreciate it when visitors try to speak their language, as long as you’re not trying to do it perfectly in a queue when there are people waiting behind you and they speak English anyway. 

Even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect, making the effort shows respect. If you want to go a little further, you could practice phrases like “où est…? (where is…?)” or “l’addition, s’il vous plaît (the check, please)”. It might make getting around easier and could even earn you a friendly smile. Also remember that some words are quite similar in English as they are French. Restaurant, being the main example that will hopefully get the most use on your brilliant trip. Oh, brilliant, that counts too!

Accept The Culture

France regularly scores the most high in terms of countries people think have the rudest citizens. Now, we’re not going to discuss why that’s true or false, you’re free to have your own impression and opinion of course. But sometimes, if someone is dismissive or passive, or perhaps seems to have a short amount of time for you, that’s not necessarily a sign that they dislike you as it is just how they communicate and come across. In other words, trying not to be too sensitive can be important here, as French people tend to be blunt and appreciate a thicker skin.

From there, France has its own way of doing things, and part of the fun of visiting is experiencing that. Some might invite you to long lunches and walking through lively markets can be wonderful. Similar to Spain, then, life in France often feels slower and more deliberate. It’s worth embracing this pace and letting go of any urge to rush to and fro as you may be familiar with in England or America.

For example, meal times are an important part of the day, and they’re meant to be enjoyed, perhaps with many small dishes at once. Don’t expect quick service at a restaurant; instead, take the time to savour the food and the atmosphere. Remember that small courtesies like greeting shopkeepers with bonjour and “ça va?” (how’s it going?”) also matter.

Visit The Cathedrals

France has a rich religious history, even if the major religions such as Christianity are waning a little as they are in many areas of the world. That being said, current numbers do nothing to dismiss the history, and thankfully France is quite an old country despite all the revolutions and political turmoil over the centuries.

Visiting the cathedrals can be a lovely way to get to grips with the real heart of France, and put simply, some of them have the best architecture you’re going to see anywhere. At least, in the opinion of the person writing this post. 

Of course, the Notre Dame cathedral has recently been restored after suffering a terrible fire, but visiting others such as Reims cathedral can make your spirit soar too. They’ve been preserved in incredible condition and are still central landmarks to the towns and cities they occupy – they’re even worth visiting an entire trip around or at least going out of your way to experience on your road trip. This is more than worth it even if you’re not religious, because some of these buildings have centuries and even millennia of history to them, such as the Reims cathedral we mentioned above, which was built in 862.

Understand The Cafe Culture

We mentioned above that France is similar to Spain in terms of how generations mix and how relaxing at cafes and absorbing the atmosphere of the local area is standard. Don’t confuse this with laziness however, the French are very productive in how they rest and socialize as strange as that sounds. After all, what else is community life for than to relax in one another’s company and feel comforted by it?

So, be sure to order a café crème (similar to a latte) or an espresso and take your time. You might see locals chatting, reading, or simply people-watching, don’t worry you’re not being rude, you’re just being present. There’s no rush here, and that’s the beauty of it.

It’s also a good way to soak in the atmosphere of your surroundings. Perhaps you’ll strike up a conversation with a resident who speaks English and learn of a restaurant the locals enjoy going to. A bustling square or a quiet side street can feel completely different when viewed from the comfort of a café table – and some might argue you don’t see France until you see this.

Stay In Accommodation With Character

Where you stay influences shape your entire trip, for obvious reasons. While hotels are always an option and we’re not suggesting you go out of your way or stretch your budget to a degree that isn’t realistic, if you have the means and willingness to search, looking for a place with more personality can be nourishing. France is full of charming and unique places to stay. That might include countryside cottages to small family-run guesthouses, or even converted monasteries and buildings that retain their historic value.

If you’re visiting a rural area, try staying in a gîte, which is known as a self-catered holiday home and often a popular choice for people looking for a second property to enjoy. These often have a cozy, lived-in feel and let you experience French life at a slower pace too. If you’re on more of a city trip, a boutique hotel or a bed-and-breakfast might give you a more personal experience than a large chain would, and believe us, the breakfasts will be amazing.

To conclude, France is a wonderful country absolutely bursting at the seams with culture and history. While many people think they know France thanks to its most common cultural exports, seeing it for yourself through culture and understanding can be extremely fun. While French people are often made out to be rude and dismissive, you’re likely to find this is very overblown except for in the middle of the busiest cities, as it is anywhere.

We hope you have a wonderful trip!