How do the French cope with everyday habits and the whims of life?

Ekaterina Oaro: Writer and Teacher

Ekaterina Oaro is a talented writer and teacher with extensive experience in literature. She is the founder of the project "Inspire to Novel" and has been living in the northwest of France for over five and a half years. Previously, Ekaterina lived in countries such as Belarus, Ukraine, and Russia.

Buying Real Estate in France

The process of buying real estate in France differs significantly from the usual ideas about buying a home. Here it is not considered the norm to link the purchase of a house with a permanent place of residence. The French often decide to resell their real estate, even if it was bought on credit. In this case, interest rates on loans can be surprisingly low, about2%And even lower, which makes purchasing a home a kind of financial investment rather than just a search for a permanent "corner." This is especially relevant for residents of the northern part of the country, where many retirees choose to sell their homes and move south for a more comfortable climate.

Interior Design in France

The question of interior design in France also has its own peculiarities. Wallpaper? They are perceived as an attribute of retro-style, as if passed down from grandmother's heritage. Ordinary French rooms are decorated in three white colors and one bright wall, which creates a unique atmosphere. And the windows? Here they are often seen as doors.

Resource Savings and Sustainability

The issue of resource conservation in France is not just a trend, but a part of everyday life. If someone forgets to turn off the water while showering, it can lead to a slight feeling of shame. The French prefer to turn on the heating only in the room they are in and for the duration of their stay. Waking up in the morning, many face the cold in the stairwell, where the temperature can be as low as16 degrees.Some residents, wrapped in warm clothing, can see how their neighbors feel comfortable even in home shorts. This is due to high utility rates, which lead many households to look for ways to optimize their expenses when they receive bills for water and heating.

Garbage sorting in France

There is a strict system of sorting garbage in the country. Before throwing away an empty tin can, it must be thoroughly cleaned. This becomes second nature to local citizens.

Traditions of Postal Communication

It is also worth noting that in every French apartment, you can usually find a supply of envelopes and a pack of stamps, all neatly organized. The French prefer traditional mail for communication, whether it's sending manuscripts to publishers or documents to local authorities.

French Cuisine and Customs

What about the famous French cuisine? Its perception can be quite different. Shawarma, a sandwich made from half a baguette, and fries are often considered a regular lunch. This might surprise you, but only until you find yourself in a mandatory integration course for newcomers. In such a class, they will talk not only about French history and republican values but also serve halal shawarma for maximum variety.

Food stamps at restaurants

He notices that when visiting restaurants, many French people pull out food vouchers, which sometimes confuses foreign guests. These vouchers, known asrestaurant ticketsand allow you to save a portion of the cost of food, ranging from6.5 to 10 eurosFor people from the post-Soviet countries, they remind them of familiar vouchers.

The eating habits of a Frenchman

And finally, it's worth noting an interesting detail: the French almost always carry a bottle of water with them and strictly adhere to their meal schedule, hardly snacking in between.

Perhaps that's why the French have such a slim figure, even despite their love for fried potatoes. Interestingly, restaurants and cafes close after 2:00 PM and only reopen at 7:00 PM. During this time, there is no lunch rush in the city — locals prefer to simply drink water while waiting for dinner.

Summer lifestyle

Moreover, the daily lives of many people in the country are adjusted according to school holidays, even if they don't have children. Public transport schedules and various adult courses, such as dance classes, are completely synchronized with school breaks. It's worth mentioning that the French tend to go on vacation at the same time, which is why many cities become deserted and quiet in August.

• In the windows of bakeries, you can see signs like: "We have gone on vacation! See you in September!"
• Small restaurants close their doors, wishing vacationers a good summer vacation.
• On the streets, mainly those who cannot afford to travel for financial reasons remain.

If you are lucky enough to find yourself in Lille in August, you may notice that the city is populated only by self-professed vagabonds and eccentrics.

Family values and work-related issues

I can't help but note that on weekends, it's not customary to discuss work-related matters here. On Sundays, there is a sense of calm in the air, as even the shops are usually closed. This is done in support of important family traditions: the state wants citizens to be able to enjoy time spent with their loved ones.

At first, I was a bit annoyed by the need to plan my shopping in advance, but then I realized the beauty of this approach — Sunday has become a true day of rest for me.

Amazing France

In France, you can encounter many amazing moments that can astonish foreign citizens. For example, you might see police officers who not only perform their official duties but also participate in cooking shows. This may seem unusual, but such an approach symbolizes the warm and open interaction between people in the country.

Legislation on marijuana

It is worth noting that the law on marijuana in France remains strict, although the facts of its use are not always strictly controlled, especially in the northern regions close to the border with the Netherlands. For the local population, the smell of marijuana is not uncommon, it can sometimes be caught even in the center of large cities. It is noteworthy that prospective drivers are confronted with questions about drugs in their driving tests, emphasizing the general openness to discussing such topics in society.

Gratitude to the driver

After getting off the bus, don't forget to thank the driver, as this is considered good manners. Especially in May, you may notice that public transport can stop due to the celebration of May Day, when lilies of the valley are given in honor of this event. If any of you have to work on that day, there's good news: your salary will be tripled.

Strikes as a cultural phenomenon

Strikes are an integral part of French reality, not a rarity. This is how locals express their dissatisfaction. This phenomenon can be considered a part of cultural identity, as citizens use organized protests to convey their thoughts to those in power. The French easily come together, and their actions significantly influence the decisions of politicians.

Complaints and communication

Complaints also play an important role in communication among the French. However, it is important to understand that making a complaint does not always indicate dissatisfaction. For example, while working in customer support, I noticed that even the smallest details can become a reason for a complaint, such as flowers on the hotel grounds that are not quite fresh. Despite this, the level of happiness among the French remains high, which indicates that complaints are seen as a way to maintain dialogue rather than as a manifestation of discontent.

Changing perception in tragic moments

However, the situation changes in times of tragedy. After terrorist attacks, French society discusses the importance of courage and openness, while trying to stick to their everyday habits, such as spending evenings in cafés with terraces, enjoying the atmosphere.

French style

French style also deserves attention. Even in summer you can meet people in the streets wearing scarves, and in winter they are not afraid to wear a variety of styles, showing open ankles. However, forming their style, it is worth remembering that bright clothes can attract unnecessary attention, while strict outfits are better suited for formal events.

Variety in clothing

When it comes to choosing clothing, the French have a wide variety that depends on the occasion:

• beachwear
• evening outings
• meetings with friends

But what is surprising is that when visiting temples, people can be in completely ordinary clothes, reflecting the relaxed approach and openness of the local culture.

Conclusion

In concluding my story about life in France, I find that this experience has become a true source of inspiration and wonder for me. Moving to another country is not just an opportunity to immerse oneself in a new culture, but also a chance to reassess one's values and habits.

In many ways, the republic is stability cultivated over decades; it is the unique traditions and customs that shape society. I have learned to adapt to new realities, and with each passing day in France, I feel more and more how these little details enrich my life.

Key points of life in France:

• Buying real estateis perceived as part of the investment process.
• Frugality in resource use: I learned how to save water and electricity.
• Attitude towards medicineIt has become a whole ritual, filled with care and attention.

I realized that French culture is more than just cuisine or architecture. It is a form of life that values planning and attention to detail. Going to the doctor became not just a visit, but an entire ritual filled with care and attention. These are small things that may seem insignificant at first glance, but in reality they create a deep bond between people.

And despite all the usual confusion and shock, I am increasingly embracing this world where the focus is on relationships and understanding. Life in France is teaching me not only new habits but also how important it is to appreciate every moment, every encounter, and every conversation. I invite everyone who is considering a move to be open to change — and then each new day will bring you something amazing.