The French have significantly influenced the life of the whole world. The history of the French people goes back thousands of years, and during this time they have experienced a lot. The experience of so many years has made the French purposeful, elegant, self-willed.
Story
Once upon a time, the territory of France was inhabited by tribes who called their homeland Gaul. It is they who are credited with the founding of Paris, Bordeaux and Toulouse. The Gauls were Celts. Their way of life was close to primitive. Gradually, the Gauls were replaced by the Visigoths, who built fortresses and erected cities. Later, the colonization of the Greeks took place, occupying the territory on the site of modern Provence. The war between Gaul and the Romans lasted for a long time. In the 2nd century BC. the southern part of the country was conquered. Subsequently, the entire territory was captured by Julius Caesar.
In the 5th century the German Franks came here. King Clovis I unites the lands of Gaul, proclaiming Paris as the capital. Modern history France is also filled with important events. To strengthen its position, the government in force at that time decided to go on the warpath. The First World War claimed many lives, and the subsequent economic crisis made the situation worse.
In the Second world war France capitulated to Germany, but it began partisan movement. The post-war years brought chaos to France, with many people continuing to die on the streets. Subsequent entry and exit from NATO complicated the government's relations with the people. Since 1974, France has set a course for development, trying to regain its former prestige.
Appearance
Modern French people can be dark-skinned or light-skinned; there are many mestizos living in the country, so you won’t find a purely French appearance among people. Among the French there are many assimilated Arabs, Jews, Turks and even Asians.
Character
Traditions
- The main everyday tradition observed by most French people is etiquette. Following this tradition begins in the morning. Compared to most Europeans, the French are more particular about their appearance. The morning toilet can last about half an hour, and with the onset of the holidays even longer.
- The concept of “come il faut” implies an order that must be observed. Therefore, when camping, the French often use a folding set of knives, cutting boards, tablecloths, pour homemade sauces into small bottles, preen themselves and try to look neat, as if they are preparing for a photo shoot.
- Sauce and cheeses are a mandatory ingredient in most dishes. They are often served separately. The French can talk about cheeses for hours; many legends and life stories of each of them are associated with them.
- Traditions certainly concern food. Being a gourmet is common, but a truly sophisticated person is a gourmet. This word means unsurpassed taste and understanding of the intricacies of cooking.
- Eating cheese with wine is considered a traditional way of spending time. The cheeses themselves became popular only in the middle of the last century. However, in a short period of time, hundreds of varieties and types of products began to be produced in the country.
- Lunch in France is held at noon. The invited guest must arrive on time; lateness is perceived negatively. At home, glasses are filled only by the owners, and in France there are special varieties of wine for children, so the child can drink alcoholic drink It's also possible. The attitude towards wine is reverent - you need to drink a filled glass to the bottom. If you don't finish it, it means you didn't like the wine.
- During the feast, hands are kept on the table; keeping hands on your knees is impolite and even suspicious.
- Be sure to use napkins carefully, do not crumple them, or leave them on the plate.
- Dinner can last 3 hours, accompanied by conversations and tasting of wines and various dishes.
- The inhabitants of Normandy are considered the most conservative French. They often criticize other nations, accusing the Americans of stinginess, the Belgians of stupidity, and the Slavs of lack of culture.
- The French are not used to worrying about appearance. Women dress beautifully, but do not always follow fashion trends. Last years marked the fashion for “unisex”. Appearance should be modest, showing wealth is incorrect. Best criterion assessments - intelligence.
Holidays
All holidays are divided into religious and civil. Some are weekends. A feature of the French is considered to be the presence of unique holidays related to a specific city:
- Labor Day is celebrated on May 1;
- Victory Day is celebrated on May 8 in connection with the surrender signed on the corresponding day for Europe;
- Military parades and grand processions take place on July 14, when the storming of the Bastille is celebrated. For the celebration, fighter jets are released into the air, flying over the Arc de Triomphe. The French tricolor appears in the sky from smoky plumes;
- French Catholics celebrate Christmas on December 25 and Our Lady's Day on August 15. Among the religious population, holidays are considered the most important of the year;
- Also significant are Ascension, Trinity Day, Easter;
- A specific attitude towards Valentine's Day. The French are well aware that the holiday is celebrated for the purpose of selling off stale goods. However, romanticism pushes one to perform exploits and buy gifts;
- Music festivals take place on June 21st.
Religion
France has over a million Protestant Catholics. Representatives of various sects also live here. Protestantism is most widespread in the capital. Interesting fact: The intelligentsia is not orthodox at all. Among workers there are few believers - about 15%. Aristocrats are religious, raise their children accordingly, and send girls to monastery schools.
The decline in the number of believers is typical for the rural population. The traditional way of life, when the average Frenchman is obliged to attend church every Sunday, is gradually disappearing on its own. The population of Mediterranean cities is often neutral towards religion. Communes are practically non-existent. Large cities also have few believers.
The state supports the church and its representatives, its role is quite large - church education is carried out in schools, universities and colleges. Religious literature is distributed en masse - this is a unique method of combating “de-Christianization.”
The villagers honor the traditions of the pagans. Some believe that sorcerers still exist. If a sorcerer touches his left shoulder and casts a spell, he can easily cause damage. The abilities of sorcerers include turning into a wolf, calling rain, storms and droughts. Sorcerers often appear in courts, where they are tried for deception.
Death is perceived by some townspeople as the unknown. Therefore, to facilitate the departure to another world, various rituals are used: removing a couple of pieces of tiles from the roof, placing a yoke under the head, etc. Today, the tradition of sprinkling the dying with holy water, confession and lighting a candle has been preserved.
Many educated French believe in astrology; they read horoscopes and perform rituals associated with planetary parades.
Culture
The culture of France has several periods, which we will consider in detail. The first is conventionally called ancient. At that time, on the territory of modern France lived the Azilian people, who were mainly engaged in hunting. Archaeologists suggest that they processed flint. The findings indicate this. Few crafts have survived to this day, but they also surprise with their skill. The Azilians carved arched blades, made scrapers, and made figurines of regular geometric shapes. A number of historians believe that the ancient people before the Celts used writing. To do this, they had to process the pebbles by applying paint. It is still not possible to decipher the meaning of the drawings and patterns. In total, more than 200 such pebbles were discovered. The Bronze Age differs sharply from the early ancient culture. It is characterized by a rise in the field of metallurgy. Excavations indicate the use of metal to make coins. Metal products had a variety of shapes and were of high quality. They were placed in the grave of the deceased, just as the ancient Egyptians did. The variety of burial mound inventory clearly demonstrates the difference between classes in the Bronze Age. The culture of this time gradually transitions to Hallstatt.
The Hallstatt culture was developed by the Celts. It is usually called La Tène. The Celts wore hryvnias, which were beautiful rings decorated with elaborate designs. Luxurious hryvnias indicated high status.
Much attention was paid to feasts at which hosts and high-ranking guests were praised. During the feasts, bards sang songs, and guests competed in various skills. The Druids had a huge influence on society. They taught young people from high classes, performed rituals and sacrifices. 1st century AD marked the decline of the Celts and the development of Roman culture.
The resulting Frankish state had a culture largely influenced by the church. The strengthening of feudalism and the exploitative policies of church representatives towards the people lasted several centuries. The revitalization of culture began in the 9th century AD. The period is called the Carolingian Renaissance. However, with the collapse of the monarchical power of Charlemagne, the fragmentation of the state, feudal wars, massive attacks by the Normans, and epidemics began. The decline of spiritual and cultural life led to an increase in the price of education, and one book could cost as much as a whole vineyard.
In the 11th century, folk art gradually began to develop. People reflected negative attitude to the feudal-church structure, they developed crafts. Scenes ridiculing feudal relations became popular. The people condemned the famous knightly tournaments, staging cartoonish fights with the participation of monkeys and dogs playing the role of horses.
The Church sharply condemned this attitude, calling for the punishment of all participants in such scenes, promising pardon even for murder.
A significant contribution was made by choral artists who performed songs expressing the protests of the people. The 13th–15th centuries were characterized by increased anti-church sentiment. The cartoonish performances of the artists found an ever wider response among the masses, while the church actively sought to maintain its former power, but technological progress, expressed in the construction of the first factories, pushed forward science, which was not in the interests of church ministers. Medical researchers appeared, writing works on surgery, alchemy and astrology. In the 14th century, the first printing house appeared - education was rapidly slipping away from the influence of the church, becoming secular.
The 16th century is characterized by the beginning of the Renaissance. Humanism begins to flourish, ideas among the masses became more and more bold, advanced, and profound. The Renaissance manifested itself in architecture, admiring such masterpieces as the Chateau de Chambord and the Palace of Blois.
The 17th century again showed the influence of the feudal system and the strength of the church order. Catholicism gradually weakened, disrupted by Protestantism. But the country's ruling circles were not going to give up their positions easily. Monarchical absolutism promoted worship of the high society, the king sought to bribe writers and artists to become employees of the state. Nevertheless, under the patronage of the authorities, talented figures were able to create a grandiose Versailles.
The 18th and 19th centuries were characterized by a transition from enlightenment to classicism. Revolutionary sentiments are gradually beginning to grow stronger. Poets compose hymns, dithyrambs, imitate antiquity, and talk about patriotism. The bourgeoisie is imbued with classicism, glorifying the people's fighters against the feudal rulers. Plays glorifying patriots and degrading the dignity of the aristocracy, clergy and fanatics are regularly staged on large stages. Romanticism appears in literature, artistic movements are increasingly immersed in social contradictions, and a democratic society is becoming established.
Food
The French have long established themselves as gourmets. Their dishes surprise with their great variety, combining different ingredients. While in France, you can try the quiche layer cake, which can be served cold or hot. If you are not a fan of pies and prefer soups, try onion soup. The dish is served in any restaurant. Vegetarians will appreciate ratatouille, and true gourmets will appreciate cassoulet. This meat dish includes bacon, pork sausages, duck meat, white beans, and aromatic herbs.
Those with a sweet tooth will be delighted with the clafoutis dessert, which is something between a pie and a casserole. Cherries are added to the dessert. Another delicacy is suzette. These pancakes will captivate you with their orange flavor and delicate dough.
National Costume
The formation of the national costume of France was completed by the 17th century. The image of the national costume originated among peasants. The main materials used for production were wool; canvas was also used. Bright colors were exclusive to noble people; commoners could afford fabrics of white, gray and brown colors.
The women's costume included a long skirt, a short apron, and a headdress with a scarf. The shirt (jacket) was worn with long sleeve, fastened at the collar and tied up with an apron. Depending on the regions of residence, costumes could differ in colors, headdresses and embroidery. In the 19th century, women wore several skirts with a dress on top. Umbrellas, cigarette holders, scarves and other accessories came into fashion.
Men wore long stockings, vests, short pants and jackets. The shirt was traditionally embroidered from thin fabric, and scarves were worn around the neck. This is where fashionable bows and knots came from. The beret became the favorite headdress, although sometimes it was replaced by a hat. Until the 18th century, the cocked hat was considered the main headdress.
Wool was mainly used for tailoring; vests were made of velvet. Only the rich French could afford the coat.
Children in France have always been dressed the same as adults. Girls and boys had no differences in clothing until they reached 4 years of age. Boys were only supposed to wear pants when they reached the age of 7. The only distinguishing feature was the wide ribbons.
It’s not possible to tell everything about the French at once. This is a truly spiritually rich people, whose culture has influenced the whole world. French fashion designers and perfumers are still considered leaders, setting fashion trends. Such grandiose personalities as Coco Chanel or Christian Dior created for the whole world, creating concepts of elegance and harmony. It is the French who are responsible for such fashion achievements as the creation of high boots or colored tights.
However, the French people are famous not only for fashion. Poetry, drama, painting, sculpture - they are in everything for a long time set the rhythm. Like many European countries, France is characterized by difficult periods, accompanied by wars, civil strife and raids from neighbors. The most difficult thing for the French was the struggle with their own government and the clergy. For a long time, the Church suppressed the cultural life of the population, subordinating it to its will. However, the people did not give up and resisted the kings for centuries. From their example, you can see that achieving your goals requires work, sometimes really hard work. At the same time, modern French may be conservative, but they have retained an elegant manner of communication, good nature and love for everything new. They became famous chefs, delighting thousands of tourists and each other with new dishes every year. Without exaggeration, the French can be called one of the most creative people on the planet.
This video demonstrates one of the ancient French dances. It's called branle. This dance is considered the most popular in the world. Almost everyone who has ever heard of French dancing knows the brangle melody.
In this article we will tell you whether you should marry a French man and why.
Many women dream of marrying a foreigner and going to live abroad. They often think that a fairy tale awaits them there, which no man in their homeland can give. However, is this so? We decided to find out what it's like to marry a Frenchman and how to live with him.
French husband: who is he, is it worth getting married?
Usually, after reading beautiful novels, seeing enough beautiful landscapes, and maybe even visiting France, everyone falls in love with it. And indeed, this country is very beautiful and awakens love for every house and every street.
Therefore, it is not surprising that women want to marry a Frenchman. That's it for him, and not for another foreigner. After all, many people want to live in France, and if there is also a family there, then it is doubly pleasant. Although, some women are looking for relationships only to obtain citizenship.
If you ask any woman about what kind of French men they are, the image of a gallant, handsome and loving man. What exactly is true and what is not, let's find out.
Married to a Frenchman - what kind of character?
If you naively believe that all French people are romantics, then you are greatly mistaken. Yes, undoubtedly, they show such feelings, but this happens very rarely. For example, on the first date he will show you romanticism, and then he may stop showing it. This is due to the fact that in reality the French are pragmatic and do not consider it necessary to constantly have romantic evenings in order to charm their lady.
Despite this, it is interesting to communicate with French men, since they naturally have great eloquence, and many of them have a good education, which makes conversations with them even more interesting. In addition, throughout their lives, the French never stop learning and always develop their horizons.
But don’t be surprised if in ordinary life a person turns out to be a real bore. He loves to talk about political topics and laws, constantly defends his own interests and is unlikely to refuse to take part in a strike or demonstration.
They also talk about the frivolity of the French, but this is not true. They are cheerful and harmonious, and are not yet accustomed to worrying about little things and creating problems out of the blue. It is also important to note that the French are in no hurry to get married; many like their usual way of life.
So only an interesting and educated woman can win the heart of an avid French bachelor. These men have many positive qualities, but what stands out most is restraint and prudence.
The French themselves are accustomed to living calmly and measuredly, and therefore passion in relationships is not inherent in them. They always smooth out conflicts, look for compromises in quarrels and try to reconcile others. It’s always a pleasure to communicate with them, because they have a lot of goodwill. It is also noted that the French behave diplomatically not only in politics, but also in everyday matters.
Married to a Frenchman - what is he like in a relationship?
Undoubtedly, the French show themselves as gentlemen in relationships. They treat their partner with respect and consider her an equal. If a Frenchman begins to praise his girlfriend, he will highlight her intelligence and talent, rather than her beauty and attractiveness.
Of course, such men are pleased when a girl takes care of herself and is pleasant to look at. But what’s more important to them is not the appearance, but what she is.
Together with such a man, you will be able to feel like a bright personality, and not a defenseless princess. The French never make a goddess out of a woman and do not bow before her. In addition, they are not inclined to idealize relationships.
Many girls wonder whether French men compare their compatriots with Russian women. Yes, of course, and they even draw their own conclusions.
They believe that Slavic girls are more beautiful and not just because they are like that by nature. The fact is that they spend more effort and money on this than women at home.
French women prefer natural beauty, and they don’t even try to do anything to attract a man. Moreover, they behave independently of men; their own comfort and career are more important to them. But Russian women happily devote themselves to children and family.
There is an opinion that the French are too stingy. This is due to practicality and prudence. French boyfriends will never be greedy if they want to choose a good perfume for their lady, but they will not often give flowers.
Married to a Frenchman - how do they court?
In Russia, girls are accustomed to men giving them flowers as a sign of attention or on holidays. But in France they usually buy a lot of flowers to decorate their own home.
So, when a French woman buys groceries for dinner, she can take with her a beautiful bouquet to please everyone at home. For a Russian girl, this tradition is considered wild—why should she buy her own flowers?
Even in France, girls often pay for dinner in restaurants and not only for themselves. For example, if you invited your loved one on a date, then you should pay. A very strange approach, but these are the concepts of another country.
The fact is that French men are not used to their generosity being taken for granted. Everyone will be pleased if a girl sometimes pays for dinner. For them, this is a manifestation of care and love. And in a family, couples can take turns paying.
Marry a Frenchman - Married Relationships: Features
As we have already said, men in France behave as equals towards women. All housework responsibilities are divided in half. Spouses should even raise children together. French women, as a rule, do not sit on maternity leave for long and tend to go to work faster.
Children very quickly become independent, and parents do not have the habit of limiting them in some endeavors. Undoubtedly, this is good on the one hand, but on the other hand, they do not have any special attachment to their parents.
There are very few women housewives in France. Everyone is trying to realize themselves and become successful. In addition to work, women often meet with girlfriends and spend time outside the home. If a French woman closes herself off from everyone and doesn’t go out anywhere, then this is very bad for her, first of all, for herself.
The advantage of a relationship with a Frenchman is that his parents will never interfere with advice and moralizing. They live their own lives and they simply don’t have time to give advice.
The only thing is that grandmothers will not sit with their grandchildren all the time. They have a lot of things to do. And by the way, if you file for divorce, it is likely that the court will leave the child with the father. This is one of the most insidious situations for a Russian woman.
France is a rich and civilized country with many opportunities for development. But not every woman will be able to get used to the difference in mentalities and accept them.
Married to a Frenchman - how to adapt to a foreign country?
And so you met a Frenchman - the man of your dreams, he fell in love with you and you are ready to get married. But how do you get used to life in a foreign country? After all, there are completely different people there, and a different mentality in general. There are some practical tips that will help you quickly integrate into the life of this country.
- Start actively learning French
Ideally, you should find a Russian-speaking teacher who lives permanently in France. This will allow you not only to quickly understand the language itself, but also to adapt to various details. So choose your teacher carefully. He should help you understand French culture and also give you sound advice.
It is also worth taking care of group classes, which are constantly held in city halls. Such courses are always mandatory for immigrants and allow them to learn the basics of the language. Don't be afraid that you won't succeed. Believe me, even the weakest people in learning can master French, so you will definitely succeed.
- Respect the customs of the country and unobtrusively introduce your own
Russian and French families are very different, even in the relationships between generations. We have already said that they do not sacrifice their personal life and you must understand this. Therefore, if you have no one to leave your child with and need help from your family, you should agree on it in advance. In France, it’s not even customary to come to visit unexpectedly, much less ask for something. This is considered impolite and may offend people.
If necessary, she can always call a nanny, but it should not be a young and pretty French woman. Practice shows that Portuguese women are considered the most reliable. And then you decide for yourself.
- A woman must work
Even though you and your husband have enough or you have very young children, you still have to work. This is a relic of feminism. If you are not ready for this, then give compelling arguments. And when you go to work, you must distribute all the responsibilities around the house. Otherwise, you will inherit all the same problems of Russian families.
The French are independent and do excellent housekeeping. This is how they are raised from childhood. So why not take advantage of this gift of fate? Just don’t forget that, like all men, they won’t mind getting rid of responsibilities if there is a woman who is ready to do anything.
Since you have such a chance, you shouldn’t waste it and start a Russian family with a Frenchman. Is this what you wanted? It’s better to carefully distribute responsibilities, and even if he does something badly, still praise him. You noticed that next time he will definitely do everything better.
- A French husband is ideal for a Russian girl
The French are open, loving, simple and sincere. You can give a bunch of examples, as well as stories of girls who claim that they are the best lovers. In a family, men prefer comfort and tranquility.
In women, the French like sophistication and education, the ability to support any conversation, regardless of the topic. So your overall comfort will depend on how well you speak the language.
Moreover, you must be a wife in the truest sense of the word - provide comfort, be calm, desirable and simply reliable. This is the most important stage of the adaptation process to overcome.
- Learn to enjoy life
The French are distinguished by the fact that they are optimists in life. They are always sure that everything will be fine. Often what is important to them is not even the result, but simply a good attitude and a positive attitude. In general, life in France is built on a culture of pleasure. Here everything should be done with pleasure and you will always be asked if you are happy with everything.
The transition to this state means working less, not rushing and not fussing. Learn to detach yourself from pressing matters completely and surrender to pleasure while relaxing.
- Learn French rituals
Guests are always greeted here, go out to restaurants, have their own customs for celebrating holidays and weekends, and it is also customary to travel. For example, having lunch at a restaurant every day is a common thing. But dinner in a special restaurant is a ritual. It usually starts with choosing an establishment.
When everything is ready and you finally go to dinner, you are expected to know how to taste food and drinks, and also give meaningful comments. Here you need to look for pleasure and aesthetics in everything.
People drink wine in a restaurant not to dance later, but simply to discuss. Every Frenchman, even if he is not an expert in wines, still understands them.
Delicious dishes, an interesting conversation that can last for hours - all this is a kind of tradition that comes from ancient times. And everyone respects her. By the way, if you yourself want, you can become a good interlocutor for your husband.
- Master the scheme - I observe, get used to it, act
It works flawlessly in any situation. This will allow you to establish a comfortable family life, make new discoveries and simply become happy with a Frenchman.
Should a Russian girl marry a Frenchman?
In general, of course, if a person is good, then why not marry him. And what does it matter who he is? If you have chosen a Frenchman as your husband, then be prepared to put up with the customs of a foreign country and get used to them. This will be the key to a successful relationship. In general, the French are excellent family men and fathers, so it is worth considering them as a candidate for the head of the family.
Video: Marry a Frenchman! What to expect from married life in France? Advantages and disadvantages. Mentality
What is plaisir? So many glowing words have been said about France that a couple of alternative reviews wouldn’t hurt it. This country has such an impeccable reputation that it is high time to compromise it. This post will contain some extreme and sometimes controversial views, but they are all based on personal experience. In any case, we are not going to drool pinkly about France - they will do it without us. We’d better try to look at it realistically.
Great
France is a brilliant confirmation of the saying “it’s better to see once than to hear a hundred times.”
There is no country in Europe more beautiful than France. There is no point in proving this, just in accordance with the saying. However, the French also have their own aphorism: “Than more beautiful city, the worse off its inhabitants.” Which is not far from the truth. In this sense, Normandy (northern France) is especially indicative: here are the most beautiful towns on earth and the most difficult townspeople, as the French themselves admit.
If we formulate the meaning of life for the French in one word, then this word would be “plaisir” (pleasure). The entire existence of the nation is subordinated to this goal. Delicious food, excellent wine, a serene life, passionate sex, beautiful clothes - no nation on earth has come closer to this ideal than the French. Pleasure is something for which the French are willing to travel thousands of kilometers and stand in lines for hours.
It's hard to believe, but France is an agricultural country. Moreover, at the same time it is one of the most industrialized (the fifth economy in the world and the second in Europe). However, the French themselves insist that their country is primarily an agricultural country. They stick to their ditches, ravines and dung piles. Any nettle bush in their native land is more valuable to them than all these plants of yours. Of course, there are industrial centers here too (Lyon, Bordeaux, Toulouse), but today in France you can still see huge areas of uncultivated land, where no housing is visible for many kilometers. Hundreds of cute towns and villages located far from large cities are developing very slowly. There are still difficulties with the Internet and even running water, but the old streets and touching houses have been preserved from medieval times.
Land is the most valuable thing the French have. Because of a small piece of land that has become the subject of a dispute, family ties collapse, families break up, litigation lasts for decades, and even small wars break out. If, for example, a grandfather died and left behind an old house with a plot, and he has fourteen heirs, then this house may stand empty for thirty years - because the heirs will not agree on how to divide it.
Agriculture in France is supported by the state: farmers are given subsidies so that they can continue doing what their ancestors did - growing grapes and olives, raising bees and herding cows. That is why everywhere there is such an idyllic view that it evokes tenderness.
“This is not stinginess, this is frugality”
The French are known for their pathological stinginess. In theaters they wear coats because they have to pay 1 euro to use the cloakroom. It is not customary to give flowers to artists - the viewer paid for the ticket and believes that he has sufficiently benefited the actors.
In Corsica (the main resort region of France) and Cote d'Azur Sun loungers on paid beaches are occupied mainly by foreigners. The French themselves are located nearby, on a free section of the shore, right on the pebbles or sand. The Frenchman goes to the beach, bending under the weight of a rug, a mat, an umbrella, a folding chair and a bag with sunscreens. The wife is carrying a basket of provisions. Children carry towels and inflatable toys. After lunch, when foreigners gradually free up space on paid sunbeds, the French “unnoticed” occupy them in order to lie down for free for at least an hour. Let the beach administration just try to drive him away - he will be indignant, because the sunbed has already been paid for, no matter who.
When does a Frenchman have free time(quite often, work is last on the list of values), he goes to a cafe and orders himself a juice, a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. This gives him the right to sit at the table indefinitely. The drink lasts for an hour and a half: the Frenchman drinks literally one molecule at a time.
The stinginess of French grooms is legendary. Few Russian brides can boast that they received gifts from their French suitors - at least a bouquet of flowers. Even if the groom is generous with flowers or a restaurant, this clearly indicates that the girl must pay with sex: the Frenchman does not give gifts - he makes a financial investment. And after the wedding, his wallet will be completely closed to such pointless expenses. A Russian wife will face austerity, strict reporting and the need to work in order to bring at least some money into the house.
Moreover, one of the attractive features of the French people is their contempt for ostentatious wealth. Local rich people do not boast about their wealth, this is the height of indecency. But the French can literally strip visiting oligarchs. The shamelessness with which they handle bills in restaurants and hotels can only be compared with the idiocy of Russian merchants who, with a sweeping gesture, order a bottle of champagne for 10 thousand euros (400 thousand rubles) or leave 40 thousand euros (1 million 600 thousand) for lunch rubles). If the Russians are ready to pay such a terrifying price, why don’t the French add an extra zero to the bill? In this situation, neither one nor the other has a conscience, so both sides are even. As for ordinary tourists from Russia who behave modestly, cases of deception and cheating are practically unknown. Recommending a more expensive wine or reminding about the desirability of dessert is a must, because business is business. But the choice is still yours.
It is not a crime to steal from the rich. This is why the French often steal from shops. According to this indicator, they are second in Europe after the British. One case became public: a mother stole some small change from a supermarket, and when she was detained, she blamed it on her little daughter in order to avoid responsibility herself.
Who are you anyway?
The arrogance of the French rarely manifests itself in rude form. If a Frenchman encounters a person whom he considers inferior to himself, he will not wrinkle his nose. He will simply pretend that he does not understand what you are talking about. And it's not a matter of language. You may know French perfectly, or he may know English perfectly, but he “does not understand” why you suddenly decided that he is aware of what interests you. “No, I just can’t understand what this man wants from me! Maybe you understand? – he will exchange a bewildered glance with another Frenchman. He, looking down at you, will shrug his shoulders. However, all this looks so stupid, pompous and theatrical that it is more likely to make you laugh than offended.
In the French system of values, intelligence is one of the first places. The French have always had great respect for developed intelligence. However, the admiration of intelligence among the French is easily combined with the low intellectual level of the nation. Most French people are poorly educated (by Russian standards), illiterate (almost everyone writes with errors), very superficial, and have an extremely limited or completely false understanding of everything. At the same time, they do not hesitate to consider themselves a “nation superior” (“superior nation”). In behind-the-scenes conversations, Russians are called “nation inferior” (“inferior nation”).
Blind faith in scientists often turns into a passion for fantastic projects. For example, in the 1980s, one of the French experts said that there is oil almost everywhere on the planet. This statement caused such delight that they began to look for oil near Paris. It never occurred to anyone to doubt it, because the idea seemed so daring that it simply had to turn out to be true.
The laziness and lack of responsibility of the French are known throughout the world. Any businessman from Russia, America or Germany curses the day when he decided to contact the “paddling pools”. They, of course, know how to work (and do it well), but they really don’t like to do it. The deadlines specified in contracts are constantly missed. It is impossible to get through to the required employee: on Monday he had not yet returned from the weekend, on Tuesday he came but immediately left for lunch, on Wednesday he got sick, on Thursday he had not yet recovered, and on Friday he went on vacation for a month. If you try to reproach a Frenchman for not being obligatory, he will be indignant and consider that you have mortally insulted him.
French bureaucracy is terrifying to foreigners. To take even the simplest step, you will have to collect such a pile of papers that you will fall into a trance. The English writer Peter Mayle, who bought a house and settled in Provence, cheerfully describes in his book how he bought a used Renault at a local car dealership. When making the purchase, he was required to provide an incredible amount of documents. It was necessary to confirm not only the availability of property, legal capacity and state of health. The seller demanded proof that Mail really lived in his house, for which he asked to bring receipts for payment of water and electricity bills. Therefore, most major purchases in France cannot be made without the help of a local lawyer.
Turyo is mine
France has been and remains the country where the largest number of tourists come in the world - about 80 million people a year.
This is what irritates me most about France. Crowds of tourists besieging attractions, queues at the museum for two to three hours, ticket scalping and inflated prices - all this can instill hatred in your heart for a wonderful country. You should avoid visiting Paris during the Christmas (December 24 - January 2), Easter (at this time European schoolchildren come, and this is the worst) and May (May 1-8) holidays, and especially during the holiday season, from mid-July to end of August. Because you can walk a whole kilometer under the scorching sun and not find a single working bakery - all Parisians are on vacation. And if you happen to find yourself in one of these periods, then try to stay away from the main tourist trails: the Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower and Montmartre.
Russian tourists have such a concept - “dislike of neighboring peoples.” It is known that the Dutch “don’t like” the Belgians, the Poles “don’t like” the Germans, the Greeks “don’t like” the Turks, and so on. And who “doesn’t like” the French? Germans, British, Italians, Spaniards, Dutch - in general, residents of almost all border states. The Belgians and Swiss are exceptions because they themselves are almost French.
Who do the French “dislike”? Everyone. Both near and far.
Foreigners who have lived in France for at least a few months often talk about this country in terms that are difficult to reproduce. The French really know how to infuriate. But they also know how to delight. Most of all, naive Russian and American tourists like France. We will also not cite their rave reviews; they are known to everyone. But what is typical is that both pessimists and optimists agree on one thing: the French are better than anyone at lying. Optimists admire this and call it “a slight exaggeration, so what, after all, they have something to be proud of,” and pessimists call it “a lie, a falsehood, a vile lie, there is no place to put a stigma on the French.”
What Frenchman doesn't like driving fast?
Transport in France is one of the best in the world and the best in Europe. The trains are comfortable and fast, the roads are ideal, the train and bus network covers the entire territory, and the schedule is designed so that transfers are as convenient as possible. Even Germany cannot compare with France in this sense, let alone Italy, where the schedule only means an approximate time when you can leave.
In any type of public transport, the main task of a Frenchman is to take up as much space as possible. You need to put on a very serious face and add metal to your voice so that he removes his priceless backpack from the next place and lets you sit down.
There are more homeless people in Paris than in Moscow. In the evening on the subway you will run into them with a hundred percent probability. Once they shoved me impolitely in the shoulder, I turned around and was stunned: a completely naked, barefoot, fragrant man, wrapped in a sheet, was walking down the aisle. This picturesque creature, who probably escaped from the drug treatment department, pushed people aside and did not even ask for alms, but simply looked for free place. Another scene was even more impressive. The seats in the Paris metro are arranged in pairs facing each other. Not far from me, an Afro-Frenchman occupied four seats at once: he sat down on one himself, put his bag on the next one, and put his feet on the opposite ones. He took off his sneaker from one foot and began picking at some eczema on his heel in front of the other passengers standing nearby. All this - with purely French grace, without any embarrassment. By the way, putting your feet in shoes on the seats is absolutely commonplace for the French, both in the subway and on trains.
The roads in France are indeed very good, but the reason here is primarily due to the dry and warm climate - the temperature rarely drops below zero. In 2011, France experienced a very snowy and cold winter. In the spring, the roads looked worse than Russian ones: there were cracks, potholes, and pits everywhere. The French swore terribly.
Zhe ne mange pas sis jour
The main myth about France is that it has the most tasty food on the ground. Let's argue about tastes. This cuisine was simply given a deafening PR, and after the cartoon “Ratatouille” there is a real cult around French gastronomy. At the same time, in Moscow even middle-class restaurants are much more diverse and interesting. In France, almost all catering is the same: throughout the country the menu is approximately the same, with minor regional differences. And when visiting a cafe within the same city, you don’t even have to look at the list of dishes - you know in advance what is written there. You will never find such richness and variety of tastes as, for example, in Caucasian cuisine in France.
Having gotten their hands on the famous snails, foreigners usually try them a couple of times in their lives and give it up: they don’t want to eat any more. The hype around frog legs is also incomprehensible and can only be explained by poverty: the French in ancient times often went hungry and were forced to eat all sorts of rubbish. This is forgivable, but why is it considered chic today? Oysters attract mainly women, but even here you need to be careful, because oysters are pure protein. Not every stomach can handle them, and in the evening after such a dinner you may turn inside out. So it’s better to start getting acquainted with oysters with small doses. In the end, an experienced tourist comes to the conclusion that only three things are truly tasty in French gastronomy: bread (fresh baguette, croissants), cheese and desserts.
On the other hand, it is difficult for us to understand how the taste buds of the French work. Taste in France is cultivated from childhood. Perhaps we simply do not feel the shades that they feel. From the age of two or three, a child in France is “trained in language”—accustomed to gourmet dishes. Schools post school canteen menus for the week on websites on the Internet so that parents know what their children are going to eat and, God forbid, do not repeat these dishes in their home diet. Children are taught to drink wine from about 12 years of age.
Catering in France is reminiscent of the difficult times of socialism. To get into a good restaurant, you have to wait in line! Some restaurants require you to make an appointment two months in advance: they will tell you the day and time when you can come, and the Frenchman will do everything to ensure that no extraordinary circumstances prevent him from enjoying the meal at the appointed time. In the most popular restaurants and cafes, the usual situation is when customers are sitting at tables, and half a meter away from them people are standing in line for the second hour and looking at the lucky winners in the mouth. But not a single Frenchman will be embarrassed by this: if he has already sat down at a table, he will sit for at least three hours, at least five, having long since finished eating, stretching out the drop of wine remaining at the bottom of the glass and animatedly chatting with a friend in front of a line that curses the well-fed slackers.
The French love to eat outdoors and it is truly wonderful. In Russia, picnics in parks and boulevards are for some reason considered an indicator of low culture, but there is nothing more pleasant! IN good weather all the benches, lawns and embankments of Paris and Marseille are occupied by people snacking. Sorbonne students sit right on the granite embankment of the Seine with bottles of wine, beer and baguettes for a snack, chirping cheerfully and waving to passing excursion ships.
Cheese in France is almost a religious concept. This product is worthy of close attention. Luxury and variety reign in markets and grocery stores, and for little money. However, some varieties should be treated with caution. They give off such a smell that planes on flights Paris - Moscow and Nice - Moscow sometimes emit a stench: all the passengers bought cheese as a gift for friends and put it in the luggage compartments.
It's better not to know how some types of cheese are prepared. Let us hint: the smell of feces that comes from the most fragrant varieties is not at all accidental. By the way, some types of cheese, even in France itself, are prohibited for transportation by public transport, otherwise after this trip the entire train, plane or bus will have to be decontaminated.
There is one thing in which the French show incredible hospitality and good nature. They don't let anyone go hungry. If you are not full at the cafe, you can ask for more, and they will give it for free. However, you won’t need any additional ingredients, because in addition to the ordered entrecote, you will be heaped with a mountain of fried potatoes on your plate. On days when all seats in restaurants are occupied (holidays, weekends), a foreigner can find himself in a sad situation. In such cases, you need to look pitiful, go into a restaurant and tell the owner that you are very hungry, that you didn’t have time to book a table and now you risk being left without dinner. The owner, having learned about your disaster, will be horrified, because for a Frenchman there is no more grief than going to bed on an empty stomach. Surely he will find a place for you: the waiter will take a special palm-sized table from the kitchen, set it up in the aisle, and they will still seat you.
French breakfast is all dough. Croissants, buns, cakes, bread with raisins, bread with seeds, bread with chocolate chips - this is how the French themselves have breakfast. TO bakery products butter, soft cheese, jams and chocolate spread are included. Instead of waking up the stomach after sleep and gently putting it into working mode, the French stuff it with butter dough in the morning, probably so that it doesn’t have time to come to its senses.
Tap water is safe to drink throughout France. In any cafe, a carafe of water (from the tap) will be served for free - of course, provided that you order something else.
Stomach upset is the most common illness among tourists coming to France. Not everyone can tolerate excessively fatty foods. “Delicious” here means, first of all, “fat.” From the first to the last day of your stay in France, you will probably be haunted by attacks of lightheadedness. Or vice versa, intestinal urges.
Here's an example of a common one French dish. A piece of fatty beef, fried in oil, drizzled with oil and served with a piece of butter, which should melt and once again thoroughly saturate every millimeter of meat. Or pork wrapped in bacon and fried in lard. After finishing this super-fat piece of pig, you will feel that Naf-Naf really wants to leave your body, but you have not yet decided how best to do this - through the front door or through the back door.
High style
The concept of “style” for the French is almost as sacred as “pleasure”. The seller of a pastry shop in the Marais quarter of Paris spent ten minutes putting the cherry cake my wife chose into a beautiful box. He carefully picked up the tartlet and carefully lowered it onto the cardboard. He moved it back and forth for at least a minute so that the cake was exactly in the center of the box and turned to its most advantageous side. Then he delicately folded the box, secured the corners and began to select the ribbon that matched the color. I spent a long time tying and constructing a bow of incredible beauty. And when everything was ready, he handed the box to his wife with such care, as if it were a newborn child. At the same time, he knew very well that the cake would be eaten as soon as we crossed the threshold of the store. Here it is, a triumph of style!
Haute couture still remains a French concept. And although at some point the leadership in this issue was seized by Italian gays, who tried to deprive women of femininity and men of masculinity, french fashion still the first in the world.
The French are the undisputed trendsetters of world fashion in everything related to restaurants, cafes and hotels. The whole world is watching what the French come up with and then implement it in their own countries. For example, the hotel custom of tucking the bedspread under the mattress near the feet (making the bed with an “envelope”) came from France. The concept of “art of living” (“art de vie”) was born in this country. And the system of hotel “stars” itself appeared here.
Luxurious hotels and restaurants can appear here in such unexpected places that it is impossible to imagine in any other state. French guidebooks spoke with delight about a family-run five-star hotel located in a Languedoc village. We went there by car (of course, having reserved seats in advance - without this it is impossible). From the Toulouse-Marseille highway we need to turn into the fields, and here we are at some kind of farm. In the middle of a godforsaken village there is a beautiful house, which is a five-star hotel. Two employees, who are also the owners of the hotel, are husband and wife in their sixties. From this moment on, we become members of their family. We are taken to one of the two rooms of this hotel. There is not a speck of dust in the room, the curtains on the windows hang deliberately carelessly, the bed linen is dazzling white, there are five soft pillows for each person, and you can ask for additional ones. The mattresses are so comfortable that the next morning you feel like you’ve gotten real sleep for the first time in your life. Just because guests become members of the family does not mean that they are forced upon them. Nobody disturbed us, but when we went out for breakfast in the morning, the owner and hostess greeted us so cordially, as if we were their beloved children who had brought their beloved granddaughter to them. Breakfast was served by the pool (there was an outdoor pool in the middle of the village). The owner ran to a neighbor who decided to trim the lawn, and he immediately turned off the lawn mower so that the noise would not interfere with our breakfast. They brought a special chair for the child; The specks of dust were completely blown off this young bandit. We ate the freshest food on earth while looking out over vineyards and lavender fields. Even the strictest eye would not have been able to find fault with the landscape - everything there was in its place. After breakfast, the table was cleared immediately, and in return there were sun loungers, umbrellas and towels. As soon as we glanced towards the kitchen, the owner instantly looked out to ask what we wanted - cocktails, wine or light snacks. However, snacks appeared even without our desire. The dinner prepared by the hostess and served by the owner is difficult to describe, and it’s not even about the freshest food, but about the words, smiles and incredible kindness of these old people. When we said goodbye in the evening, there were such tears in their eyes that it was impossible to doubt their sincerity. They kissed their “granddaughter” until exhaustion and gave her gifts. To be honest, we teared up too. And we will certainly never forget this lesson in the “art of living.” It is no coincidence that the tiny village hotel is known throughout the country, appears in the main French guidebooks and proudly bears the stars of all hotel and restaurant ratings. By the way, accommodation did not cost us that much.
For a couple of days of rest in such a hotel, a Frenchman is ready to cross the entire country by car. He will do the same for the sake of the famous restaurant, lost somewhere in the mountains of Provence. To understand how incredible this is, imagine that somewhere in a village on Southern Urals I discovered a Bashkir grandmother who cooks very tasty food. The news about this immediately spread across all the newspapers, and now Muscovites, St. Petersburg, Kazan and Novosibirsk residents travel thousands of kilometers to taste the excellent cuisine of the famous grandmother, and inexpensively. In Russia this is impossible, but in France it is a way of life. Every emerging culinary star is closely watched here. Having gone to travel through the mountains of Provence, we climbed the serpentine road and found ourselves in a tiny village at an altitude of 800 meters. There was not a single person on the streets - only cats. We wanted to have a snack at a local cafe, but we couldn’t do it - the places in the cafe were booked for today, tomorrow and the day after tomorrow. Cars with Parisian license plates were already pulling into the parking lot (Paris is 1000 kilometers away). It turned out that the village cafe has a Michelin star (the most authoritative rating of restaurants in Europe) and the local chef is a national celebrity. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of such restaurants in provincial France. They can be located in former cowsheds, some kind of cellars or in giant wine barrels. Even a roadside cafe in a wretched outback will receive a Michelin star if a restaurant critic thinks that the local chef bakes snails with garlic incredibly deliciously. And people will come from all over the country... For the Frenchman to miss his “plaisir” - but rather the republic will fall!
Kirill POKEDOV, newspaper "My Family"
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Moving to another country is always associated with both great hopes and a storm of emotions. This is probably why it is so interesting to get acquainted with the stories of people who decided to take this step. A resident of Khabarovsk went to Nice just to finish her studies. But then I got a job, changed several cities, and got married. In 7 years, she went all the way from a student with a temporary visa to a French citizen.
website asked the girl questions about her life and now offers to get acquainted with the peculiarities of the country, whose inhabitants, according to rumors, can eat anything and never gain weight.
1. About the language
In a foreign country, the language issue becomes acute. I studied French at university, and the teacher repeatedly accused me of having a “Ryazan” accent, so there was something to worry about. But it turned out that the French are quite loyal to Russian pronunciation, considering it melodic and even charming (“charman”). And when you start “living” in French, your speech very soon becomes almost indistinguishable from the speech of those around you.
But they don’t like English here. Therefore, God forbid you go into a cafe or store and say “Hello”. In this case, don't even expect friendly service. You need to act like this: come in, smile, say “Bonjour”. After this you can switch to English. However, you can go even worse - go into a store and, out of Russian habit, not say hello at all. They definitely won’t forgive you for this.
2. Mysterious French women
Another popular myth: it is believed that all French women eat pies and rolls and still remain reeds. There are nuances here. Yes, most women are really slim, especially in Paris. But baked goods and sweets are traditionally considered children's food. That's why French women mostly go to the movies with coffee and a croissant. In life, the girl will only have coffee in her hands.
3. Employment issues
One of the common stereotypes says that when moving to Europe, you need to be ready to immediately and firmly settle down at the counter of a fast food cafe, and get used to shouting for years: “Free cash register!” Yes, of course, this happens. But, if you are a good, educated specialist who speaks the language, you have every chance of getting an excellent job and never facing discrimination based on your nationality.
In addition, in France there are absolutely wonderful salons de l’emploi - fairs for meeting workers and employers, which are held in all major cities. At such events, you can go through several interviews in one day and find your dream job.
But not everything is perfect. Despite the fact that women here are more active than in Russia in fighting for their rights, their salaries are still lower than men’s. And in France there is an unhealthy tendency to recycle. The scale of the problem is not yet the same as in Japan, but recycling here is not only commonplace, but also a source of pride. A colleague can easily boast that he left the office at two in the morning yesterday, and such behavior is socially approved.
4. About nutritional features
Food in France is something of a religion. They eat for a long time, eat with pleasure, talk about food, write poems and songs about it... You just need to get used to it as a bright cultural feature. It’s just that there’s a completely different attitude towards the issue of nutrition, that’s all.
Another stereotype is connected with this: the French have definitely sold their souls to someone bad, because how else can they eat such rich dishes and still remain slim. The French are really not obsessed with counting calories: the main thing is that it tastes good. But the portions are small, and the number of meals is strictly limited (breakfast, lunch, dinner). No one would think of overeating on sandwiches in the middle of the night or munching on snacks while working.
In addition, overweight people are subject to strong social pressure. If a Frenchman or a Frenchwoman has recovered, then relatives and friends will not be ashamed to report it. And they will persistently report until the “offender” takes the piece.
5. French mentality
Many people consider the French to be tight-fisted, but this is not entirely true. Rather, they are very practical. Yes, it’s not customary here to go on a spree in a restaurant with your last money, hoping to hit the chance. But this approach has many advantages: people plan their budget wisely and generally are not left penniless three days before payday.
Another French feature is a healthy, direct attitude towards your body and everything connected with it. Women easily discuss the horrors of PMS in the presence of men; men will describe their intestinal disorder in detail without hesitation - this is normal.
But asking too personal questions is not accepted. “Well, when are you going to get married?” - no one will ask you here, and if they do, they will face misunderstanding and disapproval.
The French fully possess the art of living and enjoying life, but it strangely coexists with the love of complaining and being indignant. Everything in the world causes violent discontent: a bus that ignores the schedule, the government, the post office, the weather. And the habit of grumbling is a terribly contagious thing.
The peculiarities of the mentality include the French bureaucracy. When moving to this country, be prepared to spend weeks and months on paperwork. “Help for help to get help” is not such a joke here. But bureaucracy is like gray weather in Paris - you just need to get used to it.
6. About relationships
Many couples date for 5-10 years before marriage. Moreover, the traditional institution of marriage is gradually losing ground. This is due to PAX. It was created for gay couples, but now everyone uses it. PAX is a civil contract regulating minimum personal and property rights. It turned out that this was quite enough for a comfortable life together. Traditional marriage is closely connected with the wedding, and this is an expensive and troublesome matter.
There are usually more than two children in families here, and fathers take family life Active participation. Men even have a mandatory (albeit short) maternity leave, during which new dads care for their offspring, cook, wash and mop the floors. The French have a positive attitude towards this and, for the most part, are happy to engage in education and household chores.
The question of the family budget is also interesting. Of course, the French have it, but it is not the sum of all the incomes of both spouses. The family budget is a kind of pool: spouses contribute a certain part of their income, but at the same time, everyone has money left that can be spent as they please.
I have been living in France for 7 years now and I have no illusions about this country. Of course, it has its shortcomings (oh, this French bureaucracy!), but they are everywhere. In general, Paris has become my home, and I am happy that everything turned out the way it did.
What features of French life surprised you?
What does an ordinary Russian person know about the French? Actually, not so much. Those who have never visited Hugo’s homeland often use common stereotypes in their ideas about the French. The portrait of a “typical Frenchman” in most cases looks a little strange: a sort of sophisticated lover of frog legs and Bordeaux, with an indispensable scarf around his neck and a baguette under his arm, drinking coffee with a croissant in the morning, and champagne in the hotel room in the evenings... But so is this?
About stability
If we talk about sustainable habits, the French are unconditional opponents of experiments. Stability and constancy are valued most of all by them. It can get ridiculous: bread is always bought at the same bakery, Friday lunches are spent in a favorite restaurant, and vacations are spent at a resort that you liked in your youth. Is it worth talking about the Frenchman’s attachment to his work? The same goes for your country. A typical Parisian may know several languages, especially if it is required by his duty, but in any case he remains confident: there is no country better than France, and there is no particular point in traveling abroad either. According to the Frenchman, the Earth revolves around Paris. And the French openly feel sorry for representatives of other nationalities, because, alas, they will never become owners of such delicate taste and such a broad outlook as the inhabitants of France.
Every Frenchman sincerely considers himself “the very best” - in politics, fashion, art, culture, gastronomy... You can’t list everything. Well, if a Frenchman does not feel like an expert in some area, then this, of course, is only because this area of knowledge is not at all interesting to him and is not needed in life.
About kisses and style
Another stereotype is about unique French kisses. A French man generally appears to most foreign women as a kind of hero-lover. But in fact, most of the “paddling pools” are ordinary guys, who, by the way, often give in to the ladies. The reason for this is the well-known looseness of French women and their notorious independence.
By the way, about the French women. They do not always look as elegant and stylish as the media tries to demonstrate. Carried away by feminist sentiments, French women often forget about their appearance. But men in France really take care of themselves - sometimes even more carefully than women.
It is believed that the French do not pronounce the sound “r”, but this is only partly true. It all depends on what region of the country a person was born and raised in - Corsicans, for example, have an accent that does not have the characteristic French “r”.
The French are quite lazy, and that's true. The average Frenchman uses all possible occasions for rest: lunch break, coffee break, day off, shortened day, illness, strike... This is especially true for office workers. However, traders in numerous shops also do not disdain this kind of thing.
About food
By the way, about the shops. French housewives are some of the most meticulous in the world. In Europe, it is generally not customary to prepare food in advance, and in France it is completely death-defying. A typical Parisian housewife goes around the shops every day, meticulously choosing every piece of cheese. Everything purchased must be perfectly fresh. The very process of eating gives the French incredible pleasure - perhaps, only talking about cooking becomes more enjoyable.
The French are even more conservative when it comes to food than when it comes to work or car brands. Everything should be as usual: foie gras - only with Sauternes, coffee - only after dessert, and God forbid you add milk to it! Yes, table setting and even the order in which guests are seated at dinner are also subject to strict canons.
About tourists
The French have a wary, if not hostile, attitude towards tourists. Sincerely considering their country to be the best in the world, the French believe that any visitor by default is not so smart and sophisticated. And if a tourist also actively violates the rules of behavior - for example, reveals his map while stopping in the middle of the sidewalk - then this is a reason to express his open contempt for him.
The French are generally not very friendly. However, this is not a reason to refuse to visit Paris: if a tourist behaves “correctly”, then he will always and everywhere be welcome. And if you can communicate with locals in French, their attitude towards you will be especially warm.
