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The French lifestyle has captivated people for generations — not because it’s extravagant, but because it’s rooted in simplicity, quality, and joy. At its heart, it’s about elevating the everyday: meals around the table, beautiful ingredients, thoughtful self-care, and making space for what matters.
As a physician and someone deeply influenced by my French heritage, I believe that this way of living isn’t just charming — it’s good for your well-being. And you don’t need to live in France to experience l’art de vivre. From your kitchen, your skincare routine, or even your backyard garden, you can embrace the essence of the French lifestyle wherever you are.
Here are 25 timeless practices to inspire a more intentional, beautiful way of living — one that supports both health and happiness.
1. Prioritize Mealtime
In France, mealtime is sacred. It’s not something squeezed in between errands or eaten on the go — it’s a daily ritual of connection. Meals are shared around the table, often with extended family or friends, especially on weekends.
Even if you’re dining alone, set the table. Light a candle, use a real plate. Give yourself that moment to slow down, eat without distraction, and feel present.
2. Choose Quality Over Quantity
A defining feature of French culture is a deep appreciation for quality — in food, clothing, skincare, and beyond. A French woman would rather own one beautiful blouse than five she doesn’t love. The same applies to meals: a small portion of exquisite cheese over a mountain of mediocre.
Start by choosing the best ingredients and items your budget allows. You may find yourself consuming (and spending) less — but enjoying far more.
3. Learn To Cook Simple French Food
You don’t need a culinary degree to cook like the French. Start with rustic, comforting recipes like soupe au pistou, a peach galette, or even herbed mushrooms. The beauty is in the simplicity and the ingredients themselves.
French cooking isn’t about perfection — it’s about rhythm, seasonality, and love.
4. Use Your Beautiful Things Daily
We’ve all stored away special dishes and linens for “some day.” The French don’t do that. A simple weeknight dinner deserves a real glass of wine, a cloth napkin, and a bit of beauty.
Use your beautiful things now — they’re meant to be lived with.
5. Present Yourself With Care
French people tend to dress with quiet intention — even to the market. You don’t need to wear lipstick and heels to do the school run, but slipping into something presentable, clean, and intentional adds dignity to the day.
A curated capsule wardrobe of timeless pieces can make this effortless.
6. Create Gentle Self Care Rituals
My French grandmother never skipped her morning routine — face cream, a spritz of eau de cologne, a quick tidy of her hair. It was never rushed, and always done with care.
Self-care doesn’t need to be elaborate. A few minutes with clean skincare products, a warm drink in the morning sun, or five quiet breaths can all support well-being.
7. Walk More
The French walk — a lot. Villages and cities are built for pedestrians, and errands often happen on foot. Even if you live in a car-centric area, you can choose to park further away, take the stairs, or stroll after dinner.
It’s less about “getting steps in” and more about moving through your day intentionally.
8. Shop Seasonally and Locally
Growing up, I spent most of my summers in France. Every Sunday, we’d walk the open-air market and my grandmother would plan our meals based on what looked good. Produce was fresh, local, and full of flavor.
If you have a farmer’s market nearby, make it a part of your rhythm. If not, shop what’s in season at your grocery store and seek out local brands where possible.
You can even invest in a French market bag to give it a more authentic feel.
9. Savor a French Breakfast
In France, breakfast is simple: coffee or tea, fresh bread or a pastry, maybe fruit. It’s not rushed, and it’s not eaten in the car.
You don’t need to give up your eggs or oatmeal — just try making breakfast a little slower and more beautiful.
10. Explore The Arts
The French have a deep appreciation for the arts — music, theater, visual art, literature. It’s considered essential to a full life.
Visit a local museum, play classical music while cooking, or simply keep a book of poetry by your bed.
11. Eat Whole, Minimally Processed Foods
French markets are filled with vibrant produce, real cheeses, butchered meats — not packaged, engineered snacks.
Start by simplifying your pantry: whole grains, seasonal produce, and high-quality fats. Let your ingredients shine.
12. Put Down Your Phone
One of the loveliest things about France is seeing people talk to each other at cafés — without a phone in sight.
Try practicing tech-free meals. Set “downtime” on your phone. Make space for true presence.
13. Carry Reusable Shopping Bags
In France, single-use plastic bags are largely a thing of the past. Bring your own — and do your part.
Tuck a few fabric bags into your purse or car so you’re always prepared.
14. Buy Fresh Flowers
A small bouquet of seasonal blooms brightens your home and your mood. The French often pick up flowers from the market as naturally as they pick up cheese.
No occasion needed.
15. Add Le Goûter To Your Day
Le goûter is a small afternoon snack — usually sweet, and often shared by children and adults alike.
A piece of dark chocolate with tea at 4 p.m.? Yes, please.
16. Host Friends For Apéro
Before dinner in France, friends often gather for an apéritif — a small drink and a few salty bites. It’s about connection, not formality.
Invite a friend for olives and sparkling water. Keep it simple.
17. Serve Cheese After Dinner
Cheese isn’t just a snack — it’s a ritual. After dinner, serve one or two varieties with a small knife and a bit of good bread. Take your time.
18. Invest In French-Made Home Goods
Simple tools — like olive wood spoons, Marseille soap, or La Rochère glassware — add functionality and beauty.
Choose fewer, better pieces you’ll use every day.
Some of my favorite things that we use in our home every single day are Opinel pairing knives, and an Opinel bread knife. Try adding some La Rochere glasses to your table setting, a scented candle from Panier des Senses, some great Laguiole knives!
19. Make Time for What You Love
The French prioritize the personal: a creative hobby, gardening, baking, or a quiet passion.
You don’t need to monetize it. Just enjoy it.
20. Work To Live, Don’t Live To Work
France values le temps libre — free time. That doesn’t mean laziness; it means knowing life is more than productivity.
Where you can, protect your evenings. Say no to overwork. Choose rest.
21. Slow Down
This may be the most important tip. Slow down your meals, your routines, your days. Breathe between tasks.
Let life unfold with less rush.
22. Play French Music
Put on Edith Piaf or Carla Bruni while you cook, or jazz from a Parisian café playlist. Let music set the tone for a slower pace.
23. Grow a Potager Garden
A French Potager is a kitchen garden. Think herbs, vegetables, etc. These are typically seen in the french countryside.
You don’t need land to grow a few herbs. A French kitchen garden can live on a balcony or windowsill.
Fresh herbs elevate any dish — and tending to them brings joy.
Check out this article to learn how to create your own French potager.
24. Stay Informed and Curious
Conversation in France often turns to current events, books, and thoughtful ideas. Stay curious.
Read the news. Learn something new. It’s part of a rich, full life
25. Find Joy in the Everyday
This is l’art de vivre. Light a candle. Use the linen napkin. Drink your coffee slowly. Pause to notice the breeze.
You don’t need to move to France to live like this. Just choose to live beautifully, wherever you are.
Living like the French isn’t about being perfect — it’s about being present. Choose one or two practices to start with. Let them become second nature. Over time, you’ll find your days feel more beautiful, balanced, and joyful.
À bientôt,
-Gaby
FREE PRINTABLE!! Download your checklist of these 25 lifestyle habits to keep on your fridge or in your planner.
it was so very helpful, thank you.
Hi! I’m glad that it is helpful, you’re welcome. 🙂