French culture is well known for its elegance and sophistication. You can count on French people to know exactly how to prepare a good baguette or bottle of wine, no matter where in France it comes from.
French families are at the core of French culture, teaching children from an early age how to respect food and engage in enjoyable conversations over meals.
Galanterie
French culture takes great pride in their language, local customs and traditions. Studying them can help any visitor gain greater insight into French society and culture.
Galanterie (gentlemanly behavior) is the code of conduct embraced by men that involves deferential treatment to women and avoiding overt sexual indiscretions. This form of conduct also encompasses elements of courtoisie and chevaleresque values.
This dissertation investigates how early eighteenth-century modernist painters like Jean-Simeon Chardin used galanterie as a way to showcase their sense of wit (esprit) and taste, countering conventional views of seventeenth-century bourgeois life and values by creating scenes which demonstrated their own cultivated sociality and discursive finesse; furthermore they included queerness related to gender and sexuality into this framework of galanterie.
Boulangerie
Boulangeries in France take their bread seriously, from ficelle to pain de campagne. All fabrication takes place on-site with products never frozen or partially baked before being put aside for later sale.
Everyday, 30 million baguettes are sold and consumed; our goal at Boulangerie Lapin is to offer quality and freshness daily.
Boulangerie offers more than just baguettes; viennoiseries (sweet pastries enjoyed for breakfast or as snacks) such as croissants, pain aux chocolat, brioche and palmiers are also offered here. A chausson aux pommes (French for “apple turnover”) features a delicate pastry crust encasing soft apple compote.
When entering a boulangerie, there may be a long queue at the counter. When your turn comes, greetings will likely be exchanged before ordering quickly: “Bonjour Madame; would you like a croissant please?” You can even choose how well done your baguette should be; for crispier bread ask for one that has been cooked thoroughly while softer options would include one not overdone (baguette not too cooked).
St. Catherine’s Day
Every November milliners (hat makers) across France raise a glass and share social media posts to mark an occasion rarely featured on most calendars – St Catherine’s Day, which marks the patron saint of unmarried women, dates back to medieval Europe when young single women (known as Catherinettes) would gather around her statues wearing elaborate yellow and green hats representing faith and wisdom before praying for a life partner.
Some individuals who had already tied the knot would place candles before her image to bring good fortune for an idyllic family life. Now this festival can be seen as an outdated reminder of historic gender stereotypes; others view it as an opportunity to dress up in funny headpieces and embarrass single female friends; everyone likes a good hat!
Shopping
Make sure to say bonjour before entering any store – this polite French tradition forms part of social etiquette in France and sets an excellent impression!
At long lunches and relaxed dinner parties, French intellectuals delight in engaging in open and frank discussions on various topics ranging from politics, money and religion – no topic is taboo in their culture of intellectuals!
Although French do not typically celebrate religious holidays, they do enjoy Renaissance and Gothic art inspired by religion – so don’t be surprised to hear French discussing their religious beliefs if you visit a museum or gallery!
French wedding receptions traditionally honor newly married couples with champagne or wine as part of their gift, as well as serving a fruit cake on this special occasion. When traveling through France, be wary of children, street musicians, beggars and beggars asking you for money; don’t give any as this encourages their behavior!