5 French Habits I’ve Embraced Since Moving Back to France

I’ve always been amazed by how we adapt and change based on where we live. Since I was 17, I’ve had the chance to call various cities home, both in France and abroad: Paris, Lyon, Strasbourg, Prague, London, and Amsterdam, for work and studies. Traveling is great, but what I love most is living in a new place long enough to soak in the surroundings, meet new people, and experience the culture firsthand. When moving to a new place, there’s something magical about finding wonder in everyday life, even in the most mundane aspects.

After spending four wonderful years in Amsterdam—a city I can’t recommend enough (check out my post for all my favorite spots)—I’m now back in France, settled in the beautiful city of Bordeaux, often called the “petit Paris” (“little Paris”). Even though I’ve only been here for two months, I’ve already noticed some changes in my habits and routines. I thought it would be fun to share these changes with you in this blog post. Maybe it will inspire you to try out some of these lifestyle habits in your own routine, no matter where you live :)!

1. Baguette Everyday

Having lived in different European countries, I can honestly say that nothing compares to a French baguette! Towards the end of my time in Amsterdam, I finally found a place that made decent baguettes (Stadsbakkerij As at Conradstraat 471), and in London, I used to go to GAIL’s. However, the baguettes there were never quite the same—they were always a bit too dry, too hard, or overcooked. Since moving back to Bordeaux, I’ve been thrilled to pick up a fresh baguette every day (or at least every other day). The only downside is trying not to give in to the temptation of a pastry every time I pass by the bakery window ;)! The best part about France is that you can always find a neighborhood bakery or “boulangerie” within a five-minute walk, open every day of the week.

Did you know there are two types of baguettes in France? The baguette classique has a white interior with a crisp crust and is leavened with yeast. This is often the cheapest option and sometimes contains additives, gluten, ascorbic acid, and other preservatives. In France, most good bakeries focus on the more artisanal baguette: the baguette tradition. By a law enacted in 1993, a baguette tradition can only contain four ingredients: flour, leavening, water, and salt. They are usually hand-formed and baked on the premises, often with a sourdough starter. So, my tip is that next time you visit France and want to order a baguette, never just say “une baguette,” but “une baguette tradition” or simply “une tradition, s’il vous plaît!”

2. Flâner on Saturdays

This is one of my absolute favorite weekend activities! I just love wandering through Bordeaux with no destination in mind, no sense of time, and no worries about how the hours are passing. “Flâner,” which can be loosely translated as “to stroll” or “to lounge,” is such a uniquely French concept that it has no true English equivalent. And let me tell you, France is the perfect place to flâner!

In Bordeaux, I enjoy getting lost in the charming streets of the Les Chartrons neighborhood, admiring the beautiful buildings, and discovering hidden treasures in the many boutiques and antique shops. We always end up at a café terrace, people-watching and soaking in the world around us. It’s incredibly relaxing and so inspiring!

3. Lazy Sundays

In France, Sundays are truly sacred! Everywhere you go, towns and cities slow down, with most shops and boutiques either closed or only open until 1 pm. You can really feel that people take this day to rest and enjoy various activities. Personally, I’ve embraced this routine without even realizing it! Just last week, I noticed that since moving to Bordeaux, I’ve stopped working on Sundays—something I used to do regularly in Amsterdam and London, where I never really took a break from my work week.

Instead, I’ve started doing Pilates and fitness on Sundays. I used to attend Pilates classes at Studio 191 in De Pijp in Amsterdam, but I couldn’t find a similar studio in Bordeaux. However, I discovered an amazing French instructor named Julie who offers Pilates, body sculpt, barre fitness, and cardio classes (lescoursdejulie.com) that you can easily follow at home at your own pace. I really enjoy these classes and now follow them weekly to stay in shape and keep my mind healthy. So, if you’re looking for fun Pilates and fitness classes you can do at home while learning a bit of French, I highly recommend her classes :)!

4. Weekly Food Markets

One of the best things about living in France is definitely the food :)! I love going to the market at least once a week to buy fresh products directly from local producers. At a typical French market, you can find everything you need for the week: seasonal fruits and vegetables, quality meats and fish, cheeses (of course!), fresh pasta, bread, and other delightful items like spices, coffee, marinated olives, or even fresh flowers.

Since moving back to France, I only go to the supermarket for hygiene products and some drinks. The rest of my weekly shopping happens at the market near my home on Wednesday mornings. The fantastic thing about France is that there are so many different markets (both organic and non-organic), and there’s always a market nearby, no matter where you live ;)!

5. It’s Always Time for Apéros!

I can’t even count the number of “apéros” I’ve enjoyed with friends and family since moving back to France! There’s always a reason to celebrate or just an excuse to gather around a table with drinks and snacks. If you’re not familiar with this lovely French (but also Italian) custom, the “apéro” or “apéritif” is a pre-dinner drink, a special moment to share with loved ones that’s meant to whet your appetite for dinner.

But honestly, apéritifs often turn into “apéro dînatoire,” where you serve lots of delicious appetizers (think saucisson, mini-quiches, a variety of cheeses, bread, olives, peanuts, and other tasty bites) that end up substituting dinner. This can happen at home, in a restaurant, or at a café. If you want to dive into this French tradition, check out my guide on how to host the perfect French apéritif. Enjoy :)!

Et voilà! I hope you enjoyed reading this post! I’d love to hear from you—have you adopted any new habits or traditions after moving to a new place? Share your experiences in the comments below! Merci!