10 Wonderfully French Things That Will Surprise You (In the Best Way)

So you’ve packed up your life and headed to France or maybe you’re still dreaming about it from your kitchen table with a croissant in hand. Either way, there's so much more to French life than red wine, berets, and the Eiffel Tower. Once you’re living here, you’ll discover a world of charming quirks and delightful surprises that make everyday life feel just a little more magical (or, at least, amusing).

Here are 10 wonderfully French things that might catch you off guard… but will probably steal your heart.

1. The Bread Obsession Is Real

You think you like bread? France adores it. It’s not just about the daily baguette, it’s about knowing which boulangerie has the crispiest crust, whether your local baker does a “tradition,” and the subtle art of carrying your baguette under your arm like a true local.

Don't be surprised if people walk past four other bakeries to get to their favourite. It's serious business.

2. Shops Close… A Lot

You’ve got your shopping list ready, you’re heading to the supermarket and it’s closed. It’s Tuesday afternoon. Or a Monday. Or maybe it’s just lunchtime.

In France, the long lunch break still lives on, especially in rural areas. Many shops and even some supermarkets shut from 12:30 to 2:30, and don’t expect much to be open on Sundays either.

You’ll quickly learn to plan around it, or embrace the slow pace.

3. Markets Are a Way of Life

Whether it’s a tiny village or a big city, there’s a weekly (or twice-weekly) market filled with local cheese, fresh veg, saucisson, and probably a few chickens in crates.

Markets are more than shopping, they’re a social event. Locals chat with producers, sip coffee in the square, and catch up on the latest gossip.

Pro tip: get there early for the best stuff and bring your own basket.

4. Paperwork Has a Personality

France is known for bureaucracy, and let’s be honest—it’s a reputation earned. But the paperwork has its own je ne sais quoi. Forms are thorough (sometimes baffling), and you may be asked to provide the same document three times.

However, once you understand the rhythm, it becomes less stressful. Keep copies of everything, invest in a filing system, and remember: a friendly smile at the mairie can go a long way.

5. Café Culture Is Sacred

Coffee in France isn’t about giant lattes on the go. It’s a small, strong espresso at the bar, or a leisurely café crème on the terrace, preferably with the sun on your face and time to watch the world pass by.

And yes—people really do linger over coffee. One cup can last a full hour with the right company (or the right novel).

6. People Actually Say Bonjour—and Mean It

One of the loveliest French customs is how everyone greets each other. Whether you walk into a shop, pass someone on a quiet street, or arrive at the doctor’s waiting room—say bonjour.

It’s polite, expected, and a reminder that community and civility still matter here. It might feel formal at first, but soon you'll find yourself missing it when you’re elsewhere.

7. Village Life is Alive and Well

If you think moving to a French village means being isolated, think again. In many areas, there are active committees, fêtes, wine tastings, dances, and fundraisers throughout the year.

Even the smallest village might have a tennis club, a pétanque league, and a choir. And when it comes to vide-greniers (car boot sales), entire communities turn out.

8. Time Slows Down—and That’s a Good Thing

In France, especially outside the big cities, life doesn’t move at breakneck speed. People take time for meals, they don’t rush errands, and no one’s checking their phone every two minutes.

It might take a little adjustment if you’re used to go-go-go, but soon you'll find yourself wondering why you were always in such a hurry.

9. Everything Tastes Better

It’s not your imagination. From supermarket tomatoes to €3 bottles of wine, the food and drink here are just better. Maybe it’s the freshness, maybe it’s the pride in quality, maybe it’s the joy of eating slowly and with purpose.

And don’t get us started on the cheese—just know that there’s an entire section of the fridge dedicated to it.

10. You’ll Start Saying “Ooh là là” Without Realising

It sneaks in. First you hear it from others: a neighbour surprised by the price of peaches, a postman admiring your garden, a friend frustrated with the weather. Then, one day, you say it too.

Congratulations. You’re officially starting to go native.

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Living in France isn’t just about ticking off a bucket list of castles and wine regions. It’s about embracing the everyday joys, the quirks, the rhythms, the unexpected rituals that slowly become second nature.

Yes, some things will frustrate you at first. But more often than not, they’ll charm you, surprise you, and remind you why you made the move in the first place.

And once you’ve adopted the baguette-under-arm walk, there’s really no going back.