The French land is an incredible country to which we invite you to discover if you have not already done so. The different French towns that you can discover become wonderful places that attract thousands of tourists. You can not only see small cities, monuments, museums, etc. In this country there are traditions that are most curious.
In France, as in all countries throughout the world, they have very own traditions. They are not celebrations or parties like the ones we live in Spain, not as boisterous, crowded, or noisy.
We do not want to say that there are no traditions, celebrations or festivals in France that you should not attend, quite the opposite, but they are oriented differently from those of our country, so you will discover something new.
The French have traditions and customs deeply rooted in their culture and personality, the truth is that they are very peculiar and interesting to learn about. In this article, we are going to introduce you to different French traditions, not only important dates but also gastronomic traditions, education, festivities, etc.
What are the traditions of France?
In this section, we are going to show you some of the traditions of the French country both customs and festivities so that you take them into account the next time you travel to the Gallic country.
way of greeting
We all know that the way to break the ice when we meet someone or simply for education, is to say hello. It is the first way to have contact with a person, in France as in Spain it is a custom to greet the person by giving two kisses.
In addition to these two kisses, if it is the first time you meet a person, it is normal to say their name in that first contact. Depending on the French region you are in, the number of kisses can change from two to three or four.
Tour de Francia
Who has not seen the renowned tour de France broadcast on television. It is one of the most famous sporting events and traditions in France and also worldwide. Every year in July, thousands of cycling fans gather along the Champs Elysées with their two-wheelers to kick off this event.
You can visit different cities during the various stages, it is a sight to see the one that takes place on the Elysian fields, in which visitors and locals gather to witness this event.
Courtesy forms
When you first set foot in the French country, it is normal to get confused with the correct courtesy formula to use. Don't worry, right now we'll give you a hand on that issue.
In other countries, with a simple smile you can say good morning or afternoon to anyone, but in France the use of the following courtesy formulas are “mandatory”. In addition, on many occasions the use of you is usually mandatory when you address someone unknown.
If what you want to say is good morning, you should say, Hello. In the event that it is in the afternoon you will say, Good evening. And if instead you want to say good night, you will formulate good night. If you are a more effusive person and want to wish to have a good day or a good afternoon, the words that you must formulate are the following, in case it is daytime; have a good day, and if it is in the afternoon; good night.
Bread; essential
This product is consumed in many countries and is present during meal times, although currently the consumption of bread has decreased It is still one of the foods that accompany our food dishes.
French society is one of the largest consumers of bread, its famous handmade baguette is still one of the favorite bars both by the French, and by the inhabitants of other countries.
Restoration schedule
One thing that surprises Spaniards, among other tourists, when they travel to the French country is the restaurant hours. It is not an uninterrupted schedule as in our country, they usually close at the end of the meal schedule and reopen in the afternoon.
In addition, the French have a different meal schedule than ours, they are used to their lunch time is around 12 or 1 in the afternoon and dinner around 7 or 9 at night. A few hours earlier than we are used to.
The appetizer
It was not going to be only the Spanish who enjoyed the aperitif, the French too. The appetizer or as they call it aperitifsIt is a deeply rooted tradition in the country.. This custom consists of meeting friends or family before lunch or dinner to have a drink and a snack.
One of the The most typical appetizers in the country are the famous cheese boards, sausages or mixed, which you will find in the offer of any bar or restaurant.
Raclette
Surely this word does not sound familiar to you, nor do you know what it refers to, do not worry, it is the most normal, since few tourists know what is being talked about the first time they hear it. Although It is of Swiss origin, the cultural importance of raclette is a fundamental pillar of the country's culture.
Raclette refers to something similar to a barbecue between friends, all gathered around a table with a raclette machine.. This name comes from a special type of cheese that was used.
cheese is sacred
cheese, a sacred food within the French gastronomic culture. It is estimated that there are about a thousand different varieties of cheese and the French are cheese lovers and top the list in terms of production and not far behind in terms of consumption.
Emmental, Camembert, Coulommiers and Morbier cheese, among others, are the most consumed by French society. But there are others such as brie, reblochón and roquefort that never fail on the tables.
Of course, we warn you to be careful with the cut, since each one has a specific way of doing it.
petanque game
Another of the traditions established in France is the game of petanque, even having national competitions in the country.. The rules are simple, teams of up to 3 players are formed, where each of them must be able to throw their metal balls as close as possible to the ball that marks the distance.
Es a game that is normally played by older people, in city parks and competing with each other.
Date July 14
The French national holiday is celebrated on July 14 and is a public holiday in which the end of the absolutist monarchy and privileges is commemorated, but also national reconciliation is celebrated.
During this day, both locals and tourists can enjoy a military parade in the French capital along the famous Champs-Élysées, fireworks displays in all the big cities offering a wonderful show, in addition to dances and concerts.
Paris Marathon
During the In the month of April, a sporting event is held in the French city where hundreds of people, runners or not, gather around the Champs-Elysées. In addition to this event, there is also a famous food festival in which pasta is the protagonist.
The pancake party
Considered a perfect party for those of us who are gluttonous, and which you should not miss on February 2 of each year. The Candelaria festival is surrounded by candle lights and in which crepes are distributed to all its visitors.
One of the customs linked to Candelaria, is to hold a gold coin in the left hand, and with the right hand cook the crepe turning it over, if it falls correctly on the pan means that you will not have a shortage of money during that year.
french sweets
It is known to all that the French pastry is one of the best in the world and hence its good reputation. You will find some of the most famous desserts in the country on the counters and menus of many of the pastry shops and restaurants in France.
The creme brulee, the tarte tatin, the famous profiteroles filled to the brim with cream, are just some of the fabulous desserts that you can taste. Here between us, the cherry pie is simply spectacular.
Christmas holidays
As in all countries around the world, France has its own traditions very similar to the Spanish ones at Christmas time.
On the night of new Year, inhabitants of paris gather in cafes or restaurants where end of the year parties are organized. As midnight approaches, they gather around the Champs Elysées or the Eiffel Tower with champagne to start the year off right.
El First Sunday of the year they celebrate the feast of the kings, it is traditional for bakeries to sell the famous roscones made with almonds and butter. Inside this roscón, a bean is hidden and whoever appears to it is named king or queen. Very similar to the Three Kings Day in Spain.
french carnival
It is not celebrated in the same way in one French region as in others, for example, in continental France, as we all know, the famous Nice carnival stands out, one of the most important in the Gallic country.
The Nice carnival manages to bring together nearly a million visitors both from outside the country and from within. This event lasts for two weeks where the party, show and fashion come together.
We already see that French traditions on some occasions are not very different from those we have in our country Spain. Gatherings of friends and family in cafes or restaurants to celebrate an important date or event are common. Every time France celebrates a tradition, it vibrates.