As I conclude my time studying abroad in the South of France, one of the most prominent cultural differences I noticed revolved around food. First, there are many different markets and stores that specialize in certain foods. For example, the boulangerie (bakery), fromagerie (cheese store), boucherie (butcher store), etc. Supermarket stores exist and are used, but most neighborhoods have their own local specialty stores. In addition, most days of the week there is a large market, full of all different types of fresh food. The French tend to only eat the produce that is in season and their stores do not sell out of season produce, like we see in the United States. Dinner was always made with fresh, home cooked, and in season ingredients. Dinner usually began at 8:30pm and I would sit at the table for a few hours talking with my host family most nights.
I was surprised the first week seeing how prevalent the farmers markets were. I loved how accessible local and fresh food was. I think it’s amazing that the French have many choices of where to shop for their food. I realized many of the meals I was served revolved around in season produce which my host Mom further explained to me. My host Dad and our family’s golden retriever would walk to the local boulangerie everyday to get a fresh baguette. I thought their wholesome routine was the epitome of French culture.
The French are also notorious for eating late dinners. At first, adjusting to the late dinners was difficult for me. Then once we had dinner we sat at the table for a couple hours talking. One reason is because dinner is served with many courses of food. Another reason is the French take their time talking and enjoying each other’s presence. I really appreciated how thoughtful mealtimes were for the French, however it was definitely an adjustment. Typically in college I try to eat my dinners fairly quickly; I either have a meeting to attend or homework to complete. At times it felt uncomfortable taking my time to eat and chat with my host family because I realized how normalized rushed meals are in the United States. After reflecting, I learned to embrace thoughtful meal times and their emphasis on rest and leisure.
For the French and my host family, this is just a normal part of their life. Meal times are sacred in French culture. For instance, when you are ready for your check at a restaurant you have to ask the server for it or they will not bring it to your table, since most people typically stay for a while. In addition, the French do not fear food or find it sinful like many Americans do; they honor and enjoy their meals and ingredients. Understanding the French’s attitudes and beliefs about meals was very insightful for me. Moving forward, I hope to travel and continue to experience other countries, and food is a crucial part of culture. Now I view meal times with an open mind and even more respect and appreciation for a culture’s traditions, even when it is different from my own.