Dabbling in Jet Lag
It’s no secret that I love France.
For over a decade, I’ve immersed myself in the enchanting tapestry of France – living, working, and journeying across its diverse landscapes. From the bustling streets of Paris to the quaint charm of Strasbourg, my experiences have given me a complete understanding of French culture.
My love for France stems from its incredible work-life balance, mouthwatering cuisine, and rich diversity among its people and regions. It’s a country that has truly captured my heart.
And, today, I want to share with you all the reasons that make France so unique.
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11 Reasons to Love France
There’s an undeniable allure to France that captivates every visitor.
And it’s not just the world-renowned cuisine or the enchanting lavender fields of Provence. It’s also the way of life – the embodiment of “Joie de Vivre” and savoring simple pleasures.
So, without further ado, here are all the reasons to love France.
1. Good Work-Life Balance
The first thing I noticed when I started working in France was the good work-life balance. The French value spending time with their loved ones so regulations are in place to make that possible.
In general, the standard work week is 37 hours. And, while there are some jobs that have longer hours, most people have a normal work week.
There’s also plenty of vacation time. On average, people have 25-30 vacation days per year plus 11 paid national holidays! That’s far more than most other countries offer! And it doesn’t stop there.
In France, Saturday and Sunday are considered full days off from work. You’re not expected to do any work on either day. In fact, many shops and businesses are closed on the weekend. For me, coming from the United States, this was very surprising. But it creates a more balanced and healthier lifestyle.
2. Tons of History
France has a rich cultural heritage that dates back centuries. From famous painters to elegant architecture, there is so much to explore in this country.
In fact, history can be found in every aspect of the culture. Just 24 hours in Reims alone will take you on a journey through time. From the room where Germany surrendered in World War II to the cathedral that hosted coronations, it’s a small city with a wealth of history.
But no matter where you are in France you’re surrounded by history and culture.
3. Excellent Healthcare
Of the reasons to love France on this list, healthcare is number one. The system is funded by social security, so everyone contributes to the system.
It’s undoubtedly the best healthcare in the world, both for its quality and affordability.
On average, the cost to see your family doctor, or médecin traitant, is €0-7. Prescriptions are also covered and are, usually, free. Specialists might cost more, but, if you have a referral from your family doctor, it’s no more than €7.
4. Beautiful Landscapes
From vibrant lavender fields to towering mountains, France has no shortage of natural beauty. Each region offers something unique and awe-inspiring. And it’s all within reach.
If you’re visiting France on vacation, you can see vastly different landscapes in one trip. Imagine visiting Paris in summer, jetting off to hike in the Alps, then soaking in the sun on the beautiful beaches of Sable de L’Onone. No matter where you are you’re surrounded by stunning scenery!
It’s a once-in-a-lifetime kind of trip.
5. Diverse Demographic
As an expat, I like knowing that I’m not the only foreigner.
It might seem silly, but it’s one of the most important things I consider before moving abroad to a new country.
And France has a very diverse demographic. You’ll find cities like Strasbourg, Marseille, Paris, and Lyon have tons of expats from different backgrounds.
And while many people think that French is only language spoken that’s simple not true. You’ll also here English, German, and Spanish in most major cities around the country.
It’s this melting pot that makes France so unique and special.
6. Stunning Architecture
Whether it’s a Gothic cathedral or a sleek Art Deco skyscraper, there’s no denying that French architecture is impressive. Each building has a story to tell and represents a piece of France.
The ever-impressive Eiffel Tower and Chateaux Versailles are some of the most well-known buildings. But if you stroll the streets of Eguisheim, you’ll find half-timbered houses that’ll leave you mesmerized.
In fact, I often travel to cities just to look at the architecture.
7. The Language
There are countless reasons to love France, but for many, the French language is a big part of what draws them to this amazing country.
From the moment I started speaking French, my perspective changed and I knew France would be a permanent home. I developed a deeper connection with the culture. And I was no longer a tourist or an expat. I was French.
French is also a beautiful language. In fact, it’s even considered one of the most romantic languages in the world.
8. There’s a City for Every Lifestyle
France is well-known for its beautiful countryside, but its cities are equally impressive. From small towns to cosmopolitan cities, there’s something for everyone.
If you’re looking for cities that don’t sleep, Paris and Lyon can’t be beat. They each offer a wealth of history and culture along with countless restaurants and bars to choose from. There’s always something going on. But if you prefer endless coastlines, then, there are cities like Nice and Mention.
I love knowing that there is so much variety in one country. Of course, I love living in Strasbourg, but I also enjoyed my time in Paris. There’s no one best place to live in France, they all offer something different!
9. The People
One of the reasons why people dislike France is the people. But I would argue that French people are a reason to love France. Like any culture, there are stereotypes that often give way to negative assumptions. It’s not uncommon for the French to be perceived as rude and arrogant. And, while I initially agreed with these, I discovered they were far from the truth.
Now, I would say that the French are some of the nicest people I’ve met. My work colleagues helped me learn French and my French friends are without a doubt the most loyal. They are the reason I fell in love with France, and they are why I stay.
10. Delightful Markets
There’s nothing quite like browsing through a French market. The sights, smells, and sounds are all part of the experience. Whether you’re looking for fresh produce or handmade goods, you’ll find it at a French market. Not only that but it’s often cheaper to shop at the market than at the grocery store.
Most cities have a market once per week, but in larger cities like Paris, there are many. It’s honestly one of my favorite things to do.
11. Amazing Food
The food in France is one of the many reasons why I love living here. From fresh baguettes and savory dishes to decadent desserts, French cuisine is some of the best in the world. And each region has its specialty. A small town in Alsace, like Colmar, has tarte flambée on the menu while in Lyon you’ll find quenelles de brochet.
But it’s not only the recipes that stand out, it’s also the quality of the food. French chefs pride themselves on using only the finest ingredients. The produce is fresh and often bought locally, so you know you’re getting the best of the best.
FAQs About France
What is a lover of France called?
A lover of France is called a Francophile.
How do you become a Francophile?
You become a Francophile by loving everything French. That includes the language, history, and culture. I recommend starting with the language as this is the easiest way to connect with French people. Then, I would visit France as often as possible and learn about the culture. Of course, you don’t have to do all these things to become a Francophile, but it’s the best way to get started.
How do you live like French?
One easy way to start living like the French is to eat French food. Fresh produce, meats, and cheeses are all a big part of the French diet. And mealtime is as important as the quality of the food. The French take their time and appreciate both the food and the people they are with. The next easiest way to live like the French is to practice a good work-life balance. The French are masters at optimizing their time at work so they can spend it with their families.
Conclusion
From awe-inspiring scenery to buttery pastries, there are so many reasons to love France. Of those listed above, if I had to pick one reason to love France, I’d say the language. It’s connected to so many aspects of the culture and once I understood French, I understood France. Even a simple greeting goes a long way here.
This diverse, beautiful country never ceases to amaze me. It’s my home away from home. And if you’re thinking of visiting, or, even moving to France, I hope that I’ve shown you how magnificent it is.
Read More Article About France
Hope you enjoyed my post and found it useful. Here are some other articles that I think you might find interesting.
- 3 Days in Strasbourg – The Perfect Itinerary
- The Paris Zip Code – What is the Zip Code for Paris?
- 23 Pros and Cons of Living in Lyon, France
