French values The French national motto “Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity” reflects the core values of French society. Equality and unity are important to the French. Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité'are often identified as essential to what it means to be 'French'.
Catholicism is the most common religion in France. About three-fifths of French people are Roman Catholic, which makes about 41 million people. Islam, Buddhism, and Judaism are also represented in the French population. However, a quarter of French people surveyed said they don't have a religion.
The French favour design over practicality. They like innovation for the sake of creativity, even when there is no practical need for it. (incidentally, this is the polar opposite of the Japanese mindset). The French raison d'être is "measured intellectual performance".
Typical physical characteristics of French people include olive skin, darker features, definition in the nose and brow, and slightly larger eyes. The French have a wide collection of stereotypes, including being hopeless romantics, very elegant, stuck up, and highly intelligent.
The French lifestyle (“l'Art de Vivre à la Française” in French) is the art of living life to the fullest: enjoying the best moment in life, whether it's through social gatherings, food, or art. It's about elevating simple everyday routines into something pleasurable.
A famous stereotype of French people is that they are rude and impolite but as a matter of fact, most of them are very well behaved and they will treat you with respect holding the door for you or saying “S'il vous plait Monsieur” and “Je vous en prie Madame”.
A legacy of the Age of Enlightenment, the motto "Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité" first appeared during the French Revolution. Although it was often called into question, it finally established itself under the Third Republic.
The French lifestyle is all about the art of living life to the fullest. Living life with pleasure and enjoyment is always a priority, whether that's through social gatherings, excellent food, or beautiful surroundings.
The French are generally very proud of their way of life, with an emphasis on taking time for personal relationships, preparing and enjoying meals, and enjoying the present moment.
French values
Equality and unity are important to the French. Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité'are often identified as essential to what it means to be 'French'. For many, the values of equality and fraternity indicate that the French are a unified and undivided group.
Expect Lots of Flirting
But whether you're single or not, in France, there is plenty of flirting regardless of marital status. To both sides, flirting is an art form. So you're going to see it thrown around a lot.
In France, saying “I love you” doesn't carry the same weight as in the United States. It's less of a taboo, and partners freely say it to each other, even after only a few dates. This is because they usually already know each other by the time they start dating.
French Family Values and Traditions
Parents also emphasize the values of independence, kindness, and striving for success in life. Most parents would say they pass on these values and traditions to their children through their daily activities and daily attitude, which set an example for their children.
In France, great importance is placed on family. The basic domestic unit includes all persons living in the same household, who may or may not be related. Single-person households are also quite common.
Normandy, after all, is the earthy land of the four Cs: Calvados, Camembert, cider, and crème (cream sauces).
In France, friendship is seen as something earned. Someone you meet and like does not automatically become a friend. You would typically see them several times before considering them a friend. To the American eyes, the French can seem cold upon first meeting.
Hugging in France
The French very rarely hug. In France, hugs are not a part of daily life. Unlike Americans, the French do not use hugging as a greeting. Instead, they kiss cheeks (faire la bise) informally and shake hands in formal settings.
The French have an undeniable reputation when it comes to love and sex. They are passionate, enticing and simply irresistible. French people have a way with words and actions that's all about love. And when it comes to displaying their fairness in bed, they are said to be absolute sex gods!
The French Won't Ask a Stranger on a Date
That is why in France, the concept of the blind date is inexistent. The French generally date someone that they had previously met either through their friends or social circles, meetup groups, local events, but also through online dating site and apps.
More than a tradition, it's a habit and even a reflex. Of Latin origin, the greeting kissing persists in countries where the culture of contact dominates, and this culture is deeply rooted in France. The French still greet each other by touching each other, kissing or shaking hands.
Equality and unity are important to the French. The French also value style and sophistication, and they take pride in the beauty and artistry of their country. Family is also highly valued in French culture. Mealtimes are often shared with family, and extended-family gatherings and meals are common over the weekend.