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.
It is estimated that 63-66% of the population identify as Catholic, 7-9% identify as Muslim, 0.5-0.75% identify as Jewish, 0.5-0.75% identify as Buddhist and 0.5-1% identify with some other religion. A further 23-28% of the population is believed to be unaffiliated with any religion.
The French celebrate the traditional Christian holidays of Christmas and Easter. They mark May Day, also known as Labor Day, on May 1. Victory in Europe Day on May 8 commemorates the end of hostilities in Europe in World War II. Bastille Day is celebrated on July 14.
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.
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'.
Intuitive (N) and Thinking (T) personality types, known for their rationality, impartiality, and intellectual excellence.
French people tend not to visit unannounced or uninvited. To do so is considered rude. When invited to a dinner, it is common for guests to ask their hosts if they are required to bring something on the day. Guests may also bring a bottle of wine or dessert.
Indeed, in France life doesn't revolve around work, money, or having the nicest and most expensive things. Instead, the French lifestyle is all about enjoying the best moments in life, whether it's through social gatherings (with the “apéros”), French cuisine, arts, or philosophy, among other things.
Certainly organized sport has a place in French society, however, with cycling, swimming, football (soccer), skiing, tennis, boules (pétanque), and, increasingly, golf, basketball, and martial arts being the most popular activities.
Public displays of affection (PDA) aren't a taboo in France. Couples hold hands, hug, and kiss regularly. Perhaps this is the reason why the reputation for French romantic freedom is so widespread.
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.
1) French is spoken across the entire globe.
Second only to English, French is among the top languages for the number of countries where it has official status. It is also the only language, alongside English, that is taught in every country in the world. It boasts over 100 million students and 2 million teachers.
It's good to note that the French prefer to keep dates casual, relaxed and not overly romantic. As such, there isn't really a dating protocol in France. It's very common for men and women to go out together for dinner and it doesn't necessarily mean it's romantic in nature.
During the week, evening hours are spent relaxing at home, doing homework, watching television, or reading books. Dinner is typically eaten between 7 pm and 8 pm, when all of the family is home together. However, the weekend is completely for family time.
Embrace the French je ne sais quoi when it comes to apparel. Skip the baseball caps, white socks, sneakers, large colorful backpacks, and fanny packs. Instead, opt for dark skinny jeans, plain shirts without logos, and leather shoes.
Avoid asking personal questions relating to one's age, sexual orientation, family or children unless you have a well-established friendship. The French highly value their privacy and the privacy of others. Inquiring about one's salary and finances is taboo.
“Je t'aime” means I love you, but “Je t'aime bien” means I kind of like you.
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.
The INFJ – The Third Rarest MBTI Type.
French people now have a more “normal relationship with money,” according to Dr Baubeau. Fifteen economists also rejected the money cliché in the 2021 book Les Français et l'argent. On the contrary, money matters a lot to the French, they said, even if they may not like to make a show of this.