From unpacking the French approach to air conditioning to France’s top 14 villages and how the average French person lives, this week’s La Belle Vie newsletter offers you an essential starting point for eating, talking, drinking and living like a local.
La Belle Vie is our regular look at the real culture of France – from language to cuisine, manners to films. This newsletter is published weekly and you can receive it directly to your inbox, by going to your newsletter preferences in “My account”.
After a few weeks of holiday in the United States, I am happy to be back and writing about La Belle Vie in sunny Paris. While I had a lovely time catching up with family and friends, I also spent a lot of time sweating.
Maryland (where I am from) was scorchingly hot and humid. While I evaded Paris’s intense heatwave and admittedly had an easier time falling asleep thanks to the air conditioning, every time I stepped outside from the frigid indoors, it felt as if I was entering a steam room. I also felt immediately exhausted.
I have no science to back this up, but I started keeping a mental log to compare walking outside after time spent indoors. By the end of the trip, I realised I was less tired when exiting a lightly-air-conditioned room (or better yet – one cooled by fans or shade) than I was when stepping out from the freezer-level air conditioning. While I’m not particularly opposed to AC, I can understand the French scepticism.
ANALYSIS: Why are the French resistant to air conditioning?
When I admitted that I did not see the value in having the AC so cold that jackets and long-sleeved shirts were required on 35C days, my French partner joked I was becoming French.
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When I look at the ‘average’ lives of French people, it is true that my own life isn’t so dissimilar. I love a quiz show, live in an urban environment, and I eat bread every day. That said, I don’t know if I have 99 electrical appliances – maybe 40? Do chargers count?
Diets, TV and love: How the average Frenchman or Frenchwoman really lives
And if we are taking the French perspective seriously, we should also consider the places they recommend visiting in their own country.
From medieval abbeys atop villages with half-timbered houses in eastern France and picturesque Breton towns in western France, the latest Village préféré des Français (The French’s favourite village) ranking is now out.
14 of the best villages in France – according to the French
If any of those villages gives you the travel bug, then go for it! Book your train tickets! While there may be some larger crowds due to the results being announced recently, you probably won’t experience the same level of overcrowding at the top tourist destinations.
That said, if you are visiting a rural French village on a weekend, I do recommend reserving a restaurant ahead of time, as locals often call ahead.
7 ideas for your French summer holidays this year
If the beach is calling you, then you have plenty of coastline to choose from. That said, be aware that there are some rules to follow on French beaches. For example, as of July 1st, smoking is no longer allowed on French public beaches.
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In fact, many local authorities already had bans on smoking on the beach, but the new law makes this a nationwide rule.
Sand, smoking and sex: The rules of French beaches
And finally, while you should of course follow the law while in France, there are some unspoken rules you’d do well to adhere to as well. Try to avoid shouting or taking loud phone calls on public transport, and speak a little French if you can (even just a Bonjour or Merci goes a long way).
How to be a good tourist in France