12 Effortless Ways to Live Like the French

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links — at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the content I create here on the blog! You can read my full Disclosure Policy for more details.

The French have long mastered the art of living well—savoring moments, prioritizing pleasure, and refusing to rush through life. Their secret? A lifestyle deeply rooted in slow living, where quality always trumps quantity.

If you’ve ever dreamt of strolling through a charming Parisian market, sipping a café crème on a sunlit terrace, or lingering over a long, leisurely dinner, it’s time to embrace the French way of slow living.

The Essence of French Culture: A Life Well-Lived

French culture is a celebration of life’s simple pleasures. It revolves around savoring the present, indulging in meaningful rituals, and prioritizing quality in everything—whether it’s food, relationships, or even daily habits.

Unlike the fast-paced, productivity-driven mindset found in many Western societies, the French embrace a more intentional, mindful way of living. They value leisure as much as labor, conversation over consumption, and experiences over excess.

Some of the most defining aspects of French culture that align with slow living include:

1. The Art of Joie de Vivre

The French philosophy of joie de vivre—the joy of living—emphasizes finding pleasure in everyday moments. Whether it’s enjoying a beautifully prepared meal, strolling through a charming cobblestone street, or lingering at a café with friends, the goal is to fully experience life.

2. A Deep Connection to Food

In France, food isn’t just nourishment—it’s a ritual, an experience, a social connector. Meals are prepared with care, eaten slowly, and often shared with loved ones. The focus is always on quality over quantity, with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients.

3. A Balanced Approach to Work and Leisure

French culture places a strong emphasis on work-life balance. Long lunches, extended vacations, and time spent with family and friends are considered essential, not indulgent. Unlike hustle culture, the French believe in working to live, not living to work.

4. Minimalist, Yet Intentional Living

Whether in fashion, home decor, or daily routines, the French embrace effortless elegance. A clutter-free wardrobe of timeless pieces, a home filled with meaningful objects, and a lifestyle that values quality over accumulation all reflect this deep-rooted cultural ethos.

5. Prioritizing Conversation & Connection

From lively debates to intimate dinners, the French value deep conversations over surface-level small talk. Social gatherings are never rushed, and interactions—whether with friends, family, or strangers—are intentional, engaging, and meaningful.

6. The Art of Doing Nothing (L’Art de Rien)

French culture doesn’t demand constant productivity. Instead, the ability to pause, observe, and simply be present is celebrated. Whether it’s people-watching at a café, wandering through a garden, or taking an afternoon nap, the French understand the value of rest and leisure.

How to Infuse Your Life with French-Inspired Slow Living

The beauty of French culture lies in its effortless elegance and mindful approach to daily life.

So, how can you bring this philosophy into your own life?

By making small, intentional shifts in your daily routine, you can embrace a more present, fulfilling, and joyful lifestyle—one that feels rich in experience rather than overwhelmed by busyness.

Here are 12 simple yet powerful ways to practice slow living, the French way.

1. Start Your Day with a Thoughtful Morning Ritual

Before the French rush into their day, they ease into it. Morning coffee isn’t gulped down—it’s savored. Breakfast isn’t an afterthought—it’s a ritual.

Try this:

• Make a simple, delicious breakfast (think fresh croissants, fruit, or warm bread with jam).
• Sit by a window or outdoors.
• Sip your drink mindfully—whether it’s tea or a café au lait.

Picture This: A sun-drenched kitchen, the scent of fresh coffee swirling in the air, the quiet rustling of a newspaper. You’re wrapped in a cozy robe, taking slow sips, letting the morning unfold at its own pace.

2. Shop Like a French Market-Goer

French markets are the heart of community life, offering fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced foods. Rather than bulk-buying, the French shop intentionally—choosing only what they need for a few days.

Try this:

• Visit a local farmers’ market.
• Choose high-quality ingredients in smaller quantities.
• Enjoy the experience—chat with vendors, smell the produce, and take your time.

3. Prioritize Pleasure in Your Daily Life

French culture embraces the idea that life is meant to be enjoyed. Simple moments—like a warm pastry, a leisurely lunch, or an evening walk—are treated as little luxuries.

Try this:

• Light a candle while you read.
• Use your favorite plates and glassware, even for an ordinary meal.
• Take yourself on a solo date—maybe to a café or museum.

4. Perfect the Art of the Long Meal

In France, meals are a ceremony, not a chore. They are meant to be savored, not rushed. A meal is a time to gather, connect, and indulge—all without distractions.

Try this:

• Set the table beautifully, even if it’s just for yourself.
• Eat mindfully—put your fork down between bites.
• Engage in conversation or listen to soft music while dining.

5. Walk Everywhere

French cities are designed for walking, and movement is a natural part of life. Rather than squeezing in a high-intensity workout, many opt for long, leisurely strolls as a way to stay active.

Try this:

• Walk to your errands instead of driving.
• Take a scenic route instead of the fastest one.
• Wander without a destination—just to soak in the beauty around you.

6. Create a Signature, Minimalist Wardrobe

French fashion is rooted in simplicity, timelessness, and quality over quantity. A well-curated wardrobe of versatile, well-made pieces means fewer decisions and less clutter.

Try this:

• Invest in high-quality basics.
• Choose pieces that mix and match effortlessly.
• Declutter fast fashion items in favor of well-loved classics.

7. Disconnect from the Hustle Culture

Unlike the “work until you drop” mentality, the French believe in living well outside of work. Evenings and weekends are sacred, and the work-life balance is a non-negotiable.

Try this:

• Set clear boundaries with work (no emails after hours!).
• Carve out time for hobbies that bring you joy.
• Resist the urge to glorify busyness.

8. Surround Yourself with Beauty

The French naturally integrate aesthetics into daily life. Whether it’s a fresh bouquet on the table, beautiful dishware, or an effortlessly stylish home, they prioritize beauty in the everyday.

Try this:

• Light a candle in the evening.
• Add a touch of fresh greenery or flowers to your space.
• Choose quality over quantity when decorating.

9. Indulge in Simple, Yet Decadent Treats

Dessert is never off-limits in France—it’s simply a small pleasure enjoyed mindfully. A single square of dark chocolate or a beautifully plated fruit tart is enough to satisfy the senses.

Try this:

• Enjoy a sweet treat without guilt.
• Choose quality over quantity (think artisan chocolate over candy bars).
• Savor every bite, without distractions.

10. Read for the Love of It

The French are avid readers, and books are an integral part of their slow-living lifestyle. Whether at a café or tucked under a blanket at home, reading is a daily ritual.

Try this:

• Dedicate time to reading daily.
• Explore French literature or poetry for a new perspective.
• Create a cozy reading nook for ultimate relaxation.

11. Master the French ‘Art de Rien’ (The Art of Doing Nothing)

One of the most underrated French habits is doing nothing. Whether sitting in a park, people-watching at a café, or simply pausing, the French understand the value of rest and stillness.

Try this:

• Spend a few minutes a day simply observing your surroundings.
• Linger a little longer over your meals.
• Resist the urge to fill every moment with activity.

12. Romanticize Your Life

The French instinctively turn the mundane into something magical—whether it’s arranging fruit in a bowl, lighting a candle, or choosing the perfect outfit for an evening stroll.

Try this:

• Dress up just because.
• Enjoy a picnic in the park, even on an ordinary day.
• Savor life’s tiny details—the scent of fresh bread, the sound of rain, the warmth of sunlight on your skin.