French life. Some things to know

“Mangez bien. Riez souvent. Aimez beaucoup.
Eat well. Laugh often. Love a lot. ”

The French are avid readers, which is evident from book sales and the sight of people reading in cafés, trains, metros, and parks.

Cinema is highly valued in France, as are museums and art events. Art in every form is well celebrated.

For the French, family is everything.

Family meals are sacred, especially Sunday lunch.

Parents' responsibilities do not end at 18; they continue until their children are financially independent.

In France, except in Paris, no one works after 5 or 6 pm.

Most shops are closed on Sundays. Only some boulangeries and flower shops remain open, and some supermarkets operate until noon or 1 pm. Again, Paris is different in this sense. 

July and August are tricky months, especially August, when most of the local places are closed due to vacations. Yet, there is a touch of romance at that time in Paris, as it is much more quiet and calm. 

You don't need to worry when ordering a glass or bottle of wine for lunch—even if it starts at noon. It will be well accepted.

Punctuality takes on a different meaning at parties or events (as opposed to work meetings), where being late by 5 to even 30 minutes is still regarded as normal.

Knowing how to live, or savoir-vivre, is a combination of three things: one's politeness, education, and elegance.

In France, asking (especially during dinner) how much someone earns is not polite. 

Like Paris, France combines avant-garde and old-world charm. Arriving at Charles de Gaulle Airport and then at Gare de Lyon is practical proof.

Striking is a religion, much like football. It happens often, loudly, and with pride. It disrupts everyone's life, but that is part of France's culture.