From France to Home: Reflections on Lifestyle and Health
I recently returned from nine glorious days in France—a country I've come to know better over the past couple of years—and each visit leaves me with an intense desire to return and explore more of its corners.
This trip was especially sweet: my daughter, working in Paris for the Para Olympics, had been persistently nudging me to join her post Olympics to explore.
My husband was working in Lyon, my son in Croatia, and we all found ourselves convening in Paris, coinciding perfectly with my daughter's engagement in Provence!
Our journey took us from a bustling weekend in Paris to the serene beauty of Annecy and Chamonix. These destinations, with their snow-capped peaks, pristine lakes, and quaint towns, were not just beautiful—they were vibrant with life and movement.
Our days followed a rhythm that felt quintessentially French:
Eat, move, eat, move. And continue.
I was struck by the pervasive sense of activity. Annecy, with its charming canals and 24-mile bike path around the lake, set against the backdrop of the French Alps, felt like a storybook come to life.
What stood out most was the French approach to everyday life.
As I stood there taking in everything around me … I kept asking myself, what really separates the French lifestyle from the American lifestyle?
On a week day morning in Annecy, the lake was a hive of activity: children in life jackets learning to sail, teenagers mastering hobbycats, adults engaging in tai chi on the shore. Rowers - in 8 man crew shells. Peaceful morning stretching on a dock. Swimmers moving along the shore. Paragliders dotting the sky. The bike path was alive with bikers, rollerbladers, walkers, and runners.
This was not a special event or a weekend spectacle—it was simply a normal day for the residents of Annecy.
In contrast, American lifestyles often prioritize work, squeezing movement and leisure into whatever pockets of time remain.
The French, on the other hand, seem to have mastered the art of integrating activity and relaxation into their daily routines.
And while I know our culture doesn't typically allow for that approach, the reduction in every day stress is, I'm sure, profound.
So what really sets apart? Reflecting on the differences between French and American lifestyles, a few key distinctions became clear:
1. Food Quality and Availability:
France’s vibrant market culture brings fresh, local produce and artisanal goods to the forefront. Meals are centered around real food, not ultra-processed options.
Even the iconic French baguette is subject to regulation—no more than four ingredients, (wheat flour, salt, water and yeast), baked fresh daily, and sold at an affordable price. No preservatives … and can't be frozen. The essence of a good baguette.
I loved the local markets and “market days” - which makes it so easy to buy fresh, beautiful produce, and so easy to get to know and trust your farmer, your butcher, and your fish monger.
2. Mindful Eating
The French embrace all food groups but in moderation. Obviously they do not avoid cheese and butter. But meals are balanced and enjoyed slowly, allowing for better digestion and satisfaction.
Unlike the rushed meals often consumed at desks in the U.S., French meals are an experience—a time to connect, savor, and enjoy. This cultural approach promotes a healthier relationship with food and less mindless overeating.
This stands in stark contrast to the American approach of restricting fats and carbs or grabbing quick, oversized portions from fast-food outlets, and eating on the go.
My daughter, Eliza, and son David, enjoying some Fondue in the French Alps
3. Active Lifestyles:
In France, activity is built into daily life—walking or biking as transportation, participating in outdoor sports, and making time for movement, even during the workday. Schools incorporate physical activities like sailing, kayaking, and skiing into their curriculums, instilling healthy habits early.
4. Leisure and Social Connection:
The French value their leisure time. Cafés spill onto sidewalks with tables facing outward, inviting people to sit, sip, and watch the world go by.
Lunchtime is not a rushed affair but a moment to pause, often enjoyed at home with family, where shops and banks close, signaling a collective break.
A Lesson to Take Home
The French lifestyle offers a model of balance, where movement, mindful eating, and social connection are woven into everyday life. While not everyone can live in a picturesque French village, we can all take steps to create a healthier, more balanced life.
So here's some action steps (and yes, all the usual ones) for us to serve as a reminder.
Incorporate Movement: Find ways to add more movement to your day—walk or bike for short errands, take breaks to stretch, or try a new outdoor activity that excites you.
Savor Your Meals: Set aside time to eat without distractions, enjoying each bite and engaging in conversation if you’re with others.
Prioritize Real Food: Seek out local produce, experiment with fresh ingredients, and minimize processed foods in your diet.
Embrace Leisure: Allow yourself time to relax, people-watch, and enjoy simple pleasures without guilt.
In a way, it's just about slowing down, and enjoying what's around you. I imagine this type of lifestyle does wonders for keeping stress levels low.
France taught me that a fulfilling life is not just about what we do, but how we do it.
It’s about making space for joy, movement, and connection in our everyday routines.
Let’s take a page from the French playbook and start living to work less, and working to live a little more.