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Do you know three famous French beverages? Here they are:
Le kir
Le French Martini
Le chocolat viennois (it’s a hot drink)
You know some French drinks. But do you know the social customs to remember when it comes to drink in French?
If you read this article you'll know everything you need to know. That's normal if you are a bit lost now, after reading it and doing the execises, you'll be ready for your AMAZING French drinking trip!
I'm Thomas Ricomard, I teach French to students from many countries.
These behaviors are not appropriate everywhere. I've put them here to give you a general idea of the atmosphere in the bars in France.
Greetings
It’s customary to greet persons as you enter the bar, the staff of course, but also customers, depending on where they’re seated.
Waiting at the table
In many bars in France, especially in the evening, you’ll be served at your table, so you don’t have to order at the bar. In general, you wait for the waiter to show you to your table.
Ordering
If you’re at a table, the waiter or waitress will take your order. If you’re at the bar, either the bartender comes to you, or you tell him or her what you want.
Tipping
It’s not customary to tip in France, but a tip of around 5-10% is generally appreciated.
Taking the time
It’s part of French culture to take the time to appreciate a drink, and sometimes to socialize.
Cultural exchange
Chatting to regulars or bar staff is a great way to find out more about the city.
Respect for others
Respect other customers and don’t make too much noise. In general, personns like to be able to talk easily, so in a quiet environment.
Exercise
If you already have tried some of them, I suggest you to choose one and to write in the comments why you like it. I’ll correct your French.
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To remember
I invite you to do your own list of favorite French beverages.
I give you here a list of my three favorite ones:
Le cidre
Le kir
Le vin chaud
La France est ce pays magique où le plus commun des troquets peut vous servir n'importe quand un grand champagne à température idéale.
Amélie Nothomb
Exploring French café society
The role of cafés in French social life
Cafés play a very important role.
Social gatherings
Friends, family and work colleagues often meet in cafés to relax and chat.
Cultivating the art of living
People sometimes stay for hours, taking the time to appreciate their coffee or hot chocolate. They read or enjoy the passing of time.
Outdoor terraces
Many cafés have outdoor terraces. Here, people can enjoy the sunshine and warm temperatures of spring and summer.
Observing city life
People like to sit in cafés to watch passers-by and observe how the city lives.
Les café-philo
Some cafés organize café-philo events, where subjects are discussed from a philosophical point of view. The French attach great importance to intellectual activity.
Cultural events
Some cafés organize cultural events
art exhibitions
poetry readings
concerts
Business meetings
In cafés, business meetings are more relaxed.
Chess and board games
In some cafés you can play board games or chess.
Coffee break
It’s part of French tradition. Employees often take a coffee break to relax and chat.
Cultural heritage
Cafés are part of our cultural heritage. Artists, writers and intellectuals used to meet there. In Paris, for example, Jeau-Paul Sartre often went to the Café de Flore.
Popular drinks to order in a French café
Vous voulez boire quelque chose ? / Aimeriez-vous boire quelque chose ? Do you want to drink something?
Nous voudrions trois tasses de thé vert, s’il vous plaît. We’d like three cups of green tea, please.
Un verre d’eau pour moi. A glass of water for me.
Here are a few drinks you could order in a French café:
Le café (Coffee)
Un café (un espresso): a strong, short espresso.
Un café allongé: an espresso diluted with more water.
Un café crème: an espresso with hot milk.
Le thé
Un thé noir (a black tea)
Un thé vert (a green tea)
Un thé à la menthe: a green tea with sugar and fresh mint.
Un café au lait: a milk coffee.
Un cappuccino
Un noisette (it means hazelnut): an espresso with a small amount of milk or cream.
Un chocolat chaud (a hot chocolate)
Un chocolat viennois: a thick hot chocolate with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
Un sirop d’orgeat (orgeat syrup)
Un diabolo: lemonade + syrup.
De l’eau plate ou pétillante (still or sparkling water)
Des jus de fruits frais (fresh fruit juices)
What do you drink when it's warm during your vacation? Have a look at 'summer in French'.
Exercise
If you already have tried some of them, I suggest you to choose one and to write in the comments why you like it. I’ll correct your French.
……………………………………………
……………………………………………
……………………………………………
To remember
I invite you to do your own list of favorite French beverages.
Champagne is associated with festivity, celebration and luxury. Here's why:
Heritage and tradition
Champagne has been around for centuries and is made using traditional skills. This contributes to its prestige.
Celebrations and victories
It’s often associated with success: a wedding, in the workplace, winning a sporting competition, etc.
Cultural associations
Not only is it deeply rooted in French culture, but it’s also well known the world over. For example, it is associated with cultural events such as New Year’s Eve.
Elegance
It is carefully presented in flutes (specific glass for the champagne).
Sabrage ritual
The bottle can be opened with a saber. It’s a tradition: the neck is cut with a sword. It reinforces the majestic, festive aspect of the event.
Regional festivities and their signature drinks
La fête de la musique (June 21rst) – Drinks: beer and wine.
It takes place all over France on the day of the summer solstice. Concerts are held in the streets.
La fête nationale (July 14th) – Drinks: champagne and aperitifs.
To commemorate the French Revolution. People leave their homes to watch the fireworks and sometimes the parades.
Menton lemon festival (February-March) – Drink: limoncello (a lemon liqueur).
The town of Menton celebrates citrus fruits with float parades and citrus sculptures.
La fête de la bière à Strasbourg (August-September) – Drink: local beer.
You can discover a variety of local beers brewed in Alsace.
Les vendanges (September) – Drink: le vin nouveau.
During the harvest period, festivals are held to celebrate the grape harvest. People drink the wine that has just been pressed.
La fête de la lavande à Sault (August) – Drink: lavender lemonade.
To celebrate lavender. Lavender drinks are available.
La fête du vin à Bordeaux (June) – Drink: Bordeaux wines.
Bordeaux wines only. There are concerts and entertainment throughout the city.
Bonjour, je voudrais un verre de vin, s'il vous plaît. (Hi, I'd like a glass of wine, please.) Bonjour, deux boissons énergisantes, s'il vous plaît. (Hello, two energy drinks, please).
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Thomas Ricomard specializes in teaching French as a foreign language. He has been providing private lessons since 2015, both in-person and online (via Skype). He taught at the Popular University of the Canton of Geneva (Switzerland) from 2015 to 2018, instructing several groups of 20 students from around the world (United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Spain, Brazil, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mexico, etc.), ranging from beginner to intermediate levels (A1 to B2). With a Master’s degree in clinical and cognitive psychology from the University of Geneva, his knowledge of psychology allows him to tailor his teaching methods for optimal learning, taking into account factors such as visual memory versus auditory memory. He expresses his passion for the French language through writing texts, including poetry and songs, which he presents publicly at numerous music and slam events.
