The Best French Breakfast: What they really eat in 2024
In The French Breakfast: What do they really eat in France?, we will unravel the culinary traditions that have shaped mornings in France for centuries. From region specific pastries to hearty farmhouse meals, this journey will bust myths and present authentic customs straight from French homes and boulangeries. Get ready to savor each detail as we explore how everyday Parisians and provincial dwellers alike start their day with simple yet delightful fare.
What do French people eat for breakfast?
While traditional views might suggest that breakfasts are laden with pastries alone, there’s an intriguing shift towards healthier options these days. Whole grain breads, fresh berries drizzled with honey, and even avocado topped tartine present themselves as modern picks in urban settings. Beverages also range beyond the ubiquitous café au lait; green tea or fresh pressed orange juice is increasingly favored to kickstart the day on a vibrant note.
How to Say Breakfast in French
Did you know the French phrase for breakfast, petit déjeuner, beautifully translates to little lunch? That charming name perfectly encapsulates the idea of a light yet satisfying meal to kickstart your day with joy and energy. It’s as if they understand that your breakfast sets the tone for everything that follows! Dive into croissants, café au lait, or tartines slathered in jam, and you’ll be tasting more than food you’ll be savoring centuries of culinary tradition.
The History of Breakfast in France
The French Revolution didn’t just transform political and social realms; it redefined the breakfast table too. Aristocrats might enjoy lavish spreads, but for everyday folks, it was more about sustenance than savoring. However, as the revolution democratized French society, it also democratized culinary traditions. Suddenly, items like café au lait and fresh pastries became accessible to a broader segment of the population.
What truly ignited France’s infatuation with breakfast was the introduction of croissants and pain au chocolat in the 19th century. Imported from Vienna but perfected by French bakers, these flaky wonders captured the nation’s taste buds and quickly embedded themselves in its cultural fabric. Paired with a robust cup of coffee or hot chocolate served at one of Paris’s burgeoning cafés, breakfast evolved into an experience rather than just an obligation. The transformation not only gave rise to France as a brunch capital but also marked breakfast as an indelible part of its most cherished daily rituals
French breakfast misconceptions
One major misconception is that every French person starts their day with a sweet, pastry laden feast. In reality, many opt for healthier options like yogurt with fresh fruits or a simple bowl of whole grain cereal. Veganism and health trends have made almond milk coffee increasingly popular in bustling Parisian cafés.
Another often-overlooked detail is the role of bread at the breakfast table beyond the ubiquitous baguette. Think rustic pain de campagne slathered with creamy butter and locally sourced jam. Even better, regional specialties, such as the Bretagne’s flaky galettes or Provençal fougasse bread infused with olives and rosemary, are savored by locals who appreciate variety.
French Breakfast Foods
Think beyond these delicacies and you’ll find pain au chocolat bursting with molten chocolate layers, perfect for those decadent mornings when you need a little extra joy to start your day. Pair it with a strong café au lait and you’ve got yourself an incredibly satisfying French breakfast experience that effortlessly blends indulgence and simplicity.
But let’s dive deeper! Have you ever tried tartines? Imagine slices of rustic baguette generously smeared with sweet apricot jam or luscious strawberry preserves, sometimes even layered with soft, creamy cheese. The magic lies in their diversity; one morning could be sweet and fruity while the next pairs your bread slice with savory delights like prosciutto or avocado transforming every breakfast into a culinary adventure in its own right.
French bread

French bread is more than just a staple food in France; it’s a symbol of French culture and tradition. Each region in France has its own unique variation of this iconic bread, from the long and slender baguette to the round boule. It’s not just about taste – it’s about history and craftsmanship passed down through generations.
La baguette
The baguette is not just a staple of French cuisine; it’s a symbol of tradition and craftsmanship. The art of making a good baguette requires patience and skill, from shaping the dough to scoring it before baking. Each baker puts their own unique touch on their creations, resulting in an endless array of textures and flavors.

Baguette Tradition: also known as “Tradition Française,” is made with a specific type of flour and without additives. It’s crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, my favorite hands down.
Baguette Ancienne: made using traditional methods, and often left to ferment longer resulting in a denser texture and deeper flavor. Its crust is typically darker and more rustic.
Baguette de Campagne: “country baguette,” in English, blends white flour with whole wheat or rye, giving it a heartier texture.
Baguette aux Céréales: a multigrain baguette with seeds and grains like flax, sesame, and sunflower. It has an interesting nutty flavor, which is rather nice.
Baguette Complète: a whole wheat version that is healthier than a regular baguette. The softer ones are absolutely divine.
La tartine

La tartine, a classic French open-faced sandwich, is more than just a quick meal option it’s a culinary delight that celebrates simplicity and flavor. The beauty of La tartine lies in its versatility from the traditional baguette topped with butter and jam to elaborate creations with layers of avocado, smoked salmon, and fresh herbs. Each bite offers a symphony of textures and tastes that leave your taste buds dancing with joy.
French breakfast pastries
From the delicate almond flavor of a frangipane filled pastry to the sweet and tangy notes of a raspberry tart, each pastry is crafted with precision and attention to detail.
Le croissant

Some believe it was inspired by a Viennese pastry called kipferl, while others attribute its creation to an ingenious boulangerie in Paris. Regardless of its murky beginnings, one thing is for certain the croissant has become a symbol of elegance and indulgence in culinary culture, a true masterpiece that transcends borders and brings joy to all who savor its flaky goodness.
Café

Café au Lait: A staple part of breakfast is a café au lait, a strong coffee mixed with hot milk, often served in a large cup or bowl. It’s enjoyed either on its own or used, as we talked about earlier, as a dip for croissants and baguettes.
Espresso: For those who prefer a stronger, more concentrated coffee, a shot of espresso is a common choice, providing a quick and robust start to the day.
Chocolat Chaud

Hot Chocolate: French hot chocolate is rich and thick, often made with real chocolate and sometimes cream, providing a luxurious start to the day. It’s especially popular among children but enjoyed by adults as well.
FAQs
What do most French people eat for breakfast?
A typical French breakfast consists of a croissant or bread with butter and jam and sometimes a sweet pastry. Fresh fruit juice and hot beverages, like coffee or tea, are also included.
What is the best breakfast in France?
As you can probably tell by now, the French like to keep breakfast simple, and they’ll often have a bit of fruit and yoghurt together, sometimes with cereal like muesli or will enjoy some light cheese with bread.
What is a traditional French breakfast called?
The key to a French breakfast also comes in its name: petit déjeuner, literally little lunch. Unlike the English, the French aren’t filling up because they haven’t eaten anything since the night before. They’re having a little something to tide them over to the most important meal of the day, le déjeuner at lunch time.
How do French eat eggs?
They mostly consume their eggs as part of a light meal at dinner time. Omelets. Soft-boiled cracked in a bowl with plenty of room to dip pieces of bread. Or baked with fresh ingredients from the garden.
What do French drink for breakfast?
A typical French breakfast is light, sweet, and fairly simple. It’s usually made up of breakfast cereals, a tartine (slice of bread with topping) and a drink (tea, coffee, orange juice). It’s usually eaten between 6 AM and 8 AM.