A Day in the Life of an American in France
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This summer, I’m back in France for an internship, and my daily routine looks quite different from my student life in Germany. Maybe it’s the sunny season or the French joie de vivre, but lately, I’ve been prioritizing hobbies, soirées with friends and enjoying life's petits plaisirs. So today, I thought I'd share a glimpse of a typical weekday as an American living in France.
If you've read about my experience living like a stereotypical French girl, you’ll know that I spent ten months in France teaching English at a French high school. That experience dramatically changed my lifestyle at the time, but with the pandemic and my move to Germany, I gradually lost many of the habits that I picked up in France. Now that I'm back in L'Hexagone, I'm rediscovering my favorite rituals, and finding a better work-life balance along the way.
While it's easy to romanticize life in France or any other country, living abroad certainly has its challenges. Adapting to a new culture, language, and way of life can be difficult, and I often feel homesick (especially around the holidays). This isn’t a glossy, idealized version of expat life, just a peek into my day-to-day life in France. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What is life like in France?”, I’m here to share my experience. I hope this inspires you to slow down, savor the little moments, and even start your own move to France.
A Day in the Life of an American in France
7:00 a.m. — Morning Routine
Mornings in France feel worlds away from the frantic rush I was used to back in the States. My alarm doesn't go off until 7 a.m., so I wake up feeling well-rested and still have plenty of time to ease into my routine.
I begin with a 45-minute workout, usually Pilates or a jog around the neighborhood. Finding in-person workout classes can be tricky, especially outside of Paris, so I’ve become a fan of streaming my workouts in my living room.
Afterward, I take a quick shower and do a simple skincare routine to help me feel refreshed. Lately, I’ve been reaching for French pharmacy favorites like the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser, Caudalie Beauty Elixir, and Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré.
Sun protection is a non-negotiable, especially in the summer, so I make sure to apply a generous layer of the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Sunscreen—a lifesaver for acne-prone skin.
Next, I do my no-makeup makeup look to feel put together without spending hours in the bathroom. A tinted moisturizer with SPF evens out my skin, bronzer adds warmth, and a few swipes of mascara, brow gel, and lip balm complete the look. It’s quick and fresh and makes reapplying sunscreen a breeze.
Hair is always a voluminous blowout, either freshly styled or with these heatless hair rods. Although le brushing isn’t very popular in France, I don’t think I’ll ever give it up.
Then, I choose my outfit for the day. Since I work from home, I like to dress comfortably, but still chic. Most days, I’ll wear a pair of relaxed trousers and a nice blouse. Effortless, yet put together for any Zoom meetings.
For breakfast, I’ll usually make avocado toast and eggs or a protein smoothie. On occasion, I’ll head to the boulangerie around the corner and indulge in a croissant or pain au chocolat (or both). Though I typically save the sweets for weekends.
Finally, no morning is complete without coffee. Since moving to France, I’ve come to love a strong espresso, thanks in part to my boyfriend, who gifted me a Nespresso machine recently. I usually drink a cup at my desk or savor it on the balcony if it’s sunny outside.
9:00 a.m. — Work
With my morning routine complete, I easily transition into work mode (one of the perks of working from home). No tram rides or biking through the city, I just hop on my computer and get started.
Being self-employed, my work structure is quite similar to how my life was as a student in the U.S. I set my own hours, so I usually start my work day early.
One of my favorite productivity hacks is to “eat the frog”, or complete my most difficult or stressful task first. For me, that usually means checking my inbox and responding to emails. Once that's out of the way, I move on to other projects and meetings.
Work culture in France is noticeably different from the U.S. Here, office hours tend to start later—often around 9:30 or 10:00 a.m., allowing for a slower, more balanced morning. Of course, this varies by industry and company, but regular breaks for coffee, conversation, and cigarettes (yuck) are the norm in France. It’s a stark contrast to the hustle culture I was used to back home.
1:30 p.m. — Lunch
Around 1:30 p.m., I break for lunch with my roommates. It’s tempting to eat at my desk while I continue to work, but I make an effort to step away from my phone and laptop to fully enjoy my meal. On the menu is normally a salad with chicken or salmon, followed by a spearmint tea and a decaf espresso.
On busier days, I grab a sandwich or pasta salad from a nearby bakery. That’s one thing I love about living in France: you can always find convenient lunch options (that aren’t fast food) for around 5 euros. While the French are known for long leisurely meals, they aren’t strangers to grab-and-go options. The difference is typically take the time to enjoy them with colleagues at a table rather than chowing down at their desks.
On Fridays, my boyfriend and I often treat ourselves to lunch out. Many restaurants in France offer affordable lunch menus, so we take advantage and enjoy a three-course meal at a reasonable price. Some days, it’s a traditional bouillon, our favorite Indian restaurant, or whatever new spot just opened in Strasbourg.
5:00 p.m. — Apéro
As the evening sets in, it’s time for apéro, a beloved French tradition that I’ve come to cherish. Apéro, short for apéritif, is all about unwinding with a drink and light snacks before dinner, usually with friends and family.
I used to power through work then fill any downtime with chores and other tasks, never letting myself truly relax. But living with French roommates has introduced me to the magic of the French apéro, which is deeply ingrained in daily life in France.
On occasion, I’ll meet up with friends at an apartment or local bar, but most evenings, I enjoy a drink on my balcony. Sometimes it’s a glass of rosé or a summer cocktail, but more often than not, I opt for an iced matcha or sparkling water with lemon. I usually chat with my roommates, and when I’m alone, I’ll listen to an audiobook or call a friend. It’s my time to recharge from the workday and connect with loved ones with no distractions or to-do lists. It’s also —one that perfectly reflects the relaxed, social nature of day-to-day life in France.
6:00 p.m. — Hobbies
Evenings are my time to focus on hobbies, making sure I don’t fall into the trap of endless Netflix binges. By setting aside this time for myself, I’ve been able to make real strides in my goals and personal projects. Currently, I'm focused on drawing, ballet, sewing, playing the oboe, and studying Japanese.
Having meaningful hobbies has been incredibly transformative for me. The slower pace of the French lifestyle and emphasis on enjoying the present moment have really encouraged me to prioritize creative pursuits over non-stop to-do lists.
7:00 p.m. — Evening Walk
I always look forward to spending time outside. When the weather is nice, I love to take walks around the city. It's a fantastic way to discover new restaurants and shops in my area while getting in some steps after a long day of sitting. I’m convinced walking is one of the secrets to how the French stay healthy (despite enjoying plenty of bread, wine, and cheese).
Sometimes, I use this time to run errands or simply enjoy being outside. Recently, I've been skipping the walks and opting to bike around the city instead. Growing up in the suburbs, the idea of using a bike lane to get around was foreign to me. Now, I'm much more used to it, and it’s not only a fun way to stay active but also a great excuse to explore new places.
8:00 p.m. — Dinner
After getting in some movement, it’s time to prepare dinner. In France, dinner tends to be a late affair, usually starting around 8:00 or 9:00 p.m. When I lived in the U.S., I used to eat dinner around 5:00 p.m., but after my first year in France, I adjusted to eating later in the evening.
I haven’t adopted every aspect of the French diet though. While dinner in France is often a leisurely affair with multiple courses, I tend to keep it simpler with just a main course and dessert.
I also prefer to keep my meals on the healthier side i.e. olive oil over butter, no bread on the side and a bubbly Perrier instead of wine. I always indulge in dessert though, usually a couple of squares of dark chocolate or, on occasion, a dessert from a local pâtisserie.
Similar to lunch, I try to avoid looking at my phone during dinner. However, in the evenings, I often watch a Netflix show with my roommates as we share our meal. It’s the perfect way to unwind and savor the evening together.
9:30 p.m. — Relaxation and Reflection
After dinner, I begin getting ready for bed. First, with about 15 minutes of journaling. This is my favorite way to reflect on my day and get rid of any negative thoughts. I normally just freely write in a plain notebook. I also prepare a calming bedtime tea (tisane) to sip on while I journal.
Next, I take a long shower or bubble bath. My skincare routine changes based on the season, but I always treat my skin with the Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift Firming Eye Gel Cream and the La Roche-Posay Redermic R Anti Aging Retinol Cream. Then, I brush my teeth and slip into a comfortable pair of pajamas before settling into bed.
I wind down even further by reading a book. It’s the best way I’ve found to fall asleep and avoid using technology in the evening. After about 30 minutes of reading, I put on my sleep mask and go to sleep around 11 p.m. Bonne nuit !
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Living in France as an American expat has been an enriching and transformative experience for me. While there are challenges and moments of homesickness, life in France is so rewarding. I hope this coup d'œil of my daily routine has given you an appreciation for the nuances of being a U.S. expat in France.
Have you ever imagined yourself living in France? What aspects of the French lifestyle intrigue you the most? Let me know in the comments below.
