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This summer, I’m completing an internship in France, and my daily routine has changed significantly since being a student in Germany. Maybe it’s the summer season or the French joie de vivre, but I’ve been prioritizing hobbies, soirées with friends and enjoying life's petits plaisirs. Today, I thought I'd share a glimpse of a typical weekday in France with you.

If you've read my blog post I Tried Living Like a Stereotypical French Girl, you’ll know that I spent ten months in France working as an English language assistant. That experience dramatically changed my lifestyle at the time, but with the global 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.

While it's easy to romanticize life in France or any foreign country, living abroad has its challenges. Adapting to a new culture, language, and way of life can be difficult, and I often feel homesick. This post is not meant to glorify everything about being an expat in France. I simply hope to inspire you with some positive aspects of my day-to-day routine and share what it's like to live in France as an American.

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A Day in the Life of an American in France

7:00 AM - A Leisurely Morning

Unlike the hustle and bustle of mornings back home, my mornings in France are delightfully unhurried. The alarm doesn't go off until 7:00 AM, giving me ample time to prepare for the day ahead.

I enjoy the quiet of the morning with a 45-minute workout. Living abroad, especially outside of Paris, in-person classes can be difficult to find. So, I've become a fan of home pilates. For free and fantastic pilates workouts, I’d recommend the library of classes from Move with Nicole. More recently, Soul Sync Body has become my go-to for pilates and strength workouts along with healthy recipes. For a 10% discount on your Soul Sync Body plan, use promo code SSBFRIEND at checkout.

Next, I take a quick shower, followed by a simple skincare routine. Lately, I’ve been reaching for cult classics like the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser, Caudalie Beauty Elixir, and Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré. Sun protection is paramount, so I make sure to apply a generous layer of sunscreen. My favorite for the summer is the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Sunscreen—an excellent choice for acne-prone skin.

My makeup routine is inspired by effortless French beauty. A tinted moisturizer with SPF provides a flawless base, while bronzer adds a touch of warmth. Mascara, brow gel, and lip balm complete the look – quick and effortless, and it makes reapplying my sunscreen a breeze.

After quickly styling my hair (usually an overnight blowout or a sleek bun), I’m ready to choose my outfit. Working from home allows me to stay comfortably chic. I usually opt for some relaxed pants and a nice blouse.

For breakfast, I’ll usually make avocado toast with 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), but these treats I mostly reserve for the weekends.

Finally, I brew a cup of coffee to fuel my workday. Since moving abroad, I’ve come to love strong espresso, especially after my boyfriend gifted me a Nespresso machine.

9:00 AM - Work

Following my morning routine, I easily transition into work mode – the beauty of working from home! No tram or bike ride necessary, I just hop on my computer and get started.

Since I’m self-employed, my work structure resembles how it was back in the US. I set my own hours, so I prefer to start my day early. One of my favorite strategies for a great workday is to “eat the frog” or complete the hardest, most stressful task first. This is usually checking my inbox and responding to emails. Once that's out of the way, I continue with my other projects and meetings.

Read More: How to Prepare for the Week Ahead

Overall, the work culture in France differs quite a bit from that in the US. Offices here typically have later start times, often around 9:30 or 10:00 AM, allowing for a slower morning and a more balanced approach to the day. Of course, this also depends on your company and job position. Regular breaks for coffee, cigarettes (yuck) and conversation are common, which is quite different from what I experienced in the US.

1:00 PM - Lunch

Around 1 pm, I break for lunch with my roommates. It’s tempting to eat lunch at my desk while I work, but I make an effort to set aside my phone and computer to fully enjoy my meal. Today, I had a Thai Crunch Chicken Salad, followed by a square of dark chocolate and an espresso.

For a quick bite, I’ll grab a sandwich or pasta salad from a boulangerie. These options are convenient, satisfying, and usually cost around 5 euros. While the French are known for savoring meals, they aren’t strangers to grab-and-go options either. The key difference is that they often enjoy these more convenient options with colleagues at a table, rather than chowing down at their desks. It's a cultural norm, of course, with exceptions.

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.

Read More: How to Dine More Elegantly

5:00 PM - Apéro Time

As the day transitions into evening, it's time for apéro, a beloved French tradition. Apéro, short for apéritif, is a pre-dinner drink accompanied by light snacks. It's a time to relax and socialize with friends or family.

I used power through work, then find busy work to avoid relaxation. Living with French roommates has introduced me to the magic of le happy hour as a daily ritual.

On occasion, I’ll meet up with friends at an apartment or a local bar, but most days, I enjoy a drink on my balcony. Sometimes it’s a glass of rosé, but most days it’s an iced matcha or sparkling water with lemon. I usually talk with my roommates, but sometimes I’ll listen to an audiobook or call a friend. It’s my time to recharge from the workday and connect with loved ones before dinner.

6:00 PM - Hobbies

In the evenings, I prioritize my hobbies to ensure I don't spend hours on Netflix. By dedicating this time exclusively to my interests, I've made significant progress on my personal goals. Currently, I'm focused on drawing, ballet, sewing, playing the oboe, and studying Japanese.

7:00 PM - Evening Stroll

I’m always excited to spend time outdoors. When the weather is nice, I love to take strolls through my city. It's a fantastic way to discover new restaurants and attractions in my area while staying active after a long day of sitting. I’m convinced this is one of the secrets to why the French maintain their shape 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 my city instead. Growing up in the suburbs, I never biked on the streets or even imagined using a bike lane. Now, I'm much more used to city riding, and it’s another great way to get exercise while discovering new places.

8:00 PM - Dinner

After my evening walk or bike ride, I prepare dinner. Dinner in France is typically a late affair, starting around 8:00 or 9:00 PM. When I lived in the U.S., I used to eat dinner around 5:00 PM, but after my first year in France, I adjusted to eating later in the evening.

Compared to lunch, dinner is generally a more leisurely meal, often consisting of multiple courses. While I usually keep it simple with a main course and dessert, I enjoy experimenting with new recipes and making the meal special by trying a new wine or picking up a dessert from a local pâtisserie.

Similar to lunch, I try to avoid looking at my phone during dinner. However, in the evenings, I like to watch a Netflix show with my roommates while we share a meal. It’s a great way to unwind from the day and spend time together. Lately, we've been watching the second season of Lupin (highly recommend!).

10:00 PM - Relaxation and Reflection

After dinner, I often spend time unwinding at home. Whether it's reading a book, listening to music, or indulging in a bit of journaling, these activities help me relax and reflect on the day's events. The slower pace of life and the emphasis on enjoying the present moment are aspects of French culture that have significantly influenced my lifestyle.

I begin my night routine with 15 minutes of journaling. This is my favorite way to reflect on my day and get rid of any negative thoughts. Sometimes I use The Five Minute Journal or just freely write in a plain notebook. I also prepare a calming bedtime tea (tisane) to enjoy while I journal.

Next, I take a long shower or occasionally indulge in a relaxing bubble bath. I treat my skin with French pharmacy favorites including the Caudalie Premier Cru Eye Cream and A313 Retinol Pommade. After my skincare routine, I brush my teeth and slip into a comfortable pair of pajamas before getting into bed.

I end my day by reading a book. It’s the best way I’ve found to fall asleep and avoid using technology in the evening. This week I’ve been reading Atomic Habits by James Clear. It’s also an insightful book if you’re looking to revamp your routine and establish better habits. After about 30 minutes of reading, I put on my sleep mask and go to sleep. Bonne nuit!

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Living in France as an American expat has been an enriching and transformative experience. While there are challenges and moments of homesickness, the charm of French life is so rewarding. I hope this glimpse into my daily routine has given you an appreciation for the nuances of life in France!

Have you ever lived abroad, or do you dream of doing so? What aspects of French culture intrigue you the most? Let me know in the comments below.

A Day in the Life of an American in France