The Art of French Breakfast: How to Enjoy Breakfast the French Way
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Breakfast is often said to be the most important meal of the day, and in France, it's also celebrated as a culinary ritual. The French take pride in their breakfast traditions, known for their simplicity and emphasis on quality ingredients.
While many of us romanticize French breakfasts as heavy on pastries and rich in butter, the reality is a bit more nuanced. A true French breakfast is all about taking a leisurely approach to the most important meal of the...well, not quite the day. In France, lunch reigns supreme, making breakfast a lighter affair that focuses on setting the tone for a productive and enjoyable morning.
You won’t find takeaway coffees or fully loaded breakfast platters on the French breakfast table, but enjoying “le petit déjeuner” (the little lunch) like the French isn’t complicated either.
So, how can you recreate this French tradition at home? Here’s how to master the art of the French breakfast from its cultural significance to traditional foods. Below I’m also sharing some of my healthy French breakfast recipes that I eat as an expat in France.
Read More: 7 French Diet Tips to Eat Like the French and Stay Healthy
In this Article…
What Do the French Actually Eat for Breakfast?
Traditional French Breakfast Foods
Healthy French Breakfast Recipes
Where to Eat Breakfast in Paris
What Do the French Actually Eat for Breakfast?
If you’re from the US like me, a stereotypical breakfast includes heavier staples like eggs, bacon and sausage along with sweeter options like pancakes, waffles and cereal. Unlike the hearty breakfasts found in some cultures, the French prefer a lighter meal.
French breakfasts tend to favor sweeter and carbier options over savory, protein-packed dishes. While pastries like the croissant and pain au chocolat are often seen as a symbol of France, they’re usually enjoyed on the weekend. A typical French breakfast will comprise a slice of baguette with French butter and confiture (jam) or honey, fruit juice, a hot drink like coffee or tea and possibly a pastry or two.
Perhaps the most important aspect of a French breakfast is the act of savoring it. Take your time, linger over your coffee, and enjoy each bite. Read a newspaper or book, chat with a loved one, or simply observe the world around you. This is a time to slow down and appreciate the simple pleasures of life before diving into the day's activities.
Read More: A Day in the Life of an American in France
French breakfast in Nancy
Traditional French Breakfast Foods
When it comes to breakfast in France, these are the staples. While there are certainly regional and cultural differences (not everyone eats a traditional French breakfast either), you’re most likely to find these foods at the French breakfast table.
Bread
Freshly baked bread, usually a baguette, is a staple for most French breakfasts. Sliced and toasted or enjoyed at room temperature, it’s essential for preparing a “tartine” (toast).
Baguette. A staple of French cuisine, the baguette is enjoyed at every meal of the day. For breakfast, it’s often paired with butter, jam, or honey for a simple yet satisfying morning meal.
Brioche: Sweet, soft bread made with eggs and butter, brioche is another classic French breakfast item, often enjoyed with a spread of jam or Nutella. My boyfriend adores a slice of chocolate chip brioche in the morning (with his fruit juice, of course!).
Buying freshly baked bread every day isn’t practical for many in the US, especially if you don’t live in a walkable city. Consider visiting your local bakery just once or twice a week for some fresh loaves. You’ll be surprised by the difference in taste compared to your average supermarket bread. You might also consider freezing your bread to keep on hand for breakfast. You can easily thaw half a baguette in the oven and enjoy fresh bread with your morning meal.
Tartine
A traditional French breakfast wouldn’t be complete without the “tartine”, essentially toast. It’s typically made with a baguette that’s lightly toasted and topped with butter and jam (strawberry, apricot, or even fig). Savory variations are less common for French breakfasts, but you can experiment with saltier toppings if you’d like (see my recipe for avocado tartine below).
Because the tartine is so simple, quality ingredients are key. If you’re in the US, I’d recommend trying Trader Joe’s Cultured Salted Butter. It’s made in Brittany, France’s dairy region, and truly tastes heavenly. Don't worry if you can't find French butter though – any high-quality butter will do the trick. Kerrygold's Irish Butter is another cult favorite worth trying.
Finding the right jam is also important. You can try my recipe below, or look for pre-made options with minimal ingredients and processing. Thankfully, you can find many quality jam options in the US, including several flavors from the classic Bonne Maman brand.
Viennoiseries at a café in Strasbourg
Viennoiseries
Viennoiseries are an indulgent staple of weekend mornings in France. These French breakfast pastries aren’t typically part of everyday breakfast; instead, they're reserved for leisurely Saturday or Sunday mornings, special occasions, or when a quick breakfast is needed on the go. Here are some popular French breakfast pastries:
Croissants. Croissants are the buttery, flaky pastries that are a quintessential part of French breakfast. They can be plain or filled with chocolate or almond paste. What do you put on a croissant, exactly? Nothing! It’s more common to dip them into a coffee or chocolat chaud than to add jam or Nutella.
Pain au chocolat. Similar to croissants but filled with chocolate, pain au chocolat is a favorite among both adults and children. It’s also called “chocolatine” in the southwest of France, making for friendly debates among the French about the correct terminology.
Pains aux raisins. This French pastry features a spiral of sweet dough filled with pastry cream and raisins, topped with a drizzle of icing. Pain aux raisins is another sweet and rich option for breakfast or brunch.
If you live outside of France, why not frenchify your weekend breakfast routine? Stop by your local bakery and select one or two French pastries for a special treat. It’s a lovely ritual that allows you to treat yourself the French way. And bonus points if you can find a French bakery near you (although any bakery will do)!
Coffee
No French breakfast is complete without a hot beverage. Coffee, particularly strong espresso or cafe au lait (coffee with steamed milk), is the most popular choice. Compared to Americans, the French prefer their coffee on the stronger side. I remember being surprised by how weak the coffee was in the US after living in France for 2 years. No matter how you like your coffee, make it part of your morning ritual.
Tea lovers can enjoy a cup of black tea or herbal tea. It’s a lighter alternative to coffee that pairs well with the typical French breakfast. If you’re on the hunt for a quality French tea of the morning, I’d highly recommend the French Breakfast Tea from Mariage Frères. It’s one of my favorites that I purchased on a recent trip to Paris.
For those with a sweet tooth, “chocolat chaud” (hot chocolate) is a caffeine-free alternative to coffee. It’s a more indulgent option for breakfast or any time of day and pairs perfectly with a fresh croissant or buttery tartine. For a sugar-free version of the classic chocolat chaud, check out my recipe below.
Juice
In France, a small glass of orange juice is a popular choice for breakfast. In addition to orange juice, you’ll find a variety of other fruit juices on the French breakfast table, depending on the season and availability. Head to any French supermarket, and you’ll discover an array of juices, including organic and fresh-pressed options.
Healthy French Breakfast Recipes
Living in France, I’ve adopted many French habits, including eating a lighter breakfast. Although I love indulging in a buttery croissant from time to time, I enjoy nourishing my body with nutrient-rich foods. Here are some of my favorite healthy interpretations of classic French breakfast recipes. Try these out for your next weekday breakfast or Sunday brunch.
Spring Avocado Tartine
Toast, tartine grillée, whatever you call it, this recipe is perfect for the spring season. Poached egg and radishes elevate your basic avocado toast by including seasonal veggies and a great source of fat and protein. If eggs are not part of your diet, you can omit them and opt for a lighter toast or add extra veggies. This spring avocado tartine makes the perfect breakfast or afternoon snack, and you can even enjoy it for lunch with a side salad.
INGREDIENTS
1 egg
1 slice gluten-free bread, toasted
½ avocado, pitted and peeled
1 radish
½ tbsp non-dairy butter, optional
1 tsp lemon or lime juice
Salt and pepper
METHOD
In a small pot filled with water, bring it to a boil. Lower the heat to a rolling simmer. Crack your egg into a bowl and slide it into the simmering water. Boil for 5-6 minutes uncovered. Set aside.
Meanwhile, mash the avocado in a bowl with lemon or lime juice, salt and pepper.
Toast your bread. Spread a layer of vegan butter over it, followed by mashed avocado and sliced radishes. Top it off with the poached egg. Optionally, add sprouts, seeds, etc. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Chia Seed Confiture
Skip the refined sugars and make your own chia seed confiture with only 4 basic ingredients! It’s packed with fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants, making it a healthier alternative to traditional jam. Spread it on a slice of baguette for a delicious tartine or mix it with yogurt for a sweet afternoon snack or post-dinner dessert.
INGREDIENTS
2 cups fresh or frozen berries
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
2 tablespoons chia seeds
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
METHOD
In a small saucepan, combine the berries and honey over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer until the berries begin to soften and release their juices, about 5-7 minutes.
Once the berries are soft, use a fork or potato masher to gently mash them to your desired consistency. For a smoother confiture, you can use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor and pulse until smooth.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the chia seeds. Mix well to ensure the seeds are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes, then stir in lemon juice and transfer to a clean glass jar or container.
Buckwheat Granola
Yogurt isn’t part of the traditional French breakfast menu, but it’s nonetheless a personal favorite of mine for a breakfast that is both sweet and light. Elevating your basic yogurt bowl is as simple as adding this homemade buckwheat granola. It’s not only delicious but packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats to keep you satisfied all morning. Plus, it's incredibly easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.
INGREDIENTS
2 cups raw buckwheat groats
1 cup rolled oats
½ cup nuts and/or seeds (such as almonds, walnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds)
¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
¼ cup maple syrup or honey
2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
Optional add-ins: dried fruit (such as raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots) or chocolate chips
METHOD
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the buckwheat groats, rolled oats, nuts and/or seeds, and shredded coconut.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup or honey, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated.
Transfer the granola mixture to the prepared baking sheet and spread it out into an even layer. Bake the granola in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and fragrant.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the granola cool completely on the pan. It will continue to crisp up as it cools.
Once the granola has cooled, stir in any optional add-ins, such as dried fruit, chocolate chips, or additional spices, if desired.
Transfer the cooled granola to an airtight container or jar and store it at room temperature for up to two weeks, or in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.
Chocolat Chaud
If you’re craving a comforting morning treat without guilt, this healthy chocolat chaud is the perfect addition to your French breakfast. It will satisfy your sweet tooth while nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients. For a breakfast-friendly version, consider omitting the optional dark chocolate and toppings to keep it light for the morning.
INGREDIENTS
1 cup almond or coconut milk
1 tablespoon coconut butter
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Dark chocolate (optional)
Optional toppings: whipped coconut cream, dark chocolate shavings
METHOD
Blend almond or coconut milk, coconut butter, cocoa powder, cinnamon, vanilla, salt, and cayenne in a blender until smooth.
Pour the mixture into a small saucepan, cover and heat over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Be careful not to let it boil.
Add one or two squares of dark chocolate (optional) and continue to simmer until the chocolate is melted.
Pour the hot chocolate into a mug and top with whipped coconut cream or dark chocolate shavings (optional).
Citron Pressé
Elevate the traditional “citron pressé” (pressed lemon) with this warm, spiced version that’s ideal for the winter months. It’s an energizing way to kickstart your day while also hydrating your body. For warmer days, you can opt for cold water and add ice cubes for a refreshing morning mocktail.
INGREDIENTS
1 small lemon, juiced
Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
Pinch of turmeric (optional)
Pinch of ground ginger (optional)
1 cup warm water
1 teaspoon maple syrup, coconut sugar or honey (optional)
METHOD
In a mug, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice, spices (optional) and warm water. Stir well to mix.
Allow to infuse for 2-3 minutes, then add preferred sweetener to the mug. Stir until the sweetener is fully dissolved.
Where to Eat Breakfast in Paris
Looking for the best breakfast spots in Paris? Look no further! In a previous blog post, I detailed the crème de la crème of breakfast locales in the French capital.
Most cafes in Paris and across France offer a breakfast menu which typically includes juice, a hot beverage, croissant and tartine. For brunch, you can find restaurants and cafes offering a wider variety of options like yogurt, eggs and other breakfast favorites. Brunch is becoming more popular in France, especially in large cities, so you won’t be hard to find not-so-French fare like pancakes and avocado toast.
Read More: Where to Eat Breakfast in Paris
A traditional French breakfast doesn't require fancy ingredients or a trip to Paris. With just a few key elements, you can savor the art of the French breakfast in your own kitchen. I hope this blog post provided some new insights on eating breakfast like the French and inspiration on how to start your day!
What do you think of the traditional French breakfast? Do you eat breakfast like the French? Let me know in the comments below.
