As my time in France is soon coming to a close, I am beginning to reflect a bit on my experiences. Though I have only spent a month in this country, I have been able to see quite a few interesting things, meet wonderful people, and make memories that I will always carry with me. On my trip, I was able to break some stereotypes (French people can be quite kind, and not all of them smoke!), but I did find a few constants, which I’d like to note here.

Coffee is appreciated differently

Of course many Americans might argue that they enjoy coffee too, and there are the coffee ‘connoisseurs’ that appreciate the drink more than others might. However, when I say coffee is appreciated differently in France, I mean that it works its way into the culture in a different way. For example, along with the usual morning cup of coffee, people may have a small espresso after lunch. In fact, you’re most likely to get this if you just ask for a coffee (you’d have to ask for an ‘American coffee’ to get something more akin to what is normal in the States). Though some might scoff at the miniature size, it can actually be quite pleasant, and it causes you to focus on the flavor as you take small sips from the cup.

There are also many restaurants that have tables set up outside, and while people are welcome to come with a friend and face each other, there are many people who come alone to grab a coffee, face the street, and enjoy a bit of people watching to pass the time. Again, I’m not suggesting that the French enjoy coffee more than Americans, the Japanese, or anyone else. It may even be enjoyed the same way in other parts of Europe such as Italy. However, apart from the ‘specialists’ shops you’d have to scour the streets for, the coffee culture definitely seems different than it is back home.

Books are everywhere, (especially in Paris)

Being an older country, France is full of rich history, and that history includes literature. Along with the numerous amount of large chain book stores and Mom & Pop shops, lining the Seine River of Paris are these green boxes accompanied by vendors called ‘bouquinistes’. These bouquinistes primarily sell used books, although most of them also offer other things such as souvenirs key chains, mugs, and postcards (at a fair price!). The vendors are usually there from sunrise to sunset, and when they’re ready to leave, they close up their green box, lock up, and head home for the day. It really is a sight to see so many green boxes filing down along the Seine. There are apparently over 900 green boxes, which is what leads people to call the Seine ‘the only river in the world between two bookshelves’.

Rich in art, old and new

As I mentioned earlier, France is quite rich in history, and it can easily be seen through taking a walk down the streets. Of course Paris shows this with its many famous sites such as the Notre Dame or l’Arc de Triomphe, but it can also be seen in other areas. Even in smaller cities, it is common to find an old cathedral, or monument, or house that calls to mind the early days of France. The architecture found in these structures can definitely be considered art, as a close look at them easily shows the care and time it must have taken to craft them. It is a wonderful place to wander around, and offers lots of eye candy to those who would wish to travel. Along with the structures that have been in place for centuries, there are also newer works of art to be seen, and several museums to house these pieces. The nice thing is that many of these museums can be entered for free, and others often offer free days on certain occasions. It’s a nice way to ensure that anyone is able to enjoy a bit of art.

There’s of course more that could be said, but these three things stood out to me as being very prominent during my stay in France. Though it was only for a short time, the country has made an impression on me, and I see myself returning in the future.