When you think of a typical French breakfast (le petit-déjeuner), the first thing that probably comes to mind is a buttery, flaky croissant or a decadent pain au chocolat. It’s a popular image, but it's also one of the many myths surrounding French culture. Contrary to popular belief, most French people don’t eat croissants and other breakfast pastries every day. For sure, breakfast pastries are undoubtedly très délicieux, but they’re usually reserved for special occasions or leisurely weekends rather than an everyday staple.
What do French people really eat for breakfast?The typical French breakfast is simple, quick, and often sweet rather than savory. And while there are always exceptions to every generalization, these are the most common items you’ll find on a French breakfast table: • Butter and jam toast (une tartine au beurre et à la confiture): The classic tartine is a favorite throughout France. It’s essentially a slice of fresh baguette, toasted and generously spread with butter and jam. • Espresso coffee (un espresso): Strong, bold, and straightforward, coffee is a morning essential in France. Most French people prefer a small, intense shot of espresso without sugar to start their day. • Orange juice (un jus d’orange): Freshly squeezed or store-bought, orange juice is a common beverage to accompany a tartine and espresso. |
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Diving deeper: tartines
A tartine is a very popular and easy French food that captures the essence of French cuisine: minimalist, yet delicious. It consists of a toasted slice of baguette with something spread on top. While butter and jam are the classic choice for breakfast, there are plenty of other delicious toppings like honey (du miel), hazelnut spread (eg. Nutella), or even savory options like cheese and avocado.
Growing up in France, I often had Nutella tartines with a glass of orange juice for breakfast.
Most French restaurants serving breakfast will feature tartines on the menu; they’re very versatile and can also be enjoyed at different times of the day as a snack or a light meal. Beyond cheese and avocado, some other savory options can include a creamy goat cheese (un fromage de chèvre), some smoked salmon (du saumon fumé), or cream cheese. Some people like to add herbs and other sliced vegetables, such as tomatoes, on top.
No matter which ingredients you use, the key to a good tartine starts with a fresh baguette. If you’re in France or have access to a French-style bakery where you live, opt for a baguette de tradition, which is the most authentic kind of French baguette made with just four ingredients: flour, water, salt, and yeast.
How does your breakfast compare?
So, what do you usually eat for le petit-déjeuner? Is it similar to the traditional French breakfast, or do you prefer something more savory and protein-packed? Tell us about your typical breakfast in the comments of this blog post!
No matter what you eat, just remember that breakfast is an opportunity to commencer ta journée (start your day) with something you love.
Our favorite breakfast items:
Bon appétit !
—Cécilia & the Hello French team
Looking to go further?
Our beginner e-book, Le Bouquin, features an entire section dedicated to ordering food & beverages en français ! If you’d like to learn how to order une tartine au beurre et à la confiture (or whatever else you’re craving) with confidence, check it out!
For the ultimate French learning experience, our Bundles let you find a personalized combination of Hello French resources that suit your learning needs.
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