logo
More than half of Americans admire the French way of life and how they approach work

More than half of Americans admire the French way of life and how they approach work

New York Post6 days ago
More than half of Americans admire the French way of life, with their love of fresh ingredients, arts and culture – and a good work/life balance at the top of the list.
A poll of 2,000 adults found 29 percent of France-admirers love their preference for fresh food over processed items, while the same percentage appreciates their love of arts and culture.
Advertisement
French work practices are also admired by many – with 60 percent believing the French have a better work life balance, compared to just 10 percent for Americans.
5 A poll of 2,000 adults found 29 percent of France-admirers love fresh food over processed items and appreciate their love of arts and culture.
Artem – stock.adobe.com
More than one in five (22 percent) respect their commitment to clocking off work at their contracted time, and 22 percent like how they protect lunch breaks as a 'sacred time.'
Enjoying fine cuisine and their sense of style are also among the areas Americans admire about the French lifestyle.
Advertisement
It also emerged 22 percent of those who know of the French way of life would love to adopt certain aspects into their own lives – with the most envied areas being food, time for hobbies and interests, and taking longer lunch breaks.
5 The most envied areas of French life are food, time for hobbies and interests and longer lunch breaks.
Adam Gray / 72Point / PinPep
While 21 percent have taken onboard their attitudes to romance, with the same number trying to be more humble.
A spokesperson for bakery brand St Pierre, which commissioned the study and surprised Americans during their lunch break with a French dining experience to encourage them to 'Eat Avec Respect' said: 'The French lifestyle is often admired and romanticized worldwide and for good reason.
Advertisement
'There's something timeless and deeply alluring about the French way of life that continues to captivate Americans.
5 'There's something timeless and deeply alluring about the French way of life that continues to captivate Americans,' a spokesperson for bakery brand St Pierre, who commissioned the study, said.
Adam Gray / 72Point / PinPep
'Whether it's the art of slowing down, prioritizing quality over quantity, or the effortless sense of style, France offers a rhythm of life that feels both sophisticated and grounded.
'It's a culture that places value on experiences – a morning coffee at a sidewalk café, a leisurely stroll through a local market, or an afternoon spent with family around the table.'
Advertisement
The research also found 29 percent of Americans consider it 'unlikely' that French people admire any parts of the American lifestyle.
5 29 percent of Americans consider it 'unlikely' that French people admire any parts of the American lifestyle.
Ekaterina Pokrovsky – stock.adobe.com
And 42 percent would even like to hop across the Atlantic permanently and live in France someday.
But if US citizens were to present American food to other countries, they'd be most proud to offer a meaty cheeseburger (27 percent) or some fried chicken (27 percent).
With nearly as many (26 percent) as proud of barbecue ribs, and 22 percent opting to show off a classic US apple pie.
But one in four of those polled, via OnePoll, admit they get most of their information about the French lifestyle from social media like Instagram or TikTok, while 19 percent pick it up from YouTube.
5 42 percent of Americans would like to live in France someday.
zigres – stock.adobe.com
The spokesperson for St Pierre, which has also created a hilarious video teaching American workers to be more 'French' in their lunch-taking, said: 'Many Americans admire how the French approach balance – not just in food and fashion, but in work and rest.
Advertisement
'There's a deep respect for boundaries when it comes to time off, and a national understanding that taking proper breaks isn't laziness – it's essential to wellbeing and productivity.
'Good food is good for the soul, which is why we believe that lunchbreaks – and any other meal time – is a time to 'eat avec respect'.'
TOP 20 THINGS AMERICANS ADMIRE ABOUT THE FRENCH LIFESTYLE:
1. Eating fresh ingredients
2. Love of arts and culture
Advertisement
3. The ideal work/life balance
4. Making time to enjoy meals
5. Enjoying the best moments in life
6. Being romantics
Advertisement
7. Appreciating fine cuisine
8. Overall better diet than the Americans
9. Better food and drink standards than America
10. Sense of style
Advertisement
11. Ditching processed foods
12. Living humbly
13. Taking in their surroundings rather than rushing through the city
14. Making time for hobbies and interests
15. Making time for cooking
16. Better food and drink options than America
17. Being authentic
18. Passionate about interests
19. Good etiquette skills
20. Making every mealtime an occasion
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Trader Joe's trendy totes are the hot new status symbol in this foreign country — with no Trader Joe's stores
Trader Joe's trendy totes are the hot new status symbol in this foreign country — with no Trader Joe's stores

Yahoo

time4 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Trader Joe's trendy totes are the hot new status symbol in this foreign country — with no Trader Joe's stores

The Trader Joe's brand reputation precedes them globally — thanks to their viral totes. The grocery store's infamous tote bags are something of a status symbol here in the United States, but across the pond, even without a single location in Britain, Trader Joe's bags have become a must-have accessory. 'I think I've seen more of the Trader Joe's tote bags in London than I have where I live in San Francisco,' Hannah Tyldsley, a 27-year-old who works in consulting and was in the city visiting friends, told the New York Times. Christos Paphiti, a London-based lawyer, told the outlet that visiting Trader Joe's was a months-long wish for him after seeing more and more people in his East London neighborhood wearing the totes. 'Seeing people in their cute fits wearing them, I was like: 'What is Trader Joe's? Where can I get one?' he said. Paphiti, 29, made Trader Joe's a vital part of his itinerary during a trip to New York and he returned home with seven tote bags for him and his friends. 'Everyone was super touched by it,' he said. 'I was like, 'Sweetie, it was $4.'' One girl on TikTok said that since she moved to London, she's noticed that so many people carry Trader Joe's bags — and she echoed the sentiment that she's seen more there than she did in America. And while many people on social media seem confused why an American thing is so popular in London, it seems as though the American aspect of it is part of the draw. 'It's a subtle flex that you've been to America,' one person commented on a TikTok. 'You're a little bit well traveled,' Jarrod Stevenson, 30, told The Times. 'Obviously, at some point, you've been to the States. You've picked up the bag. You know what's up.' In order to get one of these bags in London, Brits have to either travel to the United States or know someone who is going and will bring one back. One person even commented on TikTok that she moved from London to LA, but 'brings back 100 [tote bags] every few months as souvenirs cuz allll my friends want one.' If you're not able to make it to the states or don't know someone who can gift you one, the other option for Londoners to get their hands on one of the viral tote bags is to purchase on a resale site, such as Vinted, which is popular in the UK. There are hundreds on hundreds of Trader Joe's bags listed on Vinted for about £10, or $11.50, though some people get more of a profit from them. Aysun Yeter, 28, told the Times that she sold an extra TJ's tote she had for £20 ($27) last year, and she wanted to buy one for herself because 'the American girlies have it.' Many London-based users on TikTok also noted that the tote bags aren't just cute and popular — they're also practical. 'It's such a perfect size tote bag, literally holds everything and so comfy and convenient,' one said. 'It's such a sturdy and multi-functional bag. I take it with me everywhere I go,' another wrote. 'It's the only bag that holds EVERYTHING I need,' someone declared. Solve the daily Crossword

The Bag of Summer Is a BAB
The Bag of Summer Is a BAB

New York Times

time8 hours ago

  • New York Times

The Bag of Summer Is a BAB

Anna Barger was walking down the streets of Paris this spring with the necessities of her day stuffed into an oversize bag when inspiration struck. 'All a girl really needs on a solo day in a city,' she says in a TikTok video, 'is a trusty BAB.' From that point on, BAB, an acronym for 'Big Ass Bag,' has become a staple of Ms. Barger's wardrobe and vocabulary. The 26-year-old content creator is one of many women on social media who are lugging large totes and purses over their shoulders this summer, in what appears to be an emerging trend. 'It feels like girlhood because we've all carried a big bag with a bunch of stuff in it,' Ms. Barger said in an interview, later adding, 'We've all had that moment.' In the TV show 'Succession,' the character Tom Wambsgans ridiculed the concept, calling a Burberry tote a 'ludicrously capacious bag.' But the proponents of the current trend rave about the functionality of a BAB, and how they fill it with all the items one may need on a lengthy outing, including — but not limited to — multiple shades of lip gloss, hand sanitizer, a miniature fan, a kindle, a magazine, books, a computer, an iPad, a camera and Pilates socks. 'A girl with a BAB is a specific vibe,' Ms. Barger said. 'She's ready for the entire day.' Macy Hyman, a 24-year-old content creator in Boston, said the accessory was particularly helpful for people living in cities, because it could eliminate the need to return home between activities. 'I will leave super early in the morning and pack up my huge bag with me, with everything I'll possibly need, and just take it for the day,' Ms. Hyman said. A BAB can come in all shapes and sizes, and has no required designer pedigree. While Ms. Barger's latest BAB is a Miu Miu, the first tote she showcased came from Anthropologie. Others picked theirs up from flea markets and retail stores. (Several social media users said cross-body functionality, however, gave it bonus points.) The ultimate BAB, of course, was the original Birkin from Hermès, which recently sold at auction for $10 million. That bag, a prototype for what has become among the most coveted accessories in fashion, was crafted for the actress Jane Birkin so that she could hold all her essentials — diapers, cigarettes, notebooks and more — without spilling them. Maria Ochoa, a 19-year-old fashion student in New York City, said she was not aware that BAB was an 'actual' term that had been going around, because her penchant for carrying a large bag had already been a long-running joke among her and her friends. But she said she had seen its popularity grow over the last year. 'I think it's a really 'it' accessory right now,' Ms. Ochoa said. She carries everything she could need in her BAB, she said, including beauty products, a film camera and crystals 'for the good vibes.'

The French Girl Summer Essentials: 20 Effortless Pieces To Shop Now
The French Girl Summer Essentials: 20 Effortless Pieces To Shop Now

Forbes

time8 hours ago

  • Forbes

The French Girl Summer Essentials: 20 Effortless Pieces To Shop Now

The French Girl Summer Essentials: 20 Effortless Pieces To Shop Now Courtesy of With Jéan Summer '25 is all about languorous mornings and late afternoon bike rides with fresh baguettes in the basket. This season's French girl aesthetic has everyone reaching for clean cotton, polka dots, and effortlessly chic pieces that work from café to coastline. Here are 20 summer essentials that capture that je ne sais quoi, with the most flattering silhouettes for every lazy afternoon and sunset apéritif. The ultimate cool-girl bikini for summer 2025, the Fifi set in the refreshing shade of mint channels French vintage vibe. Inspired by seventies glamour, the set is crafted from quick-drying, natural Italian cotton and elevated with custom hardware finishes designed in collaboration with Jessica McCormack. Nounou Fifi Mint Bikini Courtesy of nounou Polka dots reign supreme this summer, but With Jéan elevates the classic print with oversized proportions in its Penny Skirt — a favorite among fashion insiders currently making waves from Saint-Tropez to Ibiza. With Jéan Penny Skirt Yellow Dot Courtesy of With Jéan No French girl's jewelry box is complete without a pair of sculptural statement earrings, and these Daphne earrings strike the perfect balance between artistic and effortless. Light enough for all-day wear yet bold enough to elevate a simple white tee, they embody the French philosophy that one exquisite piece is worth a dozen trends. YSSO Daphne Earrings Courtesy of YSSO Nothing captures the French approach to beach dressing quite like an oversized shirt that doubles as a dress. This airy piece by Wiggy Kit, with its subtle folk-inspired print lining the edges, embodies that Riviera ease — voluminous enough to feel unstructured, yet elevated enough for a beachfront restaurant. Wiggy Kit Montauk Shirt Dress Courtesy of Wiggy Kit Heaven Mayhem Carino Watch With its minimalist rectangular face and refined proportions, the Carino watch by Heaven Mayhem adds just enough polish to bare wrists peeking from oversized shirt cuffs. The dual strap option (black and brown leather included) means one watch works for every occasion, from beach picnics to gallery openings. Heaven Mayhem Carino Watch in silver Courtesy of Heaven Mayhem Salty Little Things Linea Rosa Underwire Top The Linea Rosa piece with its whisper-soft pink stripes and vintage-inspired lace trim is the kind of piece that transitions seamlessly from Saint-Tropez beach clubs to under an unbuttoned linen shirt at dinner — quintessentially French in its ability to be both practical and pretty. Salty Little Things Linea Rosa Underwire Top Courtesy of Salty Little Things Boteh Sirenuse Peplem Top A cool serenade to the south of France, Boteh's Sirenuse top will get you ready for Euro summer romance in an instance. With yarn-dyed linen in sleek French stripes embroidered with indigo florals, the chic little number can be mixed and matched for all your vacation needs. Boteh Sirenuse Peplem Top Courtesy of Boteh Stringys Nude Invisible Underwear Go carefree this summer without worrying about VPL ruining your perfect outfit. Stringys' viral undies (they come in nude as well as deep lush brown) promise to disappear completely under silk skirts and linen trousers — no lines, no bunching, just smooth confidence and a whole lotta fun. Stringys Nude Invisible Underwear Courtesy of Stringys If Only If Clover Organic Cotton Voile This cotton voile nightdress with hand-smocked sleeves does double duty as the ultimate summer day dress. Pair with espadrilles and a straw basket for instant Provence vibes. If Only If Clover Organic Cotton Voile Courtesy of If Only If Lorna Murray Luxe Capri Hat There's something irresistibly addictive about these Lorna Murray hats that no one can quite explain — but it's simply not a hot girl summer in 2025 without one of these lampshade beauties. Functional, playful, and just a touch unhinged, these Luxe Capri hats are flattering and fun while offering total sun protection. Lorna Murray Luxe Capri Hat Courtesy of Lorna Murray tbco. Cotton Short Set in Flora Sun The matching set is having a moment in French summer style, and this cotton co-ord in coral florals strikes the perfect balance between polish and ease. It's the kind of outfit you can throw on for morning market runs or afternoon rosé sessions — no styling required. tbco. Cotton Short Set in Flora Sun Courtesy of tbco. VRG GRL Remi Satin Pants Stripe Bias-cut trousers in an abstract stripe print solve the eternal French girl dilemma: how to look polished without trying. The fluid drape and elastic waistband offer that coveted combination of structure and ease — perfect for long lunches that turn into evening adventures. VRG GRL Remi Satin Pants Stripe Courtesy of VRG GRL Freja New York The Jane Bag Butter The Jane bag in buttery pale yellow captures the French cool girl mantra: simple, elevated and effortlessly chic. The sculptural handle attachments and precise seam detailing elevate it beyond basic, while the compact size forces that enviable French discipline of traveling light. Freja New York The Jane Bag Butter courtesy of Freja New York With Nothing Underneath The Palazzo Chocolate The palazzo trouser in rich chocolate hemp embodies the French philosophy of investment dressing — one perfect piece worn endlessly. The wide-leg silhouette moves like liquid through summer streets, while the sustainable hemp fabric only gets better with wear. WNU The Palazzo Chocolate Courtesy of With Nothing Underneath Hope and May Palma Tiered Dress Hope and May has that lazy summer aesthetic nailed to a T. This tiered cotton voile dress masters the art of looking undone in the most deliberate way, with the voluminous sleeves add a touch of romantic drama without trying too hard. Hope and May Palma Tiered Dress Courtesy of Hope and May ELLEME Trousse Woven Leather Olive Green The Trousse bag's boxy silhouette in buttery woven leather holds just enough for summer's essential moments without weighing you down. It's the kind of understated piece that elevates everything from knit tanks to slip dresses — proof that sometimes the smallest details make the biggest impact. ELLEME Trousse Woven Leather Olive Green Courtesy of ELLEME MAKSU Lulu Cotton Tie Front Top Broderie anglaise is summer's answer to looking dressed up without trying — and this Lulu top perfects the formula. The tie-front closure steals the show by adding that undone quality essential to French dressing. MAKSU Lulu Ecru Broderie Anglaise Cotton Tie Front Top Courtesy of MAKSU Linda Farrow x Jacquemus Aviador Sunglasses in Silver These Linda Farrow x Jacquemus aviators with their distinctive yellow lenses capture the golden hour glow of the Côte d'Azur at any time of day. Never too retro, never too futuristic — these perfect day-to-night shades will add a touch of French nonchalance to any outfit. Linda Farrow x Jacquemus Aviador Sunglasses in Silver Courtesy of Linda Farrow Campbell and Kramer Psyche Capri in Black Polka Dot Capri pants are the viral must-have of summer 2025, and in classic polka dots, they're your hot girl summer gold. The halter-and-capri set by Campbell and Kramer taps into the playful side of French dressing — think Bardot on the Riviera but make it TikTok-ready. Campbell and Kramer Psyche Capri in Black Polka Dot Courtesy of Campbell and Kramer Tilly Sveaas Medium Gold T-Bar on Mahogany Leather Necklace After maximum impact with minimal effort? Tilly Sveaas' leather cord necklace with its sculptural gold T-bar closure is the quintessential accessory of the summer: wrapped twice around the wrist for morning markets, worn long and loose over bare skin at the beach, or tied as an anklet for evening drinks. Tilly Sveaas Medium Gold T-Bar on Mahogany Leather Necklace Courtesy of Tilly Sveaas

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store