France: Where the Bread Is Perfect, the Strikes Are Scheduled, and the Cheese Outnumbers the Days of the Year

Welcome to France, a nation that has perfected the art of sophisticated living, top-tier food, and making sure tourists feel just a little bit underdressed at all times.

It’s a country of epic culinary rivalries and stunning landscapes. In Paris, you’ll marvel at iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, dodge aggressive mopeds, and attempt to order a croissant using three words of high-school French while the baker looks at you with profound, quiet pity. Head down south to the Riviera, and suddenly everyone is wearing linen, sipping rosé on yacht-lined beaches, and pretending they aren't sweating.

Then there’s the daily rhythm. In France, lunch isn't a quick bite—it's a sacred two-hour event where work officially pauses. If you try to shop at 2:00 PM in a small village, you'll find closed doors and a sign that basically translates to "Go away, we are enjoying life." And if the train conductors or air traffic controllers decide to go on strike during your trip, don't panic—that’s just a cherished national pastime.

Between eating your body weight in butter and baguettes, marveling at castles that make fairytale books look lazy, and learning to embrace the famous "French sigh," France is intoxicating, glamorous, and endlessly fun. Just remember to say "Bonjour" before speaking to anyone, never ask for tap water with ice, and always save room for cheese! There is always more cheese!

When was I not in France? It's 5km away from the house where I grew up.