Lifestyle is a way of life that reflects an individual or group's values, attitudes and preferences and resulting choices, behaviors and habits. When a society as a whole shares the same values, attitudes and preferences, they adopt the same customs and a culture develops.
The community in which a person resides affects the lifestyle available to them. In the case of France, once you get out of the big cities, the pace slows and a more purposeful lifestyle becomes evident. (I'm differentiating between a purposeful life and a purposeful style of living.) I'm talking about going about daily activities with purpose--taking the time to make activities intentional and more meaningful. It's very much about living in the moment. This favored lifestyle revolves a lot around socializing and food.
In France, creating and enjoying food is an unhurried passion, supported by the shopkeepers of la boulangerie (bakery), la formagerie (cheese shop), la boucherie (butcher), etc. Here at home I keep a list of what I need and head to the grocery store once a week. It's all about being efficient and getting the job done. But in towns and villages in France, these activities are done with delight, consideration and purpose. Mundane and routine activities become moments that matter. You see this in the daily stops for fresh baguettes (instead of buying bread with preservatives that stays fresh longer). And you see it in the weekly markets that almost every village has.
I haven't even included photos of all the varied and beautiful produce.
There may be small markets for spur-of-the-moment needs, but most residents hit the weekly markets for their grocery and produce needs. The goods are local and homemade--different town's markets may offer different things. They are plentiful and appealing--awakening your senses. I realize many Americans frequent farmer's markets and enjoy choosing from what's available. But in France it's not a novel or seasonal event--it's a way of life. And France isn't necessarily the only country where people take their food shopping and meal preparation seriously.
In France they don't eat--they dine. It's a very purposeful event. It's a gathering of friends or family to share and socialize. There are several courses served between laughter and wine. Even in the middle of the day, it's leisurely. But, although the food is usually delicious, it's not necessarily the focus. (This emphasis may be why the French don't overeat as much as we do.) The feeling of community is what's important--spending meaningful time together. Even cafe-sitting demonstrates intentionally taking the time to sit, relax, sip and watch the world go by.
Recognizing the French way of living was refreshing and inspiring. But alas, we are creatures of our environment (and bad habits). And upon returning, I immediately ran to the grocery store to quickly pick up a few staples. I will try--when I go to restaurants and entertain--to adopt their attitude of unhurried dining and to appreciate that every meal is a celebration of good food and togetherness.
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