Paris, with its world-renowned cuisine, is a paradise for foodie parents, but traveling with kids isn’t easy, and every foodie parent knows french children learn to eat with impeccable manners and an adventurous palate. Coming to France with kids, here are some tips on eating like the french with little adventurous.
From a young age, French kids are taught that meal times are sacred, and their eating habits reflect this beautifully. French children, like my own daughter, often surprise you with their commitment to table etiquette. I knew my daughter was truly a mini-Parisienne when, at the tender age of three, I served her a hot dog for lunch. Without missing a beat, she looked up and said, “But Daddy, I can’t eat that, you haven’t cut it up.” I told her to eat it with her fingers, and she responded, “No Daddy, we don’t eat with our fingers at the table.”
This type of discipline and mindfulness around food is part of what makes French children such great eaters. Authors like Pamela Druckerman and Karen Le Billon have written extensively about how French kids develop their eating habits—embracing a variety of foods and learning to enjoy meals without distractions. In Bringing Up Bébé, Druckerman marvels at how French kids sit through long meals with patience, while Le Billon’s French Kids Eat Everything shows us how French families turn everyday meals into opportunities for adventure and discovery.
As a parent visiting Paris, this unique approach to eating is something you can share with your own children. By adopting some of these French habits, you’ll make dining in Paris a fun, educational experience for your little ones. And if you want to explore even deeper into the world of French gastronomy, our Family-Friendly Private Food Tour is the perfect way to introduce your kids to the magic of French cuisine.
How to eat like a french kid Quick Links
What a Typical French Child Eats in a Day
In France, children’s eating habits are structured around set meal times, with very little snacking in between. Here’s a breakdown of what a typical French child eats throughout the day:
1. Breakfast (Petit Déjeuner)
The day starts light. French children usually have a simple breakfast like a tartine (a slice of baguette with butter and jam) or cereal with warm milk. Occasionally, they might have a croissant or pain au chocolat on weekends, but sugary breakfasts are kept to a minimum.
2. Lunch (Déjeuner):
Lunch is the main meal of the day for most French children, and it’s often served early, around midday. At school, a typical lunch might include a starter (like a salad or raw vegetables), a main dish (such as roast chicken or fish with vegetables), a slice of cheese, and a piece of fruit or a small dessert. Meals are balanced, with an emphasis on fresh, whole ingredients.
3. Snack Time (Goûter):
Around 4.30 PM, French children have goûter, the only real snack of the day. This isn’t a bag of crisps or candy, but rather something simple and satisfying like a piece of fruit, a pain au lait (milk bread), or Prince biscuits. It’s a small, planned snack meant to tide them over until dinner.
4. Dinner (Dîner):
Dinners in French families are typically lighter than lunch but still well-balanced. A typical meal might include a vegetable-based soup, a simple main dish like omelette or pasta with vegetables, and perhaps some cheese or yoghurt for dessert. French families often take their time with dinner, enjoying it together at the table without rushing.
This structured approach to meals not only ensures that children are eating nutritious foods but also teaches them to appreciate the art of dining.
The Art of Teaching Kids How To Eat Like The French
There is plenty of valuable information from French public health initiatives and government guidelines that touch on how children are taught to eat and develop good eating habits from a young age. The French government places great emphasis on nutrition education, particularly in schools, where meal times and table manners are key aspects of daily routines.
1. School Meals and Nutrition: The French government, through agencies like ANSES (Agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire), emphasizes that both good and bad eating habits are formed early in life and have lasting impacts on health. In fact, more than 7 million children eat school meals in France at least once a week, and these meals are considered crucial to teaching children balanced eating and good manners. French school lunches are structured, nutritionally balanced, and often involve multi-course meals that encourage children to develop a taste for varied foods and practice proper table manners. This is aligned with public health policies that stress the importance of teaching good eating habits in childhood .
2. Cultural Expectations of Table Manners: According to cultural commentators, French children are taught to be mindful at the table from an early age. Eating is a structured activity where children are expected to sit properly, use cutlery, and engage in conversation about the food they are eating. For instance, children often play a game of guessing ingredients or talking about where the food comes from, which heightens their awareness and appreciation for the dining experience.
These norms are reinforced not just at home, but in schools and public settings, making table manners a central part of French children’s social education.
Try Everything: Encourage a Love for Variety
French children are raised to try new foods regularly, from green vegetables to strong cheeses. Encourage your kids to embrace this culinary diversity on your trip. Whether it’s sampling escargot or tasting a mild Brie, let them explore new flavours in Paris. They might surprise you by falling in love with something you’d never expect!
Eat Slowly and Enjoy: The French Way of Savoring Meals
One of the key aspects of French eating culture is the slow pace. French families take their time at the table, and children are encouraged to savour each bite. This helps build a healthier relationship with food and creates a relaxed atmosphere around meals.
When dining out in Paris, let your kids experience this slower pace. Order smaller courses, and take breaks in between to talk about the flavours and textures. It’s a great way to bond and immerse yourselves in the local culture.
Balanced Meals: A Snapshot of the Typical French Child’s Diet
In France, every meal has a purpose. Children aren’t fed quick bites or mindless snacks. They are given meals that are balanced, nutritious, and satisfying. At restaurants, try ordering a traditional plat du jour for your kids—a full meal that includes a protein, vegetables, and a small dessert. This will give them a true taste of how French children eat.
Avoid Snacking: Meal Times are Sacred
In French culture, snacks are limited to the afternoon goûter. There’s no grazing in between meals. This teaches children to regulate their hunger and enjoy their food more when it’s finally time to eat.
You can adopt this approach during your Paris trip by keeping snacks light and occasional. Try offering sirop de grenadine, a crepe, or a small slice of baguette with cheese between meals. This keeps your children’s appetites intact and prepares them for the main event—dinner.
Family Meal Times: The Importance of Eating Together
One of the most beautiful aspects of French culture is the value placed on family meal times. Whether it’s a slow Sunday lunch or a relaxed dinner, French families use these moments to connect and share.
On your trip to Paris, try to emulate this. Sit down for meals together, without distractions, and enjoy the food and the company. It’s these moments that will stick with your kids long after the trip is over.
Polite Table Manners: Teach Your Kids the French Rules of Dining
Table manners are important in France, and children learn them early. Teach your kids how to say “merci” and “s’il vous plaît,” and encourage them to sit properly, use their cutlery, and respect the dining environment. It will make your dining experiences in Paris smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.
Top Tips for Travelling to France with Kids
Travelling with kids can be challenging, but Paris is a surprisingly family-friendly city. Here are some tips to make your trip easier:
1. Don’t Expect Your Kids to Eat Fancy Meals Every Day
While Paris is known for its gourmet cuisine, don’t feel bad about giving your kids a break from fine dining. You don’t need to dine at Michelin-star restaurants every night. If your little ones need something familiar, take them for a burger or even to their favourite fast food chain. It’s all about balance, and you’ll find that even these places have a unique French twist.
2. Let Them Play and Explore
Don’t forget that kids need space to run around. Paris has beautiful parks like Jardin des Tuileries or Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, where children can stretch their legs between meals. Plan for a mix of activities that allow your children to experience the culture without being tied to a restaurant table all day.
3. Take a Picnic to Disneyland Paris
If you’re heading to Disneyland Paris (which is a common stop for families), pack your own picnic. The food inside Disneyland is notoriously bad and overpriced, so save yourself the hassle and bring a baguette, some cheese, and a few fresh fruits. You’ll have a much more enjoyable and nutritious meal than what’s offered at the park.
4. Book a Family-Friendly Food Tour
Want to take the stress out of dining in Paris with kids? Book our Family-Friendly Private Food Tour. We’ll guide you through the best child-friendly spots in the city, giving your kids a taste of French cuisine without the hassle.
For more tips, check out my family friendly guide for eating out with kids in Paris.
Must-Try Foods for Kids in France
If you’re worried about your children not taking to French cuisine, fear not! The land of Macaron, Croissant and delicious bread awaits with open arms. Here are some crowd-pleasers for kids:
- Sirop de Menthe or Grenadine: Sweet, refreshing drinks that make a great apero for kids.
- Prince Biscuits: A popular snack eaten for breakfast or gouter.
- Orangina: a sweet orange juice and soda water drink that is served on the terrace as you enjoy an apero!
- Chocolat: from Nutella to an amazing Parisian choclatier. French kids eat lots of chocolate, so yours should too!
- Crepes: Sweet or savoury, these are always a hit.
- Cheeses: Start with mild ones like Comté, Brie, and young goat’s cheese.
- Escargot: For the adventurous little eaters!
- Sweets: Fraise Tagada, Nougat (the real stuff) Praline, Carambars and more. Sweets here will suprise you at how healthy and wholesome they can be.
Embrace French Eating Habits with Your Family (But Don’t Worry If It’s a Work in Progress!)
Adopting French eating habits while you’re in Paris isn’t just about expanding your children’s palates—it’s about teaching them to slow down, enjoy their meals, and build lasting family memories. As Pamela Druckerman and Karen Le Billon have pointed out in their books, French children learn these skills from a very young age, and good manners at the table are second nature by the time they start school. But don’t expect your kids to become mini-Parisians overnight—it’s all about practice.
I was reminded of this myself when I visited my younger brother’s family in Marseille. His wife, a master of French table manners, spent an entire lunch teaching their three boys (all under six) about how to eat properly. The whole meal was a gentle lesson in etiquette, and naturally, I became the subject of their corrections. Even their youngest, who couldn’t quite talk yet, gave me a disapproving frown and a shake of the head as I cheekily popped extra tomatoes from the serving plate straight into my mouth, bypassing my plate and the knife and fork entirely. Clearly, I’ve got some work to do!
So, don’t stress if your kids don’t adapt to these habits right away. The French start young, and while your children might not be keeping up with the Parisians by the end of your trip, introducing them to these habits will set the foundation for a more mindful approach to eating. And if you want to make it fun and educational, be sure to book our Family-Friendly Private Food Tour, where we’ll guide you through the culinary wonders of Paris with tips and tricks on how to enjoy meals the French way—family style!
How to Eat Like a French Child: Tips for Cultivating Sophisticated Palates
Eating Out with Kids in Paris: A Family-Friendly Guide
Answers to the questions guests often ask us about french kids food
Why are French children’s eating habits so admired?
French children are taught from an early age to appreciate food and mealtime rituals. They enjoy a wide variety of foods, practice polite table manners, and are accustomed to balanced, structured meals without snacking in between. According to books like Bringing Up Bébé by Pamela Druckerman and French Kids Eat Everything by Karen Le Billon, French parents raise their kids to savour meals and develop an adventurous palate.
How can I encourage my kids to try new foods like French children do?
Start by offering small portions of a variety of foods, and avoid pressuring them. The French philosophy is to gently encourage children to taste everything without forcing it. Make meals fun by discussing the flavours, guessing ingredients, or involving your kids in the cooking process, much like French children are taught to appreciate how food is made.
What table manners do French children learn?
French children are taught to sit properly at the table, use cutlery correctly, and never eat with their hands unless it’s appropriate (such as with bread). They are also expected to participate in mealtime conversations and to say “merci” and “s’il vous plaît.” Manners are emphasized from a young age, making dining a structured and respectful experience.
My kids are picky eaters. Will they enjoy French food?
Yes, French food is varied, and there are plenty of kid-friendly options. Start with familiar dishes like crêpes, croissants, or mild cheeses like Comté and Brie. You can gradually introduce more adventurous foods like escargot or sirop de grenadine. If your kids need a break, it’s perfectly fine to indulge them with a burger or visit their favourite fast food place. French children also enjoy balance between gourmet meals and simple treats.
How can we maintain structured meal times while travelling in France?
In France, meal times are sacred, and sticking to a regular meal schedule will help your children adapt to local eating habits. Plan meals around the typical French schedule, which includes lunch at noon and dinner around 7 or 8 PM. Pack healthy snacks for moments in between, such as fruit or a baguette with cheese, and avoid grazing between meals.
Are French children allowed to snack?
Snacking is rare in French culture, and French children typically have just one planned snack, the goûter, in the afternoon. This helps them develop a sense of hunger and anticipation for their meals. You can adopt this practice during your trip by limiting snacks and offering healthy options like Prince biscuits or fruit at snack time.
Any tips for visiting Disneyland Paris with kids?
Yes! One great tip is to pack a picnic. The food inside Disneyland Paris is notoriously bad and overpriced, so take a baguette, cheese, and fruit for a much more enjoyable and healthy meal. There are plenty of picturesque spots where you can enjoy your picnic and avoid the fast food options.
Will my kids really learn table manners while on holiday?
While they might not master French etiquette overnight, exposing them to these habits during your trip can set a solid foundation. The French start young, so patience is key. As my own experience shows, it takes practice—my younger brother’s children once spent an entire meal correcting my table manners! Even toddlers in France learn the basics of polite eating, so take it slow, and don’t worry if it’s a work in progress.