3 little things French families do differently in summer


Want to Feel Like You're in Provence This Summer? Start Here.

No, you don’t need a plane ticket or a vineyard view to enjoy summer the French way. You just need a little mindset shift: the kind that starts around the table.

After spending most of my life in Provence (and nearly two decades in Canada), I have noticed something: French families treat everyday meals like they matter. There’s no rushing, no snacking while standing, no eating out of a package over the sink.

And guess what? That changes everything.

Here are 3 tiny but powerful things we do in France that can totally transform how your summer feels:

1. Today is the special occasion

Don't wait for a holiday to enjoy something delicious. Open the “good” bottle. Slice into the fancy cheese. Use the cloth napkins. The French mindset? Life is meant to be savoured, especially on a Tuesday.

2. Sit down and stay a while

Put the food on a real plate. Step away from your phone. Just eat, breathe, and be present. Whether it's a garden lunch or a Tuesday night pasta, this is where joy lives.

3. Make meals a moment

French families treat the dinner table like a daily reunion. It’s not just about food—it’s where you connect, listen, and laugh. That’s where curiosity about food is born.

Want all 8 tips (and a little dose of Provençal sunshine)? I wrote a full piece on how to bring that French summer feeling into your home without leaving your city. Read the full article here

Want to go deeper?

If this resonates with you, you’ll love what’s coming: The Table Reset: my upcoming program for parents who want to raise curious eaters, the French way.

Click here to join the interest list.

How are you?

What are you up to this summer? Can I help with a recipe? Send requests, I'd love to help out!

Merci!

Mél

Petit Porcini

Come hang out in my French kitchen abroad!

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