Day 3040 (Saturday) 4th October 2025 early

We went to Le Phare last night and we were amazed to see the Christmas lights on in our street – so

stupidly early.

We did our usual weekend chores and then I got a text from Dee inviting us for lunch with her and Suzanne and we happily agreed. The square is looking lovely with the autumn colours but it doesn’t feel like autumn at all – it’s still warm and sunny.

I ordered the veal cutlet with chips and I couldn’t believe how big it was – this will last me at least three days.

The restaurant is in a lovely spot in the square and we enjoyed a lovely afternoon.

These are the last of the strange French traditions…

Milk is never served as a drink in schools in France

There are many countries around the world where children are encouraged to drink milk at school, either through government programmes or school policies.

In France, however, it’s not common for schools to serve milk to students as part of their cafeteria lunch meals. 

Students in France are offered water to drink.

There has been some debate in France about the nutritional value of milk and whether it is necessary or beneficial for children to drink in large quantities. Some experts argue that milk is not essential for a healthy diet and that other sources of calcium and other nutrients can be used instead.

As a result, students receive yogurt or cheese as part of their school meals, which are considered healthy and nutritious.

Around high school, and sometimes in middle school, the cafeteria options open up a bit, and things like juice and pop might be available depending on the school.

The legal age to buy alcohol in France is 18, not 21

In some countries like the united states and parts of Canada, the legal age to consume and purchase alcohol is 21.

Before 2009, it was legal for 16 to 18-year-olds to drink “fermented” beverages like cider, wine, and beer. But the laws changed, and now it’s 18 for all alcoholic beverages.

There’s no minimum age for children to drink alcohol in France.

The legal drinking age for beer, wine, and spirits in France is 18; however, it’s perfectly legal for children to consume alcohol in France as long as an adult accompanies them.

This means that parents can give their children a small amount of alcohol with a meal or in a social setting, but they’re not allowed to purchase alcohol for their children to drink with their friends or allow their children to become intoxicated.

Enforcement of these laws can vary, and it is not uncommon to see underage children consuming alcohol in public settings like parks or beaches in France.

So, while it’s not illegal for underage people to drink alcohol in certain situations, like when they’re with their parents or in a social setting, it’s definitely not encouraged or accepted as a standard practice.

Fun fact: French schools used to serve alcohol to children in school.

Other Misc Stuff

April fool’s day is all about the Fish prank

April 1st 1972 in Paris. Rue des Archives/Credit ©Rue des Archives/AGIP

A fun French tradition is to stick a paper fish on the backs of unsuspecting victims as a prank on April fool’s day called Poisson d’avril (April fish day.)

Soccer is called Football in France.

In France, football from North America is called le football Americain, and soccer is called le foot or le football.

You can’t disinherit your children.

Even if you want to exclude your child from your will because they are the devil incarnate, you can’t. 

You can swim nude at this public pool in Paris.

The Roger Le Gall Swimming Pool in Paris might seem like your run-of-the-mill pool, but what sets this pool apart is that you can skinny-dip here three nights a week.

Topless women at the beaches are completely normal; even grandmothers go topless.

It’s no big deal to see topless women at the beach, including grandmothers and mothers with their children.

France is home to the largest clothing-optional beach resort.

Cap d’Agde, is situated in the south West of France, very close to Montpellier.

It’s sometimes referred to as “Naked City.”

Although not encouraged, public sex is tolerated as long as it’s done in the farthest parts of the beach.

And during the summer months, you can walk into some stores in the buff.

There are over 70 regional dialects and accents spoken throughout France.

Men are required to wear tight hugging swimsuits at public pools in France: No board shorts allowed.

There is no official law or requirement in France that requires men to wear tight bathing suits or speedos in public pools. However, there is a cultural preference for more form-fitting swimwear in France and many parts of Europe. 

Having said that, public pools usually require that men wear form-fitting speedo like swim trunks or jammers. If you show up in board shorts, they’ll deny you access. Luckily, some public swimming pools have vending machines that sell them. 

One reason for this preference is that it is seen as more hygienic, as tighter swimwear helps prevent the loose fabric from trapping dirt and bacteria in the water. Tighter swimwear is considered more practical for swimming.

Another factor is simply tradition and cultural norms. In many European countries, swimwear is seen as a functional garment rather than a fashion statement, and tight-fitting swimwear has been the norm for many years.