Bonjour, mes amis! Does dimension matter? Is greater really higher? In the event you’ve spent a while in France, you’ve positively observed that many issues listed below are smaller than what we’re used to in america. Let’s get right into a bunch of issues in France which might be unquestionably smaller than their American counterparts.
These 7 issues are smaller in France
1. The nation itself
Let’s begin with the massive one (pun meant, I couldn’t resist!). The overall land mass of France is a comfortable 212,900 sq. miles. The US, then again, sprawls throughout a whopping 3.8 million sq. miles. Which means you possibly can match greater than 15 Frances comfortably throughout the borders of the U.S.!
Don’t fear, France makes up for its dimension with a surprising range of landscapes, from rolling vineyards to dramatic mountain ranges, and beautiful coastlines. I’m biased since I stay closest to it, however the Atlantic Coast is my fave.
A significant plus of residing in a small-ish nation is that it’s fairly simple to get round. Street journeys don’t take days and days and flights inside France are just a few hours at most.
Listed here are a few of my favourite elements about residing in France.
2. Portion sizes
American parts are legendary, bordering on the intimidating in numerous instances. And also you don’t even have time to take pleasure in all of that meals! Waiters flip tables over rapidly, and throughout the week, workers should eat a rushed lunch and get again to work.
In France, nonetheless, meals are a leisurely affair, savored slowly and loved — typically with wine. The emphasis is on high quality over amount, and parts are designed to depart you feeling happy, not stuffed. You’ll not often have a necessity for a doggy bag in France.
That mentioned, in the event you go to an off-the-cuff restaurant and never a elaborate Michelin star sort of place in France, I’ve observed that parts appear to be getting larger. Perhaps that’s simply my notion, however at chain eating places particularly, portion sizes appear to be fairly substantial.
In France, you’re extra prone to see a superbly cooked steak accompanied by a aspect of seasonal greens, as a substitute of a plate overflowing with fries and onion rings. Your abdomen (and your waistline) will thanks!
Additionally, if we flip to Starbucks, the scale of a Venti differs in France (and different European nations). Quick, Tall, and Grande drink sizes are the identical.
The most important Starbucks drink dimension, Venti, is 4 ounces smaller in France coming in at 20 ounces (591 ml) for an iced drink as a substitute of the U.S.’s 24-ounce cup dimension.
3. Parking areas & parking garages
American cities are constructed round vehicles. In France, particularly in charming previous cities, streets are sometimes slender and winding, which makes parking a logistical problem. This isn’t all dangerous! It’ll educate you tips on how to be a cautious driver and encourages strolling, biking, and utilizing public transportation, all of which contribute to a extra sustainable and pedestrian-friendly setting.
In the event you’re going to be driving in France in your subsequent journey, try Tripiamo to point out you the ropes. It’s SO vital to be educated and assured behind the wheel so you may keep away from fines, accidents, and all of the stress the comes with being unprepared. Licensed by driving colleges, Tripiamo’s inexpensive must-have on-line information and movies educate abroad vacationers tips on how to drive in France like an area. Examine them out HERE.
When it’s time to park, concentrate as a result of parking areas are sometimes a bit narrower than what you could be used to. Parking garages typically have areas which might be a decent squeeze as nicely. Which brings me to…
4. Vehicles
Automobiles within the U.S. are recognized for his or her dimension and horsepower. Vehicles in France are typically smaller and one cause for that’s the price of fuel. As I write this, a liter of normal unleaded is €1.92 close to me (comes out to $7.87 per U.S. gallon, and fuel isn’t even at its highest proper now).
There are numerous compact, electrical, and fuel-efficient choices, that are good for navigating slender streets and tight parking spots. Practicality is the best way to go.
Simply to make clear, you will discover SUVs in France in addition to massive sedans — they exist — however the majority of individuals don’t drive them.
5. The folks
The US ranks tenth as essentially the most overweight nation on the planet. In accordance with 2017–2018 knowledge from the Nationwide Well being and Diet Examination Survey (NHANES), almost 1 in 3 U.S. adults (30.7%) is obese. Greater than 2 in 5 U.S. adults (42.4%) have weight problems. About 1 in 11 U.S. adults (9.2%) has extreme weight problems.
That’s surprising to me.
France is available in as 87th worldwide by way of weight problems.
Prevalence of weight problems among the many French inhabitants in 2020: 17%
Prevalence of obese and weight problems among the many French inhabitants in 2020: 47%
Prevalence of morbid weight problems among the many French inhabitants in 2020: 2%
In accordance with the WHO, worldwide grownup weight problems has greater than doubled since 1990, and adolescent weight problems has quadrupled.
6. Salaries
Salaries within the U.S. are typically larger than in France for a similar sort of labor. There are numerous explanation why French salaries are decrease, one among which being the quantity of social expenses an employer pays on the backend.
Nonetheless, the price of healthcare is extra inexpensive in France and there’s not as a lot of a “maintaining with the Joneses” mentality. Bank cards aren’t actually a factor right here both, so French folks don’t carry as a lot private debt as People and have a tendency to stay extra inside their means.
And sure, salaries could be decrease right here, however know what’s larger? The variety of trip days. Most French folks aren’t loopy excessive earners, however they do have extra leisure time to take pleasure in their lives.
7. Packaging sizes of grocery objects
Luggage and containers of snacks and drinks are typically on the smaller aspect. It’s a bit difficult to discover a big bag of chips for a celebration and good luck looking for a gallon (the equal in liters) jug of milk.
If in case you have a big household (or identical to milk!), it may be a headache having to purchase a bunch of smaller containers simply to get by means of the week. One cause for this, no less than for the snack meals, is as a result of issues like pretzels and cheese puffs are for apero (sort of like a French completely happy hour). You’ll typically see chips, crackers, nuts, olives, and so on. in little bowls and never Tremendous Bowl Sunday dimension bowls.
By the best way, if you wish to fill up, I speak all about my favourite French snacks and the place to purchase them within the U.S. on this put up.
Take a look at these grocery retailer variations between France and the U.S. >>
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Talking of the phrase for small, petit, it really means much more than simply small. You could be stunned by how “petit(e)” it’s utilized in French, so learn this!
One other factor that’s smaller in France are the homes. Listed here are some variations between properties within the U.S. and France.
So, there you will have it! Seven issues which might be smaller in France than in america. Is much less extra? Speak to me within the feedback!
xx
Disclosure: This put up incorporates affiliate hyperlinks.
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