A shocker of a study has just dropped, and it turns out us Brits are actually green with envy over the French. A survey of 2,000 folks has uncovered our secret longing for France’s top-notch grub, chic fashion sense, and that oh-so-coveted work-life balance.
A whopping four in ten of us are even going as far as to say we ‘idolise’ the French lifestyle, with a hefty 66% itching to sprinkle a bit of that French magic into their own lives.
The research didn’t stop there it seems we’re also all about their work ethic. You know, knocking off work on time and not being shy to throw a strike if things aren’t up to snuff.
And when it comes to style, 43% of us are dying to match the French flair for fashion, while 39% are giving a nod to how they’ve nailed the dream work-life balance.
A spokesperson for St Pierre, who commissioned the poll as part of their campaign to get Brits to ‘eat avec respect’, said: “The French lifestyle is often admired and romanticised worldwide and for good reason.”
They added: “It can be characterised by a balance between work, leisure, and enjoying the finer things in life – something we don’t always get right here in the UK.”
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Turns out, 32% of those polled have toyed with the idea of packing up and moving to France for that ‘stylish’ (48%), relaxed (41%), and ‘balanced’ (36 %) lifestyle.
Three out of ten people believe that if everyone adopted some aspects of French living, the world would be a happier place with 27% who have friends or peers from France being influenced by their lifestyle in some way.
Adopting fresher ingredients, embracing leisure time, and appreciating their surroundings rather than rushing were among the French-inspired changes those surveyed have incorporated into their daily lives.
However, they expressed a desire to ditch processed foods, make time for hobbies and interests, and adopt a more romantic approach to life – changes they have yet to implement.
According to data from OnePoll.com, 43% believe that the French treat their food and mealtimes with more respect than Brits do.
The average UK adult spends just 47 minutes on breakfast, lunch, and dinner combined. Yet, 24% think that taking time for a nice lunch during the workday would boost their mood.
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The evening meal is the dish people are most likely to cook from scratch, but 26% admit they only cook this way up to three times a week due to a lack of time, skill, and desire.
When it comes to British dishes, roast dinners, afternoon tea, and jacket potatoes were among the foods those polled would most like to enhance with ‘French flair’. And the meals Brits are most proud of include Sunday roasts, full English breakfasts, and beef wellington.
The spokesperson further commented: “While both British and French eating habits have their unique characteristics, they also reflect broader cultural values.”
“The British tend to value hearty, comforting meals, whereas the French place a high value on culinary tradition, quality ingredients, and the social aspect of dining.”
“However, regardless of culture, food is a great leveller as it’s more than just food on a plate – it’s shared experience and memory-making which unites us all across diverse influences and ever-changing culinary trends.”
TOP 30 THINGS WE ADMIRE ABOUT THE FRENCH:
- Eating fresh ingredients 52%
- Making time to enjoy meals 48%
- Sense of style 43%
- Appreciating fine cuisine 41%
- Making time for cooking 40%
- The ideal work/life balance 39%
- Taking long lunch breaks 38%
- Overall better diet than British 38%
- Being romantics 35%
- Enjoying the best moments in life 33%
- Making every mealtime an occasion 33%
- Love of arts 32%
- Taking in their surroundings rather than rushing through the city 31%
- Knowledge and taste in wine 31%
- Ditching processed foods 28%
- Good etiquette skills 28%
- Pride that their cuisine is renowned globally 27%
- Only working contracted hours 26 %
- Being proud to be French 26%
- Being authentic 25%
- Making time for hobbies and interests 25%
- Passionate about interests 25%
- Embracing doing nothing 24%
- Willingness to protest 24%
- Living humbly 23%
- The traditional pre-dinner drink aperitif 21%
- Having passionate debates rather than making small talk 19%
- Drinking smaller but stronger coffee 15%
- Interests in philosophy 15%
- Not discussing money 10%