Croissants & Coffee? What Do the French REALLY Eat for Breakfast?

It may surprise you to know that the French, in general, aren’t huge cereal eaters – in Europe, it’s the UK that eats the most cereals, followed by Germany. When the French do eat cereals, it is usually, but not always, dry i.e., with no milk. Milk is sometimes drunk separately, or hot chocolate or milky coffee is enjoyed at the same time – slurped from the huge, round cereal bowl!

A milky coffee in a large, cereal-type bowl is a popular breakfast beverage. Alternatively, a standard black coffee in an espresso cup or a slightly larger cup for an “allongé) –an espresso shot with extra water, i.e., a “long coffee”. Fruit juices, hot chocolate, and ‘tisanes’ (herbal teas) are increasing in popularity too.

As you may have guessed, bread is king in France, and ‘tartines’ are commonplace for breakfast. This could be toasted bread or untoasted baguette with butter and jam or chocolate spread – seemingly, French children have an in-bred addiction to ‘pâte a tartiner’ (which can refer to any kind of spread but is generally chocolate or, better yet, Nutella.) I also know people who put good-quality chocolate inside a baguette for breakfast!

Biscottes are also popular – these are a crunchy type of crispbread that is dipped in hot chocolate, tea, or coffee and may be covered with jam or chocolate spread.

Breakfast biscuits are very popular with children. They are similar to ‘rusks’ and often with a chocolate filling.

Viennoiserie or pastries are, of course, all freshly bought from the bakery that morning and may include a mixture of croissants, chocolatines (or pain au chocolats), chausson aux pommes, pain au raisin, swisse, etc. Contrary to popular belief, the French do not eat this every day, and often, day-old croissants are eaten because there isn’t time to go out to the boulangerie every morning – remember, the French do not eat ‘on the run’!

A surprising practice is the dunking of pastries in coffee, tea, or hot chocolate on a morning in a similar way the Brits would dunk a biscuit. Makes sense, really, if your croissant is a day old and a bit hard!

Madeleines. For a quick breakfast, a strong coffee and a madeleine or a slice of cake suffice.

Compote, yoghurt, and fruit are healthier choices and will often be high-quality artisanal produce here in Charente. Porridge, although increasing in popularity, is firmly viewed as ‘bird food’ in the countryside. This is not an insult – it is seen as food for the birds, not for humans. My neighbour was incredulous when I explained my husband’s love for ‘avoine’ (oats) in the morning!

Our agricultural friends often have local, mild goat’s cheese, homemade sliced ham and French bread from the bakery for breakfast. It is not unusual for this to be washed down with instant coffee made and heated in a saucepan!

Bonne journée from the beautiful Charente!

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