In France, eating is an art form. Meals are meant to savored—shared among friends, enjoyed with local wines, and made up of fresh, seasonal ingredients. While the cuisine ranges throughout the country, you’ll always find a focus on local, in-season ingredients. Here are a couple of things to know when sitting down for a meal during your trip to France.
* Breakfast, called **le petit déjeuner,** is generally light, like a croissant or bread with jam and coffee.
* Lunch, or **le déjeuner,** was traditionally a two-hour, several-course affair where people took time to relax and unwind with friends. In today’s society, something quicker and more casual—like soup, salad, or sandwiches at a cafe—is very commonplace.
* Dinner, or **le diner,** is served around eight or later and can be made up of several courses. Typically, it starts with the appetizer, or l**’entrée**, followed by the main course, or l**e plat principal**, followed by a cheese course and dessert. And remember, be sure to ask for your check when you're done—it's considered rude for wait staff to bring it to your table unrequested. Bon appétit!