Join Us in France · Sunday, August 30, 2026
Nan and Marty Deniston discuss the cultural difference of French business hours, noting that many places close for a two-hour lunch break and are often closed on Sundays and Mondays. They encourage listeners to adapt to this rhythm, framing it as part of the 'art de vivre' and a way to slow down and enjoy life, rather than an inconvenience.
“First thing in the morning, as all French do, we walk down to the boulangerie, and the set set. So, you know, we would go down, just down the street and get our croissant or chocolatine, and have breakfast. We planned our day the night before.”
“Everything closes down from noon to 2:00, which is, you know, right in the middle of the day when you want to be out seeing sights and things like that. I didn't like that. I don't particularly like eating two-hour lunches every day.”
“We Americans are efficiency experts. We're always thinking about how much can you cram in in the least amount of time. And it forced us literally, to slow down, enjoy lunch for two hours, and not be trying to check a thousand boxes a day.”