From city life to food — Americans fantasize about living in France

Half of Americans dream of living the French lifestyle because of the landmarks, restaurants — and pastries.

A recent study of 2,000 adults discovered that 55% believe the French way of life seems better than the American, and 50% fantasize about living it.

Almost a third (31%) would consider moving to the country, with 23% saying they have lived in the country in the past.

For those who previously moved to the country – or who would consider doing so – the reasons include the city life (36%), the food (35%) and a better lifestyle (35%).

Paris is the most popular location to relocate to for 27%, followed by The French Riviera (20%) and Lyon (18%).

Respondents also noted the top reasons they want to live in France are to visit the landmarks, and enjoy dining out, visiting cafes and coffee shops.

Commissioned by brioche experts St Pierre Bakery and conducted by OnePoll, the study found other reasons people would like to relocate include the architecture, castles and shopping, as well as immersing themselves in art galleries, eating brioche and learning the language.

It also emerged that Americans consider the French lifestyle to be fashionable (41%), cultured (39%) and relaxed (37%).

Furthermore, 37% think France is a “foodie country,” with croissants (24%), champagne (23%) and brioche (16%) were named among the best items to come out of the country.

The poll was commissioned to celebrate St Pierre’s National Brioche Day, which takes place on May 14.

“It’s clear that whatever the American perception of the French lifestyle is, we certainly dream of living it,” said Paul Baker, founder of St Pierre Bakery. “We automatically think of pastries, coffee, wine and cheese, and that’s just the food and drink. France is also recognized for its art galleries, unique landmarks and mixture of cityscapes and beaches.”

Nearly six in 10 adults (56%) have taken inspiration from the French lifestyle when it comes to their sense of fashion (43%), interest in artwork (43%) and cooking skills (42%).

More than half (59%) believe pop culture, including shows like “Emily in Paris,” has given them an idea of what living in France would be like.

When it comes to the language, 17% already speak it, and another 28% are currently learning.

And many are already enjoying the foods that originated across the channel, with croissants (30%), Dijon mustard (25%) and brioche (24%) being the most popular staples. Steak frites (22%) and soufflé (19%) are also top choices.

It’s not just food people have taken inspiration from: U.S. respondents believe 30% of our daily vocabulary originates from France.

Among the words and phrases the nation believes have derived from the French are “déjà vu” (25%), “fiancé” (23%) and “rendezvous” (32%).

TOP 30 REASONS US ADULTS WOULD LIKE TO LIVE IN FRANCE:

Visiting France’s landmarks e.g. the Louvre, Pompidou

Dining out

Visiting cafes/coffee shops

Visiting bakeries

Visiting French castles

Shopping

Croissants/pastries

The architecture

The history

Drinking French wine

Art galleries

Visiting France’s beaches

Visiting the French Riviera

Visiting wineries

Hearing the French language being spoken

Discovering hidden gems

Baguettes

Visiting the Alps

Speaking / Learning the French language

Learning to cook French foods

French fashion

Meeting and socializing with locals

Trying new French foods e.g., escargot

Eating French cheese

Paris Fashion Week

Visiting Michelin star restaurants

Cityscapes

Brioche bread

Watching French football e.g., Ligue 1

The public transport system