On my most recent trip to France, I learned several fun facts from my best friend who has been living and working there, and her boyfriend, a native Frenchman. I am so excited to share my favorite ones that inspired me to live like a local while I visited.

Drink lots of Vin Chaud and Chocolat Chuad

An important French lesson you must familiarize yourself with before Winter:
Vin Chaud: Mulled Wine
Chocolat Chaud: Hot Chocolate

You could technically order some mulled wine, depending on the bar, at any time but it is especially popular for the winter time. AND it is special for Christmas Markets. During my 2.5 week trip to France with friends, you could not miss a night without seeing us sipping on vin chaud or chocolat chaud (often times, both).

Crème de Marrons-Everything

Like the United States, chestnuts (marrons) make a special appearance during Winter time in France. You can grab roasted chestnuts of course, but France has a special chestnut spread. In fact, some would say it is a French pantry staple. Some of the favorited paired snacks during winter include:

• Crêpes a La Creme de Marrons
• Gaufres et Crème de Marrons
• Glace à la Crème de Marrons

You could also put it on toast or even baked goods. I am obsessed. I purchased a little jar of creme de marrons at a market and it was an ounce too large for my carryon luggage. And I will never forget.

Visit Christmas Markets (and Collect your Cup!)

Christmas Markets are POPPIN’ during Winter. Any city you visit, I am sure you’ll find a Christmas Market to attend, big or small. You’ll also notice at each market that they sell their chocolat or vin chaud in a special city-specific, 8-ounce cup. If you open any French-family’s cupboards at home, I can ensure you they have a stack of them! A perfect souvenir to remember your trip by.

Apéritif

Apéritif is year-round and my most favorite concept in France. Although it is used in American menus to describe pre-dinner drinks and appetizers, I would say it is culturally, so much more than that! Apéros are indeed a pre-lunch or pre-dinner drink, but it is more the intentional time you are spending with friends or family that usually takes place at 11am or 7pm. The catch is, just because you have a pre-lunch or dinner doesn’t mean you are staying for lunch or dinner. You simply unwind together and then go about your afternoon/night. If you’re strolling around France during these time slots, you’ll often find friends laughing, drinking, and best of all – people watching.

Bûche de Noël

While strolling any city in France, you may notice bakeries selling gorgeous, decorative, log-shaped cakes. This is a special Christmas cake that comes in a variety of sizes and flavors. Pick the one that calls out to you and eat it on Christmas! This is how my friends and I spent Christmas, and yes I kept the little reindeer!

Café Gourmand

First time in France and want to try every dessert on the menu? Cafe Gourmand will not disappoint. Enjoy an espresso with a few mini desserts on the side, usually consisting of tiramisu, crème brûlée, macron and more. This is another year-round item found on many French restaurant menus, but especially cute for winter activities.