French cuisine is extremely diverse, with only the Chinese having similar variety in their food. This variety is supported by the French passion for good food in all its forms, France's extraordinary range of different geographies and climates which support the local production of all types of ingredients, and France's long and varied history. In many ways, an understanding of the culture of French food and recipes is an understanding of France itself.

Meals range from the very basic, such as the traditional baguette plus cheese plus inexpensive wine, to very elaborate affairs than can involve a dozen courses and different wines consumed over several hours. Obviously, the latter type of dining is exceptional for most people. However, it is this more sophisticated dining which is typically found in "French restaurants" outside France, giving many foreigners the mistaken impression that French food is heavy and complicated. In fact, much of the French cuisine is fairly simple, relying on high quality fresh ingredients and loving preparation rather than complex recipes.

It is common in much of France to take a two hour break for lunch, with many working parents (particularly in villages and smaller towns) returning home for lunch. In some areas, mainly in the south of France, even longer lunch breaks are taken. Due to the long lunch break, businesses which close for this period typically reopen around 2PM or so and then stay open until about 7PM.

French food culture

French cuisine is very different. Only China has similar kinds of food. This variety is supported by France's enthusiasm for all forms of good food, France's extraordinary variety of different geographical and climatic conditions, supporting all types of raw materials produced locally, and France's long and different history. In many ways, understanding the food and recipes of French culture is an understanding of France itself.

Meals range from very basic, such as traditional bread and cheese plus cheap wine, to extremely complicated affairs than may involve 12 courses and different wine consumption for more than a few hours. Obviously, the latter category is a special diet for most people. However, it is this more advanced dining that is usually in "French restaurants" outside France, which gives many foreigners the wrong impression that French food is heavy and complicated. In fact, many French dishes are very simple, relying on high-quality fresh materials and hobbies instead of complicated recipes.

It is common for most French people to take a two-hour break for lunch, and many parents who go out to work (especially in rural areas and small towns) go home for lunch. In some areas, mainly in southern France, even longer lunch breaks are taken. Due to the long lunch break, enterprises are closed and reopened. This period is usually around 2 pm, and then it will continue to be open until around 7 pm.