France, with its long and varied history, has social customs and traditions that are passed from generation to generation. As with each region, French traditions are numerous and diverse. Dining and drinking play important roles in French society and many traditions center around wine, cheese and the baguette, in particular. The way a person eats often reflects their French heritage, region of birth, social status and health.

Bread is central to any meal, and there is almost nothing more traditional in France than shopping at the local boulangerie for a fresh baguette to be eaten with breakfast, lunch and dinner, except perhaps in the way one greets another. Good manners are of primary importance in French culture, especially in Paris. And what Americans consider to be good manners and proper etiquette might not be the same as Parisian la politess.