What Do the French Really Eat for Breakfast? A Look Inside the Petit Déjeuner

The French breakfast is more than just a cliché. It reflects the country’s deep appreciation for quality ingredients and the artisanal craft of the boulangerie. Let’s dive into what really defines this cherished morning tradition.

What is a typical French Breakfast?

A French breakfast, or petit déjeuner, is a small, sweet and light meal centered around bread and pastries. The typical French breakfast is about quality and not quantity! Fresh French bread, a baguette or a tartine (a slice of bread with French butter and jam) is the cornerstone of the breakfast table, alongside croissants, pain au chocolat and brioche. It often served with a hot drink like coffee, café au lait, black tea or hot chocolate.

What Are Popular French Breakfast Pastries?

French pastries are the stars of the typical French breakfast, offering buttery, flaky, and delicious options. Here are some of the most popular French pastries:

• Croissants: Buttery and flaky, the breakfast classic.
• Pain au Chocolat: A flaky pastry filled with chocolate, called chocolatine in some parts of France (... but don't call it a "chocolate croissant" - that will infuriate French people!)
• Brioche: Rich, soft bread lightly sweetened and often served with jam.
• Pain aux Raisins: Spiral shaped pastry with raisins and crème pâtissière (pastry cream, custard).
• Madeleines: Small, shell shaped sponge cakes, perfect with tea.
• Beignets: Fried pastries dusted with sugar, a treat for a slow morning.

These French classics can always be found at local boulangeries (bakeries)... and you can expect quite a queue at the weekend! The buttery and flaky texture combined with the sweetness make these pastries a breakfast favourite in France and around the world.

How is French Breakfast Different from Other Countries?

The French breakfast is different from the big, hearty breakfasts you see in the UK or the US. A full English breakfast includes eggs, bacon and sausages (and yes, we’ve got a French twist on that!). The French breakfast is simple and carb focused. Pastries like croissants, pain au chocolat and brioche are the stars of the show. Unlike American breakfasts which might include pancakes or fried eggs, the French breakfast is light and rarely includes savoury dishes, saving room for lunch which is often considered the main meal of the day.
 

How to Make a Traditional French Breakfast at Home?

Making a French breakfast at home is easy, enjoyable - and will make you feel like you're in Paris. You can either pick up fresh baguettes, croissants, and other pastries from a local French bakery near you, or try your hand at making them yourself. We’ve got you covered with step-by-step homemade recipes to guide you through every delicious step, whether it’s baking a crusty baguette de tradition française, flaky croissants, tender madeleines or soft Parisian brioche. Ready for the challenge?

What do French people actually eat for Breakfast?

In France, breakfasts are mostly sweet rather than savoury. Most French people start the day simply with a coffee or café au lait and bread with butter and jam. Croissants, pain au chocolat, and other viennoiseries (flaky, buttery pastries) are often reserved as a weekend treat. That said, modern habits are evolving. Many now opt for quick options like breakfast cereal or yogurt with muesli or granola, often served with fresh fruit. Increasingly, savoury choices are making their way to the table too, whether it’s scrambled eggs or a plate of cheese and cured meats.

On weekends, it’s common for families to enjoy heartier dishes like pancakes, waffles or the classic pain perdu (better known internationally as French toast), a clever way to revive stale bread with a sprinkle of sugar or a drizzle of honey. Our guilty pleasure? The indulgent ham and cheese croissant sandwich. Some might call it heresy, but it’s just too good to resist!