The Secret Life of a Francophile: Are You One Too?

I’m a Brit, and I’ve lived in rural France for over seven years. I completely embrace that I have become a Francophile, in love with all things French. I absolutely love living here, and it would take a lot to make me move back to the UK.

Every time I travel out of France, I can’t wait to return and be home again in my old French farmhouse. The way of life here is like no other I’ve experienced, and I’ve lived in the UK, the US, and Australia. From the history and culture to the food and wine, the only thing I don’t enjoy is the French admin and bureaucracy.

But what is a Francophile, and how do you know if you qualify as one? You’re about to find out, as I’ve compiled a list of twenty things I believe give you the right to use the term Francophile.

What is a Francophile?

A Francophile has a deep appreciation—or, if we’re honest, a love affair—with all things French. It’s not just about enjoying the classics like a flaky croissant or a glass of Bordeaux, though that’s certainly part of it. It’s a fascination with the French way of life—the art, the history, the language, and those fabulous little quirks that make France, well, France. 

Francophiles can spend hours daydreaming about strolling through Parisian streets, planning their next trip to Provence, or simply finding joy in French music playing softly in the background. For them, France isn’t just a place; it’s a feeling, a culture that resonates deeply and adds a touch of “je ne sais quoi” to their everyday lives.

Does that sound like you? Are you completely French-obsessed? Or is France just another European country that you may or may not visit?

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15 Tell Tale Signs You’re a True Francophile

If any of these sound familiar, then I think you know you’ve reached Francophile status!

You daydream about strolling through a French village, no matter the season

From the cobblestone streets to the smell of fresh-baked baguettes wafting through the air, you can almost hear the chatter from the local café and see the window boxes bursting with blooms. You can’t beat a pretty little French village, and there are so many to choose from. 

The Alsace villages with Christmas markets or wisteria-filled villages in Provence during the spring are all stunning.

Cheese, baguettes, and wine are a regular part of your diet or at least something you crave

It’s more than just food—it’s a way of life. There’s nothing quite like tearing into a perfectly crusty baguette, pairing it with creamy Brie or nutty Comté, and enjoying a glass of wine that complements every bite. 

Whether it’s a picnic under the French sun or a cozy evening in front of the fire, they both transport you straight to France. You might not be there right now, but your taste buds certainly think otherwise!

You prefer French films or music, even if you don’t fully understand the language

If you love French music, you can’t beat Edith Piaf or Charles Aznavour. Just hearing Charles Trenet’s “La Mer” makes me feel nostalgic. I love the old French classics. 

You’re drawn to French culture and history, like the stories of Marie Antoinette or the legendary chateaux of the Loire Valley

France isn’t just a place on the map—it’s a storybook filled with grand tales and rich traditions waiting to be discovered one chapter at a time. Stepping into a French chateau sets my imagination on fire. What would it have been like to live there centuries ago?

Then there is Versailles, where history lingers in every stone, and you can almost hear the sounds of the opulent parties in the Hall of Mirrors. The history of France never fails to draw me in.

You’ve spent time learning French, even if it’s just a few phrases for a trip

I’ve been having lessons for eight years. I’ll never be fluent, but I love listening to French people talk. It’s such a romantic language, and I love getting to know and understand it.

You have a habit of collecting French decor, such as antique mirrors, linens, or pottery.

Even if you can’t be in France, you can bring France to your home. Before moving here, I had many little French trinkets and pieces of china. Growing up, my daughter had gorgeous French-style bedding, which I still have in my cupboard as it’s too pretty to let it go. My favorite though is the chandelier in my kitchen.

You’ve  already visited France multiple times and keep coming back

Well, this one is a given. If France keeps calling you back or you can’t bear the thought of leaving when you’re here, you know you’ve fallen in love with this wonderful country. I always think it would take a lifetime to explore all of France as there is so much to see and do.

Paris is your dream city, even more than other iconic destinations

There’s just something about Paris that calls to you like no other city can. The romantic streets lined with café terraces, the grand architecture, and the effortless elegance that seems to linger in the air—it’s all part of the city’s magic. 

While other destinations have their appeal, Paris feels like a place where your heart truly belongs. You imagine yourself wandering along the Seine or getting lost in the charm of Montmartre, knowing that no matter how many times you visit, there’s always more to discover.

You’ve hosted or attended a French-inspired dinner party, complete with apéros

Apéro hour is my favorite time of day. I’d never experienced it before moving to France, but now it’s a way of life. At least once a week, we indulge and can’t think of anything more French.

Mealtime is a sacred time spent with family and savoring the food. The table is filled with delicious cheeses, crusty baguettes, and dishes that make your mouth water. It’s all about the atmosphere—good conversation, shared laughter, and that unmistakable French flair that makes every gathering feel special.

You celebrate French holidays, like Bastille Day, and love French Festivals

The French know how to celebrate every moment in life, and that’s one of the things I love most. Local food festivals celebrate everything from truffles to turkeys, and national events like Bastille Day are the perfect excuse for a street party.

If you have the time, you could probably attend a festival every week in France. I just wish I did, as festivals are the best way to experience French culture.

Your home is filled with items like French cookbooks, travel guides, or magazines like Le Monde

A French country kitchen is rustic, warm, and cozy. It’s filled with every type of utensil imaginable, and space is at a premium. Every square inch is full of tins, jars, and an assortment of fruit and veg.

It’s a space where people gather, neighbors pop in to drop off what they’ve harvested from their potager, and where life’s most important conversations take place. There is nowhere more welcoming than a French kitchen.

You find yourself defending French culture or lifestyle when others don’t understand its appeal

When someone moans about the two-hour lunch break the French have, or why they have so many public holidays, I’m the first to defend them. Why shouldn’t they? What do we have to have everything available to us 24/7?

I love the fact that people take their time here to stop and chat to the person at the checkout. Life is for living in France, not spending every waking moment working.

French architecture, from châteaux to quaint countryside cottages, sends you into raptures.

Whether it’s the elegance of Parisian Haussmann buildings or the rustic charm of a stone farmhouse, French architecture never fails to make my heart skip a beat. The weathered shutters and climbing roses on the buildings in rural France make my heart sing.

The fairytale chateaux, with their turreted towers and beautiful gardens, never fail to take my breath away. Every week, when I go shopping, the Chateau at La Rochefoucauld appears before where it has stood for over a thousand years. How can that not blow you away?

You have a favorite French region, like the Dordogne or Carcassonne, that you could talk about for hours

Any chance to wax lyrical about my favorite French regions, I’m happy to take. I could waffle on for hours about the Aquitaine region, where my favorite lady in French history, Eleanor of Aquitaine, ruled for many years.

I’m equally happy to discuss the history of Carcassonne and the bloody battles the city walls have seen over the centuries. Any excuse to extol the virtues of French regions to the uninitiated is an opportunity to convert someone else to Francophilism. 

You follow French chefs, bakers, or food bloggers, trying their recipes at home.

From tarte tatin to coq au vin, French food is undoubtedly the best in the world. I’ve spent many happy hours following Julia Child’s recipes, some more successful than others. It’s not just about cooking—it’s about bringing a taste of France into your everyday life, one delicious bite at a time.

Final Thoughts on Being a Francophile

Being a Francophile is more than just a hobby—it’s a heartfelt connection to the magic of France. It’s the joy of discovering a new French film, the thrill of planning your next visit or simply savoring a perfect croissant on a quiet morning. 

It’s about embracing the art of living well, appreciating the little things, and finding beauty in tradition, culture, and history. Whether you’re just starting to fall for France or you’ve been under its spell for years, being a Francophile means always having a piece of France with you, no matter where you are.