The French Morning Routine: Simple Habits to Start Your Day the French Way

You might not live in France, but there are ways to bring some French habits into your life that will add some simplicity and calm to your mornings.

The best way to start your day, according to the French:

-Prepare your "tenue" the night before

Before going to bed, take some time to choose your "tenue" (outfit) for the next day. Not only this will save you some time, but you can also choose elegant clothes that you love instead of rushing to put on whatever piece of clothing you find first.

-Make coffee at home

Instead of having take-out coffee, French people love to enjoy a cup of coffee at home without rushing. If they have time, some people also like to sit at the next-door café to drink their beverage of choice!

-Eat a croissant or toasted baguette

It's true, croissants are more for the weekend. However, many French people enjoy baguette every morning, often toasted with butter or jam. A sweet way to start your day!

The best way to start your day, according to the French:

-Prepare your "tenue" the night before

Before going to bed, take some time to choose your "tenue" (outfit) for the next day. Not only this will save you some time, but you can also choose elegant clothes that you love instead of rushing to put on whatever piece of clothing you find first.

-Make coffee at home

Instead of having take-out coffee, French people love to enjoy a cup of coffee at home without rushing. If they have time, some people also like to sit at the next-door café to drink their beverage of choice!

-Eat a croissant or toasted baguette

It's true, croissants are more for the weekend. However, many French people enjoy baguette every morning, often toasted with butter or jam. A sweet way to start your day!

-Keep your skincare routine simple

French people usually don't bother with a 10-step skincare routine (although it has been getting more popular in recent years). A simple routine will save you time and money: cleanser, lotion, and cream, it's more than enough for the French!

-Put on makeup - but not too much!

French people do put on makeup, but they love to give the illusion of staying natural: some foundation, a bit of liner, mascara and lipstick are more than enough for the Parisian woman!

-Go for a morning walk

Of course, this isn't possible for everyone - but French people love to walk everywhere. A 20-minute walk is considered short for us, and walking helps with feeling calmer and more grounded before starting your day. Some people also ride a bike to work so they can stay healthy and fit!

-Read a book on the way to work

If you take the bus, subway or train, consider bringing a book with you to give yourself extra reading time in the morning. You can also listen to an audiobook or a podcast!

Now you can start your day the French way!

These simple habits will save you time while making you feel refreshed: the perfect way to start your day!

Want to learn more French words with free ebooks? Download them here!

See you next time for more French tips!

Amélie, founder of Académie Amélie


Image of an Eiffel Tower, logo of Académie Amélie

© 2026 Académie Amélie. All rights reserved.

© 2026 Académie Amélie. All rights reserved.