Most cultures have several stereotypes and the French are no exception as we will be looking at French people physical characteristics and traits. Generally, there have always been many rumours about the French people. These rumours depict the French people in a certain way. People will always have different opinions about and believe myths to be true.
The French are just like any other nationality with a unique culture. They don’t need to validate their acceptance into other cultures.
Our perception of the French people in things we don’t agree with is unwise.
There is always an opportunity to learn something new and try not to judge others by their beliefs and cultures.
The French Lifestyle
The French lifestyle is simply more relaxing in general. The culture values carefulness to appreciate the taste or aroma of a meal.
This lifestyle also involves enjoying the free will of existence that is different from what you would expect from other Western countries.
French customs and traditions are more about social gatherings and food.
It’s normal for the French to spend more time taking lunches.
Their culture introduced some of the finest the world has ever seen.
Talking about their knowledge of wine and food, the world learns from the French to always bring a bottle of wine to a dinner party.
A perfect dinner party needs a wine to make it special and the host is expected to make the best decision pairing the wine and food.
A perfectly planned meal should always have the baguette or French bread placed directly on the dinner table.
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Characteristics of French People
Everyone has a unique personality which they are known for, just like countries with their specific characteristics or traits.
The French are known for many things like downplaying a compliment or enjoying intellectual debates. In French culture, it’s customary to take time to complete a well-served meal.
They also take time to socialize and relax to feel more comfortable. Dinner time is usually by 8 pm or 9 pm. If you visit France for the first time you may notice that the people may not give you a warm welcome with a smile.
But do not worry if you are welcome with a charming smile. The French are not known for giving visitors a pleasant smile. They may not be good at it, but they are still polite to visitors. They love saying “Hello” or “Goodbyes” (Bonjour and Au revoir).
Most people say the French are beautiful, one of the best languages in the world. But many will disagree as they see the French language as one of the most difficult to learn.
Complicated spelling rules, writing, and grammar are among the reasons the French language is hard to learn for others.
French People Physical Characteristics and Traits
There are several fascinating characteristics or traits of French people. The country is diverse due to immigration over the centuries.
1. Dark and Glossy Hair
People from the Southern region of France are usually darker with curlier hair. A common trait of the people of Southern France is a blend of the cultural influences that have constituted the French over the years.
While people from South France are known for their darker complexion and curlier hair, the people further North in the country are known for their blonde and softer coloured hair.
Those who are found up North make up the majority of the French population.
2. Shorter Stature
Many people will agree with this cliché since one of the most famous French figures in history Napoleon Bonaparte was described as a short person. French people have a shorter stature compared to some of their European neighbours. Besides French people, there are also other European neighbours known to have shorter stature. Men from Italy, Portugal, and Turkey are shorter than most French men.
Also Read: 20 Best Examples of Culture (Tips for Students)
3. Olive Skin
Another French person’s physical characteristic or trait is having olive skin which the people from Southern France are commonly known for. Their skin tone is more like that of the people you will find in the Mediterranean. Their physical appearance depicts the blend of Central Asian, African and Middle Easterners who were the first people to migrate to France.
4. Curly Hair
Generally, French people from the South are known to have curly hair. People found in Northern France represent the European appearance physically with lighter hair colour. French women from the Southern region on the other hand have curly hair. Visitors to France may expect women of the country to have a common physical appearance.
5. Hazel Eyes
Due to the ethnic diversity in the country, French people have a variety of eye colours.
There is a mix of facial features among the French people. Those with Nordic facial features usually have blue, green, and hazel eyes.
According to Helpfulprofessors.com, 22% of French people have blue eyes, while the rest of the population are a mix of colours or brown eyes.
Also Read: 20 Examples of Morals and Ethics (Tips for Students)
6. Numbers, Facts and Little Details are Important
We all can attest to the fact that some of the best and world’s famous scholars were French. We can remember French scholars like Guillaume Budé, and Charles Joseph Marty-Lavaeaux. Being educated is important as owning some of the best schools and universities in the world. The French take pride in that.
The French pay attention to little details. They like arranging things orderly. This sometimes becomes a disadvantage for the French to excel in certain positions in business. The French focus more on the core message of a presentation instead of its layout.
This affects their performance in marketing compared to those in the Western world. Despite not performing to the standard that is required, French people are good at analysing the data to support their statements.
7. A Different Perception of Time
Generally, French people have a different perception of time compared to other Europeans. They might spend more time at lunch and make up for that time by staying longer at the office. French people are hardworking and dedicated to doing their job diligently. But it comes to food, wine and cigarettes, is quite the opposite of what you would expect from a hardworking French man or woman.
Nonetheless, French people might work for longer hours than their European neighbours.
Also Read: What Are the Sociological Concepts? (Tips for Students)
8. Being Too Romantic
Another French person’s physical characteristic and trait is being too romantic. The language is the most romantic as many people would say. Even when speaking English with a French accent is considered “Sexy”. The country has a fascinating history of writing and poetry. Perhaps it’s the reason the French are seen as being too romantic.
This stereotype is tied to the image of Paris and the romance it carries over the people.
9. Frankness and Independence
It’s a common saying by the French people that Frank’s friends are the best. Frankness is so strong in French culture that they welcome negative feedback and see positive feedback as hypocritical sometimes. Frankness is a gift and it also ties to the independence of the French people. French people are autonomous because they have the freedom to use their voice when it’s needed. They are autonomous within a free and liberal European Union.
10. Stuck Up
Another stereotype about French people is that they are stuck up and not too friendly with outsiders.
They may not be as friendly as you would expect but they bear you no ill will. French people love their privacy and they can be very abrupt in speech.
Also Read: What Are the Examples of Achieved Status? (Tips for Students)
Conclusion
These stereotypes we have discussed are often tied to French people. The world has learned so much from the French culture yet these clichés are used to represent the culture. French people may not smile at you at first, but that doesn’t mean they are not welcoming to visitors. We hope this article on French people physical characteristics and traits was helpful.
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References
- Helpfulprofessor: 10 French People Physical Characteristics and Traits
- Medium: 5 French Character Traits To Be Aware Of
- Study.com: French Culture, Lifestyle and Facts
- Berlizt: 87 personality traits in French to help describe one’s character
- JSTOR: French Characteristics
Kil says
I’m French and that sounds mostly true.
Kindly
Bassey James says
This is actually beautiful. We are happy you can relate to it.