Truth or Myth: 8 Main Myths About French Women

Let's find out if it's true that French women never diet, prefer family over career, and drink a lot of wine.

French Women Never Get Fat

Despite the abundance of pastry shops with tempting displays for all sweet tooths, most French women are always in shape — or so the story goes. However, author of "They Eat Horses, Don’t They? The Truth About the French" Piu Marie Eatwell believes this is a misconception. While obesity rates in France are not as dramatic as in America, the idea that all French women are slim likely stems from those who only visit the prestigious and fashionable parts of Paris. According to Eatwell, "Foreigners usually visit places like Paris and hang out in the most stylish parts of the city, leaving with the impression that all French women are slim." For instance, in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region, 20.5% of people are overweight or obese, which is 6% higher than the national average.

French Women Prefer Wine (A Lot of It)

French wines are valued worldwide and surprisingly affordable. A good bottle of wine can be bought for 2-10 euros, which is quite cheap compared to American, Canadian, or Russian standards. In fact, certain bottled waters can be more expensive than wine in French supermarkets. Therefore, French women often choose a glass of wine with their lunch, and if you visit a French household, you will likely be offered wine with dinner. While some French people do not drink alcohol, given a choice between wine or beer, a French woman will almost always choose wine.

French Women Are Always Rude

Eatwell agrees that Parisians can sometimes seem cold and curt when approached by foreigners on the street. However, this isn't due to inherent rudeness but likely because, like other busy women in big cities, they are often in a hurry. Outside of Paris, people are often very friendly. According to Eatwell, "The external aloofness of French women is part of their cultural code but does not reflect their inner state." If you manage to break through their tough exterior, they often become close and loyal friends.

French Women Eat a Lot of Cheese

One look at any French supermarket's cheese section confirms the nation's love for cheese. With around 300 varieties, cheese is an integral part of the French diet, even in preschools where children often eat cheese 3-4 times a week. This early exposure to a wide variety of cheeses like Brie, Camembert, Emmental, Comté, Mimolette, Gouda, and more fosters a lifelong love for the dairy product.

French Women Don't Remove Body Hair

Contrary to outdated stereotypes, French women do remove body hair. According to Eatwell, "This old cliché is no longer true. It arose because the habit of shaving spread in Europe much later than in America." However, with the rise of feminist movements, some women have indeed chosen to stop shaving, but this is a minority. A survey by La Parisienne found that over 75% of young French women use a razor daily, and almost 80% are opposed to the "unshaved armpit" movement.

French Women Always Dress with Style

Paris is famous for its chic boutiques, and many Parisians take their style seriously, carefully coordinating their outfits. However, this does not mean all French women dress like top models. Annie Andre, an American who moved to France in 2011, noted that people in small towns dress similarly to those in the US and Canada, though they wear more scarves. Thus, not all French women dress like Parisians.

French Women Don't Diet

While the global body positivity movement is gaining traction, many women still aspire to traditional beauty standards, especially in major cities like New York, Moscow, and Paris. According to Eatwell, French women are less likely to follow strict diets like American women but do care about their figures and maintain a balanced diet.

French Women Always Choose Family Over Career

This stereotype is outdated. Many French women return to work just three months after giving birth, with the government encouraging this. They strive to balance child care and career, embodying the modern woman who seeks fulfillment in multiple areas.