When one thinks of France, images of long, wine-filled lunches, crusty baguettes, and mouth-watering cheese immediately come to mind. But beyond the clichés lies a deeply rooted tradition: the weekend meal as a cornerstone of French family life. While the week may be filled with school, work, and busy schedules, the weekend is when families press pause, sit down together, and truly enjoy the art of eating.
So, what exactly do French families eat together during weekends? Let’s take a journey through a typical Saturday and Sunday at the French table.
Saturday: A Balance of Simplicity and Savour
Saturdays often begin with a visit to the local market, especially in smaller towns or rural areas. It’s not just about grocery shopping — it’s a social ritual. Families stock up on fresh produce, artisan cheeses, meats, and seasonal ingredients. Children might get a warm croissant from the local bakery while parents pick out a good bottle of wine for the evening.
Saturday Lunch (Le Déjeuner du Samedi)
After the market, lunch is usually casual but lovingly prepared. It's all about freshness and seasonal flavours. Typical Saturday lunch options include:
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Quiche Lorraine, made with lardons and cream, or a vegetable tart using courgettes, tomatoes, and goat cheese
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A big salade composée with warm chèvre on toast, walnuts, and vinaigrette
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Fresh baguette with slices of saucisson or local cheese
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A glass of rosé or chilled white wine
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Seasonal fruit or a simple dessert like tarte aux pommes
The mood is relaxed, and there’s no rush — lunch often blends into the early afternoon.
Saturday Dinner (Le Dîner du Samedi)
Saturday night is when the kitchen becomes more festive. French families may invite friends over, or simply use the occasion to cook something a bit more indulgent.
Popular dishes include:
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Roast chicken with garlic and herbs, served with roasted vegetables or gratin dauphinois
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A rich ratatouille — especially in the South — or a comforting cassoulet in the winter months
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A cheese board featuring at least three types (soft, hard, blue), with crusty bread
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Dessert such as moelleux au chocolat, a creamy tarte au citron, or Île flottante
Before dinner, it’s common to begin with an apéritif — a French ritual involving light drinks and finger foods. A glass of Kir, some pastis, or sparkling wine might be served, along with olives, tapenade on toast, or mini savoury tarts.
Sunday: The Grand Family Meal
In France, Sunday lunch is almost sacred. It’s when multiple generations come together, especially in more traditional or rural families. It’s not uncommon for this meal to last several hours — not because of the number of courses, but because of the lingering conversations, laughter, and the slow enjoyment of food.
Sunday Lunch (Le Déjeuner du Dimanche)
This meal typically consists of several courses, each served separately and thoughtfully.
Starter (L’Entrée):
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Salade de chèvre chaud, or seasonal soup like potage de légumes
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Pâté, rillettes, or smoked salmon with a squeeze of lemon
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Sometimes even escargots or a small serving of foie gras, depending on the region and occasion
Main Course (Le Plat Principal):
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Blanquette de veau – a creamy veal stew
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Bœuf bourguignon – slow-cooked beef in red wine
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Or a hearty gigot d’agneau (roast leg of lamb) with rosemary
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Side dishes may include haricots verts, gratin de courgettes, or pommes de terre sautées
Cheese Course (Le Plateau de Fromages):
Always a highlight — a variety of cheeses is passed around the table. From creamy Brie de Meaux to aged Comté and strong Roquefort, there’s something for everyone.
Dessert:
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Clafoutis when cherries are in season
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Tarte Tatin, with a dollop of crème fraîche
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Or something lighter, like a fruit salad with mint
Followed by coffee, usually espresso, and sometimes a digestif like Cognac, Calvados, or Armagnac for the adults.
Sunday Dinner (Le Dîner du Dimanche)
After such a hearty midday meal, Sunday evening is intentionally kept light. A simple soup, omelette, or slice of quiche may be served. Often, it’s just yoghurt, a piece of fruit, or a tartine (slice of bread with jam or cheese).
More Than a Meal: A Cultural Ritual
What sets French weekend meals apart is not just the food itself, but the ritual around it:
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Meals are shared, never rushed.
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Children are taught from a young age to sit at the table and try everything.
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Food is often discussed, appreciated, and prepared together.
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There’s a deep respect for seasonality, regional specialities, and culinary heritage.
Weekends in France are a time to reconnect — not just with family, but with tradition. Whether it's a simple tartine on a Saturday morning or a grand roast shared across generations on Sunday, meals are where memories are made.
In a world that moves fast, the French weekend meal stands as a beautiful reminder to slow down and savour. Whether you’re in a bustling city flat or a quiet village home, the table is always the heart of the weekend.
So next time you’re thinking of what to cook on a Sunday, why not take a page from the French playbook — cook something from scratch, pour a glass of wine, and take your time. Bon appétit!
