MORE than half of Americans admire the French way of life, with their love of fresh ingredients, arts and culture – and a good work/life balance at the top of the list.

A poll of 2,000 adults found 29 per cent of France-admirers love their preference for fresh food over processed items, while the same percentage appreciates their love of arts and culture.

French work practices are also admired by many – with 60 per cent believing the French have a better work life balance, compared to just 10 per cent for Americans.

More than one in five (22 per cent) respect their commitment to clocking off work at their contracted time, and 22 per cent like how they protect lunch breaks as a ‘sacred time’.

Enjoying fine cuisine and their sense of style are also among the areas Americans admire about the French lifestyle.

It also emerged 22 per cent of those who know of the French way of life would love to adopt certain aspects into their own lives – with the most envied areas being food, time for hobbies and interests, and taking longer lunch breaks.

While 21 per cent have taken onboard their attitudes to romance, with the same number trying to be more humble.

A spokesperson for bakery brand St Pierre, which commissioned the study and surprised Americans during their lunch break with a French dining experience to encourage them to ‘Eat Avec Respect’ said: “The French lifestyle is often admired and romanticized worldwide and for good reason.

“There’s something timeless and deeply alluring about the French way of life that continues to captivate Americans.

“Whether it’s the art of slowing down, prioritizing quality over quantity, or the effortless sense of style, France offers a rhythm of life that feels both sophisticated and grounded.

“It’s a culture that places value on experiences – a morning coffee at a sidewalk café, a leisurely stroll through a local market, or an afternoon spent with family around the table.”

The research also found 29 per cent of Americans consider it ‘unlikely’ that French people admire any parts of the American lifestyle.

And 42 per cent would even like to hop across the Atlantic permanently and live in France someday.

But if US citizens were to present American food to other countries, they’d be most proud to offer a meaty cheeseburger (27 per cent) or some fried chicken (27 per cent).

With nearly as many (26 per cent) as proud of barbecue ribs, and 22 per cent opting to show off a classic US apple pie.

But one in four of those polled, via OnePoll, admit they get most of their information about the French lifestyle from social media like Instagram or TikTok, while 19 per cent pick it up from YouTube.

The spokesperson for St Pierre, which has also created a hilarious video teaching American workers to be more ‘French’ in their lunch-taking, said: “Many Americans admire how the French approach balance – not just in food and fashion, but in work and rest.

“There’s a deep respect for boundaries when it comes to time off, and a national understanding that taking proper breaks isn’t laziness – it’s essential to wellbeing and productivity.

“Good food is good for the soul, which is why we believe that lunchbreaks – and any other meal time – is a time to ‘eat avec respect’.”

Top 20 things Americans admire about the French lifestyle

Here are the top 20 things Americans admire about French lifestyle:

1. Eating fresh ingredients
2. Love of arts and culture
3. The ideal work/life balance
4. Making time to enjoy meals
5. Enjoying the best moments in life
6. Being romantics
7. Appreciating fine cuisine
8. Overall better diet than the Americans
9. Better food and drink standards than America
10. Sense of style
11. Ditching processed foods
12. Living humbly
13. Taking in their surroundings rather than rushing through the city
14. Making time for hobbies and interests
15. Making time for cooking
16. Better food and drink options than America
17. Being authentic
18. Passionate about interests
19. Good etiquette skills
20. Making every mealtime an occasion