The importance of meals in French culture is reflected in the structured meal schedule for children. Meals are seen as an opportunity for family bonding and socialization, and children are introduced to this tradition from a young age.

Children’s Meal Schedule (Ages 3-12)

Breakfast (Le Petit-déjeuner) [7:00-7:30 AM]

  • Simple breakfast of bread/toast with jam or butter
  • Small bowl of cereal or yogurt
  • Hot chocolate or fruit juice

Morning Goûter [10:00 AM] For young children (ages 3-6)

  • Two small cookies or a piece of bread and butter
  • A piece of fruit
  • Glass of water or milk

Lunch (Le Déjeuner) [12:00-12:30 PM]

  • A full three-course meal at school canteen or home:
    • Starter: Small salad or soup
    • Main: Protein with vegetables and starch
    • Dessert: Yogurt, fruit, or small sweet

Afternoon Goûter [4:00 PM]

  • Sweet snack: bread with chocolate spread, small pastry, or cookies
  • Fruit or yogurt
  • Milk or juice

Dinner (Le Dîner) [6:30-7:30 PM] Earlier than adults

  • Light soup or small starter
  • Simple main dish
  • Small dessert

Sample Children’s Menu

Breakfast [7:00-7:30 AM]

  • Hot chocolate with a slice of bread and butter
  • Small bowl of yogurt with fruit
  • Glass of orange juice

Morning Goûter (Young Children) [10:00 AM]

  • Two small butter cookies
  • Sliced apple
  • Small glass of water

Lunch [12:00-12:30 PM]

  • Starter: Grated carrot salad
  • Main: Fish sticks with mashed potatoes and green beans
  • Dessert: Yogurt with fruit compote

Afternoon Goûter [4:00 PM]

  • Slice of bread with chocolate spread
  • Small banana
  • Glass of milk

Dinner [6:30-7:30 PM]

  • Starter: Small bowl of vegetable soup
  • Main: Omelet with cheese and tomatoes
  • Dessert: Applesauce

Cultural Notes for Children

  • Children eat meals at the family table from a young age
  • They are taught proper table manners early
  • Children participate in mealtime conversations
  • Meals are structured and served in courses, even for small children
  • Snack times (goûters) are scheduled and structured, not random
  • TV and screens are not permitted during mealtimes
  • Children typically drink water with meals (not soda)
  • Eating together as a family is considered essential for development
  • Children eat dinner earlier than adults but follow the same meal structure
  • As children grow older, they gradually transition to the adult meal schedule