10 ways French women practice self-care

French women practice self-care with a kind of quiet expertise. It’s woven into their routines, their culture, and the pace of daily life. Here, self-care isn’t indulgent, performative, expensive, or something you schedule because you feel guilty. It’s simply part of taking care of yourself — as natural as buying bread or planning the weekend menu.

It’s also more than massages, facials, or long baths with scented candles (though those absolutely count). At its core, self-care in France is about putting yourself first without apology, choosing what feels good, and repeating it often enough that it becomes a habit — not a special occasion.

Since moving to France more than two decades ago, I’ve slowly adopted many of these practices. It didn’t happen overnight. For years, with three young children, I thought self-care required time, planning, and a babysitter. I genuinely didn’t understand that it could also be five minutes here, ten minutes there — tiny rituals that accumulate and change how you feel.

As I’ve written before, my early “self-care routine” involved… no care at all. I was either overdoing it with exercise and deprivation or flustered and exhausted in the whirlwind of parenthood. I wasn’t caring for myself in any real way. It took me a long while to unlearn my automatic habits — but slowly, thanks to a few wise people and honestly just osmosis from living in France, I arrived in a place that feels more balanced and humane. I’m late to the game, but I’m here. Please don’t wait as long as I did — care for yourself now.

Women often put themselves last. It feels easier, even expected, to focus on children, partners, homes, work, and the endless to-do list before considering our own wellbeing. But taking care of ourselves is a form of respect — for our bodies, our minds, and the people who depend on us. It isn’t a luxury. And French women intuitively understand that.

For an overview of everyday French wellbeing habits, start with → The French Approach To Wellbeing.

Here are 10 ways French women practice self-care — simple, nourishing rituals that anyone can weave into a busy life.

1. Saying “no” is self-care

This is classic French self-care, and it still fascinates me. A French woman has no problem saying no when something doesn’t suit her. It’s not rude — it’s honest and protective of her time.

For years, I thought this was selfish. Now I see that it’s balance. Instead of cancelling a long-planned facial or skipping yoga to attend another school outing, she simply… doesn’t go.

Meanwhile, when my kids were in elementary school, I volunteered for every outing. I even offered to teach weekly English classes, which — let’s be honest — was a very kind gesture but ridiculously unnecessary. I had a toddler at home, and once a month would have been far more reasonable. I’m not saying don’t volunteer — just don’t lose yourself in the process. I probably needed to be liked… or maybe being a stay-at-home mom was hard for me to adjust to.

Saying no, when needed, is an act of self-care.

2. Scents matter more than you think

French women surround themselves with beautiful scents — sometimes in tiny, invisible ways. Perfume, a scented face oil, essential oils on the wrist, a candle burning softly in the corner.

France (more precisely Grasse, in the south) is the global capital of perfume. Don’t even get me started on Diptyque’s Philosykos, which I’ve worn for 20+ years, or Fragonard, which you can only buy in France — so when you come…

Scent is mood-shifting self-care that takes seconds.

3. Gastronomic pleasure — in moderation

The French don’t approach food with guilt. They eat what they love, they enjoy it fully, and they stop before discomfort. Moderation isn’t deprivation; it’s a way of savoring food without the emotional baggage.

If you’ve read any of my posts on this, you know how strongly I feel about it. When I travel elsewhere, I see people counting macros, eating protein bars, drinking concoctions, living on schedules. Part of me thinks, “Good for them — they care about their health.” Another part of me wonders, “But where is the pleasure?”

I hope they’re enjoying a homemade dessert once in a while, or a glass of wine if that’s their thing. Nature gives us such delicious foods; powders and bars aren’t my thing. I’ve lived in France too long. That, and I’m not a bodybuilder.

This is self-care rooted in pleasure, not restriction.

Meet some of my French friends here and find out more about → What French Women Eat In A Day.

If you want to know more about French women’s favorite eating style → Why French Women Love The Mediterranean diet.

4. Lingerie as a confidence ritual

A very French idea: your underwear is for you. Matching lingerie, beautiful fabrics, a well-fitting bra — these are quiet luxuries that boost confidence even under the simplest outfit.

If you’ve read the story about my visit to the nutritionist after pregnancy, you’ll remember how horrified I was to strip down to undergarments that were… well… not amazing. They were washed on the wrong cycle, wrong colors, wrong everything — that murky watercolour-paintbrush-rinse color. They went straight to the garbage.

That day, I got serious about buying nice things. You don’t need anything skimpy — just quality, matching, pretty pieces. It works. TRY IT.

5. Enjoying the now

French women know that happiness isn’t attached to a perfect size or a future goal. It’s rooted in feeling good now. They don’t postpone wearing a new dress because they gained a few pounds. They work with what they have, highlight their assets, and move on.

I know so many chic French women who look absolutely gorgeous — and they are not the ultra-skinny Parisian cliché on Instagram sipping cappuccinos with a gigantic bouquet and a Sézane dress. They wear great clothes, throw on a beautiful scarf or cocktail ring, and call it a day.

Feeling “bien dans sa peau” — good in your own skin — is the ultimate self-care mantra.

6. Beauty rituals are regular, not rare

Beauty rituals in France are viewed as care, not vanity. Hair appointments, a massage, a simple spa treatment — these aren’t indulgences, they’re maintenance. The language even reinforces it: spa treatments are called soins — “care.”

And hairdressers in France? A total dream. I’ve had the best haircuts of my life here. My hairdresser, Jean-Marc (if you’re reading this), is magic. I still don’t understand how he cuts my wavy hair while chatting in ten minutes flat.

7. Café society as a reset

The French do not drink coffee on the go. Sitting down — even for five minutes — is practically a national law. A small pause, a warm drink, a moment to watch the world go by. It’s self-care disguised as normal life.

And this cannot be overstated: walking around with a huge Starbucks cup isn’t a thing here. Nor are cup holders — in cars, strollers, or shopping carts. The whole “life with a drink in hand” culture simply doesn’t exist. Coffee is meant to be savored, not transported.

I vividly remember when this clicked for me. Workers were installing a deck at our house. I offered them coffee and they said, “Yes please, in about ten minutes.” I brought warm mugs outside, assuming they’d drink them on the spot. Instead, they walked inside, sat at the kitchen bar, and had a proper coffee break. Standing up was never an option.

Try it. It changes your whole day.

8. Looking good to feel good

French women rarely leave the house looking disheveled. That doesn’t mean glamorous — just intentional. Brushed hair, clean lines, simple but polished outfits. Looking good becomes part of feeling good.

They take care of themselves from the inside out: good food, hydration, skincare. The “French cool girl aesthetic” is natural — a bit of lipstick, unfussy hair, a touch of blush. And this is the secret: if you look like you’re trying too hard, it’s not French. Effort should be invisible.

Makeup as a mask, heavy contouring, camel-length false lashes, frozen Botox faces, enormous manicures — none of this is the norm here. Self-care in France is about ease. Be good to yourself, elevate your look a little, but don’t turn it into a full-time job.

9. Gentle movement over punishment

“No pain, no gain” never really took root in France. Movement is meant to feel good — walking everywhere, weekend hikes, gentle swims, yoga classes. Sure, there was a CrossFit moment, and plenty of people run marathons. But the overall attitude is pleasure + wellbeing, not punishment.

And a side note: I rarely see the super-pumped bicep look in women here. Not because they don’t strength train — it’s just not the goal. That said, where I live, the rock climbers (including my daughter) have enviable biceps… because they’re doing what they love.

The French principle is simple: enjoy the movement, and the benefits follow naturally.

10. Skincare is non-negotiable

Skincare beats makeup in France every time. Makeup is an accessory, not a mask. A good cleanser, hydrating cream, maybe a serum — done consistently.

Take me to a French pharmacy to browse skincare over a department store any day. These brands aren’t supermarket cheap, but they’re nowhere near luxury-counter prices — and they’re made by companies that focus solely on skincare. I’m all for luxury if that’s your thing, but I’ll never be convinced that an overpriced cream from Chanel beats Avène. Seriously.

Skincare is everyday self-care, not an occasion.

Here is how to deal with winter skin → French Winter Skincare Rituals You Can Steal.

Bonus: Gratitude, the French way

The French may complain — loudly and often — but they are also deeply appreciative of small delights: a perfect cheese, a sunny terrace lunch, a fragrant baguette, a beautiful éclair, the smell of rain, a well-made perfume. They notice and savor these tiny moments.

Gratitude, expressed often and out loud, is its own form of wellbeing.

More From France

If you’re curious about how France nurtures healthier habits — from school lunches to everyday food, movement, and wellbeing — I share practical tips and stories each month. Sign up for the free newsletter below and receive my guide, The French Guide to Everyday Wellbeing, straight to your inbox. Merci!