It is indeed an art to sleep in later than usual and have breakfast in bed or Faire la grasse matinée et prendre son petit déjeuner au lit. This is part of the French lifestyle, or l’art de bien vivre, savouring little moments by yourself or à deux. It is truly one of life’s little pleasures and a typically French Lifestyle that should not only be reserved for Mother’s Day or a special occasion but be part of an elegant and romantic way of life. It is one of my favorites! It feels so luxurious not to have to get out of bed au chant du cocorico when the rooster sings, catch up a bit on sleep, or read while enjoying some café and croissants in bed on a lazy morning.

You don’t have to be French to start practicing la grasse matinée! You just need to be willing to live a little out of the box, experiment, and appreciate little moments, especially with your chéri(e). It’s the little impromptu moments that you create that add intimacy, spice, and some romance to your relationship. The French know that spending little chunks of time like this creates connection and intimacy, which is the key to a real, mutually satisfying relationship. But more to come on that topic in another post.

So, you may ask, what’s so French about faire la grasse matinée? Well, it’s one of those delicious idiomatic expressions with a literal translation dating back to the 16th century. Literally, it means to have a “fat morning”. Well, it’s not just “sleeping in” or fat morning as its name entails, faire la grasse matinée is more luxurious than the word grasse, which evokes some luxury. It’s about taking the time to enjoy your petit matin without rushing, sleeping in later than usual to intentionally enjoy a relaxing moment without rules and schedules.

Go ahead, take the time to enjoy your morning wrapped in your puffy comforter, while nibbling on your croissants and sipping that café au lait waiting for you on the wooden tray. Life is made up of little pleasures to enjoy and appreciate, and that’s truly an essential aspect of the French Lifestyle, wouldn’t you agree?

“La vie est faite de petits bonheurs.”

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Instagram

When you click my links to shop on Amazon, I may earn a small fee that helps keep French A L.A Carte running. Thank you for supporting my work and the French ‘Art de Vivre’ community!” 

Thank you!  Merci!