Not every country can have it all. While Macron tries to bring in French business, here are some other things France could really get a handle on.
1. CVS-Style Pharmacies
A French pharmacie is literally just that, a place for selling health and beauty products. No impulse-buy Snickers bar at the checkout.
2. Peanut Butter
Technically, you could go into a French grocery store and ask for beurre de cacahuète, but there might be one kind and it won’t taste anything like good ol’ Jif’s.
3. Measuring Cups
If you’re trying to cook an American recipe in France, you’re going to have to pick up a scale. French people don’t measure ingredients spatially, but by weight.
4. Drive-Through Windows
Sure, they’re a little tacky, but sometimes you want to order your Big Mac from a crack in a tinted window. The calories don’t count if they can’t see your face.
5. Reliable Wi-Fi
Yes, it’s gotten better over the past few years, but don’t be surprised if a French waiter simply shakes his head at you when you ask for the mot de passe. Even Slovakia’s got faster mobile internet speeds.
6. Air Conditioning
Those French windows look cute, but how are you supposed to fit an AC unit in there? No wonder French people all head down to the beach in August…
7. Exotic Produce
If you’re looking for anything not native to France like broccoli rabe or passion fruit (or even just baby spinach), you’ll have a little trouble unless you’re going somewhere upscale and specialty.
8. Elevators
Most buildings in France (particularly in Paris) are no taller than five or six stories, and that charming Haussmann-era architecture means they typically have a charming Haussmann-era lack of modern amenities. So let’s hope your Airbnb is on the first floor.
9. American-Style Bottomless Brunch
Like, yes, “le brunch” is becoming a thing. But if you’re looking for an all-day Bloody Mary splurge with a fixed price then you’re about to be sorely disappointed.
10. 24-Hour Gyms On Every Corner
Yes, they exist in France, but not with nearly the number of options. And have you ever heard of a real French person going to a daily SoulCycle class at 5am? Non. Options for legit fitness junkies are lacking.
11. Good Chinese Takeout
Or any takeout, for that matter. Not only are doggy bags a big no-no, but decent Chinese food is hard to find. Even in big cities like Paris, generic Pan-Asian buffets are usually the best you can do.
12. Ample (Legal) Ride-Sharing Services
No Lyft, no Juno — no price comparison. You can take Uber, which is often used, but their fate is currently in the air after the company was brought to court earlier this year for having non-professional drivers.
13. 24-Hour Restaurants
With the exception of MacDo, few places are open round the clock in France. Even crêpe and halal stalls on bar-heavy streets usually close at 2am with the bars. But every French town could use at least one big ol’ 24/7, 50s diner for midnight fries and a shake.
