Summary of Why We Love McDonald’s in France
Blasphemy you say!
How can you love McDonald’s in France? This country is renowned for its rich cuisine and fine wine. Stepping foot in a McDonald’s might seem like thumbing your nose at French heritage.
But hear me out.
There is nothing quite as enjoyable as sitting in an outdoor café, sipping wine, and savoring rich cheeses and cured meats. Like the French, we share a profound love for their cuisine, and we couldn’t wait to delve into the menu of a restaurant, eagerly choosing something mouthwateringly delicious. The prix fixe menus were our favorites, allowing us to sample a variety of dishes at once. Yes, we genuinely loved eating in France.
So Why McDonald’s?
Then
The first time we visited France was in 2002. At that time, McDonald’s hadn’t gained the popularity it enjoys today across Europe. Entering a McDonald’s in Paris, we found an empty restaurant with a menu that differed significantly from what we knew in Canada. It just didn’t feel right.
Now
Fast forward to today, and McDonald’s has become incredibly popular in France, bustling with crowds. Families gather around tables for their “meal out,” reminiscent of my own family’s outings in the ’70s. Observing several generations enjoying cheeseburgers and Big Macs together evokes a warm sense of nostalgia. While it may not be our first choice, we appreciate the occasional Big Mac while traveling, as we make it a point to visit McDonald’s in every country we explore.
1. Free and Clean Toilets
McDonald’s maintains consistent standards worldwide. We knew that if nature called, we could easily find a clean restroom without paying a fee or buying a coffee. Public restrooms can be scarce in France, creating a unique challenge for travelers. In Canada, fast-food chains and donut shops are plentiful, making bathroom breaks more convenient.
Often in Paris, I found myself wandering for far too long with a full bladder, desperately searching for a public toilet. The sight of the Golden Arches was a welcome relief.
2. Coffee to go
In French culture, one typically does not walk or drive with a coffee in hand. Instead, sitting down to savor a rich cup while enjoying the ambiance is the norm. However, our fast-paced society often prioritizes convenience.
During our road trip in France, we faced the challenge of finding coffee on the go. Fortunately, McDonald’s offered takeout coffee, even if we had to order two cafés each due to their smaller sizes. It was a great way to keep energized on our travels.
3. Free Wifi
Accessing affordable Wi-Fi can be tricky while traveling, but we always counted on McDonald’s for reliable internet. As travel bloggers, staying connected is crucial. We could easily bring our laptops, find a quiet corner, and plug in to work while enjoying an affordable meal, coffee, or ice cream.
4. Parking Lots
Exploring Europe can be daunting, especially when it comes to finding parking. When entering new towns, the search for public parking often results in fees. Luckily, if we spotted a McDonald’s, we knew we could park for a short while and venture out for a brief exploration. This allowed us to stretch our legs and get our bearings without leaving our vehicle unattended for too long.
5. McCafés
We have a fondness for McCafés. The pastries are delightful, and the cappuccinos are rich and creamy. These McCafés add a touch of elegance to the McDonald’s experience. With coffees and pastries served on ceramic plates, they also take the time to craft a proper café au lait, creating an inviting space to relax longer than usual.
6. Breakfast
Often, the accommodations we stayed at in France provided only basic continental breakfasts consisting of breads and, if we were fortunate, a little cheese. While such breakfasts are nice, we missed having eggs. Thankfully, McDonald’s offers Egg McMuffins, providing us with a convenient and affordable egg-based breakfast option.
7. Cheap and Easy
Similar to its appeal in Canada, McDonald’s serves as a budget-friendly dining choice. After a long day of driving, finding a restaurant can become exhausting. McDonald’s offers a quick and easy alternative, especially when traveling between cities.
In some instances, we struggled to find restaurants within our budget in unfamiliar cities. While shopping at supermarkets was often our go-to, we occasionally relied on McDonald’s for a quick meal, especially when restaurants typically opened later than our hunger desired.
So there you have it. Why we like McDonald’s in France. What about you? Do you enjoy McDonald’s when you travel?
Travel Planning Resources
Looking to plan your next trip? Here are some tried and tested resources for your travel needs.
Flights: Find great flight deals on Skyscanner.
Hotels: Check prices on hotels using Booking.com for Europe and TripAdvisor for elsewhere.
Apartment Rentals: Search for affordable apartment rentals on VRBO.
Travel Insurance: Don’t leave home without it. Check out our recommendations:
- Safety Wing – For occasional travelers.
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Activities: Looking for walking tours or skip-the-line tickets? We recommend Get Your Guide.
