5 differences between the South and the North of France

Despite the fact that France is not a huge country, we don’t see things the same way in Lille as in Nice. A difference of point of view and a source of never-ending existential debate. Here are 5 clarifications!

The limit between North and South

This is a debate that divides even more than the one between pain au chocolat and chocolatine (weeell…): where does the South of France really start? And more, where does the North end? It all depends on where you are… and your tolerance of temperatures below 15°C. If you ask a Lillois, not a second’s hesitation: when you’ve passed Paris, it’s the great south. So, let’s be generous, let’s say Orléans for the more indulgent. On the contrary, a Dijonnais, a little more subtly, will explain the southern part of France starts just below Lyon. But our Marseillais will absolutely not agree on this: for them, to the north of Montélimar, well that’s the north – full stop. You can almost hear certain purists pushing the pastis cork further and locating this famous border north of Avignon. Finally, the limit between north and south is a bit like the difference between a blue and a white dress: vague, subjective, and ready to start never-ending arguments. So, maybe the real south is just a question of state of mind… and guaranteed (or almost guaranteed) sun all year round!

When the water is good

It’s all a question of habit… and sensitive toes. For the Northerners, below 12°C, it’s a bit fresh but manageable. The more daring, who are also the most annoying, will even say that it’s « vivifying ». For those in the South, on the other hand, below 20°C, for them, that’s Antarctica. After that, well, it all depends on the context: 18°C in the calanques in Cassis? Nothing insurmountable if the sun is shining and it’s 25°C and you can dry on a rock like a lizard. The good news is that there’s something for everyonein the Sud region. On the Côte d’Azur, and particularly round Nice, the water stays quite warm and there are no drastic temperature variations in the season. Whereas in Marseille, you can bathe at 25°C on Monday and at 18°C on Thursday if the mistral has started blowing its cold air from the north. Apart from that, for those who love cool thrills, there’s the River Verdon. This is another level of motivation: the temperatures of the turquoise water of the Lake of Sainte-Croix or the Gorges are sometimes around 14°C, even in high summer. And lastly, if you’re « I’ll just dip my feet » team or « I’ll dive in without thinking », the Sud region has a bathing spot for you!

The “it’s lovely weather”

In the north, a ray of sun and everyone starts saying « it’s a lovely day ». So, of course, the slightest well-exposed terrace instantly becomes a really ruthless game of musical chairs, with everyone fighting for a place in the sun. The it’s a game of hide and seek with the sun to avoid the clouds which dare to appear. In the Sud region, it’s different: a lovely day and that’s all. And above all, it’s true! A sunny day? The same as yesterday and certainly as tomorrow. Just one more opportunity to go for a stroll in flip flops and socks, a routine that’s all. Yes, but a routine you never tire of! And even Météo France says it: In 2024, Marseille was crowned the sunniest town in France with 2950 hours of sun. Twice as much as Paris, which had its least sunny year of the 21st century. Anyone do better?

Timing

In the north of France, midday means lunchtime, so you’re sitting at the table at 12. While in the South, the midday meal left its reference time a long time ago. But it’s still a serious affair even though it never starts at the preordained time. Firstly, because in the South time dilates to leave room for a good time and a good mood. You exchange stories, you take the time to live each moment without worrying about the ticking clock of the outside world. You go ahead with the day slowly but surely. Secondly, because the aperitif wasn’t supposed to last long has finally relaxed now overflows onto lunchtime. Paradoxically, the feeling of waiting time or time passed is widely exaggerated. For example, when you’ve driven around for 5 short minutes to find a parking place, you’ll tell the story of having gone round and round for hours on end. When you haven’t seen a friend for two months, you’ll say it goes back to « l’an pèbre », and when you haven’t seen him for two months you’ll say it dates back to « l’an pèbre 12 »! You’ve probably already heard people talk of the famous « Marseillais quarter of an hour », the subtle concept where being a quarter of an hour late is considered perfectly normal and acceptable. Lastly, as long as you’re in time for the apéro…

Butter or olive oil

Ah, the great culinary battle which divides France: butter versus olive oil! In the north, they spread, butter, cover and fry generously, because « everything’s better with butter». In the South, we pour, spray, soak, we pour the olive oil without a moment’s hesitation. In fact, you can find it most of the local specialities: the pompe à huile, brioche with orange blossom water, traditionally made with olive oil, aïoli, a emulsified garlic sauce made with olive oil, and served with fish and steamed vegetables, pan bagnat, a typically Nicois sandwich where the bun soaked in olive oil is filled with tuna, raw vegetables and hard boiled eggs, and also tapenade, ratatouille, marinated vegetables, fougasse… Nevertheless, there’s one thing we can say: whether it’s in the north or south of France, there’s no lack of quantity. So, butter or olive oil? It doesn’t matter, as long as it shines, crunches and has your taste buds singing!