Art of the Home


5 Tricks French Women Use When Ordering Fast Food

McDonald's in PArisMcDonald’s on the Champs-Elysées, Paris


Fast food is not part of the French diet and most French women don’t eat at fast food restaurants.  They do however have children and grand-children that do!  So, on occasions, you may see French women enjoying a fast food lunch.

5 Tricks French Women Use When Ordering Fast Food

French women do select the menu items very carefully though.  To discover a few tricks French women use in an effort not to stray too far from the French diet, we are taking you on the Champs-Elysées where the famous golden arches have a premium spot right there on the way to the Arc de Triomphe.  These menu ideas and tricks can be adapted to any fast food restaurants anywhere in the world so check out Art of the Home suggestions below and see if some may work for you.




First, French fast food restaurants, as do some US fast food restaurants, are making it easier to order healthier fast food by offering menu options that are manageable and tailored somewhat to the French diet.  We took a picture of one of the menus offered at the McDonald’s on the Champs-Elysées:

McDonald's in ParisMcdonald’s Menu, Champs-Elysées, Paris

Did you notice how a side-salad can be substituted to the French fries?  Not sure if one could request that in the US but that would be a great alternative.  You can of course always buy the salad on the side, also a good choice. And, look at the beverage options.  Sure, there are sodas, including light versions, but two types of water are also offered: Evian and Badoit (a sparkling water known to help with digestion).  Based on this menu, here is an example of a reasonable menu choice that can be adapted to fast food restaurants in the US.

  1. McWrap Poulet Crudité (Chicken Wrap with Raw Vegetables)
  2. P’tite Salade de Saison (Little Seasonal Salad)
  3. Water (Evian or Badoit)
  4. And for dessert?


Desserts at McDonald’s, Champs-Elysées, Paris

How about a macaron and an espresso?  The McDonald’s on the Champs-Elysées offers French macarons for dessert! Sure, they are certainly not the best macarons in Paris but it’s a nice addition to any fast food menu.  So if you saved some room for dessert and you skipped the French fries, a French women must, then treat yourself to a chocolate macaron – si bon!  You can have a macaron glacé (French version of a mini ice-cream sandwich):

French diet: macarons glaces at mcdonald'sMacarons Glacés Poster, McDonald’s, Champs-Elysées, Paris

Or an old fashion macaron, just pick your color!

Mcdonald's macarons, ParisMacarons Box Poster, McDonald’s, Champs-Elysées, Paris

5 Tricks French Women Use When Ordering Fast Food

So fast food once in a while is just fine but we suggest the following guidelines:

  1. Eat slow – who says you have to eat fast at a fast food!
  2. Choose regular size menu items only – no super size menus.
  3. Skip the French fries — save French fries treat for homemade French fries.
  4. Drink water.
  5. Save room for a small dessert and coffee.  Enjoy!