More than a pre-dinner drink, the apéritif, or the apéro as it is more commonly known, is a way of life, at least in this part of France, acting as a social glue, bringing people together and underlining the gentle rhythm of life in France. The apéro is less about what is in the glass and more about who is around the table.
The word apéritif comes from the Latin aperire, meaning ‘to open’ and traditionally it was exactly that: a drink to stimulate the appetite before dinner. Over the centuries, the ritual evolved into a social pause, a time to unwind, catch up, and stop the clock. Today, the apéro is as much about connection and conversation as it is about drinks, woven into daily life, a gentle punctuation mark between work and evening. It is a time when neighbours, colleagues, friends and family pause their day to share a moment together. There is an etiquette (unfortunately unwritten); don’t arrive empty-handed, never rush, and avoid turning the conversation toward work or politics. This is a time to savour presence, not productivity.
For many French families, particularly at the weekends, the apéro begins around 6pm. A great way to draw everyone together from what they are doing to gather around a table or on the terrace for a few olives, nuts, cherry tomatoes, and small slices of saucisson and a drink. Sometimes when friends or neighbours are invited for an apéro, it evolves into a full evening with endless nibbles and the conversation stretching into the night. Many French people still have lunch as their main meal of the day so something to snack on with a drink is all they need in the evening.
The apéro continues to evolve, especially among younger generations. Organic wines, craft beer, low-alcohol drinks, vegetarian platters, and artisanal nibbles are increasingly popular. Yet, at its heart, the ritual remains the same, some shared time to catch up, some gossip and a tradition that justifies downing tools (or laptops and phones) to relax and enjoy each other’s company. Some restaurants and cafés have also embraced this trend, offering planchettes which are boards of charcuterie, cheeses, and bread meant to be shared and enjoyed with friends and family and a glass of something.
Ultimately, the apéro captures something deeply French, the art of living well in the present and prioritising life over work. It reminds us to slow down, to gather with others, and to celebrate small pleasures, a perfect symbol of France’s joie de vivre inviting us to savour life, to connect, and to find joy in the everyday.
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