A new survey has uncovered a surprising twist in the age-old rivalry between Britain and France, revealing that if forced to choose another nationality, more than half of Brits would opt to become French.
A Complicated Affair: Brits' Secret Admiration for France
Despite a history marked by conflict from the Battle of Hastings onwards, the relationship between the UK and France is a complex blend of rivalry and deep-seated admiration. This is highlighted by the fact that France remains the second most popular holiday destination for Brits, with a staggering 9.3 million visits recorded last year, only just behind Spain.
The survey, commissioned by Asda, found that 53% of Brits would choose French citizenship if they had to adopt a new nationality. This preference places France ahead of other European neighbours, with Italy coming in second at 49%, Spain at 44%, and Germany trailing at 15%.
What Brits Love About French Culture and Style
The data reveals a clear appreciation for the perceived sophistication of French life. A significant 59% of respondents believe the French are classier than Brits, while an even larger 69% admitted that the French possess a level of sophistication they aspire to.
This admiration extends to personal style and charm. 65% of those surveyed stated that French women are among the classiest in the world, and 48% think French men have the sexiest accents.
When asked what they love most about France, Brits provided a mouth-watering and stylish list:
- Croissants (61%)
- French wine (44%)
- French cheese (44%)
- Café culture (34%)
- Romance (20%)
- Steak frites (18%)
- Chanel No. 5 (17%)
- Red lipstick (9%)
Beaujolais Day: A Swansea Tradition Goes National
The survey was released to mark Beaujolais Day, celebrated on the third Thursday of November. Asda is marking the occasion with a limited-edition bottle of Beaujolais Nouveau for £7.47.
The day holds a special significance in Swansea, where a tradition was started in the 1960s by former Wales rugby captain Clem Thomas. He imported Beaujolais Nouveau directly from his home in Burgundy to his No Sign Wine Bar, creating a local custom so beloved that it is now considered the city's version of Christmas Day.
This year, the celebration is set to be bigger than ever, with 73% of women in Swansea planning to dress up for the occasion. Nationwide, the day is growing in popularity, with 28% of all UK adults stating they will be celebrating.
An Asda spokesperson commented: “It’s clear that Britain’s love affair with France shows no signs of cooling. From food and fashion to that irresistible accent, we’re embracing all things Gallic - and Beaujolais Day is the perfect excuse to celebrate in style.”
However, it's not a complete surrender to Gallic supremacy. The survey confirmed that national pride remains intact in one key area: a resounding 85% of Brits insist that UK ladies know how to have more fun on a night out.
