Did You Know? Salt and Santé
Learn about French salt and why saying “Santé” in France might not be enough
Salt
Not all salt is created equal! In France, there are 71 producers of salt, most located on the Atlantic Ocean in Brittany and the Pays de la Loire, producing two distinct products.
Fleur de sel: a beautifully white, large flake salt favored by chefs as a finishing touch for meals, salads, and desserts
Gros sel gris: a grey, chunky salt high in Magnesium and other minerals, perfect for bouillons and with seafood.
FTE Insiders Tip: You can find fleur de sel and gros sel gris in almost every grocery store or market … and they pack easily in your luggage!
Learn more about our experience with salt in France:
Have you cooked with French Salt? Tell us about it!
… and Santé
In France, toasting is an art! While saying “Santé” (meaning “health”) is a common phrase, there’s more to it than just the words. When clinking glasses, it's customary to make eye contact with everyone around you. This shows respect and establishes a connection.
A few things to keep in mind:
Never cross your arms while toasting — it’s considered bad luck!
If you’re at a table, raise your glass to the level of the table — no high-flying toasts.
When toasting with a group, clink glasses gently—loud clinking can be seen as impolite.
