The French people are extremely health conscious and it is a fact that they spend more money on health than any other European country. You may have heard of Doctors without Borders which is an international humanitarian group of doctors that began in France. Also, members of the research team at the Institut Pasteur in Paris were the first to identify the AIDS virus.

The French national healthcare system is highly efficient and is an example for the rest of the world. Whatever drug prescriptions, X-rays, and other medical and hospitalization needs a French citizen might have, the government pays all the expenses involved. In Quebec, all medical expenses except dental care are paid for by the government, too. Though usually there are no government campaigns for health issues, in recent years there have been some to make people aware of the effects of the sun on their skin. Obesity has also become a real issue and the government decided to remove all vending machines in the schools. The government has also encouraged the public to become aware of their consumption of over-the-counter drugs.

While French people receive a lot of attention from their doctors, it's also true that they often prefer to use home remedies, such as drinking herbal teas for stress and insomnia. They also take cures at a spa such as Vichy. French people, like many Europeans, believe that mineral waters are able to cure some minor ailments. They drink a lot of it, either gazeuse (bubbly) or plate (still).

Even though they are a nation known for their heavy smoking, the French people now accept non-smoking areas in most restaurants. In Quebec smoking in public places, including bars and restaurants, has been prohibited since March 2006. The French pay a lot of attention to la forme (fitness). They have good eating habits that include eating well-balanced meals at home and not eating so many sweets. Also, as people all over the world have become more concerned about living healthy life styles, both jogging and aerobic exercises have been popular ways of working out in France.