The Washington PostThe Washington Post

'Dry January' in France? The answer is still: Non.

By Rick Noack

23 Jan 2023 · 5 min read

Editor's Note

In France, many people view Dry January as a "puzzling foreign concept," or even worse as a threat to the country's cultural identity and joie de vivre. The Washington Post tells the story.

PARIS - Sophie Chanceaux was committed to "Dry January," but sipping tap water during dinners with friends was too depressing. So she crossed the French capital to join customers exploring the racks of nonalcoholic wines and other drinks at a shop called Le Paon qui Boit, or "the Drinking Peacock."

"Sweet, but a bit too much so," she assessed after tasting a sauvignon viognier blend.

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