Originally Posted by
NickB
There are exceptions but, generally speaking, soup does not feature prominently in modern French cuisine and not something most French people would routinely have as part of their meal. If it were there, it would normally replace the starter (rather than be in addition to it).
It's interesting that the soup is still a popular component of the meal in neighboring countries, like in Spain. Even in the heat of summer, we can still enjoy such as gazpacho and salmorejo.