What is French toast called in France?

French toast is called pain perdu in France.

The French name means “lost bread,” referring to the traditional use of stale bread. Soaking older bread in milk and eggs softened it and made it suitable for frying rather than wasting it. Recipes may also include sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, or orange zest.

Pain perdu is not limited to one exact bread. Brioche and baguette are both used, although richer breads produce a softer result. The dish is generally served sweet, often with sugar, fruit, syrup, or jam.

French toast has related preparations in many cuisines, including torrijas in Spain and arme ritter in Germany. The English name does not mean the dish was invented in modern France; similar egg-soaked breads were recorded in several parts of Europe long before the term became widespread.