When Americans think of suburbs, we tend to envision rows of look-alike houses, white picket fences, and sprawling lawns where 2.5 children play as their adoring parents look on. Er, well, that’s what we would have envisioned in the 1950s with the introductions of places like Levittown. In any case, we still picture a [...]
More »“Avec ceux-ci?” [a-v?k' sø-si’]
“With these?”
This is a favorite phrase uttered by pâtisserie [pastry shop] employees all over France. Even if you order just one croissant, the pâtissier [pastry maker] will undoubtedly ask you, “With these?” rather than, “With this?”
So what’s the big idea? The French, you see, are a proud people, and [...]
“Une chambre, deux lits”
“One room, two beds”
When my boyfriend and his brother were traveling by bike through the south of France, this was the phrase they lived by. It was simple, to the point, and got them what they needed as far as accommodation was concerned.
At the end of a long [...]
“Faire la bise”[fer la biz]
“To kiss on the cheek”
To faire la bise is to greet someone in the traditional French fashion: with a kiss on each cheek.
In some regions of France (and in other Francophone countries), three or more kisses is on par, but generally speaking, two is the [...]
“Ça va?” [sa va]
“How’s it going?”
Ça va is easily the most commonly uttered phrase in the French language; and just what is its secret appeal? Why, it’s both a question and its reciprocal answer.
If you want to know how someone’s doing: Ça va?
If you want to tell them right back [...]
Called le Tournoi de Roland-Garros or les Internationaux de France de Roland Garros, the French tennis tournament is a popular event for tourists and sports enthusiasts alike.
[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
The French Open is underway in Paris, and it’s not too late to go along if you’re [...]
Crêpes are a favorite French treat throughout the world, but eating one hot out of the pan in France is a unique experience. Crêpes themselves can be found at small stalls and restaurants throughout France, so you’ll have no trouble enjoying the specialty while you’re traveling through the country.
I am, if nothing else, a food [...]
More »July and August are peak season for beach-goers in France. The beaches may be a bit more crowded at this time of year, but you couldn’t have better weather for enjoying the French Riviera.
Vocabulary • Shopping For The Beach • Warnings and Signage
France is framed by two main coast lines (as well [...]
[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
It’s July 14th! France’s Independence Day falls just 10 days (and 13 years) after our own in the U.S., and the holiday incites as much national pride and festivity as does the 4th of July in the States.
Celebration • Vocabulary
La Fête Nationale
La Fête Nationale, better known to us as [...]
Films are an integral art of French culture. France is famous for festivals, most notably the one at Cannes, and for producing edgy movies that are subtitled or dubbed to be replayed around the world.
If you happen to be in the right place at the right time to check out a film festival in [...]
Anne has studied and spoken French for over a decade and has lived in both France and Francophone Cameroon. She strives to write lessons that reflect her real experiences and represent the way people really speak.
