Wondering what life is like in France? Whether you are planning on living abroad or just dreaming about the French way of life, get ready to hear about our adventures in daily life, family life, and learning French. The mistakes expats make, the cost of living, we uncover the truth about living in Paris.
Living in France
If you are not sure where to start, I recommend starting here:
We may all admire the royal châteaux and monuments around France, but we all know what comes next. It is that indelible time in French history, the Storming of the Bastille and the 1789 French Revolution. But did you know…
The history of France is just as fascinating as it is long. Located in Western Europe, it shares a tumultuous and complex history with its neighbors, exchanging allies and enemies several times throughout the ages. And with that comes its…
France may not have lords and ladies like the British do, but that doesn't mean that the class structure doesn't exist in French society. That Frenchie with their nose up the air, sniffing out loud at imagined transgressions is not…
Whether you are a tourist or a native, there are some things that one must absolutely avoid while in France. The French word faux pas, which literally translates to "false step", is something to keep in mind if you are…
The French have earned a reputation for being a nation of fashionistas and being notoriously stylish. French women, and in particular Parisiennes, are often represented in pop culture as to having that certain je ne sais quoi when it comes…
When we think of France, we think of art de vivre, (meaning "the art of living"). France is renowned for its wine, cheese, culture, and most importantly, quality of life. Its famous 35-hour week makes headlines around the world, along…
If you are trying to instil your children with a love of the French language and to improve your French, there is no better place to start than French poetry. No, poetry is not just for adults. In France, poetry…
The Alps are one of Europe’s most iconic mountain ranges, and certainly one of the most diverse. From the breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn to the exquisite Lake Annecy at its foothills, the mighty Alps are a…
She goes by many names. La Tour Eiffel or la Dame de Fer ("The Iron Lady") in French, and of course the Eiffel Tower to the rest of the world. I call her "she" as opposed to "it" because that…
Like in many countries around the world, May Day on 1er Mai (meaning "the 1st of May), is a public holiday in France. Celebrating the start of spring, the occasion has merged with the International Workers' Day to also celebrate…
If Shakespeare were French, he would have had a field day with "la bise". To bise or not to bise, that is the question.Shakespeare Frenchified North Americans may have the half-hug, but French people have la bise. The "bise etiquette"…
There's a lot to love about the French language. The language of culture and love, there is a warmth and eloquence to hearing a quote in French that adds a bit of color to a simple conversation. As with any…
Ahh Paris. The City of lights in France, the city of art, history and culture. One of the most romantic cities in the world, Paris is a fantastic place to live. But there are some downsides. And the biggest amongst…
A book is a great way to learn a language. But if you are a new to the French language, it can be intimidating to pick up a French book and just start reading. However, there are plenty of French…
Sometimes the simplest ideas are the most effective. Cheaper than a trip to France, and just as meaningful, a book can help you travel the world. And a children's book can teach your child about different cultures and traditions without…
It isn't easy finding the perfect tattoo. It is meant to last forever after all. And if you are thinking of a tattoo in French when it is not your first language, it becomes even harder. But there is that…
Ahh, that time of the evening when you are trying to put your child to sleep. We've all been there, trying to convince that energetic baby or toddler to bed. Lullabies, with their soothing and repetitive beats, are meant to…
We all have that one friend who seems to breeze through speaking another language with ease. A little too effortlessly, actually. Studying a foreign language like French can be challenging, especially when you are just starting out. But it doesn't…
Books are great and all, but a picture is worth a thousand words. If you are looking to improve your French, there is no better way than reading a few French comics. And luckily for us, the comic industry in…
They may seem silly, but cartoons are not just for fun. With vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, there is a lot you can learn from a cartoon. And if you are looking to entertain your little one, while still hoping to…