French culture and traditions

What’s the difference between a dialect and a patois? What are the different regional languages spoken in France and how many are there? What accents do you find in France? [...]

How does the French education system work? Until what age is schooling mandatory in France? How does higher education work in France? [...]

French movies, which have received awards and acclaim all over the world, are renowned for excellent acting and exquisite directing. But which films can be considered to represent the best of their genre? [...]

What are the most important symbols of France? Which things, people and ideas best represent France in terms of the country’s politics, society and culture? [...]

Who are France’s most popular actors? While we can all no doubt come up with a quick list of some of the actors and actresses who have made French film renowned throughout the world [...]

Mad about baguettes and cheese, work-shy, whiny and arrogant, while also being elegant connoisseurs of fine food... Yes, you’ve guessed it, we’re discussing the most common French stereotypes. [...]

France is the perfect destination for those who want to take French lessons or simply discover the country. But what kinds of holiday do French people enjoy? [...]

In France, we have lots of customs and traditions which can confuse foreigners. Exchanging kisses – la bise – is one of them, but what’s this all about and when should you do it? [...]

What does that well-known phrase “the art of French living” actually mean? French style is synonymous with a certain savoir-être and savoir-vivre for which the country is internationally renowned. [...]

Whenever Easter comes up, we inevitably think of chocolate eggs (or bells in France), bunnies and the famous egg hunt. Other countries, such as Australia, Sweden and Poland, have other fairly surprising traditions, some similar to those in France and others which are quite different. [...]

In Provence, the ‘thirteen desserts’ are intimately associated with the Christmas festivities. But what are they, exactly? [...]

When you study French in France, you can also take advantage of your visit to the country of fine food to sample some authentic produce. The 28th edition of the famous Semaine du Goût (Taste Week) is held during October. [...]

September is not just about the wine harvest. In France, this time of year is also associated with an enduring ritual: the return to school. On 4 September, after a well-earned two-month break, primary and secondary school pupils – more than 13 million of them in total – cheerfully returned to class with a spring in their step. [...]

The twelfth of August will mark a particularly important day for the future of humanity: International Youth Day [...]

The herbs of Provence are well known as a symbol of the gastronomic heritage of the South of France. [...]

Every country has its own regional languages. At a time of globalisation it is important, if we want to hold on to our identity, that we do not forget our roots. [...]

The French national holiday is celebrated on the fourteenth of July each year. It’s worth knowing that it was established in 1880 and it is without a doubt a public holiday. For the French, the day symbolises the end of absolute monarchy and privilege, but also national reconciliation. [...]

My name is Mark Antony’s tribute to Julius Caesar and means ‘the month of Julius’. I symbolise the beginning of the big school holiday, long journeys south, suntan oil, parasols, the beach and lounging around. I am associated with a national holiday and the Tour de France cycle race. [...]

World Music Day – La Fête de la Musique – traditionally marks the first day of summer. In France, word play on the festival’s name is the order of the day: Faites de la musique ! (Make music!) [...]

How did Father’s Day begin in France? When is it celebrated in other countries? What gift should you give? Find all the answers in our new article! [...]

Every year, a rather special festival is celebrated in France: Neighbours’ Day (la Fête des voisins). [...]

Cannes is renowned throughout the world for its luxury hotels, famous Croisette promenade and painted walls depicting movie stars such as Marilyn Monroe, Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. [...]

International Mother Earth Day initially began as an environmental demonstration, first held in 1970 in the United States. Today, around 180 countries participate, representing more than 500 million people. [...]

Eggs, rabbits, chickens and bells all made from chocolate: it’s time to talk about the symbols and traditions which mark Easter in France. [...]

20 March is International Day of La Francophonie. But do you know what "la francophonie" refers to exactly? [...]

March is an important time for women of all ages. [...]

Presenting some of Gotlib’s characters. [...]

When it comes to comics, France, like Belgium, has lots of celebrated writers. [...]

It’s here! Christmas is coming! Now is the perfect time to review a bit of vocabulary and check you haven’t forgotten anything. [...]

We offer you a chance to (re)discover some of these French traditions from the holiday season. [...]

See how much French has developed over the last 30 years [...]

“C’est la vie”, “Comme ci, comme ça”, “Déjà-vu” – just a few of the typically French expressions well known throughout the world [...]

Here is our top 10 of expats blogs about living in France. [...]

The Centre International d’Antibes welcomes dozens of different nationalities every year. [...]

If you want to learn French, there’s no better way than talking sport and supporting the favourite local team. [...]

Learning a new language sometimes imply going off the beaten tracks to discover everyday expressions. At Centre International d'Antibes, we always incorporate a dash of fun into our teachings to make them more pleasant but also more relevant to daily conversations. [...]

France is worldly famous for its gastronomy and natural refinement when it comes to food. This culture of bien manger is not reserved to the elites... [...]