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Culture & traditions
France is the country where the centuries took turn quickly, it saw the palaces of kings and the poverty, the economic growth and the impetuous fall. It was completely destroyed and rebuilt. It dictates the fashion and presented great people to the whole word.
All this proves that France can boast all that is unique in the history, architecture and art. The french blog of the Centre International d’Antibes France offers you to make the trip and discover the culture and traditions of a great nation.
What does the French flag mean?
All countries have their official emblems. As far as France is concerned, we’re all familiar with the French flag – a rectangle comprising three vertical stripes in blue, white and red.
French culinary traditions
French cuisine and gastronomy
Christmas and New Year traditions and vocabulary
Discover French traditions at Christmas and on New Year’s Eve
Learn French through comics
Comics are a perfect tool for learning French, whatever level you’re at!
Easter traditions in France and around the world
Who says Easter say bunnies, chocolate bells and "egg hunt". But there are also other very interesting traditions beyond the borders of France ...
Does French have dialects?
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?
The French education system
How does the French education system work? Until what age is schooling mandatory in France? How does higher education work in France?
The greatest french films of all time
Internationally appreciated, French cinema is renowned for the excellence of its actors and productions. Which films can be considered as models of their genre?
Symbols of France
What are the most significant symbols of France? What objects, people and ideas represent it politically, socially and culturally?
Famous French actors and actresses
Who are the most popular French actors? Each one of us is able to spontaneously name famous actors and actresses of the French seventh art.
Demystifying French stereotypes and cliches
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.
Holidaying like the French
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?
La bise: a very French custom!
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?
The art of French living
What exactly does the famous formula "French art de vivre" refer to? The French style is inseparable from a savoir-être and a savoir-vivre that have made our international reputation.
The Thirteen Desserts of Christmas
In Provence, the ‘thirteen desserts’ are intimately associated with the Christmas festivities. But what are they, exactly?
Semaine du goût
Learning French in France also means enjoying the gastronomy. During this month of October, the twenty-eighth edition of the famous Taste Week takes place.
Heading back to school in France
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.
International Youth Day
The twelfth of August will mark a particularly important day for the future of humanity: International Youth Day
The herbs of Provence
A symbol of the gastronomic heritage of the South of France : the herbs of Provence !
Nissart: a regional variety of the Occitan language
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 fourteenth of July
The French National Holiday takes place every July 14th. For the French, it symbolises the end of absolute monarchy and privileges but also national reconciliation.
July is here at last
My name is a tribute from Mark Antony to Julius Caesar and means "the month of Julius". I symbolize the beginning of the great school holidays, the beach and idleness.
World Music Day: make music!
La Fête de la Musique – World Music Day – 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!)
Father’s Day around the world
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!
Neighbours’ Day: a popular celebration
Every year, a rather special festival is celebrated in France: Neighbours’ Day (la Fête des voisins).
Cannes Festival
Cannes is known for its palaces, its Croisette or its painted walls representing film stars such as Marilyn Monroe or Charlie Chaplin.
Earth Day
International Mother Earth Day originated from a 1970 environmental protest in the United States. Today, there are about 180 countries participating.
Easter symbols and traditions
Eggs, rabbits, chickens and bells all made from chocolate: it’s time to talk about the symbols and traditions which mark Easter in France.
International Day of La Francophonie
20 March is International Day of La Francophonie. But do you know what "la francophonie" refers to exactly?
March: an important month for women
It's an important time for women of all ages : the month of March.
Gotlib and his iconic characters
Presenting some of Gotlib’s characters.
Christmas and New Year vocabulary
It’s here! Christmas is coming! Now is the perfect time to review a bit of vocabulary and check you haven’t forgotten anything.
French traditions during the holiday season
We offer you a chance to (re)discover some of these French traditions from the holiday season.
How French has evolved over the last 30 years
See how much French has developed in the last 30 years
Which French expressions are best known in other countries?
“C’est la vie”, “Comme ci, comme ça”, “Déjà-vu” – just a few of the typically French expressions well known throughout the world
Top 10 blogs about living in France
Here is our top 10 of expats blogs about living in France.
The Centre International d’Antibes is a true “melting pot”
We welcome dozens of different nationalities every year: the Centre International d’Antibes.
The long history of French, football and sport
If you want to learn French, there’s no better way than talking sport and supporting the favourite local team.
Do you speak Football? Everyday french expressions
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.
French Food and Language Lessons
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...
Tips to learn French
News of the region
