Five reasons Pepé Le Pew isn’t really French
Although he’s become a controversial figure, for many of us, Looney Tunes character Pepé Le Pew was our first introduction to French culture. The skunk’s accent and lo…
Read articleFrench Culture & Life in France
Understand the culture behind the language: French food, traditions, places, books, music, films, history, and everyday life in France.
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Josephine Baker: the incredible story of a spy, dancer and activist
In the 19th and 20th centuries, a number of notable Black Americans found refuge in France, especially Paris. There was no segregation in France (at least not legally)…
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Is Valentine's Day a thing in France?
A lot of people think that there’s nothing more romantic than being in France on Valentine’s Day. They’re not totally wrong; France is a beautiful country full of oppo…
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10 French Quotes to Inspire You in 2026
Although you hopefully had a few bright spots over the past twelve months, 2024 hasn’t been the easiest year, to put it mildly. And of course, as we get to the end of…
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Miam! The Food Lover's Guide to French Entrées
If you’re a native English-speaker, this article may not exactly be what you expect. That’s because the word entrée is one of the most notorious French-English faux-am…
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The complete guide to the French school system
What is school like in France? It’s a question you might find yourself pondering as you study French and get to know more about French culture. In some ways, French sc…
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The True Meaning of Vive La France
Vive la France means “Long live France” – but there’s a bit more to it than that. Who’s known for saying this famous phrase? What are its connotations? Where did it or…
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What Is the Legal Drinking Age in France - and Why?
The legal drinking age in France is 18, or 16 if the person is in the presence of adults (usually understood to be family members). There used to be an exception for b…
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All About the Phrase "Bon Voyage" – and the Travel Habits of the French
French people have been wishing each other Bon voyage (Have a nice trip) for centuries. The saying is so common that it’s one of those French phrases that’s been adopt…
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32 Magazines to Help You Learn French - and Where to Find Them
Although they’re not as much a part of the French popular culture landscape as newspapers, French magazines can be a worthwhile way to expand your vocabulary and cultu…