French Grammar – Using “On” instead of “Nous”
“On”: Friendlier than “Nous” The tiny word on carries great importance in everyday spoken French. For Anglophones learning French, on is frequently misunderstood or ignored because many think that on only expresses its English equivalent of ‘one’, while many of those who understand that it’s also an alternative to using nous hesitate to use it because of the false belief...Read MoreExpatriate’s story from Marion, living in the Cevennes region in France.
Finding community in Cévennes: Marion’s expat journey in rural France Marion writes about her move to the Cévennes region after vacationing there – discovering sunny landscapes, strong village camaraderie, and heartfelt everyday moments like village greetings and local renovation efforts. Her warmth and integration into the community shine through every detail. Walking...Read More
Plus-que-parfait in French: Conjugation, Usage + Examples
Le plus que parfait : How perfect is it? What is so perfect about the plus que parfait? Well in my opinion, this tense deserves to have the word parfait in its name because unlike the other 2 past tenses, it is easy to understand how and when to use it. It has a clear and logical explanation; it isn’t ambiguous like the passé composé and the imparfait. In addition, it is directly...Read MoreExpatriate’s story from Sue, living in France.
From challenge to community: Sue’s expat experience in France Sue and her family relocated to France after years of dreaming—ready to embrace a new life but unprepared for the noticeable language barrier. From health care navigation to enrollments and school, they faced every challenge head-on. Through patience, local connections, and humor, they transformed obstacles into...Read MoreExpats in France story from James and Elma
Finding belonging in rural France: James & Elma’s retirement journey After years of holiday visits, James and Elma decided to make France their new home in retirement. Through learning the language and embracing local customs, they found a warm, fulfilling life in the countryside. Their story is a heartfelt reminder that integration begins with effort and empathy. Our...Read MoreExpatriate’s story from Peta living in the Normandy region in France.
A Normandy expat story: Peta’s day-to-day life in rural France. Peta shares her peaceful life in Normandy: early morning jogs past cows, glimpses of newborn foals, and the gentle rhythm of village life. Discover what it’s like to settle in rural France through her vivid and charming account. Sunlight hits our bedroom window early and I’m off for a jog with one of our dogs...Read More
How to Use The French Verb “Prendre”
The verb “prendre” is used a lot in the French language. Do you know how to use it? What about the verb prendre conjugation? Here are some explanations: The verb ‘prendre’ is used the same way as the English verb ‘to take’ but is also used as the verb ‘to have’ in English when speaking about drinks or food. We don’t say: “I’ll have a coffee” but we say I take a coffee....Read More
How to Express Your Opinion in French
In France, there are not many subjects that are considered taboo, and the French will frequently speak their mind without holding back. At a dinner party in France, you might be asked to share your opinion on your political beliefs, relationships, spiritual tendencies, the environment, immigration, etc. In discussions, there is one topic that many avoid which is people’s finances or...Read MoreExpatriate’s story from Paul in Côte d’Azur
Life on the Côte d’Azur: Paul’s expat perspective in southern France Paul reflects on life in southern France – where long lunch hours and scenic drives coexist with cultural differences like driving habits and personal space. Despite the quirks, he’s built meaningful local bonds, set up a press agency, and found beauty in the rhythms of the Côte d’Azur. The expression...Read More