Archive for 'Culture'
French For Libraries Posted by Elizabeth Schmermund on Aug 10, 2015
According to Bernard Fixot, the owner and publisher of the small French publishing house XO: “There are two things you don’t throw out in France — bread and books” (see the original article in which Fixot in quoted here). Because of this cultural aspect, and because of French regulation on prices of books and e-books, French…
When Are Stores Open in France? Posted by John Bauer on Aug 5, 2015
People quickly notice the difference in les horaires de travail (working hours) between the US and France. Even being aware of the holidays doesn’t always mean you’ll know how to faire le pont (make the bridge). Knowing when things will be ouvert (open) and fermé (closed) is important no longer how long your stay. A…
Bon anniversaire, Harry! Harry Potter Terms in French Posted by Josh Dougherty on Jul 31, 2015
Bon anniversaire, Harry Potter ! On July 31st, the boy who lived turns 35. Since the first book was published in the summer of 1997, the 7-book series of fantasy and adventure novels by J.K. Rowling has become disgustingly successful. Let’s look at some numbers: the books have sold over 450 million copies worldwide, which…
How To Write A Polite Formula in French Posted by John Bauer on Jul 29, 2015
In France the art of the handwritten letter has not been lost. I was surprised when I read the requirements for a school application or contacting a bank and saw une lettre manuscrite (a handwritten letter). I hadn’t written une lettre manuscrite since third grade! I couldn’t believe that I would have to handwrite a…
A Beach in the Heart of Paris Posted by Josh Dougherty on Jul 23, 2015
With the return of summer comes beach season. Volleyball, bikinis, and ice cream… Because France is surrounded by water on 3 of 5 sides, you’re bound to find a beach you’ll like. Tu veux faire un petit plouf (want to make a splash) in the Atlantic? Try a beach at Les Sables d’Olonne, a beautiful…
Les embouteillages! Posted by Elizabeth Schmermund on Jul 20, 2015
Normally I try to focus on writing about the fun things about summer: gardening, going to the beach, and going to music festivals. However, there is one unavoidable (and not-so-fun) fact of summer life in and around large French cities: les embouteillages! Un embouteillage is a traffic jam, and there can be a lot of…
Le Festival d’Avignon – A Big Theater Festival in a Small Town Posted by Josh Dougherty on Jul 16, 2015
Ugh, another post on the south of France? Oui, chers lecteurs (yes, dear readers), but it’s a very special region to me, and this one’s quite interesting 😉 It’s July in Avignon, and that can only mean one thing (not counting daily trips for local ice cream, I mean – may I recommend La Princière in…