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…
Territorial Reform in France: La réforme terrritoriale Posted by Elizabeth Schmermund on Aug 3, 2015
Last summer, my mother-in-law and I brought my son to the store Nature et Découvertes in Paris to find a little toy to keep him occupied on the plane ride home. We didn’t find the perfect toy to keep a 1-year-old happy on an eight hour flight (I’m not sure that it exists!), but we did find…
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…
L’International des Feux Loto-Québec (The Montreal Fireworks Festival) Posted by Elizabeth Schmermund on Jul 27, 2015
The summer is the season of fireworks. Some years my family has been lucky: We get to see Fourth of July fireworks in the US before heading out to Paris for our annual pilgrimage and watching the spectacular fireworks for la fête nationale. This year, however, we are not traveling and I am stuck dreaming…
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…
How To Find A Hardware Store in French Posted by John Bauer on Jul 22, 2015
My computer problems quickly led to hardware problems, which meant finding a hardware store. Les problèmes were that my hardware vocabulary isn’t very good in English never mind in French, and that it was still incredibly hot. I needed a very small screwdriver to take off the screws on the bottom of my laptop and…