March 8th: International Women’s Day

March 8th: International Women’s Day What’s the History of March 8th? In 1910 Clara Zetkin, was part of a group campaigning for women’s rights and suffrage internationally. Along with other members of the movement, she suggested that the struggle for women’s rights be marked with a specific day. This later became « International Women’s Day ».  Just …

Etiquette: 10 Essential French Table Manners

French Culture: the Rules for Getting by at the Dinner Table In order to integrate, it’s important to understand these essential French table manners in order to be respectful. Although this is not a list of every unwritten rule in French society, here are some of the most important; if you know these, you should …

10 rules of table manners in France

French culture: 10 rules of table manners To integrate well, it is also important to understand the rules of French etiquette, so as not to be considered rude or ill-mannered. So, I have listed the most important ones, there are others to know, but if you know these ones, you should be fine! The rules of table …

Numérotation des immeubles Paris

The numbering of buildings in Paris

The numbering of buildings in Paris With more than 6,000 streets in its twenty arrondissements, the City of Light may appear as a real labyrinth. Easy to get lost but hard to find your way around, how to get your bearings in the capital? In this article we will unravel the secret of the numbering …

working out in Paris for free

Working out in free facilities in Paris

Working out in free facilities in Paris You want to work out in Paris but you don’t know where? You want to join a sports group but you don’t know how? In this article we give you the keys to working out in free facilities in Paris!  Where can you work out in Paris? The stadiums …

What is self-employment ?

What is self-employment? What is self-employment ? The auto-enterprise is a sole proprietorship that falls under the micro-enterprise tax regime. What is self-employment ? It facilitates the creation and management of your business and allows you to benefit from social protection. As an auto-entrepreneur, you benefit from social security coverage in the same way as …

combien de bise -Absolutely french

On se fait la bise? Et chez vous, c’est combien?

On se fait la bise? Et chez vous, c’est combien? Combien de bise fait-on chez les Français?  La bise est l’un des gestes les plus courants de la vie quotidienne. Ce geste est là pour se dire bonjour, et parfois aussi au revoir. Parfois, ce moment peut s’avérer gênant lorsqu’on ne sait pas combien de bise …

Where to print photos?

Where to print photos? There are several places and ways to print your photos. There are also several formats on which to retrieve your photos.  We explain the most common ways to print them.   Labo star  and other photo studios (Paris)  In a photo lab located at 74 Rue Saint-Dominique in the 7th arrondissement, …

15 French books to progress in French – beginners

15 French books to progress in French – beginners It is more enriching to read French literature and French authors than to discover them through translations. Here are 16 French books to read for intermediaries. Literature is a way to entertain us, to cultivate ourselves, to send a message or to tell historical facts. It …

15 books to progress in French – intermediaries

15 French books to progress in French – Level Intermediate It is more enriching to read French literature and French authors than to discover them through translations. Here are 15 French books to read to progress in French for intermediaries. Literature is a way to entertain us, to cultivate ourselves, to send a message or …

Paris en chanson- Absolutely french

Paris in song, discover Paris with 20 songs

Paris in song, discover Paris with 20 songs   Paris in song : stricken city   There was a time when Paris was living through the war, a difficult and destructive period. During the Second World War (1939-1945), Paris was under German occupation. This period is more commonly referred to as « the Occupation ». …

travel cultural differences - Absolutely french

Cultural differences when you travel abroad

Cultural differences when you travel abroad  What about travel cultural differences? What you should do or not in these countries? Can you give us some advices about your country in comments? France  — Don’t drink your wine in one « glup ». — Don’t talk or ask about money.  — Use the « vous » and not …

why learn french - Absolutely French

5 (excellent) reasons to learn French

5 (excellent) reasons to learn French! French, a romantic language Why learn french ? The first reason to learn French : It’s THE language of love and « Je t’aime ». Many sang it: L’hymne à l’amour – Edith Piaf Quand on a que l’amour – Jacques Brel Aimer à perdre la raison – de Jean Ferrat And if you learn the …

be friends with French neighbours- Absolutely French

How to be friends with your French neighbours

How to be friends with your French neighbours     You have just arrived in France with your family and you have to face a new language, new environment, new culture, and new habits… Your social life is totally shaken and you have to create a new one. Don’t worry,here you will find everything to help …

pourquoi la pentecôte- Absolutely french

Pourquoi y a pas d’école lundi? Question…

Pourquoi y a pas d’école lundi? – Question d’Anatole  Pourquoi la pentecôte? Lundi 16 mai (cette année) est le lundi de Pentecôte. Pentecôte vient du gréc : « pentekoste hêméra » qui signifie le cinquantième jour. La pentecôte est une fête chrétienne qui commémore* la venue du Saint Esprit*, 50 jours après Pâques, sur les apôtres* de …