French Culture - Culture française

There are hundreds of common French first names. Some of them look just like their English counterparts, others are fairly similar, and still others seem completely unique. Here are more than 200 of the most popular French names, along with their pronunciation and English equivalents.

An article on why the French are often called rude and whether this is really the case.

Take this little quiz to find out how much or little of a Francophile you are.

One of the best ways to meet people in France is to join an association loi de 1901.

A short article about the French giving compliments.

Introductory, bilingual article about customer service in France, particularly at the post office.

Some basic information to obtaining a drivers license in France.

The French used to do their shopping in a whole series of specialized shops, but times - and store sizes - are changing.

People are always warning me that it's almost impossible to make French friends, and that they'll never invite you to their homes. That hasn't been my experience.

Legally, French stores can only have big sales during the official summer and winter "soldes" each year.

Most French businesses, including banks, have pay-per-minute phone numbers.

Some information about the 5 periods of school vacation in France.

Can vegetarians hope to survive in France?

Some observations about what happens at the end of a dinner party or business meeting.

A few French beauty secrets, written in French and English.

There are six different kinds of elections in France. Learn about the candidates, platforms, and results.

My review of Polly Platt's wonderful book about French culture.

Learn the secrets to making a French maid costume with Rain Blanken, About.com's Guide to DIY Fashion.

French women are so chic! Trying to pin down and explain their je ne sais quoi is Jamie Cat Callan's goal in her book "French Women Don't Sleep Alone."

Le Petit Prince is the wonderfully touching and creative story of a man who meets an extraordinary boy and relearns what it means to be a child. It is a French classic in children’s literature, as well as an excellent book for beginning-to-intermediate French students and for anyone who is tired of acting like « une grande personne ».

Une Semaine à Paris is a bilingual audio book and travel guide to Paris. Each chapter includes a French dialogue, English translation, and related travel tips, and the entire dialogue is pronounced in French on three audio CDs. Read my review of this combination travel guide and bilingual audio book.

The publisher of the online audio magazine La Guinguette offers three intermediate/advanced French audiobooks about contemporary France called Sur le vif (Real Life).

Vol de nuit, one of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's most famous novels, is now available as an audiobook so that you can work on your French listening comprehension while enjoying a classic French novel.

There's more to language learning than vocabulary lists and grammar rules - culture is an essential element. Since language reflects culture and vice versa, fluency implies an understanding of both. If you don't know anything about wine, the Tour de France, or the French Revolution, your French is missing some context. Fill in the gaps with these books about the rich French culture.

A place for Francophiles, on Facebook. Lovers of French language, culture, food, and travel unite!

Over the centuries, France has been at the forefront of architectural innovation. Jackie Craven, About's guide to Architecture, has the scoop, including articles on the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and other great monuments.

A terrific site with just about everything you need to know in Paris: employment, housing, other Anglophones....

The official website for the Cannes International Film Festival; current year and archives. You can choose to view it French or English.

Take the tour and/or help to replace the trees knocked out by December's storm.

A webzine about French culture - French only.

Don't miss this site - many different exercises on everything from family to transportation.

How the French got to be the French, from the Bibliothèque nationale de France.

Online guide to European culture - including art, dance, music, and cuisine - with articles in English, French, and (sometimes) German.

Huge site packed with information about French culture, history, traditions, and much more. In French.

You can visit the virtual gallery of French painter Martine Carles or learn about French wines and cheeses. However, do watch out for the typos.

Very extensive site about French movies and related news. Updated daily, in French.

If you can't go to France, this might be the next best thing: the official website of the Louvre museum. Available in four languages.

Learn the history of what makes the French tick.

Introduction to French customs, politics, and modern life.

Information about French theatre and playwrights, with links to bibliographies, theatres, and more.

Atlanta-based theater company that performs exclusively in French.

Quelle chance ! You can virtually visit the symbol of France in English or French.

20 lessons on French culture and society.

Visit the famous Musée d'Orsay in Paris.