French Culture - Culture française
Links on everything related to French culture, including vocabulary and other information related to French holidays and celebrations.
The "Rude French"
An article on why the French are often called rude and whether this is really the case.
An article on why the French are often called rude and whether this is really the case.
Are you a Francophile?
Take this little quiz to find out how much or little of a Francophile you are.
Take this little quiz to find out how much or little of a Francophile you are.
Bastille Day
The French national holiday commemorates the storming of the Bastille, which took place on 14 July 1789 and marked the beginning of the French Revolution. Do you know what this event represents? When the French observe this holiday in mid-July, what ideals are they celebrating? Learn all about Bastille - in French or English - and listen to the Marseillaise.
The French national holiday commemorates the storming of the Bastille, which took place on 14 July 1789 and marked the beginning of the French Revolution. Do you know what this event represents? When the French observe this holiday in mid-July, what ideals are they celebrating? Learn all about Bastille - in French or English - and listen to the Marseillaise.
French Candlemas - La Chandeleur - Crêpe Day
The Catholic holiday of Candlemas, on 2 February, is a feast to commemorate the purification of the Virgin Mary and the presentation of baby Jesus. In France, this holiday is called la Chandeleur, Fête de la Lumière, or crêpe day.
The Catholic holiday of Candlemas, on 2 February, is a feast to commemorate the purification of the Virgin Mary and the presentation of baby Jesus. In France, this holiday is called la Chandeleur, Fête de la Lumière, or crêpe day.
Christmas in France
In France, Christmas is a time for family and for generosity, marked by family reunions, gifts and candy for children, gifts for the poor, Midnight Mass, and le Réveillon. The celebration of Christmas varies in France by region.
In France, Christmas is a time for family and for generosity, marked by family reunions, gifts and candy for children, gifts for the poor, Midnight Mass, and le Réveillon. The celebration of Christmas varies in France by region.
Halloween in France
What is Halloween? Where did it come from? Why and how is it celebrated in France? If you've ever puzzled over these questions, take a look at this article - the answers are here!
What is Halloween? Where did it come from? Why and how is it celebrated in France? If you've ever puzzled over these questions, take a look at this article - the answers are here!
French Vocabulary Related to Hanukkah and Judaism
Hanukkah is a Jewish festival of survival and freedom that lasts for eight days. Learn some French vocabulary related to this annual Jewish celebration.
Hanukkah is a Jewish festival of survival and freedom that lasts for eight days. Learn some French vocabulary related to this annual Jewish celebration.
French Vocabulary Related to Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is an annual celebration Learn about some Kwanzaa traditions and the French vocabulary to describe them.
Kwanzaa is an annual celebration Learn about some Kwanzaa traditions and the French vocabulary to describe them.
French New Year - Le Jour de l'An
As in most countries, New Year's calls for a big celebration in France. Learn about some French New Year's traditions and customs.
As in most countries, New Year's calls for a big celebration in France. Learn about some French New Year's traditions and customs.
French Thanksgiving Vocabulary
Thanksgiving is not celebrated in France, but here's a list of French vocabulary related to the American holiday.
Thanksgiving is not celebrated in France, but here's a list of French vocabulary related to the American holiday.
Balade en France Audiobook
Balade en France, from the publisher of Champs-Élysées audiomagazine, is a collection of 18 French travel articles in audiobook format. Read my review of this combination travel guide, cultural study, history book, and French language course.
Balade en France, from the publisher of Champs-Élysées audiomagazine, is a collection of 18 French travel articles in audiobook format. Read my review of this combination travel guide, cultural study, history book, and French language course.
Conversations françaises : Les Relations transatlantiques
Ideal for anyone wondering what the French think of the United States or why the Iraq war contributed to a spate of anti-Frenchism, this bilingual audiobook comprises three interviews with prominent French intellectuals about the relationship between France and the United States - read my review.
Ideal for anyone wondering what the French think of the United States or why the Iraq war contributed to a spate of anti-Frenchism, this bilingual audiobook comprises three interviews with prominent French intellectuals about the relationship between France and the United States - read my review.
French or Foe?
My review of Polly Platt's wonderful book about French culture.
My review of Polly Platt's wonderful book about French culture.
Le Petit Prince, by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
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 ».
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 bilingual audio book
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.
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.
Sur le vif French Audio Books
The publisher of the online audio magazine La Guinguette has launched a new series of intermediate/advanced French audiobooks about contemporary France called Sur le vif (Real Life). The first three are reviewed here.
The publisher of the online audio magazine La Guinguette has launched a new series of intermediate/advanced French audiobooks about contemporary France called Sur le vif (Real Life). The first three are reviewed here.
Vol de nuit, by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
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.
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.
Books on French Culture
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.
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.
Architecture Atlas: France
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.
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.
Anglophone's Guide to Paris
A terrific site with just about everything you need to know in Paris: employment, housing, other Anglophones....
A terrific site with just about everything you need to know in Paris: employment, housing, other Anglophones....
Cannes Festival
The official website for the Cannes International Film Festival; current year and archives. You can choose to view it French or English.
The official website for the Cannes International Film Festival; current year and archives. You can choose to view it French or English.
Château de Versailles
Take the tour and/or help to replace the trees knocked out by December's storm.
Take the tour and/or help to replace the trees knocked out by December's storm.
Chronic'art : le webmag culturel
A webzine about French culture - French only.
A webzine about French culture - French only.
Civilisation française
Don't miss this site - many different exercises on everything from family to transportation.
Don't miss this site - many different exercises on everything from family to transportation.
Creating French Culture
How the French got to be the French, from the Bibliothèque nationale de France.
How the French got to be the French, from the Bibliothèque nationale de France.
French Culture
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.
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.
Culturekiosque
Online guide to European culture - including art, dance, music, and cuisine - with articles in English, French, and (sometimes) German.
Online guide to European culture - including art, dance, music, and cuisine - with articles in English, French, and (sometimes) German.
La France pittoresque
Huge site packed with information about French culture, history, traditions, and much more. In French.
Huge site packed with information about French culture, history, traditions, and much more. In French.
Louvre
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.
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.
Naissance de la culture française
Learn the history of what makes the French tick.
Learn the history of what makes the French tick.
Profile of France
Introduction to French customs, politics, and modern life.
Introduction to French customs, politics, and modern life.
French Theatre
Information about French theatre and playwrights, with links to bibliographies, theatres, and more.
Information about French theatre and playwrights, with links to bibliographies, theatres, and more.
La Tour Eiffel
Quelle chance ! You can virtually visit the symbol of France in English or French.
Quelle chance ! You can virtually visit the symbol of France in English or French.
Voilà
20 lessons on French culture and society.
20 lessons on French culture and society.
Voir, lire et dire le musée
Visit the famous Musée d'Orsay in Paris.
Visit the famous Musée d'Orsay in Paris.