Other France

Online news sources

 

France 24: A multichannel news resource providing news in English, French, Portuguese, Italian, Chinese, German, Arabic, and Spanish. Available on the website and via a mobile app.

 

The Local France: An English-language news portal offering articles on French politics, society, travel, and much more.

 

Le Monde, Le Figaro: Major French newspapers that publish current news online and in print. Both publications have English sections for foreign readers.

 

Television and radio

 

BFM TV: A leading news channel in France, offering 24/7 news coverage. It has an online platform for watching the news in real-time.

 

France Info: A national public radio station that provides news, analysis, and reports. Available via radio and online.

 

RFI (Radio France Internationale): News articles and radio broadcasts dedicated to both domestic and international events in French, English, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, German.

 

Social media and mobile apps

 

Twitter and Facebook: Follow the official pages of news outlets and local government bodies to receive updates directly in your news feed.

 

News mobile apps: France 24, Le Monde, The Local, and other news sources offer mobile apps for convenient access to news on the go.

France, like any other country, is surrounded by a multitude of stereotypes. Some of them have grounds, while others are exaggerated or completely false. Here are a few common stereotypes about France and their truthfulness:

 

French people are romantic

France is associated with romance, and Paris is often called the city of love. This stereotype is based on culture, literature, and cinema, where French characters are often depicted as romantic and seductive. However, this does not mean that all French people express romance in the same way.

 

French people are fashionable

Paris is considered the fashion capital of the world, and French fashion indeed has a significant influence. Many French designers, such as Coco Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent, made substantial contributions to global fashion. This stereotype is mainly true, as French fashion indeed plays an important role in the country's culture.

 

French people love baguettes, cheese, and wine

This is one of the most persistent stereotypes, and it is largely true. France is renowned for its baguettes, variety of cheeses, and quality wine. French people indeed consume a lot of these products, and they hold an important place in the country's daily life and culture.

 

French people are rude and arrogant

This stereotype is often spread among tourists, especially regarding Parisian waitstaff. However, this is more of a cultural misunderstanding. French people may seem more reserved and formal, but that does not mean they are rude. In fact, many French people are very friendly and hospitable, especially outside large cities.

 

French people are lazy and often strike

France is known for its strikes and large number of vacations. While French people do value work-life balance, this does not mean they are lazy. On the contrary, many studies show that French people are quite productive at work.

 

French people speak poor English

While the older generation of French people may indeed struggle with English, the younger generation is increasingly fluent. In large cities and tourist areas, finding English-speaking French people is not difficult.

 

French people prefer Mediterranean cuisine

In France, especially in regions bordering the Mediterranean Sea, such as Provence and the French Riviera, Mediterranean cuisine is an integral part of cultural traditions. This contributes to the fact that the average life expectancy in France is about 83 years, which is one of the highest in the world.

 

These stereotypes may be based on certain aspects of French culture, but it is important to remember that they are not always true for all French people. The best approach is to treat each person individually and openly, without preconceived notions.

Here are a few mobile apps that will be useful for living in France:

 

News and Information

France 24: The app provides round-the-clock news in multiple languages.

 

Transport

Bonjour RATP: The official public transport app for Paris; helps plan routes, buy and update tickets, and rent Vélib’ bikes.

 

SNCF Connect: The app of the French national railway company that allows booking tickets, checking schedules, and getting train delay information.

 

G7 and Heetch: G7 offers taxi services with a large proportion of electric and hybrid cars, while Heetch is a convenient taxi app operating 24/7.

 

Finance

N26: A mobile bank that allows you to quickly open an account and manage finances. The app supports Apple Pay and Google Pay.

 

Wise: An app for international money transfers with low fees and transparent conditions. It's perfect for immigrants and freelancers with international clients.

 

Health

Doctolib: The best way to make an appointment with a doctor in France. The app allows you to find doctors by specialty, languages, accepted payment methods, and levels of insurance reimbursement.

 

Restaurants and Entertainment

TheFork (La Fourchette): An app for finding restaurants and booking tables. Often offers discounts and special deals when booking through the app.

 

Le Fooding: Helps find the best restaurants and venues around Paris and other French cities, offering detailed reviews and ratings.

 

Too Good To Go: An app that allows purchasing food surpluses from local cafes and restaurants at a reduced price, helping to reduce food waste.

 

Useful Tools

Flush: An app for locating the nearest public toilets.

 

Google Translate and Deepl: Indispensable tools for text and speech translation into French and other languages, facilitating communication in an unfamiliar language environment.

Main Cultural Events

Cannes Film Festival: One of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, held in May in Cannes. The festival attracts celebrities, directors, and film enthusiasts from around the world.

 

Festival of Lights in Lyon: Held annually in December. The city is illuminated with thousands of lights, creating stunning light installations. This event attracts millions of tourists and is one of the most spectacular in Europe.

 

Avignon Festival: An international festival of contemporary theater, held in July in Avignon. The program includes performances, performances, and exhibitions at various venues around the city.

 

Sporting Events

Tour de France: The famous cycling race that takes place every July across France.

 

Roland Garros: The French Open tennis tournament, one of the four Grand Slam tournaments, held on the clay courts of Paris at the end of May and early June.

 

Music Festivals

Nice Jazz Festival: One of the oldest jazz festivals in the world, held in July. It features both renowned and up-and-coming jazz musicians.

 

Rock en Seine: A major music festival held in August at Saint-Cloud Park in Paris.

 

Other Major Events

Fête de la Musique: Held on June 21 across the country. On this day, both professional and amateur musicians perform on the streets, in bars, and in concert halls. All events are free to attend.

 

Paris Marathon: An annual marathon held in April. The race route passes through major Paris landmarks, including the Champs-Élysées and the Eiffel Tower.

In France, especially in major cities like Paris, public toilets are available and convenient to use.

 

Sanisettes: Automatic public toilets that are widespread in Paris and other French cities. These toilets have been free since 2006 and offer a modern solution for maintaining cleanliness and hygiene. Sanisettes are self-cleaning after each use, making them safe and hygienic. In Paris, there are more than 400 sanisettes located on busy streets, near monuments, and in public parks.

 

Find public toilets

 

Interactive maps: Use interactive maps available on the city's official websites to find the nearest public toilet.

 

Mobile apps: Apps such as "Flush" will help you quickly find the nearest public toilet and get route instructions.

 

Other places with public toilets

 

Parks and gardens: Large parks, such as the Luxembourg Gardens and Tuileries Garden, have public toilets. Some of them may charge a small fee for use.

 

Shopping centers and stores: Most large shopping centers and department stores, such as Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, have toilets usually located on the upper floors or at the back of the store.

 

Restaurants and cafes: Many cafes and restaurants have toilets that customers can use. Sometimes it's enough to order a cup of coffee to use the facilities.

 

Features of use

 

Paid toilets: In some places, such as train stations and shopping centers, a small fee may be charged for using the toilets. This is usually around 50 cents.

 

Opening hours: Sanisettes in Paris operate from 6 am to 10 pm, although about 150 of them are open 24/7.

 

Tips and recommendations

Observe hygiene rules: Public toilets may not have toilet paper or soap, so it's recommended to carry wet wipes or sanitizer.

Language schools and courses

 

Alliance Française: This is one of the most famous language schools with branches all over France, including Paris, Lyon, Nice, and other cities. The programs include courses for adults and children, intensive courses, and cultural events that help fully immerse in the language environment.

 

Institut de Langue et de Culture Françaises: Located in Paris; offers courses from beginner to advanced level, including specialized courses in business French and preparation for language proficiency exams (DELF, DALF).

 

Lutèce Langue: This school in Paris is known for its small groups (3-8 people) and personalized approach. Courses range from intensive to evening, allowing you to choose a convenient study schedule.

 

Mobile apps and online resources

 

Duolingo: A free language learning app that offers French courses at all levels. Lessons include exercises in reading, writing, pronunciation, and listening comprehension.

 

Babbel: A paid app offering French language courses with a focus on grammar, vocabulary, and speaking skills. Lessons are short and interactive, making learning convenient and effective.

 

Cultural events and practical activities

Volunteering and internships: Participating in volunteer programs and internships allows you not only to improve your language skills but also to gain work experience in a French environment, which significantly speeds up the learning process.

 

Conversation clubs and language exchanges: Attending conversation clubs and participating in language exchanges (e.g., through sites like Meetup) will help you practice French in an informal setting and meet new friends.

National holidays

 

New Year - January 1

This day is celebrated with fireworks, family dinners, and parties. The French also exchange wishes for luck and health in the new year.

 

Easter Monday - variable date

The second day of Easter, celebrated after Easter Sunday. It's a religious holiday accompanied by various traditions, such as Easter dinners and Easter egg hunts for children.

 

Labor Day - May 1

This holiday is marked by processions and rallies, as well as the tradition of giving each other sprigs of lily of the valley, which symbolize happiness and luck.

 

Victory Day 1945 - May 8

This day is dedicated to the end of World War II in Europe. Military parades and wreath-laying ceremonies in memory of fallen soldiers are held on this day.

 

Bastille Day - July 14

The national holiday of France, which marks the beginning of the French Revolution with the storming of the Bastille in 1789. Celebrations include military parades, fireworks, concerts, and public festivities.

 

All Saints' Day - November 1

This religious holiday is dedicated to the memory of all saints and deceased. The French visit cemeteries to decorate the graves of their loved ones with chrysanthemums and other flowers.

 

Christmas - December 25

In France, Christmas is celebrated with family dinners, gift exchanges, and church visits. The traditional Christmas meal includes turkey or goose with chestnuts, as well as the dessert "bûche de Noël" (Yule log cake).

 

Important Traditions

 

French fairs and festivals

Throughout the year, numerous fairs and festivals take place in France, such as the Festival of Lights in Lyon, wine festivals in Bordeaux and Burgundy, and the music festival Fête de la Musique in June.

 

European Night of Museums - variable date in May

On this day, museums and cultural institutions across France stay open late and offer free tours, performances, and exhibitions.

 

Valentine's Day - February 14

The day when, like in many other countries, the holiday of all lovers is celebrated in France. Traditionally, couples exchange gifts, flowers, and enjoy romantic dinners.

France is a country with a rich history, diverse culture, and picturesque landscapes. Here are some of the best places and attractions that should be visited:

 

Paris and surroundings

 

Eiffel Tower: The symbol of Paris and one of the most famous landmarks in the world. Visit the tower during the day or night to enjoy breathtaking views of the city.

 

Louvre: One of the largest and most famous museums in the world, home to masterpieces such as the "Mona Lisa" and "Venus de Milo." Immerse yourself in the world of art and history.

 

Palace of Versailles: A magnificent palace with extensive gardens located near Paris. This former residence of King Louis XIV is now a museum and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

 

Normandy Region

 

Mont Saint-Michel: A unique island-fortress with a Gothic abbey. It is one of the most picturesque places in France, especially impressive during high and low tides.

 

French Riviera

 

Nice: A city on the Mediterranean coast with a picturesque seafront promenade, the Promenade des Anglais, and an old town. Enjoy beaches, cultural events, and beautiful views.

 

Cannes: Known for its beaches and the annual film festival that attracts stars from around the world. Stroll along the Croisette promenade and enjoy the atmosphere of luxury and glamour.

 

Provence

 

Provence: A region famous for its lavender fields, picturesque villages, and historic towns like Aix-en-Provence and Arles. It's the perfect place for those who want to enjoy nature and tranquility.

 

Loire Valley

 

Château de Chambord: One of the most famous castles in the Loire Valley. This Renaissance château is surrounded by beautiful parks and gardens, making it a must-visit.

 

The Alps

 

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc: An alpine resort known for its ski slopes and stunning views of Mont Blanc. It's a great place for winter sports and summer tourism.

 

Aquitaine

 

Bordeaux: The capital of the wine region, known for its historic buildings and excellent wines. Visit the wine museum La Cité du Vin and enjoy tastings at local wineries.

 

These places and attractions offer a variety of experiences—from cultural and historical to natural and gastronomic. No matter your interests, France offers many unique places to visit.

France, with its rich cultural traditions and history, has several features in the area of etiquette and social norms that are important for tourists and new residents to know.

 

Formal greetings

In France, it is customary to greet people with a handshake when meeting strangers and in business situations. Among friends and close acquaintances, "la bise"—a cheek kiss—is often used, and the number of kisses can vary depending on the region (usually two in Paris).

 

Forms of address

It is important to use titles when addressing people, especially in formal situations: Monsieur (Mr.), Madame (Mrs.), or Mademoiselle (Miss) for young women. It is also customary to greet shop and restaurant staff when entering and leaving.

 

In Restaurants

In restaurants, it is customary to wait for the waiter to seat you at a table. During the meal, keep your hands on the table, but do not place your elbows. Bread is usually placed directly on the tablecloth, not on a plate. It is expected that you will enjoy your meal leisurely, and tips are left only for exceptional service.

 

At Dinners and Receptions

If you are invited as a guest, bring a small gift, such as a bottle of wine, flowers, or dessert. Expect all guests to start the meal simultaneously after the host says "Bon appétit."

 

Tone of Conversation

French people usually speak more softly than many other nationalities. Loud conversations in public places, especially on public transport, are considered impolite.

 

Behavior on the Street

French people value a neat appearance. Dress neatly and avoid sportswear and sneakers in everyday life unless you are exercising. Smile modestly, as overly broad smiles can be perceived as insincere.

 

Using the French Language

Attempts to speak French are always welcomed. Even if you are just starting to learn the language, using basic phrases such as "Bonjour" (Hello) and "Merci" (Thank you) demonstrates respect for the local culture.

 

Formal and Informal Addressing

Use "vous" for formal situations and when addressing strangers or those older in age. "Tu" is used among friends and in informal settings. If unsure, it is always better to start with "vous."

 

Understanding and adhering to these rules and norms will help you better integrate into French society and avoid misunderstandings.

In France, the system of local government is organized to ensure effective management at different levels: national, regional, departmental, and communal.

Regions: There are 18 regions in France, including 13 in the mainland and 5 overseas regions. Regions are responsible for managing economic development, transport, education, and land planning. They are headed by regional councils elected by the population for a six-year term.

Departments: France is divided into 101 departments. Departments handle social services, school transport, public amenities, and land management. The department is governed by a general council, also elected for a six-year term. Prefects are appointed in departments to represent the central government and ensure compliance with laws.

Communes: Communes are the basic level of local government and include towns and villages. There are over 35,000 communes in France. Each commune is governed by a mayor and a municipal council elected for a six-year term. Communes are responsible for local matters such as water supply, school construction and maintenance, cultural events, and public amenities.

Special Statuses: Some territories have special status and unique administrative structures. These include Corsica and major cities like Paris, Lyon, and Marseille. These regions and cities have extended powers in certain areas.

Understanding the structure and functions of local government will help you better navigate France’s administrative system and effectively interact with various levels of authority.