In a lot of ways, French culture is very different from what you’re used to — even if you don’t…
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French Christmas markets worth a special trip
It’s the most wonderful time of the year and that’s the case in France, too! The spirit of Christmas transforms…
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French banking oddities
French banking is very different from what I was used to in the USA. It’s less flexible, less convenient, and…
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French Advent calendars 2019 for Christmas
There’s no shortage when it comes to Christmas Advent calendar ideas. Forget the simple cardboard calendars with dinky little flaps. Christmas Advent calendars have become super fancy and make great gifts. From Advent calendars with chocolate, food, candles, toys, and more, my French advent calendar ideas will help make your holidays all the more merry.
Everyday USA conveniences you won’t find in France
The USA is a huge country, and no matter where you go, you’ll find all types of everyday conveniences that make our lives easier and more efficient. In France, many things we take for granted in the USA are done a little differently. Let’s talk about these French cultural differences.
Do you tip in France? Must-know facts about tipping in France from someone who lives there
Any American living in France will notice that tipping in France is different than what they’re used to. Do you tip in France and for what services and how much do you tip in France? The entire culture is different so of course that applies to tipping in France as well. Let’s take a closer look at France tipping culture.
Differences between French and American houses
French and American homes look similar enough on the surface. They have front doors, a roof, windows, a kitchen. You…
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A French chocolate shop visit (VIDEO)
If you’re into French sweets and culture, you’re in for a literal treat. If you’re new here, I’ve been doing some behind-the-scenes style videos including a bakery series that went viral, as I develop the direction of my channel. In that same vein, I decided to reach out to a local chocolate shop so here’s my French chocolate making video.
One of my favorite French eating habits
You don’t have to go to France to know that the French take mealtime seriously. From seeking out quality ingredients…
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Let’s talk about electric tea kettles
Then I moved to France and was introduced to la bouilloire and oh, how I love it. Is the electric tea kettle the best kitchen invention ever? I’d argue oui. Let’s talk about electric tea kettles in France and all the electric kettle uses.
My latest over on YouTube
How’s it going? I’m popping in today to say a quick hello and to share my latest French culture videos on YouTube with you. My YouTube channel is all about everyday French life and beyond and I cover French language tutorials, travel, and what it’s like as a foreigner in France (not Paris!).
Tips for visiting a winery in France
France is known for its wine, so if you find yourself at a winery sipping up a bit of culture, you’ll want to read on. To make the most of your visit, keep my tips for visiting a winery in France in mind.
Why does France allow us to slow down and appreciate life more?
One of my readers left a comment that got me thinking. Julie wrote, “What is it about France that allows us to slow down and really appreciate the smaller things in life? I find I get excited about things that I wouldn’t even give a second thought to at home and I find myself doing things I wouldn’t think possible.” Why does France allow us to slow down and appreciate the small things? Or does it? Will a move abroad make you enjoy life more? Should it?
French market day shopping essentials (FB Live replay)
A morning walking around a French marché is time well spent. Whether you’re in a big city or a small…
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My first Facebook live: A stroll through a Maine-et-Loire town (REPLAY)
Happy Friday! Just checking in toady to share my FIRST France Facebook Live broadcast with you. I went for a walk yesterday around a town here in the Maine-et-Loire department of France. We popped by a wine shop, women’s clothing store, bakery, and a few more places. To my surprise, everyone wanted to keep going so the broadcast lasted 90 minutes!
French workplace greetings: Bise, handshake, other?
Tom’s here to tell us about French workplace greetings and how they might differ from what you’re used to in the office at home. Or maybe not. Let’s get to it…
Respecting the culture and doing the right thing
Most of the time, respecting the culture and doing the right thing are one and the same. Other times, it’s not so clear. As a foreigner, it’s hard to always know if you’re doing the right thing and if the way you’ve lived you life up until now counts in the same way it did back home.
A book review: Pancakes in Paris by Craig Carlson
Pancakes in Paris tells us the story of how the American-style diner in the City of Light became a roaring success one pancake at a time. And what a story it is…
5 Fun stories you might have missed
Looking for some good French culture stories? If you’re new here, you might have missed these stories that have made their home way back in my blog’s archives. So pour yourself a beverage and cozy up….
When living abroad turns you into a model foreigner
I’ve been living in France now for over 5 years, and little by little, it’s been changing me. These changes have crept up on me, and now looking back, I’ve noticed some distinct areas where living abroad has molded me into a model foreigner. Why is this the case and how did it happen?