-
Learning French: when and why do we say noyer le poisson?
A fishy phrase for someone who creates confusion
-
Learning French: what does thune mean and when should it be used?
This casual word is used to talk about money, with roots dating back to the 17th Century
-
Learning French: pain bénit and six more expressions to do with bread
Bread is an important part of French culture - no wonder so many phrases are bread-related
Hyphens, no hyphens: what is correct spelling of French commune names?
The Association des Maires de France explains the official rules

Reader question: I sometimes see names of communes written with hyphens and sometimes without. What is correct? J.A.
The Association des Maires de France states that the official rules say when the name of a commune, or other local authority, is composed of several words, they should all be connected by hyphens. So, for example: Saint-Germain-en-Laye. One exception is the definite article at the start of a name, eg. Le Mans. There is also no hyphen after contractions such as d’ and l’.
The rule helps make it clear the name relates to an administrative area and nothing else. The association regrets, however, that some new communes get this wrong when registering their names.
Words must also be capitalised, apart from articles inside the name, and prepositions.
Related stories:
Why are private school fees in France usually cheaper than the UK?
French inheritance law: Can I override en tontine clause on my house?
Can I destroy my old will now I have a French one that elects UK law?