-
Learning French: the origins and meaning of 22 v’la les flics and other police terms
Hearing the number 22 when in France may suggest the police are nearby
-
Who do the new French language tests changes affect - and from when?
Use our handy graphic to see if this applies to you
-
France’s summer holiday habits: more aoûtiens than juilletistes
We look at when and where the French are going on holiday this year
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?