Magazine

Is the French language in decline?

Newspaper headlines often focus on a supposed ‘decline’ of the French language - we look at whether it is true

Snow in France: Paris grinds to a halt, normal life in Savoie

A few centimetres shut down capital but for those in Savoie ‘it’s time to clear the chalet steps so no one slips after an apero’

Lookalike La Poste site accused of misleading users in France

Reader says he was overcharged by poste-en-ligne.com and his letter did not even arrive

magazine

Films and series to watch in January 2026 to improve your French

France is a hub of talent when it comes to film and TV, and watching in French can greatly improve your language skills

French eye care system: readers’ experiences

Two readers have a differing opinion of the system

Duck Cold! Four French phrases to use when it is freezing outside

We remind you of French expressions to use to describe the drop in temperature

When and why do we say le moral dans les chaussettes?

We explore this useful expression that describes low spirits

Lavaudieu: a picture-perfect village dripping with Medieval history

One hour south of Clermont-Ferrand, this serene riverside village is surrounded by rolling hills while its streets and famous abbey seem to be frozen in time

Restoring a 400-year-old French property: an Englishman's award-winning journey

Ron Alldridge transformed a derelict house in Var into a masterpiece, blending history with craftsmanship

Should France follow Italy and make ski helmets mandatory?

Mountain rescue services report an increase in interventions in recent seasons, attributing accidents to faster skiing, crowded pistes, and risky behaviour

Tips for improving your French in 2026

Whether you live in France or not, there are lots of (often free) ways to bosse ton francais cette année !

Why calls for Emmanuel Macron to resign as president of France are misguided

The president should stay put, argues columnist Nick Inman

When and why do we say blanc bonnet et bonnet blanc?

A phrase to use when two things are very similar

Photos: Dordogne home recreated as a gingerbread house

Tasty model includes architectural features taken from the real property

Chut! When French sounds become words

Learn when to use these common onomatopoeiac words in France

No crisps, no party games: the unwritten rules of French children’s birthdays

Columnist Samantha David describes the ups and downs of a French birthday party for children

French villages become living Advent calendars with different doors opening each day to give out treats

Local residents each choose a date in December, decorate their door or window and then on the day, open up and hand out hot drinks and edible treats to everyone outside

The origins and meaning of tirer les marrons du feu

As Christmas approaches, we look at a phrase to describe someone who takes advantage of a situation

Saint-Aubin-des-Châteaux: rural French village with historical and natural charm

Step back in time to explore Neolithic, Roman, and Templar traces... but you will not find any châteaux

Recipe: Corsican fiadone cheesecake

This easy-to-make cake is a traditional crowd-pleasing dessert

More amusing place names in France: from Anus and Chitry to Misery

Readers add to the collection

Vive le roi! All France needs for Christmas is its monarchy back

Columnist Simon Heffer examines the future of republicanism

Owners of French mill seek help tracing history

'We are looking for old photographs from before it closed,' say couple who restored the building

Guess the French region with the help of this clue: Packed in like sardines

In which of France's 13 regions was this photo taken?

Watch out for unregulated therapists in France

Reader who is an American clinical psychologist says those working without legal recognition can be dangerous

Recipe: Flemish beef and beer stew

This hearty dish featuring French pain d’épice (spice bread) and gnocchi is sure to warm you up during the cold winter months

Stendhal syndrome: has art ever driven you to distraction?

Discover the condition where art induces intense emotions and even physical reactions

This charming Breton village is known for its thrilling rallycross events

The historic sites of Lohéac (Ille-et-Vilaine) blend culture and motorsport

French bank made me wish I had put savings under the mattress

Current account charges meant reader was losing money despite interest

Guess the French region with the help of this clue: not a presidential palace

In which of France's 13 regions was this photo taken?

When and why do we say c’est Noël avant l'heure?

A joyous phrase to use in the countdown to Christmas

It’s not just Britons speaking English in France – so why the unfair criticism?

A reader writes on the complexities of adopting the language in different contexts

'I left Chicago and now run a truffle farm in rural Provence'

Lisa Pepin enjoys the tranquility of the French countryside and appreciates a better work-life balance

Oldest English pub in Bordeaux bought by Franco-British couple

The Golden Apple now serves their locally brewed beers

Veggie burgers and plant-based sausages: French farmers and consumers react to name ruling delay

The EU failed to reach final agreement to draft rules governing plant-based naming

The origins and meaning of French expression être le ravi de la crèche

A nativity-themed phrase for those who find magic in everyday moments

Photos: our cosy and ecological home in the south of France

Reader Lucy Truscott, 49, describes how she and husband made a home for themselves in Hérault

Is ‘the good life’ still popular? What buyers of smallholdings in France look for

Self-sufficient living is still in demand

Burglary attempt at my French home left me terrified

Columnist Cynthia Spillman offers some advice on improving security

When and why do we say French expression mettre la puce à l'oreille?

This phrase will plant an idea in your head

Becoming a cashless society would not solve France's problems

Economic historian Patrice Baubeau says the trend is accelerating

See what €50,000, €150,000 and over €1m buys in Haute-Savoie

The mountainous department has international borders with Switzerland and Italy

Is it ever right to blend red and white wine?

Readers contribute to French wine snobbery debate

Join the club: International Players, English language theatre group

The Yvelines group is perfect for expat theatre enthusiasts

La Baule is a classic French case study in the evolution of the grand resort

The coastal town renowned for its Belle Epoque villas, Art Deco elegance, and modernist designs, attracts tourists and remote workers alike

Do you know this term - and cliché - for a French brother-in-law?

Some French words do not have an obvious equivalent in English

Hydroelectric conversions boost demand for historic French watermills

Laws on restoring rivers mean many are now threatened with removal

Why I love where I live in... Chamonix

Sophie Nolan, 34, from Wales, moved to Chamonix in 2023 and helps travellers explore the region on multi-day hiking tours

Interiors: Jacques Grange's thoroughly modern classicism

In his new book, Pierre Passebon reveals thirty of master designer Jacques Grange's latest projects across Europe and the United States, showcasing his wide-ranging inspirations and his natural elegance

How to identify lounging lizards in France

Learn about the habitats and behaviours of diverse lizard species, from the common wall lizard to the elusive Western three-toed skink

Why French women are suddenly the internet’s sleep gurus

We look at the trend — and whether French bedtime habits really outshine Britain’s.

MaPrimeRénov and local grants: how to get financial help for home renovations in France

Applications for the scheme reopened in October

Meet the traditional choucroute makers of Alsace

Choucrouterie Angsthelm & Fils craft organic and sustainable choucroute using homegrown cabbages

What does à tes souhaits mean and when should it be used?

This polite phrase can change depending on the number of times a person consecutively sneezes

Christmas gift ideas for French wine lovers

Our top picks for oenophiles, from decanters to Champagne

Five iconic French dishes from different regions

Explore the rich culinary heritage of France with these traditional dishes, from cassoulet in Occitanie to cari poule in La Réunion, showcasing the country's geographic and cultural diversity