Welcome to the French Today Blog

Unlike in the States, in France you should have both hands on the table, face down, by each side of the plate. Never under the table, this is considered very impolite in France.

2 sexy and funny girls in a short video cover the basic French vocabulary. The dialogues at the end of the lesson are actually well done, it's a fun review for French students.

It's amazing the number of students who translate every single word from English to French. And this is so wrong. First, because it takes too long, and second, because in most cases, your vocabulary in English is much, much more developed than your French one.

Foodie things to enjoy with children in Paris:

Picnic in a park with great views, especially one near a good market or market street (Rue Cler-Champ de Mars, Richard Lenoir Market-Place des Vosges). Even if it is an Orangina and a baguette sandwich it will taste good!

In Paris as in all major cities, there are lots of beggars. So, if you stop a passerby and start by "Excusez moi, je me demandais si vous pouviez m’aidez?" (Excuse me, I was wondering if you could help me?) Parisians are likely to look away, and keep on going.

The 3rd arrondissement brings stories of knights and kings and . . . um . . . well, Chinese wholesale shops.