On Assumption Day, France celebrates the rising of Mary, the mother of Jesus, into Heaven. For this reason, it’s often called Assumption of Mary Day. The Assumption Holy Day reflects the strong Catholic nature of France, being one of the most popular and heavily celebrated holidays in the country. Even non-Catholics like to participate in the fun, often as a final party before the end of summer. Learn all about The Assumption of Mary Feast Day with FrenchPod101.com, and become more familiar with French culture as a whole. We hope to make this learning journey both fun and informative! 1. What is Assumption Day? Assumption celebrates Jesus's mother, Mary, rising up to Heaven. As such, the French also recognize... Show more

https://youtu.be/4q52JqapC10?si=Dt3eTx3Se5Ir7SL2 What do kids say these days? The digital culture keeps French learners just as confused as our grandparents when it comes to the newest expressions à la mode. The good thing is that once you master a few texting codes, you’ll be able to communicate in written French on a daily basis. Sometimes, texting can be so much easier than talking face-to-face! Table of Contents French Texting Slang 101: Consonants, Abbreviations, and Sounds Texting Slang to Agree on a Meeting Conveying Emotions with French Texting Slang Slang Etiquette: Being Polite While Texting in French Debating in Abbreviations The Daily Texting Slang: Holding Conversations in Abbreviated French Bonus—The Mystery Emojis How... Show more

Each year, the French commemorate the end of the French Revolution and the storming of the Bastille fortress. Called Bastille Day everywhere but France itself, this holiday is France’s national day and possibly the most significant public holiday in the country. By learning about Bastille Day, France’s history and culture will become more clear to you. And as any successful language-learner can tell you, studying culture is a step you can’t miss if you hope to master the beautiful French language. At FrenchPod101.com, we hope to make this learning experience both fun and effective! 1. What is Bastille Day? The nation remembers the storming of the Bastille (otherwise known as the Bastille Day attack) on this holiday, which... Show more

Have you ever had a strange déjà-vu on a rendez-vous with your fiancé? Was it a souvenir or a mirage? Am I using too many French-English words right now? Touché! While some of these words only made it to the English language because they sound so chic, some words such as Déjà-vu or Mirage have a very specific meaning and can’t be replaced with just one word. The French language contains many words and expressions that simply cannot be translated without using a complicated sentence. These are French words with no English equivalent. Exploring these words is a fantastic dive into the French culture and learning them will make you sound much more fluent, as only locals usually dare using them! They also may make conversations and... Show more

We all want to make a great, long-lasting first impression. Just moved to France and are eager to make new local friends? Are you traveling and looking for people to practice your French with? Or maybe you’re on the hunt for a job, anxious to outshine the competition? The beauty of the introduction is that you don’t need to be fluent to come up with a catchy script that you can use in any social occasion, be it professional or casual, in person or in writing. No matter your level of French, if you learn the right tips and tricks, you’ll make people interested and they’ll remember you. From situational French phrases to talking about your family in French, this complete guide will reveal all the secrets and best lines to introduce... Show more

In France, ninety-seven percent of French people know about Fête de la musique ("World Music Day")! On World Make Music Day (or simply Make Music Day), France celebrates music and encourages anyone and everyone to create music, along with many other countries. This is the most characteristic aspect of World Music Day: It encourages absolutely everyone to do some music; anyone can sing or play an instrument, alone or in a band, in public spaces. Hence the wide range of styles and talents during the Fête de la musique French festivals. World Music Day in France is a prime example of how a country’s holidays can reveal what its people hold near to their hearts. And any successful language learner can tell you that comprehending a... Show more

It’s your turn to pose on the red carpet ! You may not yet be able to chat with Marion Cotillard or have a drink with Gérard Depardieu. But you can watch the movies that made them famous. Sounds like the easy way out of homework ? Not quite ! At FrenchPod101, we advocate diving into the pop culture as one of the best ways to master a new language. It’s a unique way to practice your oral comprehension skills, and to get acquainted with the natural French flow. Watching a movie allows you to test your French-learning level in a relaxed environment. It’s much less pressure than trying to chat with a native speaker ! And if you don’t understand something, you can still pause or even add subtitles. You will also expand your... Show more

National Neighbor Day in France (or Fête de Voisins as voisin is "neighbor" in French) is a day for people to spend time with their neighbors, usually in the form of a party. This is a significant concept in a world that's becoming more and more adapted to life on the screen, and where people are spending less face time with each other. It can be difficult to even muster a "hello" to fellow neighbors these days! On Neighbor's Day, France encourages its people to get together, socialize, and just appreciate each other. It's such a revolutionary type of holiday that other places around the world are beginning to celebrate it too (resulting in a European Neighbor's Day). At FrenchPod101, we hope to clue you in on what to expect should... Show more

Many non-native English-speakers learned the language while watching popular TV shows such as Friends or Game of Thrones. This tip works just as well for other languages! Luckily, the French TV scene is bustling with great series and programs in every genre. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced French learner, you’ll find popular shows perfect for your level. All you need is access to YouTube, Netflix, and/or Amazon Prime. Here at FrenchPod101, we just love binging on quality shows. We proudly consider ourselves to be expert reviewers when it comes to French television! Here’s our top list of the best French series for learners of all levels. Pick your favorite and clear your schedule! Table of Contents For the... Show more

If you know our history, you should know that France is a secular country. In 1905, a law was created to separate the Church from the State. Still, many public holidays and traditions in France have Catholic origins. And one of the most important Catholic holidays is Easter. Is Easter Monday a bank holiday in France? Yes! Easter in France, for kids especially, is a great joy! In this lesson, we're going to teach you how French people celebrate Easter. At FrenchPod101.com, we hope to make learning about French culture both fun and informative! 1. What is Easter Monday in France? Originally, Easter commemorated the resurrection of Jesus Christ and marked the end of Lent for Catholics. Lent is a period of fasting that lasts... Show more