This can be the most disconcerting of French traditions, especially when you consider that gunfire of this sort often sounds much closer than it probably is in reality. Between the months of September and March the Chasse are out in force and you won’t get away without hearing the rather terrifying noises of packs of braying hounds, the hunt horn wailing or if you’re especially lucky, a deafening gunshot. Love it or hate it, but you’ll never stop it: one of the most talked about French traditions, especially in rural communities, is “La Chasse” (hunting). Why not spread the cost and buy with family? Read our guide, Buying with Family. It’s about being seen, catching up with friends and maybe catching up on the latest gossip. Despite people growing their own fruit and veg, it’s not actually all about shopping. Most communes have a weekly market and everyone attends (weather dependent of course). A general goodbye? Bonne journée ! Off for the evening? Bonne soirée ! Off to another party? Bonne fin de soirée ! Off to the hairdresser’s? Bonne coiffeuse ! Not doing anything? Bonne continuation !įamily comes first in France Settling into the lifestyleįrench markets are often the hub of the community, particularly in rural areas. Most French organisations have banned the use of the word in correspondence, and it is falling out of use.įinally, you’ll notice the word ‘bon(ne)’ (‘have a good…’) coming up frequently. ‘Madame’ and ‘mademoiselle’ are not related to marital status, and ‘mademoiselle’ should only be used for teenagers these days. If in doubt, always go for ‘vous’, and make liberal use of ‘monsieur’ or ‘madame’ to address anyone working in a service job (shop assistants, train conductors), elderly neighbours and just anyone else you want to be polite to. The two different forms of “you” exist in other European countries also, so it is important for British visitors and expats to learn the difference.Īny attempt to speak French will be hugely appreciated, and don’t worry about making mistakes – just trying to speak the language will go down well. In days gone by, the “vous” form was almost constantly used, even amongst families, in particular by the upper classes, which may seem strange to us now. However, for someone more junior than you at work, still start with ‘vous’, as acknowledging that by calling them ‘tu’ can be just as offensive. If they are a child or your classmate, use “tu”. If they are older than you, are your superior, or if you do not know them, use “vous”. The most important thing to know is that French is a language with formalities, and, as above, using the wrong form of “you” could possibly offend someone. And you will quickly learn to not take offence, else forever be offended.Īny attempt to speak French will be hugely appreciated, and don’t worry about making mistakes – just trying to learn the language will go down well. A word of warning – never ever get into a staring competition with the French, it is one you will just lose. As is the tradition of staring, which in other countries not widely considered as polite, means in France that they are simply looking at you (reason unknown). This is in fact not rudeness at all, simply a question of getting straight to the point. The French are simply not into flowering things up and will ask very direct questions if they want to know something which may to the outsider seem rather abrupt. On the other hand, some other French traditions can seem rather direct and abrupt to other cultures. The market is the hub of French village life.
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