Anyway, I don’t have a great deal of news, seems I’ve been too wrapped up in my own stuff to pay much attention to France [...]]]> It’s been a while since the last post. I’ve been busy with a renovation project and I’ve been on holiday (which I needed after lugging plasterboard, etc up and down ladders!).

Anyway, I don’t have a great deal of news, seems I’ve been too wrapped up in my own stuff to pay much attention to France in general – except the Tour De France, which almost got exciting

One thing I have found that could prove to be very useful to you is a new website which lists all kinds of English speaking businesses: EnglishSpeakingFrance.com.

If you haven’t quite got the hang of speaking French yet, or you’re comfortable having a chat to your neighbours but worried when it come to dealing with builders, banks, insurance etc., then this might be just what you’re looking for.

The site’s pretty new, but I’ve had a word with the owners and they’re adding new listings every day to build it up. They would also like to hear from you if you are having trouble finding a trade or service.

If you have your own business in France you can add a simple listing for free – although you might want to take advantage of an upgrade to give yourself more impact (which is hardly going to break the bank at just a couple of Euros a month).

Businesses of any kind can be listed, including gites and chambre d’hotes – and English or French – the only rule is that you must have at least one person who can speak English. More details here.

It will be interesting to see how it develops. I read somewhere that there are a couple of thousand English speaking businesses in France so they’ve got their work cut out!

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You probably can. I know people who live here who can’t speak a word of French. I don’t spend a lot of time with [...]]]> Around 16 million French people actually speak some English – not to mention the hundreds of thousands of ex-pats who do. So why learn French? You can probably get by without it.

You probably can. I know people who live here who can’t speak a word of French. I don’t spend a lot of time with them, but they’re around. Mostly they rely on a partner who speaks French, or someone local. Not very independent-minded but I guess some people are like that.

But never mind my personal opinion (my blog – that’s what you get sometimes ). Why learn French anyway?

Let’s look at it from a French vacation point of view first. If you speak even just a little French you’re simply going to make your your life easier. You will understand more than you realize so you will find it easier to get around. You will also be able to pick up on things that non-French speakers will miss. Interesting events you hadn’t planned on that you see advertised on a poster, for example. If you don’t speak the language you would simply ignore things like that.

Now I’m not suggesting for a minute that you need to be fluent. If you are coming to France often then that would be an advantage but even a few words will help you figure stuff out. Once you begin to understand French phrases you will be surprised how much more sinks in – quickly too.

If you are going to spend more time in France, perhaps as part of a posting, or a gap year, or you’re going to live here, then “why learn French” shouldn’t even be a question. Seriously. If you’re not considerate enough to attempt to learnt he language of the country you’re going to spend months or even years in, we can do without you.

What are you doing in France if part of it is not to absorb something of French culture and life?

Here’s a little tip that, even if you only learn a few words, will help you no end. Don’t start with “Do you speak English”. Not ever. How would you feel if you were at work and someone came up to you and said “excusez-moi, parlez-vous Français?”

Even if you understood them you would probably be fairly stumped. If you were busy, you might be less than polite. Yet you often hear people say that the French are impolite. Are you kidding? Is it any surprise when people keep going up to them and saying “Do you speak English?”

Start with “Bonjour” or “Excusez-moi“. You’ll be amazed the difference it will make, even if your second phrase is still “do you speak English”!

In my experience the French are helpful and patient – provided you are at least considerate enough to make an attempt. Of course they will know you are not French. Even those that speak fluent French are seldom taken as actually being French – it’s a question of accent – but if you try to speak their language, even that introductory word or two, the French appreciate it. They are flattered and will do their very best to help.

Just in case you have no French at all (although you can probably guess), “Bonjour” is hello (in fact it’s good day, but use it like you would hello). “Excusez-moi” is excuse me – yeah, OK, you knew that – and “parlez-vous Français?” is do you speak French?”

Here endeth today’s lesson!

I don’t expect you’re going to come by here every day to see what I’m at – which is just as well ‘cos I’m unlikely to add things that often!

However, some of [...]]]> Just a quick note to give you a couple of ways to keep up to date with new French stuff that I add here.

I don’t expect you’re going to come by here every day to see what I’m at – which is just as well ‘cos I’m unlikely to add things that often!

However, some of this living in France information might well be of use to you so if you know how RSS works you can click up there top right where it says “Posts” and get updates that way.

For those of us who are less techie, I’ve got a free newsletter that I will send out from time to time that arrives in your email. Just fill in your details over there on the right where it says Free Newsletter.

Don’t worry, I’m not going to bombard you with spam or offers for French cheese or holiday vouchers, I’ll just send something out occasionally when I think it merits it – like if it will save you money or help you in some way.

If you don’t like it, just cancel any time.

Finally, a note about getting in touch. It’s better all round if you post a comment using the box that appears after each post. That way we can have a “conversation” about it and everyone else who visits French Life 4 Real can benefit. If you want to send me a personal message (…sounds interesting…) then use the contact form here.

Why the picture? I just thought I would brighten the place up a bit with some typical French scenery. This is part of the beautiful Ardeche Gorge and no, I don’t live near there.