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French-speaking
Fascinating Facts
1. French is a romance language derived from Latin. 
2. It's spoken by over 270 million people worldwide! 
3. French fries are not actually French: they were invented in Belgium!
4. André Gide, French writer and Nobel Prize winner, famously said 'French people are Italian people in a bad mood'.
5. Metropolitan France has several regional dialects, including Alsatian and Lorraine German, Occitan and Breton.

  • Fête des Lumières in Lyon

    Written by  Jordaine Hulse Monday, 21 May 2012
    The festival of lights is an annual occurrence in Lyon to give thanks to Mary (or Marie in French). As the town was struck by the plague in 1643, people prayed to Mary and promised that if she would spare the town they would pay tribute to her. Therefore ever since they have offered a tribute and led a procession up to the Basilica of Fourvière to honour the promise they made to her. Traditionally people would put out candles on their balconies or in their windows on December 8th to show their respect and gratitude. However over the years the tradition has developed into a world renowned festival celebrated over a whole four days to which thousands of people from many different countries flock to Lyon to see!
  • The Mole Diaries: Geneva

    Written by  Lucy Fisher Saturday, 05 May 2012
    Lucy is studying BA French Studies and Spanish Studies at Lancaster University and is on her year abroad at La Faculté de traduction et d'interprétation (FTI) of Geneva University, Switzerland, having already spent a semester at the Universidad de Deusto in Bilbao, Spain. Here she passes on her top tips about student life in Geneva; finding somewhere to live, things to do and see in Geneva and the translation school.
  • My top 5 Parisian Sundays

    Written by  Hattie Reed Monday, 30 April 2012
    Hattie spent the first semester of her year abroad in Paris and she is now at university in Lyon. You can follow her blog: Parlez-vous français? but in the meantime, here is the countdown of her top five Parisian Sundays...
  • My absolute favourite experience so far has to be my trip to Paris. Liz and I spent a weekend in Lille and Paris, from February 3rd-6th, just as the “Big Freeze” hit France. I’ve been keeping a travel journal throughout my time here, so I have decided to copy up my thoughts on the City of Light and share it with everyone at thirdyearabroad.com.


  • The Mole Diaries: Rennes

    Written by  Francesca Gillett Sunday, 26 February 2012
    Francesca is studying French and Theology at Exeter, and is spending her year abroad in Rennes, France, as a British Council Language Assistant, teaching English to primary and high school students. Here she passes on her top tips about eating and drinking in Rennes, transport, accommodation and the best things to do while you're there.
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