OLS Blog

Blog Posts Index


1. 5 Things you Should Know Before Starting your Mobility to France

2. 5 Things you Should Know Before Starting your Mobility to Belgium

3. 10 Basics of French Language you Should Know When Moving Abroad                 4. What to Do in France and Belgium in Autumn?

5. 5 Reasons Why you Should Learn French             
  
6. La raclette : un Indispensable de l’Automne-Hiver !     
          
7. What to Do in France and Belgium during Winter?

8. Les bonnes résolutions

9. La Commission Européenne et ses actions

10. What to do in France and Belgium during Spring?

11. The 2024 Paris Olympic Games
12. Monuments belges et français célèbres

13. What to Do in France and Belgium during Summer?
                14. La Francophonie : Une Diversité Linguistique et Culturelle Mondiale

 15. How to Make Friends Abroad

                 16. Le Luxembourg : Petite Nation, Grande Histoire


Welcome to the blog of the OLS French Learning Community! 


Have a look at all the posts below and share with us your opinions! Just click on “Discuss this topic” at the end of each post and leave a comment (and remember to check the OLS Forum Netiquette and Rules of the House). 


Bienvenue sur le blog de la Communauté Française d'OLS !

Jette un œil sur les articles ci-dessous et partage avec nous tes opinions ! Clique simplement sur "Discuss this topic" à la fin de chaque article pour laisser un commentaire (et n'oublie pas de lire Nétiquette et les Règles du Forum. 


Luxembourg : Petite Nation, Grande Histoire

by Lilas OLS Community Manager -

Luxembourg : Petite Nation, Grande Histoire


Situé en Europe de l’Ouest, le Luxembourg est un pays d’une grande richesse, tant sur le plan culturel que financier. Malgré sa petite taille géographique, le Luxembourg occupe une place importante sur la scène internationale et dans l'économie mondiale.



Upper Sûre Lake, Luxembourg. Source: Unsplash. 


Géographie et Population

Le Luxembourg est un pays niché entre la Belgique, la France et l'Allemagne, ce qui en fait un point de rencontre géographique unique. Avec une superficie d'environ 2 586 kilomètres carrés, il est l'un des plus petits pays d’Europe. Ses habitants, les Luxembourgeois, sont au nombre d'environ 625 000 habitants.

La capitale, Luxembourg-Ville, est le centre politique et économique du pays. La ville est réputée pour son impressionnant mélange d'histoire et de modernité, avec ses fortifications médiévales classées au patrimoine mondial de l'UNESCO et son quartier européen, qui abrite de nombreuses institutions de l'Union européenne. 

Les trois langues officielles du pays sont le luxembourgeois, le français et l'allemand. Le luxembourgeois, une langue germanique, est la langue maternelle de la majorité de la population et est largement utilisé dans la vie quotidienne. Le français est principalement utilisé dans les affaires et l'administration, tandis que l'allemand est enseigné à l'école et est également utilisé dans les médias et les communications officielles. Cette diversité linguistique reflète l'héritage historique et la position géographique du Luxembourg en tant que carrefour culturel en Europe.


Histoire et Culture

Le Luxembourg possède une histoire riche et complexe qui remonte à l'Antiquité. Au cours des siècles, il a été le siège de nombreux pouvoirs, dont les comtes de Luxembourg, les ducs de Bourgogne, les Habsbourg et les rois de France.

L'indépendance du Luxembourg a été reconnue en 1867 par le traité de Londres, qui a permis au pays de rester neutre en temps de guerre. Cette neutralité a joué un rôle crucial pendant les deux guerres mondiales et continue d'influencer la politique étrangère du pays aujourd’hui.

Le Luxembourg accueille chaque année une variété d'événements majeurs, tels que la Schueberfouer, une importante foire internationale très attendue par les Luxembourgeois, le Festival international du Film de Luxembourg et le Festival de la BD, qui attirent un large public. Les célébrations annuelles, telles que la Fête Nationale, ayant lieu le 23 juin et célébrant l'anniversaire du Grand-Duc, et le carnaval, sont également des moments forts de l’année. 

La cuisine luxembourgeoise, fusionnant des saveurs européennes, propose une variété de plats rustiques et savoureux, comme le judd mat gaardebounen, un jarret de porc aux haricots verts, les kniddelen, quenelles de farine et de pommes de terre, et le kachkéis, un fromage fondu. En dessert, on peut citer les délicieux quetschentaart, une tarte aux prunes, et rëtscherten, un gâteau aux noix.



Luxembourg City, Luxembourg. Source: Unsplash. 


Économie et Finance

Le Luxembourg est mondialement connu pour son secteur financier dynamique. Il abrite de nombreuses banques internationales, sociétés d'investissement et institutions financières. La stabilité politique, la réglementation favorable aux entreprises et la main-d'œuvre hautement qualifiée ont contribué à faire du Luxembourg un acteur clé sur la scène financière mondiale.

En plus de son rôle en tant que centre financier, le pays est également un leader dans les domaines de la sidérurgie et des technologies de l'information. Enfin, le Luxembourg est également membre fondateur de l'Union européenne, ce qui lui confère une influence significative dans les discussions sur les politiques européennes.


Tourisme

Malgré sa petite taille, le Luxembourg offre une grande variété de sites touristiques. Les châteaux médiévaux, les forêts luxuriantes des Ardennes - un espace naturel à cheval sur 3 pays : la Belgique, la France et le Luxembourg - et les nombreuses vallées fluviales du pays font du Luxembourg un endroit idéal pour les amoureux de la nature et les amateurs d’histoire.

La ville de Luxembourg, avec ses ruelles pavées et ses fortifications, est un lieu incontournable pour les visiteurs. Elle habite notamment de nombreux musées. Parmi les plus connus, on peut citer le Musée national d'histoire et d'art (MNHA), le Musée d'art moderne Grand-Duc Jean (MUDAM), et le Musée de la Forteresse de Luxembourg. 


Conclusion

Le Luxembourg, bien que petit en taille, est un grand pays en termes d’histoire et de culture. Cette nation dynamique aux influences multiples continue d'évoluer et de prospérer sur la scène mondiale, tout en préservant son riche patrimoine culturel. Que ce soit pour ses paysages pittoresques ou son histoire fascinante, le Luxembourg mérite d'être exploré et découvert.

Es-tu déjà allé au Luxembourg ? Si oui, qu’en as-tu pensé ? Je n’y suis personnellement jamais allée mais j’adorerais. 


Lilas - OLS Community Manager 


How to make friends abroad

by Lilas OLS Community Manager -

How to make friends abroad


Making friends abroad can be a rewarding and enriching experience that allows mobility participants to broaden their horizons, learn about different cultures, and create lasting connections. However, it can also be a bit challenging because of language barriers and cultural differences.  

Keep reading to discover my best tips to make friends abroad ;)



Source: Unsplash


Learn some basic local vocabulary 

Even if you're not fluent in the local language, learning a few basic phrases can go a long way in breaking the ice. Stay tuned, this week, on the Practice Your French forum, I am going to share some basic French vocabulary that might help you ;) 


Chat with fellow students or colleagues 

Do not hesitate to have a chat with students in your class or with your colleagues. They share similar academic or work interests which provides common ground to connect. In addition, most likely, you will see them often, which may really help in making connections.  

 

Join social groups and activities

Look for local clubs, hobby groups, sports teams, or volunteer organizations that match your interests. Indeed, participating in group activities provides a natural context for interaction and shared experiences. To do so, don’t forget to get in touch with your host university or mobility organization.  

 

Take advantage of social media and apps

Many places have social media groups and/or apps made for expats or travelers. These platforms can help you connect with others who are also looking to meet people and make friends. 

 

Attend local events

Keep an eye out for local events, festivals and cultural gatherings. These occasions offer opportunities to meet people in a festive and relaxed environment. Have a look at your host city’s website or social media accounts to find out what events are taking place.  

 

Attend language exchange meetups

Language exchange events are not only great for improving language skills but also for meeting locals interested in cultural exchange. They may also enable you to meet mobility participants and/or expats aiming to learn French as well.  

 

Host or attend gatherings

Consider hosting small gatherings or dinners, inviting both locals and fellow expats. This can help create a comfortable atmosphere for making new friends. When I was studying in Barcelona in 2017, every Monday, one of the exchange students was hosting a dinner when they were cooking typical food from their country. It was a fantastic way to meet new people and to try delicious foods from all around the world.  

 
Last but not least, be yourself! 

Authenticity is key to forming genuine connections, so stay true yourself and let your personality shine through!  

 

Do not hesitate to share your best tips on how to make friends abroad by leaving a comment below or on this forum thread. This may gladly help other OLS Community members ;) 

 

Cheers, and happy mobility!  


Lilas - OLS Community Manager 



Source: Unsplash

La Francophonie : Une Diversité Linguistique et Culturelle Mondiale

by Lilas OLS Community Manager -

La Francophonie : Une Diversité Linguistique et Culturelle Mondiale 

 

Dans cet article, je te parle de la place qu’occupe la langue Française dans le monde, à travers la notion de Francophonie. En première partie, je te parle des racines de la Francophonie ainsi que de la place de la langue française dans la diplomatie, les échanges commerciaux internationaux ou encore l’éducation et en deuxième partie, je t’en dis un peu plus sur les lieux où l’on parle français à travers le monde.  


Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Montreal, Quebec, Canada


La Francophonie est une notion qui englobe l'ensemble des pays et des communautés qui partagent la langue française comme langue officielle, langue maternelle ou langue de communication. La Francophonie représente un vaste réseau de cultures, d'histoires et d'influences qui s'étend bien au-delà des frontières de la France : plus de 300 millions de personnes, réparties sur les cinq continents, parlent français ! 
 

Les Racines Historiques de la Francophonie 

La Francophonie trouve ses racines dans l'histoire coloniale française, où l'expansion de l'Empire colonial français a introduit la langue française dans diverses régions du monde. De l'Afrique à l'Asie, en passant par les Caraïbes et l'Amérique du Nord, de nombreux pays autrefois colonisés ont conservé le français comme leur langue officielle ou l'une de leurs langues officielles.  

La Langue Française dans la Diplomatie et les Organisations Internationales 

La Francophonie occupe une place importante dans la diplomatie internationale. Le français est notamment l’une des langues officielles des Nations-Unies et de l'Union Européenne. Cette présence linguistique apporte aux pays francophones une voix collective sur la scène mondiale et favorise leur coopération. 

La Francophonie Économique et Commerciale 

Outre son influence politique et diplomatique, la Francophonie joue un rôle essentiel dans les échanges économiques mondiaux. De nombreux pays francophones bénéficient d'accords commerciaux privilégiés, favorisant les échanges et le développement économique. 

La Francophonie et la Diversité Culturelle 

Un des aspects les plus significatifs de la Francophonie est la préservation de la diversité culturelle à travers la langue française. Chaque pays francophone, qu’il soit situé en Europe, Amérique ou encore en Afrique, possède ses propres traditions, coutumes, et pratiques qui enrichissent la culture francophone dans son ensemble : de la musique, au cinéma en passant par la littérature, la Francophonie est d’une richesse extraordinaire.  

La Francophonie et l’enseignement 

L'enseignement du français dans les écoles et les institutions éducatives du monde entier contribue à la propagation et protection de la Francophonie. De nombreux pays non-francophones incluent le français dans leur curriculum, permettant ainsi aux étudiants de découvrir cette langue internationale, qui leur ouvrira de nouvelles perspectives culturelles et professionnelles.  

Les Défis de la Francophonie Moderne 

La Francophonie doit faire face à certains défis. La préservation de la langue française face à la prédominance de l'anglais dans les domaines de la technologie et de la communication est l'un des enjeux principaux. Néanmoins, les initiatives visant à promouvoir le multilinguisme et la coopération entre les pays francophones continuent d'évoluer pour relever ces défis. 

 
 Senegal

  Senegal


Le Canada, avec sa province majoritairement francophone du Québec, est le deuxième plus grand pays francophone du monde. Le français est la langue officielle du gouvernement fédéral et est largement parlé à travers le pays, en particulier dans les provinces de l'est. La dualité linguistique canadienne entre le français et l'anglais en fait un exemple unique de coexistence de deux cultures linguistiques.  

La Belgique est un pays bilingue où le français est l'une des langues officielles, en plus du néerlandais et de l'allemand. La région de la Wallonie est majoritairement francophone, tandis que la région de Bruxelles-Capitale est officiellement bilingue. Comme nous en avons discuté de nombreuses fois sur OLS, la Belgique est reconnue pour ses contributions dans les domaines de la bande dessinée, de la gastronomie et de l’art

En Suisse, le français est l'une des quatre langues nationales, avec l'allemand, l'italien et le romanche. Les régions francophones sont situées principalement à l'ouest du pays et dans les cantons de Genève, de Vaud, de Neuchâtel et du Jura. 

Le français est l'une des trois langues officielles du Luxembourg, avec l'allemand et le luxembourgeois. Bien que le luxembourgeois soit la langue nationale, le français est couramment utilisé dans les affaires et les médias.  

Un grand nombre de pays en Afrique ont adopté le français comme langue officielle, en raison de leur passé colonial. Parmi ces pays, on compte le Sénégal, la Côte d'Ivoire, le Cameroun, le Mali, le Niger, le Burkina Faso, la République Démocratique du Congo et bien d'autres. De par sa diversité culturelle et ses expressions artistiques, l’Afrique francophone contribue à la richesse de la Francophonie mondiale. 

Le français est beaucoup parlé dans les Caraïbes et la Francophonie caribéenne apporte sa propre touche culturelle unique à l'univers francophone. Haïti est le seul pays des Caraïbes dont le français est la langue officielle. Cependant, on trouve dans les Caraïbes de nombreux territoires comme la Guadeloupe et la Martinique, appelés Départements d'Outre-Mer (DOM). Je t’en dis un peu plus sur ces territoires, dans le paragraphe ci-dessous.   

Les Départements d'Outre-Mer et les Territoires d'Outre-Mer (DOM-TOM) jouent un rôle crucial dans la Francophonie mondiale. Ces territoires sont dispersés dans les océans Atlantique, Indien et Pacifique et sont administrativement rattachés à la France. On peut notamment citer la Guadeloupe, la Martinique, la Guyane, la Réunion, et Mayotte, En combinant les influences françaises avec leurs cultures et langues locales, et malgré leur éloignement géographique, les DOM-TOM enrichissent considérablement le patrimoine francophone.  


Haïti

Haïti


De l'Europe à l'Afrique en passant par les Amériques, la Francophonie mondiale réunit une multitude de pays aux cultures variées, unis par la langue française. Bien que la France joue un rôle essentiel dans la promotion de la langue et de la culture française dans le monde, la Francophonie représente une palette culturelle variée qui transcende les frontières et unit les peuples. 


Lilas - OLS Community Manager


Five Things to Do in France and Belgium during Summer

by Lilas OLS Community Manager -

Five Things to Do in France and Belgium during Summer


Hi there, 

Summer is finally here! 

As you might know, French people have a very particular way to celebrate the beginning of summer. If you were in France last week, you know what I am talking about. If not, I tell you more about this here ;) 

It’s time for you to enjoy a well-deserved summer vacation. If you’d like some inspiration to plan your summer holidays, here are five things to do in France and Belgium (as well as in some other European countries) during summer.  

 

Relaxing

First things first: summer is all about relaxing.  

Summer is the ideal season to recharge after a year of studying or working. It's time to kick back, relax, and indulge in some well-deserved leisure activities.  

One great way to relax during summer is by immersing yourself in a captivating book. Whether it's a thrilling novel, a non-fiction work, or a collection of poetry, a good book truly can transport you to new worlds. Now that you spent a semester or year abroad, why not reading a book in French?   

Another great summer activity is gathering with friends and enjoying a laid-back afternoon, in a beautiful park for example. You can also gather on the banks of the river that crosses your host city, if there is one. Why not even planning a picnic or a barbecue? Grab a picnic blanket, some snacks, and relax while enjoying this beautiful summer moment.  


Someone reading a book



Going to the Beach

How talking about summer without mentioning beaches?   

A trip to the beach is the perfect summer getaway. There is no such thing as feeling the warm sand between your toes as you stroll along the coastline while enjoying in the gentle rays of the sun…  

The beaches of France and Belgium offer a diverse range of experiences, from beach clubs’ parties to hidden coves. Grab your sunscreen and towel, and let the beach become your ultimate playground this summer! Stay tuned, our next article will be all about France’s most beautiful beaches. 

Last but not least, if you’re feeling like exploring beaches outside of France and Belgium, I would definitely recommend traveling to Spain. The weather is generally very pleasant there, and the country is full of coastlines and beach cities such as Barcelona or San Sebastian.  


Antibes, France

  Antibes, France


Attending a music festival 

Attending a music festival is the ultimate way to embrace the vibrant spirit of the summer season!  

Joining thousands of enthusiastic music lovers, singing along to your favorite artists' tunes and dancing the night away… How does this sound like?  

Pro tip: don’t forget to take your sunscreen and to drink a lot of water to stay hydrated ;) 

Click here to discover Belgium’s most emblematic summer music festivals and here to discover France’s. On top of these, there are many famous music festivals taking place everywhere throughout Europe in the summer, such as Glastonbury (UK) or Sziget Festival (Hungary).  

Make your researches, grab your favorite festival outfit and adventurous spirit, and let the energy of music festivals become the soundtrack of your summer!  


Music Festival  


Taking a trip to the mountains 

A trip to the mountain during summer is a truly enchanting experience. It is very different, but just as fun as going there to ski or snowboard during winter. In the summertime, mountains have their own charm and allure. So, swap your snow gear for sunscreen, and get ready for sunny hikes, refreshing dips in mountain lakes, and evenings filled with s'mores around the campfire. 

While the French Alps offer breathtaking landscapes and very pleasant hikes, Belgium’s Ardennes region is full of forests, hiking trails and charming villages, providing a serene atmosphere.  

Switzerland is also very famous for its beautiful mountains. Swiss Alps are a great playground for outdoor enthusiasts, with activities like mountain biking, paragliding, and exploring alpine lakes. Bonus point: you can practice your French is Switzerland ;) 

 So, whether you're seeking an adrenaline-fueled adventure or simply a peaceful escape from city life, the mountains of France, Belgium, and Switzerland are the perfect summer getaway for you. 

  Megève, France

Megève, France


Visiting European cities

Traveling through Europe in the summer is a fantastic opportunity to explore its captivating capitals. The pleasant summer weather makes it the perfect time to visit cities like Budapest and Berlin, which can be quite cold in winter. My personal favorite European cities are Barcelona, with its beautiful architecture and great nightlife, and Vienna which really impressed me with its rich musical heritage. 

For a flexible and adventurous journey, the Interrail pass is an excellent choice for train travel. It is a flexible train ticket that allows travelers to explore multiple European countries within a specified period, providing them with unlimited train trips. What a cool thing 

Some lesser-known European cities, that are less crowded during summer and more budget-friendly than European capitals such as London or Amsterdam are: Bologna (Italy), Bristol (England), Granada (Spain) and Vilnius (Lithuania).  

Bologna, Italy

Bologne, Italie   


I hope that this article provided you with great ideas to fill up your summer agenda. Let us know in the comments section down below what are your favorite summer activities and why.  

As long as I like exploring Europe and going to the mountains, my favorite summer activities are definitely going to the beach and attending music festivals. This is why, this summer, I am going to a music festival that will take place on the beach ;) 

  

I wish you a beautiful summer!  

  

Lilas - OLS Community Manager 

Monuments belges et français célèbres

by Lilas OLS Community Manager -

Monuments belges et français célèbres


Salut ! 

Aujourd’hui nous allons parler monuments et sites historiques !

La France et la Belgique sont deux pays riches en histoire, culture et traditions. Dans cet article, je te présente quelques-uns des monuments et sites historiques belges et français les plus emblématiques de ces deux pays. 


BELGIQUE

Grand-Place de Bruxelles : La Grand-Place est une place grandiose située au cœur de Bruxelles. Elle est entourée par de magnifiques bâtiments de style gothique et baroque, abritant notamment l'Hôtel de Ville. La Grand-Place est inscrite au patrimoine mondial de l'UNESCO.

Atomium (Bruxelles) : L'Atomium est une structure métallique en forme d'atome, construite pour l'Exposition universelle de 1958 à Bruxelles. Il est devenu l'un des symboles les plus célèbres du pays et offre une vue panoramique sur la capitale depuis son sommet.

Cathédrale Notre-Dame d'Anvers : La cathédrale d’Anvers est un chef-d'œuvre de l'architecture gothique. Elle abrite de nombreuses œuvres d'art, dont certaines ont été réalisées par le célèbre peintre flamand Rubens.

Château des Comtes de Gand (Gand) : Le château des Comtes de Gand est une pittoresque  forteresse médiévale qui offre un aperçu de l'histoire de la ville et une vue imprenable sur les environs depuis ses tours.

Basilique du Sacré-Cœur (Bruxelles) : La Basilique du Sacré-Cœur, située sur la colline de Koekelberg, est l'une des plus grandes églises au monde. Elle présente une architecture néo-byzantine impressionnante et offre une vue panoramique sur Bruxelles.

Beffroi de Bruges : Le beffroi de Bruges est une tour médiévale située dans le centre historique de la ville. Il est considéré comme l'un des symboles de ses symboles et abrite un carillon impressionnant.

Citadelle de Namur : La citadelle de Namur est une forteresse historique construite sur une colline dominant la ville. Elle offre des vues panoramiques sur la Meuse et abrite également un musée dédié à son histoire.

Menneken Pis (Bruxelles) : La statue du Menneken Pis est une petite statue en bronze représentant un petit garçon en train d'uriner. Ainsi étonnant que cela puisse paraître, elle est devenue l'un des symboles les plus connus de la Belgique.

Palais Royal de Bruxelles : Le palais royal de Bruxelles est la résidence officielle du roi et de la reine de Belgique. Il est utilisé pour des fonctions officielles et est entouré de magnifiques jardins.


Gravensteen, Ghent, Belgique

Gravensteen, Ghent, Belgique 


FRANCE

Tour Eiffel (Paris) : La Tour Eiffel est l'emblème de Paris et l'une des structures les plus célèbres au monde. Construite par Gustave Eiffel en 1889, elle offre une vue panoramique exceptionnelle sur la ville depuis ses différents niveaux.

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris : Notre-Dame est une magnifique cathédrale à l’architecture gothique située sur l'île de la Cité à Paris. Elle est mondialement connue pour ses vitraux, ses gargouilles et son histoire riche. Elle est actuellement en court de restauration suite à un incendie ayant eu lieu en 2019.

Château de Versailles (Versailles) : Le château de Versailles est un palais somptueux situé à proximité de Paris. Il fut la résidence des rois de France, notamment Louis XIV, et est renommé pour ses jardins à la française et sa célèbre Galerie des Glaces.

Mont Saint-Michel : Le Mont Saint-Michel est une abbaye médiévale perchée sur un îlot rocheux dans le nord-ouest de la France. Il est classé au patrimoine mondial de l'UNESCO et constitue l'un des sites les plus visités du pays. Son Abbaye, est un exemple magnifique de l'architecture gothique et offre une vue panoramique sur les environs.

Cité de Carcassonne : La Cité de Carcassonne est une cité médiévale fortifiée située dans le sud de la France. Ses remparts impressionnants, ses tours et son château attirent des millions de visiteurs chaque année. Pour l’avoir visitée plusieurs fois, je peux affirmer que c’est un lieu magnifique.

Palais du Louvre (Paris) : Le Palais du Louvre est l'un des plus grands musées d'art au monde, abritant des milliers d'œuvres, dont la célèbre Joconde de Léonard de Vinci. L'architecture du palais est également remarquable.

Pont du Gard (Nîmes) : Le Pont du Gard est un aqueduc romain bien préservé, situé dans le sud de la France. Il est considéré comme un chef-d'œuvre de l'ingénierie romaine et témoigne de la grandeur de l'Empire romain.

Château de Chambord (Loir-et-Cher) : Le château de Chambord est un impressionnant château de la Renaissance situé dans la vallée de la Loire. Il est célèbre pour son architecture unique et ses vastes jardins.

Arc de Triomphe (Paris) : L'Arc de Triomphe est un monument emblématique situé sur l'avenue des Champs-Élysées à Paris. Il rend hommage aux soldats français et est abrite la célèbre tombe du Soldat Inconnu.


Mont Saint-Michel, Normandie, France

Mont Saint-Michel, Normandie, France


Ces deux listes ne représentent qu'une fraction des nombreux monuments et sites historiques présents en France et en Belgique, mais elles donnent un aperçu des sites les plus emblématiques de ces deux pays.

As-tu visité quelques-un de ces monuments ? As-tu d’autres exemples de monuments français et belges célèbres que j’aurais oublié de mentionner ? 

Dis-le nous en laissant un commentaire ci-dessous :)


Lilas - OLS Community Manager


The 2024 Paris Olympic Games

by Lilas OLS Community Manager -

The 2024 Paris Olympic Games

 

Today, we’re going to talk about the 2024 Summer Olympics! This year, they will take place in Paris, France. Last time the Olympics were held in Paris was in 1924. A hundred years after, they are back! As I live in Paris, I can tell you I am very excited about this!   

The Olympic Games have long and rich history dating back to ancient Greece in 776 BC. Originally a religious festival in honor of the god Zeus, the games were held every four years in Olympia and featured a variety of athletic and cultural events. After a break of nearly 1,500 years, the modern Olympic Games were revived in 1896 in Athens, Greece, and have since become one of the most prestigious international sporting events. 

The 2024 Olympics, set to take place from July 26th to August 11th, will feature athletes from around the world competing in 28 sports such as volleyball, hockey, judo and rowing. There will also be four additional sports: break-dancing, climbing, skateboarding and surfing. The surf competition will take place in Tahiti, the largest island in French Polynesia, located in the South Pacific Ocean.  


Olympics


The city of Paris has been working hard to prepare for the event, with various upgrades and renovations planned for the venues and infrastructure. I was strolling through Paris streets a few days ago and I indeed noticed that lot of landmarks, parks and public areas are being renovated. The 2024 Olympics are expected to have a significant economic impact on the city and its surrounding region as they will create thousands of jobs and boost tourism. 

On the other hand, the Olympics' impact on the environment is a growing concern. With many infrastructures being built and a massive number of people expected to travel the world by plane to attend the games, measures are being implemented to reduce the event's carbon footprint. The organizers plan to use renewable energy sources, reduce waste, and promote public transportation to reduce carbon emissions. They also aim to make the event carbon-neutral by offsetting the remaining emissions through reforestation and other environmental projects. 

In addition, the city of Paris will also host the Paralympic games that will take place right after the Olympics. They are an international multi-sport event for athletes with physical and/or intellectual disabilities. The Paralympics will feature a wide range of sports, including track and field, swimming, wheelchair basketball, and sitting volleyball, to name a few. This event helps raise awareness about disability sports and highlights the achievements of athletes with disabilities. 


Paralympics games


The 2024 Olympics should be a memorable event that will bring together athletes, fans, and spectators from around the world. With its rich history and cultural heritage Paris is the perfect city to host the world's biggest sporting event. I can't wait to see what the organizers have in store for us in 2024! 

I am particularly excited about artistic swimming as it is a sport I practiced when I was younger, and equitation, not only because I practiced this sport as well, but also because equestrian sports will take place in Versailles Palace’s gardens. I am sure it will be so beautiful to witness.  

 Do you plan to go to the Paris Olympic Games? If so, what are the sports you would like to attend?  

 Let us know in this forum thread!

Have a beautiful day,  


Lilas – OLS Community Manager 



Things to do in France and Belgium during Spring

by Lilas OLS Community Manager -

Things to do in France and Belgium during Spring


Hi there!  

Can you smell the flowers? Can you hear the birds singing? Spring is just around the corner, and it is the best time to get out there and wander around. Here are five things you could do during Spring in France and Belgium.  


See flowers

Did you know that you could see cherry blossom in France and Belgium? Indeed, they are not only blooming in Japan. The best spots to see some in France and Belgium are the Parc de Sceaux in Paris and the city of Hasselt in Belgium. 

Cherry trees’ flowers are not the only flowers blooming in France and Belgium! Spring is the perfect time for you to wander around and witness many beautiful species of flowers, both inside and outside cities.  

In Paris, you can do so in several places, including the Jardin des Plantes, the Palace of Versailles, and the Tuileries Garden. I am sure there will be beautiful flowers blossoming in your host city’s local parks as well. I advise you to have a stroll there and see it for yourself ;) 

In Belgium, make sure to visit the Serres royales de Laeken in Brussels. This garden is open to the public for three weeks every year and has many species of rare and beautiful flowers. Still in Belgium, the Bois de Hal, a forested area located in Flanders, is renowned for its bluebells that bloom every spring. In April and May, the forest floor transforms into a magical sea of blue flowers. It is, without a doubt, one of the most picturesque locations in Belgium to witness the beauty of spring flowers. 


Bois de Hal, Belgium

Bois de Hal, Belgium


Wander around your host city  

The warm and pleasant weather during spring is the best time of the year for outdoor activities. Spring is a great time to stroll around your host city, enjoy a bicycle ride or visit outdoor markets, that usually take place every weekend in French and Belgian cities and villages. 

Spring is also the perfect time for you to enjoy a coffee or a lemonade on a café’s terrasse, which is French people’s favorite activity. I have been dreaming about this all winter long!  

For those, like me, that live in cities and that like having picnics, parks are perfect. Many cities are also crossed by rivers, such as the Seine in Paris and the Senne in Brussels (yes, their names are very similar!) and rivers banks are very nice picnic spots as well. Picnics are also a great opportunity for you to try local food. If you’re in France, make sure to have cheese and bread, and if you’re in Belgium, fries and chocolate. You’re welcome!  
 

A café's terrasse


Explore your host country  

If you feel like venturing outside your host city, spring is the perfect time for this! The weather is usually nice and pleasant, and peak season has not started yet. Therefore, places of interest are less crowded and prices lower.  

For nature enthusiasts, France and Belgium are full of wonderful areas. Whether you like forests, lakes or mountains, there will for sure be a perfect spot for you in France or Belgium.  

If you’re living in France, make sure to check out the Lac d’Annecy and the Bassin d’Arcachon, which is home to the highest sand dune in Europe, the Dune du Pilat. I also really like the region of Carmague. It is a huge nature reserve where you can witness flamingos and wild horses. If you go there, make sure to visit Arles, a picturesque city, registered on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, where the Dutch painter Van Gogh lived for part of his life.  

Belgium has plenty of cool places to visit in the spring as well! As mentioned earlier in this article, the Bois de Hal is definitely a must-see. The Bosland nature reserve, which is home to about 120 bird species and 250 plant species is also a very much appreciated place by nature enthusiasts.  

In addition, France and Belgium are home to plenty of beautiful hikes, of varying difficulty level. I find small mountains hikes very pleasant. I like the ones in the Belgian mountains, Les Ardennes, and those in the Regional Nature Park of the Auvergne Volcanoes, in France.  

Finally, make sure to check out both this article and this article. I am telling you about some other very nice regions or France and Belgium that are worth a visit.  

Camargue, France

Camargue, France

 

Cultural activities

Spring is a wonderful time to experience the cultural and open-air events that are taking place in France and Belgium. The streets come alive with music and performances and parks and gardens host open-air concerts and festivals. Make sure to check out your host city’s website or social accounts to see what’s happening in your area.  

A must-do is Namur en Mai in Belgium. It is a popular event, taking place in the town of Namur that features a diverse range of shows and performances throughout the city. It celebrates the arrival of spring and offers a wonderful opportunity for visitors to experience Belgium’s rich culture.  

Many major cultural events such as the Journées Européennes des Métiers d’Art, the Nuit Européenne des Musées, and the Semaine de la Langue Française are taking place both in France, Belgium and many other European countries. In France, make sure to check out the Printemps du Cinéma and the Printemps des Poètes. These events respectively celebrate French cinema and poetry and offer a range of activities and performances across the country. 

Concert 

Celebrate Easter  

Just as Christmas, Easter is a religious holiday celebrated in France and Belgium. There are many cultural and festive activities to enjoy during this time of year, and the nice weather makes them event more pleasant.  

In France, the city of Colmar is home to a traditional Easter market, full of handmade local crafts and delicious sweets, such as the famous Lamala, a traditional pastry eaten in Alsace on Easter Day. In Belgium, the city of Bruges hosts a popular Easter festival that features beautiful colorful parades and musical performances.  

How to talk about Easter without mentioning Belgian chocolate? Easter is the perfect excuse to eat a lot (too much?) of them! The most renowned brands are Neuhaus and Leonidas. If you are doing your mobility in Belgium or are planning to visit Belgium around Easter, please let us know on this forum thread which ones were your favorite ;) 


Chocolat


To sum up, the arrival of warmer weather and the delightful ambiance of Spring in France and Belgium is the perfect time to gather outdoor and enjoy a large variety of events. Whether you are a lover of nature, cities, picnics or someone seeking a unique cultural experience, the spring season in France and Belgium is sure to leave a lasting impression. 

What is your favorite spring activity? Mine is definitely hunting for the best places to see flowers blossom. Please let us know in the Living Abroad forum what is yours! I am sure it will inspire the other members of the OLS French Community!  
 

Have a beautiful day and happy Spring!  
 

Lilas - OLS Community Manager 


La Commission Européenne et ses actions

by Lilas OLS Community Manager -

La Commission Européenne et ses actions


Aujourd’hui, nous allons parler de l’Europe, et plus particulièrement de la Commission Européenne. Savais-tu que c’est grâce à cette institution que tu as accès gratuitement à la plateforme OLS, ses cours de français et ses forums ? En effet, les programmes de mobilité Erasmus+ et European Solidarity Corps (Le Corps de Solidarité Européen en français) sont des initiatives de la Commission Européenne.  

 Dans cet article, je vais t’expliquer le rôle de cette institution et te présenter ses objectifs pour les années à venir. Cet article est un peu plus compliqué que ceux que j’ai rédigé précédemment. Si tu as la moindre question n’hésite pas à la poser sur cette discussion de forum. 



 

Concrètement, la Commission Européenne, c’est quoi ? C’est tout simplement la branche exécutive de l’Union Européenne. Elle a deux rôles : la rédaction et proposition de nouvelles législations européennes et l’implémentation des décisions prises par le Parlement Européen et le Conseil de l’Europe.  

Petite parenthèse : Savais-tu que les sièges du Parlement Européen et du Conseil de l’Europe se situaient à Strasbourg en France, que la plupart des leurs activités étaient concentrées à Bruxelles, en Belgique et que le français était une de leurs langues officielles ?  

L’agenda des actions et priorités de la Commission Européenne a été établi sur 5 ans, de 2019 à 2024, et s’articule autour de 6 axes. Ces actions ont pour but de sortir l’Europe de la crise et de la rendre plus verte, plus numérique, et plus résiliente. Je te détaille ces six axes d’action ci-dessous.  

  

 Un pacte vert pour l’Europe 

L’Europe a pour ambition de devenir le premier continent climatiquement neutre grâce à une économie moderne et un management efficace de ses ressources. Voici quelques actions implémentées par la Commission Européenne pour atteindre cet objectif : produire de la nourriture saine à prix abordable, développer son réseau de transports publics et proposer des produits avec un cycle de vie plus long, qui peuvent être réutilisés, réparés ou recyclés. Grâce à ces actions, l’Union Européenne vise une réduction de ses émissions de gaz à effet de serre de 55% d’ici à 2030.  

  

Une Europe adaptée à l’ère du numérique 

Le deuxième objectif de l’Union Européenne est la digitalisation de l’Europe. De nouvelles normes, qui accordent une attention particulière aux données, aux nouvelles technologies, comme par exemple l’intelligence artificielle, et aux infrastructures numériques, sont mises en place afin que cette transformation digitale profite aussi bien aux personnes qu’aux entreprises. 

  

 Une économie au service des personnes 

Le troisième objectif de l’Union Européenne est la réduction de la pauvreté et des inégalités sociales grâce à la construction d’une base économique stable. Pour ce faire, les Petites et Moyennes Entreprises (PME) et les marchés capitaux sont renforcées à travers un plan de relance Européen,  NextGenerationEU, qui comprend notamment de nombreuses créations d’emplois et sessions de formations pour les travailleurs.  

  

Une Europe plus forte dans le monde 

Par sa politique commerciale forte, ouverte et commune, l’Europe est attractive pour les entreprises et les investisseurs étrangers. L’Union Européenne vise à maintenir et renforcer cette position en garantissant des normes sociales et environnementales élevées et en consolidation sa place de partenaire de choix pour l’Afrique et les pays Balkans occidentaux.   

 

Promotion de notre mode de vie européen 

L’Union Européenne s’engage à continuer de défendre ses valeurs fondamentales pour protéger au mieux ses citoyens. Cela se traduit dans de multiples domaines dont la justice, l’éducation, la santé, la lutte contre la criminalité, la mise en place de nouvelles approches en matière de migration ou encore l’encouragement de la mobilité Européenne, entre autres grâce au programmes Erasmus+ et Corps de Solidarité Européen.  

  

Un nouvel élan pour la démocratie européenne 

La Commission Européenne protège la démocratie commune en garantissant aux citoyens européens leurs droits fondamentaux, la liberté de la presse, la défense de l’état de droit et l’égalité. De plus, en 2022, a eu lieu la conférence sur l’avenir de l’Europe, qui a donné la parole aux citoyens européens afin qu’ils participent activement à la définition du futur de l’Europe.  

  

European Council room

 

Voilà ! Cet article est très dense et contient beaucoup d’informations mais j’ai trouvé cela intéressant de te présenter les actions mises en place par la Commission Européenne, qui encadre ton programme de mobilité européenne et qui te propose gratuitement des cours de français sur Online Language Support.  


Que penses-tu des objectifs de l’Union Européenne ? Y a-t-il un objectif qui te touche plus que les autres ? Viens partager ton point de vue cette discussion de forum. J’ai hâte de te lire ! 


Les bonnes résolutions

by Lilas OLS Community Manager -

Les bonnes résolutions


Les bonnes résolutions, c’est tout un sujet.  

Saviez-vous que les bonnes résolutions, prises en janvier à la nouvelle année, sont une tradition qui daterait de plus de 4000 ans ! En effet, de nombreuses civilisations antiques comme les Babyloniens organisaient des célébrations et prenaient des engagements à l’arrivée de la nouvelle année. 3000 ans plus tard, au Moyen-Âgeles chevaliers renouvelaient leurs voeux de chevalerie chaque année. De nos jours, la prise de bonnes résolutions en janvier est encore très répandue dans les civilisations occidentales.  

Voici quelques exemples des bonnes résolutions les plus populaires, prises par des milliers de français et de belges chaque année : arrêter de fumer, se mettre au sportne plus se ronger les ongles, diminuer sa consommation d’alcool ou encore manger plus équilibré.  


January written with scrabble letters


Cette pratique est néanmoins de plus en plus questionnée. En effet, s’engager à prendre de bonnes résolutions serait une source de stress et de culpabilisation pour les français, d’autant plus que les trois-quarts d’entre eux abandonneraient leurs résolutions, parfois même dès le mois de février. En effet, beaucoup se fixent des objectifs trop ambitieux, comme par exemple « Lire 3 livres par mois », sans réfléchir au temps qu’intégrer la pratique de la lecture dans leur quotidien prendrait, et préfèrent simplement renoncer à leurs résolutions.  

En réponse à cela, certains ont trouvé des alternatives aux bonnes résolutions de janvier, comme par exemple les anti-résolutions ou les intentions. Quelques exemples d’anti-résolutions peuvent être « Travailler moins pour passer plus de temps avec ses proches » ou encore « Ne pas se mettre trop de pression pour perdre du poids ». Cela constitue pour certains une manière d’aborder la nouvelle année avec plus de sérénité. Les intentions quant à elles, sont des directives, plus ou moins strictes, ayant pour but de guider les personnes qui les posent vers une vie plus saine et plus sereine, et sont généralement plus flexibles et moins contraignantes. Par exemple, à la place de prendre la résolution « Cette année je perds 10 kilos », il est possible de poser l’intention, plus douce, « Cette année je me mets au sport et je mange mieux pour faire du bien à mon corps et à mon esprit ».  


Someone written their good resolutions in a notebook


Personnellement, je suis de la vieille-école car je préfère les classiques résolutions aux anti-résolutions et aux intentions. J’aime beaucoup cette pratique car elle me motive beaucoup. De plus, je suis très fière de moi lorsque je réussis à tenir une ou plusieurs de mes résolutions. Je veille cependant à prendre des résolutions qui me motivent et me poussent à faire de mon mieux, sans m’apporter de pression inutile. Par exemple, cette année, deux de mes résolutions sont « M’installer à Paris » et « Adopter un chaton ». Rendez-vous l’année prochaine pour le bilan ;) 

Et toi ? Plutôt résolutionsanti-résolutions ou intentions N’hésite-pas à participer au débat sur le forum Practice Your French, et à nous partager ton ou tes objectifs 2023, qu’ils aient la forme de résolutions, d’anti-résolutions ou d’intentions.  


Lilas - OLS Community Manager

Things to Do in France and Belgium During Winter

by Lilas OLS Community Manager -

Things to Do in France and Belgium During Winter


Hi there! Are you ready for Christmas celebrations, delicious foods and maybe some snow? I definitely am! Here is a list of some suggestions of things to do in France and in Belgium during winter.  


Wander Around Your Host City  

In December, European cities are decorated with beautiful Christmas lights and ornaments. Christmas is a tradition that is taken very seriously in Europe, and French and Belgian cities shine brightly at that time of the year. In addition, in large cities, there are often various winter installations around Christmas time such as ice-skating rinks and Christmas trees. The most impressive I’ve seen is definitely Strasbourg’s! 

Still in December, make sure to walk through the main shopping streets to admire stores’ shopping windows. In Paris, have a look at the huge Christmas tree in the Galeries Lafayette Haussmann department store, as well as the shopping windows of the many luxury stores of the Champs-Elysée. In Brussels, make sure to walk around Avenue Louise and Toison d’Or, you won’t be disappointed! Also in Brussels, you’ll be able to see the Mannekin Pis, one of the city’s main landmarks, all dressed up for Christmas. Definitely a must-see around that time of the year!  

Last but not least, French and Belgian cities don’t go back to sleep after Christmas. France and Belgium are lucky to enjoy mild winters, which makes it very pleasant to stroll around cities in January, February or March. It is the perfect time for you to enjoy some delicious local foods such as Belgian’s waterzooi, a chicken and vegetable stew.  

  Grand-Place, Brussels

Grand-Place, Brussels


Visit a Christmas Market  

Do you know what generally takes place in European cities in December? Christmas Markets of course! And lucky you, there are a lot of amazing Christmas markets in France and Belgium. I love them because of their warm and festive atmosphere, and of course because of the delicious winter food that is sold there.  

Strasbourg’s Christmas market, in France, is one of the biggest and most impressive in the world. Strasbourg lives up to its nickname of « Capital of Christmas ». I would strongly advice to add it to your December bucket list if you can. It is the perfect place to enjoy a tartiflette, a delicious winter dish made from potatoes, ham and reblochon cheese, or aligot, a cheesy puree, and to try a glass of hot wine.  

Belgian Christmas markets are just as beautiful as French ones. If you can, make sure to check Brussel’s Grand-Place Christmas market and its 18 meters high Christmas tree! Still in Brussels, Place Saint-Catherine and Marche aux Poissons’ Christmas Market are also worth seeing. Make sure to have a glass of gluhwein, Belgium’s hot wine, as well as some delicious Belgian waffles and hot chocolate, two of the country’s most delicious specialties.  

Here is a list of my top 5 Christmas markets in France and Belgium, make sure to check it out ;) 


Christmas Market  Christmas Market


Explore France and Belgium  

Lucky you, winters are quite mild in France and Belgium. In addition, at the exception of ski resorts, prices are generally lower during winter season and places of interest much less crowded. This makes winter a very good time for you to explore your host country.  

Belgians have the joke that there is only one season in Belgium: autumn. It is not exactly true, but it represents Belgium’s climate quite well. In France, it’s generally sunnier in the south than in the north, whatever the season. 

In Belgium, the city of Ghent is a must-see during winter. This medieval town has a very picturesque look and an enchanting atmosphere. In addition, you should definitely visit the city of Bruges. It is registered on UNESCO’s World Heritage List for its hot chocolate, which is certainly one of the most delicious in the world. Thank me later!  

In France, I would recommend vising the Falaises d’Etretat in Normandy and the Porquerolles island in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. I believe that these places, which are usually very crowded in the summer, are much more enjoyable during winter.   

Make sure to make some researches and look for nice places to visit during winter around your host city. And, of course, do not hesitate to ask me questions on the Living Abroad forum. I’d be happy to answer!  


Ghent, Belgium

Ghent, Belgium


Take a Trip to the Mountains 

It is not possible to speak about winter activities without mentioning skiing! 

Did you know that France has the largest ski resort in the world? It is called Les 3 Vallées, includes the resorts of Courchevel, Meribel and Val Thorens, and has more than 600km of slopes! Two other resorts in the French Alps worth mentioning are Megeve and Chamonix. In the Pyrenees, my favorite resorts are Peyragues, Les Angles and La Mongie. In cities located close from mountains chains, such as Grenoble or Toulouse, it is possible to Skirail tickets which include a train round-trip and a one-day pass to some ski resorts. 

Did you know that Belgium also has ski slopes? The main « mountains » in Belgium are called Les Ardennes. They are not as high as the French mountains but they are just as beautiful. Their highest point is called Le Signal de Botrange and is home of a small ski resort. Two other small resorts worth mentioning are La Baraque de Fraiture and La Croix-Scaille, located between Belgium and France.  

Whether you like skiing, hiking or any other winter sport, you won’t be disappointed by taking a weekend trip to the mountains, in France or in Belgium 


Val Thorens, France

  Val Thorens, France


Attend Winter Events and Celebrations 

Finally, every year, numerous winter events are taking place everywhere around France and Belgium.  

For those of you who like light shows, Belgium in winter is the place to be. Two great examples of light shows are Winter Wonders Sound and Light Show in Brussels and Winter Glow in Bruges, where beautiful light installations are set up across the cities. 

A very famous event taking place even winter in France is Nice’s Carnival, which is the biggest in France and one of the most famous in the world. From February 10th to February 26th 2023, more than a million attendants are expected to join the 2-weeks event and watch the parade and its famous Bataille de Fleurs.  

In addition, many summer music festivals such as Garorock (France) and Tomorrowland (Belgium) also have a winter edition. This year Garosnow, Garorock’s winter edition, takes place in Les Angles and Luchon-Superbagnères, in the French Pyrenees and Tomorrowland Winter takes place in L’Alpe-d’Huez, in the French Alps. What a great excuse to go to the mountains!  

Last but not least, traditions. During your stay in France or in Belgium, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in traditional celebrations such as L’Epiphanie (January) or La Chandeleur (February). During L’Epiphanie, French and Belgians, enjoy a Galette des Rois (King’s Cake). Inside the cake there is a little figurine called « fève » and the person who gets it is crowned « King ». Funny, right?  During La Chandeleur French and Belgian people get together to make and enjoy delicious crêpes. What a nice tradition!  

  Crêpes

Crêpes


Grab your coat and your beanie and let’s go!  

Please let me know in the Living Abroad forum what is your favorite activity to do during winter. I am sure you’ll have great suggestions that will inspire other members of the forum!  

 

Lilas - OLS Community Manager

La raclette : un Indispensable de l’Automne-Hiver !

by Lilas OLS Community Manager -

La raclette : un Indispensable de l’Automne-Hiver !


Je déclare la saison des raclettes ouverte !  

Raclette

Raclette


Avez-vous déjà entendu parler de ce délicieux plat hivernal ?  

A savoir, la raclette est un plat suisse et non français, originaire du canton du Valais, limitrophe à la France. Cependant, la raclette est très populaire en France, particulièrement en Franche-Comté et en Savoie. 

La raclette est un plat composé de fromage, de pommes de terre et parfois de d’autres légumes tels que les carottes, le chou-fleur, les brocolis ou encore les champignons ; de charcuterie et de cornichons. Elle se déguste de novembre à avril, généralement accompagnée d’un verre de vin rouge ou de vin blanc.  

« Raclette » est à la fois le nom du plat et le nom du fromage utilisé dans ce plat. C’est un fromage à base de lait cru de vache. Il en existe de nombreuses variantes : saveur nature, au vin blanc ou encore aux herbes. Personnellement, j’aime beaucoup la raclette fumée et la raclette au poivre ! 

La raclette consiste à faire fondre du fromage durant le repas, grâce à un appareil spécialisé placé sur la table et à racler le fromage pour le faire couler sur les pommes de terre et autres légumes au fur et à mesure qu’il fond. Miam ! J’en ai l’eau à la bouche.  

Bien que la raclette puisse se déguster au restaurant, la plupart des foyers français sont équipés d’un appareil à raclette et les français préfèrent généralement en manger chez eux, chez des membres de leur famille ou chez des amis. C’est l’occasion pour eux de se réunir, et de passer un joyeux moment de convivialité.  

Si la raclette te fait envie, je ne peux que te conseiller de goûter la fondue et la tartiflette. La fondue savoyarde est un plat suisse où les convives trempent des morceaux de pain sec dans une marmite de fromage fondu. La tartiflette, quant à elle, est une spécialité française à base de pommes de terre, oignons, lardons et reblochon, un délicieux fromage des pays de Savoie. 


Fondue savoyarde

Fondue Savoyarde


Connaissais-tu la raclette ? As-tu déjà gouté ? 

Fais nous le savoir sur le forum Living Abroad. J’ai hâte de te lire !  

  

Lilas - OLS Community Manager  



5 Reasons Why You Should Learn French

by Lilas OLS Community Manager -

5 Reasons Why You Should Learn French


Did you ever wonder why you should learn « the language of Molière »? Well, I have the answer! Here are five reasons why you should learn French. The third one may surprise you ;) 

 

French is Widely Spoken  

"Bonjour" written on the wall

Did you know that France has 13 overseas territories? To only name a few: Caledonia in the Pacific Ocean, Guyana in South America, right next to Brazil; Reunion in the Indian Ocean, close to Madagascar and Martinique in the Caribbean.  

In addition, French is not only spoken in France but in many other countries around the globe. Indeed, there are 29 countries in the world which have French as their official language, including Belgium in Europe; Congo in Africa and Canada in North America. On top of that, there are about 25 countries, including Mauricius, Tunisia and Morocco, where French is very commonly used, even though it is not considered as these countries’ official language. 

Therefore, French, alongside with English, is the only language spoken in all five continents, and more than 230 million people in the world speak French!  

 

French is a Language for Culture

Louvre Museum, Paris, France

 Louvre Museum, Paris, France

Arts, gastronomy, fashion, architecture, cinema, literature: French is often considered as the language of culture.  

Learning French will give you access to literacy masterpieces in their original version, written by French authors such as Marcel Proust and Victor Hugo or French poets such as Jacques Prévert and Charles Baudelaire. It will also enable you to understand very famous French songs such as La Vie en Rose from Edith Piaf or, more modern, Alors on Danse from Belgian singer Stromae. If you don’t know him, I highly encourage you to listen to his albums ;) 

Last but not least, France and Belgium are countries filled with history. Learning French will give you access to the work of the philosophers of the 18th century - the Age of Enlightenment. For science and philosophy aficionados, Montesquieu, Voltaire, Rousseau, Diderot and d’Alembert are must-reads.  

 

French is Good For Career Opportunities  

Business meeting

Did you know that speaking French is a great advantage on the international job market?  

Indeed, France is a world leader in many areas, including aerospace and services and Belgium is famous for its logistics, food business and pharmacy industry. French and Belgian companies have subsidiaries in many countries, which means many job opportunities for French speakers!  

Non-English speakers most likely learn English as a first language and English-speakers tend to learn Spanish. Even though French is widely taught, the number of people who attain a business level is not too high and this skill is becoming more and more requested. Therefore, learning French will make you stand out on the job market!  

Finally, French is spoken in 31 African countries, and Francophone Africa is a popular place to do business! Indeed, North Africa, including Morocco where French is the language of business and diplomacy, is the African region which is the most likely to industrialize itself, as it is well supplied in electricity. In addition, other African markets such as Senegal and South Africa are also growing. If working in one of these regions triggers your interest, learning French would be a great advantage!  

 

French a Language to Learn Other Languages  

Map of Europe

Did you know that more than 40% of the English language comes from French? This means that, as you are learning French, you are also improving your English, killing two birds with one stone!  

French, alongside with Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and Romanian is a Latin language - also called Romane languages. These five languages all come from Popular Latin language, also known as Vulgar Latin, Latin, and both their grammar and vocabulary are very similar. Indeed, here is how we say « Good night » in respectively French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and Romanian: « Bonne nuit », « Buenas noches », « Buonna notte », « Boa noite » and « Noapte bună ». These are very similar right?  

Learning French will give you a significant advantage for learning any of these four Latin languages.  

 

French is the Language of Love  

A couple sitting on a bench in Paris

Last but not least, French is the language of love! Its melodic rhythm and the way French passion and romanticism have shaped the country’s image, through novels and movies among other things, making it the language of love and romance. 

For many people, France and Paris mean romance: romantic walksromantic dinners and romantic kisses under the Eiffel Tower, what a dream! Likewise, the French language is often considered the language of love. Wouldn’t it be romantic to be able to express your love to your other half in French? What a good reason to learn French!  

France is often designated as the sexiest language in the world, followed by Italian and Spanish. Indeed, many non-French speakers explain they want to learn French because they find it beautiful. On top of that, French accent is also considered as the sexiest accent. French is definitely the language of love!  
 

Which one of these five reasons make you more willing to learn French? Let me know in the Living Abroad forum. It is even better if you can let me know in French hehe ;)

I’ll leave you with a bonus reason: French is a very valued and liked language. A non-native French speaker which is able to speak French, will most certainly make a great impression!  

So, are you ready to jump in


Lilas - OLS Community Manager


Things To Do in France and Belgium in Autumn

by Lilas OLS Community Manager -

Things To Do in France and Belgium in Autumn


This is it, summer is definitely over. It is now time for hot chocolate, fall foliage and Halloween celebrations! Here is are some suggestions of things to do in France and Belgium in autumn.  

  

Enjoy an Indian summer in the South of France  

If, like me, you’re not completely ready to say goodbye to summer, you should definitely head to the South of France. The Marseille area and the Provence region usually offer mild temperatures in September and October. There, you’ll be able to visit many beautiful places such as the city of Sète, also called the « French Venice », the French Riviera (« Côte d’Azur ») and the Gorges du Verdon. The Gorges du Verdon, which is Europe’s largest canyon, is a beautiful rocky area where you can either hike or kayak. It was very dry this summer because of the heat, but will most likely retrieve thanks to autumn cooler temperatures and rainfalls.  

If you wish, you can even go further South than Provence and take a boat or a plane to Corsica. This beautiful island, located in the Mediterranean Sea, not far from Italia’s Sardinia offers postcard-like landscapes. Corsica tends to be very popular and expensive in the summer. It is much more affordable in autumn. Good news, at this time of the year, the weather will still be quite nice!  

  Gorges du Verdon, France

Gorges du Verdon, France


Admire Beautiful Autumn Foliage 

The beautiful colors of fall will convince summer lovers that autumn in Europe is definitely not that bad (at all)! Whether you’re a city or a countryside person, you’ll be able to witness beautiful autumn foliage almost everywhere in France and Belgium.  

There are many beautiful parks in cities. In Paris, I suggest visiting the Jardin du Luxembourg and Jardin des Tuileries during autumn for typical Parisian landscapes with beautiful orange, red and yellow trees. In Brussels, you should definitely check Osseghem Park, located next to the Atomium, Brussels Park and its Muziekkiosk, as well as Cinquantenaire Park. Whether you live in France or in Belgium - or in any other European country - I suggest you make some research about the parks in your city and the woods and forests around, and go explore them during fall. This is something truly magical!  

Autumn foliage is even more beautiful in the countryside. In France, I suggest you visit the « Vercors » and « Chartreuse » regions, located next to the French Alps. The Burgundy (« Bourgogne ») region, which is full of vines and wineries, is definitely a must do in autumn. Its motto is « L’automne, c’est en Bourgogne » which means « Autumn is in Burgundy ». In Belgium, the Soignes Forest, located south-west of Brussels is a wonderful spot to admire yellow and orange foliage. The Halle Wood (« Le Bois de Halle »), which is famous for its flower bloom in the summer, is definitely a beautiful spot in the fall as well. Here again, Google is your friend! Do some research about the prettiest fall foliage spots in your area and do not hesitate to shoot me a message if you’d like further advice ;)  

  Soignes Forest, Belgium

  Soignes Forest, Belgium


Celebrate Halloween  

It’s spooky season! Even if Halloween is not as big as on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, French and Belgians love to celebrate it. Make sure to have a look at your city’s official website to see what events will be organized on October 31st (and during the weeks before and after). There might be Halloween city tours, parades and parties! If you’re rather a stay-at-home person, you can organize your own Halloween dinner or party with friends or have a horror movie night. Thrill guaranteed!  

Halloween is also a great time to visit Disneyland Paris. From October 1st to November 6th, the world-famous park organizes its own Halloween festival: parades, decorations, Disney evils' takeover and Mickey’s annual Halloween celebration, this will definitely be a day full of (scary) surprises!  

Halloween and autumn holidays are also a good opportunity for you to visit cities such as London, Dublin or Edinburg. British, Irish and Scottish people really know how to celebrate Halloween! Last but not least, if you’re a vampire fan, the beautiful region of Transylvania, located in Romania, is not only home of the famous Dracula Castle, but also hosts many other « haunted » citadels and castles. This is definitely a great Halloween trip idea!  

Jack-o'-lanterns - Halloween pumpkins  


Play indoors! 

As the weather is getting colder and outdoor activities such as picnics become more and more compromised, autumn is the perfect time to do indoors activities.  

France and Belgium, and especially their capital cities, Paris and Brussels, are full of great museums. From renaissance paintings and modern art, to light shows (definitely check L’atelier des Lumières if you’re in Paris) and sculpture exhibitions, there is a museum for everyone and fall is the perfect time to discover them! Cherry on the cake, both France and Belgium offer students discounts and sometimes, museums are even free for youngsters.  

Other than museums, there are tons of indoors activities that are perfect to experience in autumn. First of all, theaters. Seeing a play or a one-man-show in Belgium or France is a very good opportunity for you to practice your French listening skills. Paris is full of little theaters, so make sure to add this to your list if you plan to visit « The City of Lights ». Another good way to improve your listening skills is to go to the cinema. You can either watch movies in « vf » (French) « vostfr » (original language with French subtitles).  

There are several other indoor activities you can enjoy in autumn such as escape games, arts and crafts classes, sports or yoga classes etc. Make sure to do some research and ask locals around you; they will most likely have great suggestions!  

Musée d'Orsay, Paris

  Musée d'Orsay, Paris


Eat!  

Colder temperatures mean yummier food! Belgian's autumn is the perfect time to enjoy a café Liégeois. Café Liégeois is a Belgian dessert made of coffee, coffee-flavored ice cream and chantilly cream. If you’re not fond of coffee, try its chocolate version: chocolat Liégeois. Belgium is chocolate heaven: Belgian waffle, Belgian chocolate, there is a chocolate treat for everyone in Belgium! If you’d like to discover more Belgian food to be enjoyed in the fall, please have a look at the third point of this article: 5 Things You Should Know Before Starting Your Mobility To Belgium. You won’t be disappointed ;) 

When it comes to food, France too has some delicious fall specialties: gratin, blanquette and veloutés, the choices are almost endless. You can also enjoy a hot chocolate or herbal tea in one of France’s many cafés. Make sure to check the fourth point of this article to learn more about French food: 5 Things You Should Know Before Starting Your Mobility To France. In addition, if you want some suggestions of French foods or restaurants to check out in autumn, do not hesitate to shoot me a message. I’ll be happy to let you know what my favorite foods and places are ;) 

Belgian Waffle  Belgian Waffles


This is it! I hope you enjoyed this article. Please let us know in the Living Abroad forum what are your favorite autumn activities. I am sure you’ll have great suggestions that everyone could benefit from! 


Lilas - OLS Community Manager

10 Basics of French Language You Should Know When Moving Abroad

by Lilas OLS Community Manager -

10 Basics of French Language You Should Know When Moving Abroad


Here are 10 basics of French language you should know when moving abroad. We believe that this selection of verbs, adjectives, nouns and question words will gladly help you during the first months of your mobility in a French-speaking country.

Blackboard with written with a chalk "Parlez-vous français?"

1. Salut, ça va ? 
« Salut, ça va ? » is the informal alternative to say « Hi, how are you? ». It is to be used with friends for example. To say « Hi, how are you? » in a more formal way, you’ll have to say « Bonjour, comment allez -vous ? ». You can use « Bonjour, comment allez -vous ? » With colleagues at work, with professors at school or with any other people you do not know very well yet. Finally, « salut », can also be used to say « bye », whereas « Bonjour » can’t.  


2. Bonjour/ Bonsoir/ Bonne matinée/ Bon(ne) après-midi/ Bonne soirée/ Bonne nuit  
Well, stay with me on this one. To say hello to someone during the day, in a quite formal way, as we just explained above, you’ll use « Bonjour ». To say hello to someone in the evening, usually after 6pm, you will say « Bonsoir » (« Good evening »). To say goodbye to someone in the morning you would say « Bonne matinée », even though this is not commonly used. « Bonne fin de matinée » which means « Have a nice end of morning is more commonly used ». To say goodbye to someone in the afternoon, you would say « Bon après-midi » or « Bonne après-midi ». Finally, to say goodbye in the evening you will say « Bonne soirée ». Last but not least, « Bonne nuit », which literally translates to « Good night », is only used before someone goes to bed. Pro-tip: if this is too confusing, just use « Au revoir » to say bye - or « salut » in an informal context - it works all the time ;) 


3. Avec plaisir !  
When you’re told « Merci » (« Thank you »), you have the choice between several expressions to say you’re welcome : « De rien », « Je vous en prie » (formal) or « Je t’en prie » (informal) or « Avec plaisir » (« my pleasure »). They are all correct and polite so just pick the one you prefer (or the easiest to remember!). I personally tend to say « Avec plaisir » :) 


4. Désolé(e) 
Now we’re going to learn how to apologize. To say « I am sorry », you will say « Je suis désolé » (« Je suis désolée » if you are a girl). « Pardon » literally means « pardon ». What a surprise! To say « Excuse me », you will say « Excusez-moi » (formal) or « Excuse-moi » (informal). You will use « Je suis désolé(e) » to say « sorry »; « Pardon » to say « sorry » when you bump into someone or when you didn’t understand what somebody said and you want them to repeat; and « Excuse(z)-moi » to get somebody’s attention.  


5. Quoi ? Comment ? Où ? Quand ? Combien ? Est-ce que ? 
Here are the translations of the main question words in French: 

  • « Quoi ? » = « What? »  
  • « Comment ? » = « How? » 
  • « Où ? » = « Where? » 
  • « Quand ?» = « How  
  • « Combien ? » = « How much? » or « How many? » 
A very widely-used expression to ask questions in French is « Est-ce que ». It doesn’t really have a meaning. It is placed at the beginning of a sentence when asking a question, as follow: « Est-ce que tu as faim ? » (informal), « Est-ce que vous avez faim ? » (formal) = « Are you hungry ». Another informal way to ask « Are you hungry? » is « Tu as faim ? » (= « You’re hungry?) and another formal way to ask « Are you hungry? » is « Avez-vous faim ? ». Here again, if you’re confused, « Est-ce que » is the way to go ;) 


6. Parlez-vous français?  
Here are some sentences you could use if you have trouble understanding what people say.  
« Je ne comprends pas » = « In don’t understand ». As we said before, you can even say « Désolée, je ne comprends pas » or « Pardon, je ne comprends pas. To say that you speak a bit of French, you will have to say « Je parle un peu français ». To ask, « Could you repeat please? »; you’ll have to ask « Pouvez-vous répéter s’il vous plaît ? ». Finally, if you feel like switching the conversation to English, Spanish or German for example, you can ask « Parlez-vous anglais ? » (« Do you speak english »), « Parlez-vous espagnol ? » (« Do you speak Spanish?») Or « Parlez-vous allemand ? » (« Do you speak German?»).  


7. Bon appétit !  
As you most likely know, French people love their food. You’ve probably already heard about baguette and croissant right? But have you heard about pain au chocolat/ chocolatine? This is a tricky subject for French people haha. In the south-west of the country people call a chocolate-croissant a « chocolatine » and in the rest of the country, they call it a « croissant ». There is a big, never-ending debate on which name is correct. Make sure to choose your words wisely when ordering a chocolate croissant - do not order a pain au chocolat in Bordeaux or a chocolatine in Paris haha ;) 

  In addition, here is some useful food-related vocabulary:  

  • « Petit-déjeuner », which literally means « small lunch » = « Breakfast »  
  • « Déjeuner » = « Lunch »  
  • « Goûter » = « Afternoon snack » 
  • « Dîner » = « Dinner » 
  • « Repas » = « Meal »           
We love our « vin » = « wine », « café » = « coffee » and « thé » = « tea ». « Café » both means « café » (the place) and « coffee » (the drink). Finally, another French language subtlety: to say « having a drink », we say « having a glass », that is: « prendre un verre ».  


 8. Directions 
When moving to a new country, you will most likely end up in situations when you’ll have to ask your way. Here are some French words that will help you ask for directions.

  • « Où est la gare? » = « Where is the train station? » 
  • « Savez-vous où est l’aéroport ? » = « Do you know where the airport is? » 
  • « Je cherche les toilettes » = « I am looking for the restrooms » 
Here is some city-life related vocabulary that could also be useful.

  • « La ville » = « the city » 
  • « La mairie » = « the city hall » 
  • « Le musée » = « the museum » 
  • « L’hôpital » = « the hospital » 
  • To say « restaurant », « bar » and « café » we use the same words as in English. Who said that French language was complicated? ;) 
Finally, here are some answers you could get when asking for directions 

  • « A droite » = « to the right » 
  • « Tournez à gauche » = « turn left » 
  • « Continuez-tout droit » = keep going straight on  

 9. Verbes   
Verbs are quite useful in a sentence, right? In French, they are divided in three groups and conjugate differently depending on the group - the third group being the group of completely irregular verbs - yes French language can actually be quite hard ;). Here are some French verbs that may be useful for you  

  • « Être » = « To be » 
  • « Avoir » = « To have » 
  • « Aller » = « To go » 
  • « Parler » = « To speak » 
  • « Penser » = « To think » 
  • « Manger » = « To eat » 
  • « Boire » = « To drink » 
  • « Dormir » = « To sleep » 
  • « Dire » = « To say » 
  • « Ecouter » = « To listen » 
  • « Savoir » = « To know » 
  • « Vouloir » = « To want » 

10. Au travail !  

As you’re most likely moving abroad to work or to study, the following words may help you navigate the college or corporate world.  

  • « Travailler » = « To work » 
  • « L’emploi » or « le travail » = « The job » 
  • « L’entreprise » = « The company » 
  • « L’université » = « The university »  
  • « L’employé(e) » = « The employee »  
  • « L’élève » = « The student »  
  • « Le patron » = « The boss » - Just as in English, we can also say « Le boss » or « Le manager » 
  • « Le professeur » = « The professor » 


Et voilà!  

Do you have questions about anything stated above? Or are there any other specific French words you would like to know? Do not hesitate to ask in the « Practice Your French » forum, I’ll be happy to answer!  

If you have questions or suggestions about living or moving to France and/or Belgium, feel free to ask them in the « Living Abroad » forum.  


Happy learning!  


Lilas - OLS Community Manager 


5 Things You Should Know Before Starting Your Mobility To Belgium

by Lilas OLS Community Manager -

5 Things You Should Know Before Starting Your Mobility To Belgium


Hi there! If you’re reading this article, you’re most likely about to start your mobility to Belgium. Lucky you! Belgium is an amazing country, with a rich culture and history. Here are five things you should know before moving to the land of chocolate, beers and fries. 


Belgium Has Three Official Languages  

Dinant, Belgium

Dinant, Belgium

There is no such thing as a Belgian language. Belgium is a federal state divided into three different regions: Brussel-capital region, Wallonia and Flanders. As a result, the country has three official languages: French, Dutch (Flemish) and German. This is explained by the country’s proximity with France, The Netherlands and Germany. In Brussels, the country’s capital, the languages spoken are French and Dutch (Flemish). It is a great area to practice your French! 

Dutch is spoken by about 40%. The version of Dutch spoken in Belgium is called Flemish Dutch and is spoken in the region of Flanders. While some people claim that Dutch and Flemish are very similar (as can be UK English and US English), some other consider them to be two separate languages.  

Even though only 1% of the Belgian population speaks German, it is still an official language of the country. In addition, English is widely spoken in Belgium, especially in large cities. Last but not least, there are also many different dialects in Belgium, mostly spoken in rural areas, such as Wallon or Picard. 

French is spoken in the region of Wallonia, by about 59% of the population. Although French Belgian accent and French accent are very different, the vocabulary and grammar are very similar. Except for a few words, it is very easy for a French person to understand a Belgian. 

Ready to start your French language learning journey? In the « Spotlight » section of the French Learning Community and Resources, you will find the placement test/ assessment. Once you complete the assessment, the platform will recommend the course and learning materials that suit you best. As your level of French will improve throughout the year, feel free to take the test as many times as you want.  

In addition, make sure to join the Practice your French Forum. There, you will be able to practice your French by having conversations in French on different topics with other members of the forum.  

Do not hesitate to reach out to me or to other members of OLS through the Ask the Community Forum if you have any questions. Happy learning! 


Getting Around in Belgium is Very Easy  

Antwerp Centraal Train Station

Antwerp Centraal Train Station, Belgium

There are four public transportation operators in Belgium. In addition to nation-wide public trains that are operated by SNCB/NMBS, each region has their own bus, tram and/or metro networks: De Lijn in Flanders, TEC in Wallonia and STIB/MIVB in Brussels.  

Belgian transportation system can be a bit confusing at first, but it is actually quite easy. It has proven to be efficient and accessible. Indeed, Belgium has introduced in 2018 the MoBIB card that can be used for all four transportation networks, which makes it very easy and quick to switch from company one to another. 

The metro only exists in Brussels-capital area. There are four lines and three « pre-metro » lines that are similar to tram lines. Road traffic can be pretty dense in Brussels, especially during rush hour, so metro is a very nice way to travel through the city quickly.  

To go from one city or another, or even from one country to another (it is relatively easy to reach European capitals from Belgium), train has proven to be the fastest and most efficient solution The Antwerp Centraal and Liège-Guillemins train stations are definitely worth checking, as they are both, beautiful pieces of architecture.  

For budget travel, you want to consider bus companies such as FlixBus. Buses are a bit slower than trains but as Belgium is a small country (about 18 times smaller than France and 8 times smaller than the UK), buses are a great way to travel around. Bus companies such as FlixBus also operate outside Belgium. Therefore, is a great and cheap way to get around Europe from Belgium!  

Finally, Belgian bicycle network is also pretty well developed. Commuting by bike has become a regular thing for town folks, even in Brussels and other large cities. Buying a second-hand bike can be a good option if you wish to get around by bike. Make sure to invest in a good lock and to always bring your bike in at night ;) 


French Fries Are Actually From Belgium!  

Fries

While the true origin of French fries is still a controversial topic, the Belgian tourism board claims that French fries should actually be called Belgian fries. Indeed, according to the board, fries have been incorrectly named « French fries » by Americans when they came to Wallonia. The legend says that, as the language spoken in Wallonia was French, American simply assumed they were in France and called fries « French fries ».  

One thing is certain: everyone agrees that Belgian fries are delicious. They are fully embedded in Belgian culture as the « frietkots » are present at every corner of every Belgian village and city. Make sure to stop by one of these fries stalls and enjoy some delicious fries. If you want to enjoy your fries the Belgian-way, eat them with Mayonnaise. I can assure you it’s delicious. You may also want to try the « Moules-Frites », literally « Mussels-Fries », which is another Belgian specialty dish. Bon appétit!  

As you may know, sweets and chocolate are a big deal in Belgium. Belgian is recognized around the world for the quality of its chocolate and chocolate treats. It is one of the world’s top producers of chocolate and Brussels airport is the place in the world that sells the most chocolate.  

A typical Belgian desert you don’t want to miss out on during your mobility to Belgium: Belgian Waffles. They are made from a lighter dough than regular waffles and are delicious enjoyed with topics such as whipped cream, chocolate spread or fresh fruits. If you stop by the city of Liège, make sure to enjoy a Gaufre Liègeoise (Liège waffle). Café Liégeois and Chocolat Liégeois are also quite delicious.  

Last but not least, while France is famous for its wine, beer is the way to go in Belgium. Belgian beers are extremely diverse and their history very rich. Did you know that there are more than 1000 varieties of beers in Belgium? While written proofs showed the existence of the first Belgian brewery in 805, beer became highly popular in Belgium around the 14th and 15th centuries. Belgian beer culture is so massive that it is even registered in the UNESCO intangible world heritage list! Cheers!  


Belgium Culture is Wonderfully Rich  

The Atomium, Brussels, Belgium

The Atomium, Brussels, Belgium

In addition of all the delicious Belgian foods that I just mentioned, there are many other aspects of Belgian culture that are worth discovering.  

Let’s start with the country’s Capital City, Brussels. Make sure to stop by the Grand-Place, « the most beautiful place in the world » according to Victor Hugo, a renowned French author. Two of Brussel’s most famous landmarks are the Manneken-Pis and the Atomium. The Manneken-Pis is a statue of a peeing boy, whose clothes are regularly changed according to the time of the year and cultural events. It is located downtown, not far from the Grand-Place. The Atomium is a huge representation of the unit-cell of iron (and not of an atom!). It was built during the 1958 World Expo, and just as the Eiffel Tower, it was kept even though it was first supposed to be taken down after the Expo. If you go to the Atomium, my personal recommendation would be to visit the « Mini-Europe » open air museum, located at the feet of the Atomium. There, you’ll be able to witness small versions of Europe most famous monuments, including Pisa Tower and Big Ben. It is a great way to see Europe if you don’t have that much time to travel outside Belgium ;) 

Belgium is full of beautiful cities and villages, lands of beautiful architecture and rich history. I would recommend to visit Anvers (Antwerpen) for its cosmopolitan atmosphere; Bouillon which is home of Belgium’s biggest fortress; Bruges (Brugge) for its medieval history and canals; and Liège for its nightlife. 

Did you know that Belgium is the land of comic strips? Many famous comics, such as Tintin, Spirou, and Lucky Luke, are from Belgium. Their creators, renowned comic authors and artists, respectively Hergé, Rob-Vel and Morris, are all Belgian. Last but not least, the Smurfs, created by Peyo, are also from Belgium. Make sure to stop by the Belgian Comic Strip Center (« Centre Belge de la Bande Dessinée (CBBD) ») when you’re in Brussels. It is definitely a must-see!  

Belgium is also the land of festivals and parades. The country has some of the greatest music festivals: Tomorrowland, Rock Werchter and Dour Festival, to name only a few. There, you might have the chance to listen to some great French-speaking Belgian artists such as Stromae or Angele. Belgians also love parades. There are many famous parades around the country and Belgians take carnival and Mardi Gras very seriously. In Wallonia, Belgium’s French-speaking region, Carnival is celebrated in not less than 17 areas! If you have the opportunity, make sure to check out Binge’s Carnival. It will be un unforgettable experience!  

Last but not least, Belgians are big fans of football (soccer). When the country’s national team is playing, Belgium’s three regions unite to support « The Red Devils », by wearing devil horns and decorating their cars with Belgian flags.  


Belgium Is Full of Surprises!  

Flower Carpet, Grand Place, Brussels

Flower Carpet, Grand Place, Brussels

Did you know that Belgians are really good at making flower carpets? Did you know that Belgium is home of the world’s smallest city? Did you know that the world-wide web and the saxophone were invented by Belgians? 

Belgium is definitely a country full of surprises. It is now your time to discover them all! Are there things in this article that you already knew? Or are there things that surprised you? I’d love to know! Feel free to leave a comment in the Living Abroad Forum. There you can share your thoughts with other people starting their mobility to Belgium.  

The whole OLS team and myself are wishing you a great mobility to Belgium! 


Lilas - OLS Community Manager


5 Things You Should Know Before Starting Your Mobility To France

by Lilas OLS Community Manager -

5 Things You Should Know Before Starting Your Mobility To France


Hi there! I believe you are about to start your mobility to France. Lucky you! I am sure it is going to be a wonderful experience! Here are five things you should know before moving to the « Hexagon ». 


France Is Not Just Paris  

Corsica, France

Corsica, France

Even though « Paris is always a good idea », France is a very diverse country, with many regional sceneries and cultures, that has a lot to offer. After you visited the Musée du Louvre, said hi to the Eiffel Tower and enjoyed a Café Crème on one of Paris numerous terrasses, make sure to jump on a train and explore other areas of France. It is definitely worth it!  

About a two-hour drive South-West from Paris, is located the Loire Valley, the world’s largest concentration of castles, registered on the UNESCO world heritage list. The Loire, France’s longest river, is very famous for its 3000 (!!), well preserved, castles, including the famous Chambord Castle and Chenonceau Castle. The Loire Valley is definitely a must do when visiting France!  

The Mediterranean coast of France is also worth a visit (or five). The French Riviera, known as the « Côte d’Azur », goes from Toulon to Italy. Its most famous cities are Nice, its capital; Cannes, home of the famous « Festival de Cannes », and Saint Tropez, recognized for its fancy atmosphere and nightlife. The Côte Bleue, located in the North of Marseille is also very beautiful, just as Marseille’s Southern area, Cassis. Make sure to check out the « Calanques de Cassis », small coves located between rocks and cliffs, accessible by foot or by boat, you won’t be disappointed! Last but not least, Corsica, the fourth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and France’s jewel, offers Seychelles-like landscapes with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and crystal-clear turquoise water.  

Did you know that France has quite a decent surfing culture? If you’re fond of riding waves, make sure to check out the coastal cities of Biarritz and Hossegor, home of the Quicksilver Pro and French Surf Open. If you are rather a fan of winter sports, the French Alps, home of the largest ski resort in the world, will blow your mind.  

To name only a few other beautiful French regions: French Brittany (« Bretagne »), with areas such as Belle-Île-en-Mer and Douarnenez offers beautiful UK-like sceneries; « Les Landes » is home of the highest sand dune in Europe, the Dune du Pilat, located in the beautiful Bassin d’Arcachon; Normandy houses the picturesque Mont-Saint-Michel and Alsace has many beautiful villages (Kaysersberg, Éguisheim, Mittelbergheim, Ribeauvillé, etc.) and hosts every year the world famous Christmas Market of Strasbourg. Definitely a must-see!  

Interested in some of these areas? Leave a comment in the Living Abroad Forum I’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have and to give you with more information about France’s beautiful regions.  


Be Willing to Learn French  




It is ok to move to France with limited French knowledge. Indeed, most day-to-day tasks are manageable in English, especially in large cities and touristy areas. In addition, new generations and university students tend to have a quite decent level of English.  

However, you will only be able to immerse fully into the French culture if you learn French. French can be difficult to learn but it is an incredibly rich language. The more French you can learn, the better! By learning French, you’ll be able to have deep conversations with French people and to get to know the locals in rural areas, where English is usually not widely spoken.  

The good news is that there are plenty of resources in OLS to help you work on that goal!  

In the « Spotlight » section of the French Learning Community and Resources, you will find the placement test/ assessment. Once you complete the assessment, the platform will recommend the course and learning materials that suit you best. As your level of French will improve throughout the year, feel free to take the test as many times as you want.  

Make sure to join the Practice your French Forum. There, you will be able to practice your French by having conversations in French on different topics with other members of the forum. 

In addition, do not hesitate to reach out to me or to other members of OLS through the Ask the Community Forum if you have any questions. Happy learning! 



It Is Easy to Get Around in France If You Don’t Have a Car 

Bikes parked


France’s train system (« SNCF ») is well developed and pretty affordable. With about 30 000 km of railways, it is the second largest train system in Europe. There are several high-speed lanes (« TGV ») enabling passengers to go from one city to another very quickly. Pro tip: if you are younger than 27 years old, you have the possibility to purchase the « Carte Avantage Jeune SNCF », it will give you a 30% discount on your train rides and provides you with more flexibility to exchange your train tickets.  

In addition, six cities have a metro system (Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Paris, Rennes and Toulouse) and 28 metropolitan areas have a tram system. Each city has its own transportation network (RATP in Paris, Tisséo in Toulouse, RTM in Marseille etc.) so make sure to check out their websites when visiting a new city. Many of them also offer students discounts. Another way to get around in cities is to rent bicycles, commonly called « Vélib » or scooters. Here also, each city has its own network of bicycles and scooters, that are linked to a smartphone app through which you can locate and rent them.  

You may have also heard about BlaBlaCar. BlaBlaCar is a carpooling company that connects drivers and passengers willing to travel together from one city to another. It is very popular in France and sometimes even cheaper or faster than taking the train.  

Finally, for budget travel, you may want to check bus companies such as FlixBus or BlablaCar Bus, that operates in France but also in many other European countries. It is not uncommon to travel for less than 20€, even outside the country.  



French People Love Their Food!  

Baguettes

It is impossible to talk about France without talking about food. French people love their food, and, most likely, you will too!  

Let’s start with breakfast. A typical French breakfast usually involves half a baguette with butter and/or jam, « viennoiseries » such as the famous croissant, a hot drink (coffee, tea or hot chocolate) and a cold drink, usually orange juice. So, forget about bacon and scrambled eggs and think « continental breakfast ». 

When it comes to lunch and dinner, French cuisine has a lot to offer. Each region has its own specialties: when Mediterranean cuisine involves olive oil and sun-kissed vegetables, Savoyard dishes, enjoyed in the North, such as Tartiflette and Fondue, are usually rich in cheese and cream. Here are some very famous French dishes you may want to try out, to name only a few: Foie Gras, Quiche Lorraine, Raclette, gratin Dauphinois, Boeuf Bourguignon and steak tartare. When visiting France, make sure to check out the local specialties, you won’t be disappointed! 

After the main course, comes the cheese. Did you know that there are more than 1200 varieties of cheese in France? From hard cheeses and soft cheeses, to cow, sheep and goat cheeses, there is a cheese for everyone. The most popular are Camembert, Emmental, Conté, Saint-Nectaire, Reblochon and Roquefort.  

Now, the best part: the desert! You might have heard of Crème Brulée, which literally means « Burnt Cream »; Tarte Tatin, a delicious apple pie usually served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream; Crêpes, enjoyed in February for the « Chandeleur » celebration and Macarons, that goes perfectly well with black coffee. Do not hesitate to share in the Living Abroad Forum which French desert is your favorite and why. I’d love to know!  

Last but not least, France is undoubtedly the country of wine. In regions such as Bordeaux or Bourgogne, you’ll be able to enjoy some of the finest wines in the world. Do you want to hear some good news? French wine is actually quite affordable. In France, a cheap wine doesn’t mean a bad wine, as there are many affordable good wines at your local supermarket. Finally, France is always the birth country of the famous Champagne, which is produced in the eponym region of Champagne.  

Bon appétit!  



Get Curious about the Culture  

Eiffel Tower


Each country has its own habits and customs. French customs and traditions may be different than those of your country. Here are some things you should know about the French way of life. 

French people usually work from Monday 9am to Friday 5pm. Weekends are therefore Saturday and Sunday. Sunday is a rest day when the vast majority of shops are closed (except in Paris). In addition, it is not uncommon that shops and public institutions close between 12 and 2, especially in rural areas.  

When meeting people in a formal environment, French people tend to do rapid yet polite handshakes. In more casual contexts, when most cultures tend to hug, French people usually do « La bise ». This tradition consists in doing an air kiss on each cheek when greeting a person. The number of kisses can go up to four times depending on where in France you are.  


Are there things in this article that surprised you? Or some that you already know? Feel free to share your thoughts by leaving a comment in the Living Abroad Forum 

It is now your turn to explore this beautiful country and enjoy its landscapes, food and culture. The whole OLS team and myself are wishing you a great mobility to France! 


Lilas - OLS Community Manager