daily life in france

This site has plenty of information about destinations, about we the French (and our foibles), and about our history and culture. But sometimes there are things that don't anywhere else but that are a part of everyday life here: this is where you'll find them.

Going to the market

Even the smallest towns in France have a weekly market, and while we often go to the supermarket, we haven't lost our market habit. I have two markets a week in my town: I go to one for my fish, and to the other for my cheese.

We also have a passion for flea markets, and can spend many a Sunday in summer rummaging through these semi-professional stands.

Made in France

France is very proud of its know-how, whether handicrafts or technology, and real trade and artistry is often protected by laws.

• Made In France: Creations, Crafts And Creativity
• The Art Of Shopping In France Like An Artiste
  
• Best Of France Know-How And Ingenuity

Leisure

• Wellness In France: How To Choose The Perfect French Spa Stay
• The Best Books About France You'll Ever Read

Weird things

• 19 Weird French Laws Thought Bizarre Even In France
• 24 Weird French Foods We Still Love In France

Language and Pronunciation

• How To Say Breakfast In French (And Other Yummy Phrases)
• 12 Polite Ways To Ask For The Bathroom in French [+Audio]
• Loire Pronunciation And Other Loire-Related Things To Confuse You

🇫🇷

Bonjour! I’m Leyla - I was born in Paris and now live in the bucolic mountain foothills of Eastern France between Lyon and Annecy. My days are spent exploring my country. 

I'm rediscovering my own back yard after years of living abroad as a journalist and diplomat - and I'm loving every minute.

Passionate about history and culture, I’ve created Offbeat France to seek out my country’s mysteries and legends, less-traveled destinations, along with plenty of food stops and many castles – I am French, after all!

Read more!

🇫🇷

What's New!

• 

1. The Best Giverny Day Trip From Paris (+ Orsay)

   Apr 17, 24 05:32 AM

   If you need to immerse yourself in Impressionism, this Giverny day trip from Paris includes the Orsay Museum and a private guide.

   Read More

2. 11 Masterpieces Of The Cluny Museum (Including Lady And The Unicorn)

   Apr 15, 24 10:46 AM

   Most people come for the Lady and the Unicorn tapestries, but stick around and discover 11 Cluny Museum treasures.

   Read More

3. 12 Things To Do In Rouen, Normandy, That Will Enrich Your Culture

   Apr 06, 24 04:47 AM

   These 12 things to do in Rouen are high in culture, from art and architecture to history and gastronomy.

   Read More

4. 7 Thematic Ways to Explore Rouen Cathedral, A Gothic Masterpiece

   Apr 06, 24 04:46 AM

   Rouen Cathedral is so rich in history and art that you'll be hard-pressed to leave, even if you're not a fan of religious architecture.

   Read More

5. Rouen, Capital of Impressionism? Light, Shadow, and the River Seine

   Apr 06, 24 04:45 AM

   Rouen, capital of Impressionism, has been a magnet for artists since the 19th century. Find out why.

   Read More