If your child doesn’t speak French yet, here’s the single most important thing to check before you pick a school: what language learning support does the school actually offer?

We’re already a week into la rentrée — “the return.” In France, it’s more than just back-to-school. After a long August when much of the country is on holiday, France seems to wake up together on September 1st or 2nd and collectively head back to work, school, and routines.

August has arrived — and if you’re reading this from the USA, you’re probably gearing up for back-to-school season. Meanwhile, we are smack in the middle of France’s nationwide summer vacation. And we mean nationwide.

Today’s topic isn’t the most fun — but if you’re living in France on U.S. dollar income while spending euros, it’s a necessary one.

If you’re visiting France, newly settled, or just find yourself needing medical help on a holiday weekend, navigating the French healthcare system can feel daunting. Here’s a tool worth knowing about.

So what do you actually do when it hits 100°F and your house has no air conditioning?

Moving to France and need to furnish a new home? Start at a recyclerie — France’s thrift stores hide incredible bargains, from armoires to antique pianos.

If you’re an American planning to live in France, your driver’s license situation depends entirely on where you’re from back home.If your home state isn’t on the exchange list, you’ll need to take the full French driving exam — written and practical — just like every French teenager does.

When we came to France, we thought it would be for a year. I’m not sure what we would have done differently knowing what we know now — it all worked out, and we’re happy. What I can say is that for the past three years, I’ve lived without knowing exactly what comes next.

Of course, that’s always true. Even if we don’t admit it.

A better translation tool exists, it’s free, and once you try it you won’t go back

Short and sweet this week — but genuinely useful. If Google Translate is your go-to for French, it’s time to switch. We prefer DeepL, and once you try it side by side, the difference is hard to ignore.

Have you heard of France Services? Because when we first learned about it, our minds were genuinely blown — and we think every expat and newcomer in France should know it exists.

Making Friends in France: What Nobody Tells You
City vs. small town, French vs. international — and one surprisingly useful trick involving English bookstores.