What to do outside of French classes in France?
France is an essential country for tourism, being the first destination in the world in terms of number of visitors. But what makes France so attractive?
- Diversity of landscapes: majestic mountains, picturesque coastlines, calming rivers and rivers, and a countryside rich in traditions. (see Tourist geography of France)
- Historic and cultural cities: discover iconic monuments, interactive museums and a wealth of entertainment. Every city in France has something unique to offer.
- Ease of travel: a complete transport network with metros, trams, buses, cycle paths, high-speed trains, and well-served airports. (see Means of access in France)
- Quality tourist infrastructure: wide choice of accommodation for all budgets, amusement parks, renowned ski resorts, marinas, supervised beaches. The museums, which are constantly being renovated, offer visits accessible to all.
- French gastronomy: a rich and varied culinary tradition, adapted to modern tastes. Discover regional specialties and famous wines from each region. (see French regional specialties and The wine regions of France)
Your experience in France will depend on the school you choose and its location. To maximize your stay, find out online before you leave.
You could join a local association, drama club, or choir to practice your French outside of class. Your school secretary or your teachers will be able to direct you towards enriching activities. In addition, student residences are ideal places to find out about local community life.
If you choose a homestay, your hosts will be happy to recommend local activities and invite you to participate in their leisure activities.
In addition to your personal discoveries, each FLE school offers a varied program of entertainment and cultural activities, designed to enrich your language stay.
FAQ
France is increasingly committed to the fight against smoking. Today, the number of smokers in France is gradually decreasing. French laws prohibit smoking in all public places: restaurants, cafes, schools, universities, stores, train stations, trains, and more. Areas dedicated to smokers are clearly marked to avoid any confusion.
If you are staying in a residence, hotel, or furnished rental, it is important to know that smoking indoors is generally prohibited. In host families, smoking in the room is strictly prohibited. However, it may be possible to smoke in other parts of the apartment, provided the host family agrees. Don’t forget to discuss this point with your French school when you register to ensure a pleasant stay.
In France, electrical outlets are often 3-pin (with earth). Remember to bring an adapter compatible with the French electrical system to avoid any inconvenience during your stay.
In France, waste management is a common practice, with a well-organized selective sorting system. To help protect the environment, it is essential to know the rules for sorting waste in the city where you live.
Sorting is generally done using three containers of different colors:
- Yellow container: for recyclable waste such as paper, cardboard, and plastic packaging.
- Gray container: for non-recyclable domestic waste.
- Green container: for glass bottles and jars.
These practices may vary slightly depending on the region where you settle in France. It is therefore recommended to find out about the specific rules for sorting waste from your town hall or your residence.
Before going to France to learn French, check that your mobile plan allows you to call and receive calls from France. Telephone numbers in France have 10 digits and start with a 0 (except for special numbers). To call France from abroad, dial 00 33 followed by the French number without the initial 0.
International calls from France
To stay in touch with your family or friends, you can call your country by dialing 00, followed by the national code, then the calling number.
Emergency numbers in France
It is important to know the main emergency numbers in France:
- 112: European emergency number, valid in all countries of the European Union.
- 15: SAMU (Emergency Medical Assistance Service), available 24 hours a day. A doctor can make a diagnosis remotely or travel if necessary.
- 17: Emergency Police, to be contacted in the event of danger or threat.
- 18: Firefighters, who are not limited to dealing with fires, but also intervene in the event of an accident or medical emergency. Firefighters are highly appreciated by the French for their responsiveness and professionalism.
These services can also direct you to an on-call pharmacy, particularly at night or on public holidays.
During the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, France demonstrated its strong commitment to sport. If you are considering coming to France to learn French, know that you will have the opportunity to participate in various sporting activities. However, the possibility of joining clubs or sports associations will depend on the length of your stay and your French course program.
For an extended language stay, it will be easier to join a football, tennis, sailing, horse riding, skiing, skating, or other club. These clubs will likely ask you to pay a small entry fee.
The school where you will study, the residence where you will stay or even your host family will be valuable resources for informing you about local sporting activities. Remember to check that your personal insurance covers these sporting activities (see Health and safety section, 3.3).
