The summer went all too fast this year, and as the sweet chestnuts (or les châtaignes) start to fall, autumn is ready to take centre stage here in Normandy and Paris.
It is a fabulous time of year and if you’re thinking of heading to Paris to soak up the atmosphere, The Good Life France have 10 things to do to help you capture the essence of autumn. If you are visiting, we hope you’ll also get a chance to practise your French as you explore and if you want to “speak like a local” have a look at our collection of strange or funny French words and try and drop a few into conversation.
Impressionism is all around us here at XPF and one of our favourite things to do at this time of year is to explore Chatou, also known as the Île des Impressionnistes (Island of Impressionists). A small island in the river Seine, Chatou was once the Las Vegas of Paris famed for swimming, parties, art and cheap wine (as it wasn’t covered by Paris taxes). Of course, we’re also not far from where Manet painted his famous and shocking Le Dejeuner Sur L’Herbe – a painting that rocked the art world.
Finally, before you head out to kick leaves and enjoy crisp, fresh mornings and autumn mists, our blogger, Kris, has been back to Normandy to sample two wonderful local products: Calvados and cheese. What a perfect way to welcome the cooler months ahead.
If any of this has tempted you to visit beautiful France or refresh your French language skills, why not have a look at some of the experiences we offer here at XPF?
Bonne automne
Lucy
You can find all the above articles here:
Well that’s strange
Speak French like a local with these strange but funny French words and expressions.
https://xpfrance.net/blog/french-lessons/strange-french-words-you-may-never-forget/
Calvados, cheese and commemorations
XPF’s Kris returns to Normandy to try some of the local specialities and practise her French.
https://xpfrance.net/kris-crossing-france/normandy-french-language-history-holiday/
Exploring Paris in Autumn
Enjoy wine festivals, autumn leaves, incredible luminous installations and hot chocolate at Notre Dame.
https://thegoodlifefrance.com/10-reasons-to-visit-paris-in-autumn/
How Manet shocked the world
Waldemar explains how Manet’s Le Dejeuner Sur L’Herbe not only shocked the world but changed the course of modern art.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WJz_bhGg1U
