Yes, French is the primary, official language spoken in Strasbourg. While the city has a rich Germanic history and is located on the German border, modern-day residents predominantly speak French, although many are bilingual in German or the local Alsatian dialect.
Strasbourg's metropolitan area had a population of 860,744 in 2020, making it the eighth-largest metro area in France and home to 14% of the Grand Est region's inhabitants.
What Language Do People Speak In Strasbourg? - Exploring Southwest Europe
Where is Little England in France?
Little England in the Seven Valleys, Pas-de-Calais. Deep in the heart of rural France, in the Seven Valleys area of Pas-de-Calais in the north is a sizeable community of English speaking expats. This part of France is very popular with British, Dutch and Belgian holidaymakers, second-homers and émigrés.
You can hardly go to Strasbourg without enjoying some traditional choucroute, an iconic dish. A few restaurants in Strasbourg have built up a great reputation for themselves with this speciality. The tarte flambée, served all-you-can-eat, is another local speciality you'll want to try.
Dating back to 1570, the legendary market sweeps across the entire Old Town in a glow of lights and garlands with the majestic Christmas tree on Place Kléber standing as the city's seasonal centerpiece. For many, Strasbourg is more than just a market – it's a holiday pilgrimage.
In August 1944, several buildings in the Old Town were damaged by bombs, particularly the Palais Rohan, the Old Customs House (Ancienne Douane) and the Cathedral. On 23 November 1944, the city was officially liberated by the 2nd French Armoured Division under General Leclerc.
Strasbourg is moderately expensive, more affordable than Paris but pricier than some other French cities, with costs varying by season and location; accommodation and dining can be high, especially downtown or during holidays, but strategic choices (like eating local, using public transport, booking ahead) make it manageable on a budget, while living costs are relatively reasonable outside the city center.
In summary, while French is the primary language in France, you can indeed survive—and even thrive—with just English, especially in larger cities and expat communities. With the right resources, a willingness to adapt, and a positive attitude, moving to France can be a rewarding experience.
If there's one city that consistently earns a reputation for friendliness, it's Montpellier. This youthful, sun-soaked city in Occitanie combines Mediterranean flair with a forward-thinking spirit. Home to three universities, Montpellier has an energetic vibe—but don't let that fool you.
While English proficiency varies across the country, it is generally higher in urban areas, especially in major cities and tourist destinations. Regions like Paris, the French Riviera, and larger cities such as Lyon and Bordeaux have more English speakers due to their international appeal and diverse populations.
Yes, the French absolutely say "je voudrais" (I would like), and it's the standard, polite way to make requests, especially when ordering food or asking for something in a shop, though natives also use "je vais prendre" or simply "un café, s'il vous plaît" for casual orders, while "je veux" (I want) is considered rude.
Besides Paris, many British expatriates tend to be concentrated in the regions of southern France, Brittany, and recently the island of Corsica. Dordogne has a large British immigrant community.
Nope. France isn't a monarchy. It's a Republic, so there's no current royal family recognized by the French state. Still, there are thousands of French citizens who have titles, and many who can trace their lineage back to the French Royal Family and nobility.
