You'll find the least English spoken in deeply rural areas away from tourist hubs, older generations, and less internationally-focused regions like parts of Auvergne, inland Brittany, or less-visited pockets of the Languedoc, where immersion in French is necessary; major cities and Riviera areas have more English, but rural France offers the biggest challenge for English-only speakers, requiring basic French phrases.
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.
Is there a part of France where they don't speak French?
French is the sole official language in France according to the second article of the French Constitution. French, a Gallo-Romance language, is spoken by nearly the entire population of France.
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.
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.
However, it's important to understand that while the French are protective of their traditions, they are not inherently unfriendly towards foreigners. Many expats who move to France find that once they make an effort to learn the language and understand local customs, they are warmly welcomed into their communities.
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.
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.
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.
The Zone Rouge, or Red Zone, is the name given to about 460 square miles of totally devastated land in the Meuse. Littered with unexploded ordnance, it became a physical and environmental catastrophe.
Thailand has one of the highest rates of cheating, with over half of married people admitting to infidelity at least once. European countries also show higher rates of infidelity compared to other regions. Cultural attitudes towards relationships, marriage, and sexuality play a role in these differences.
