Bonjour à toutes et à tous,
Summer is here, and with it comes the perfect excuse to slow down, soak up some sunshine, and add a little more joie de vivre to your days. The French are famous for knowing how to holiday well. Whether it’s long lunches in the shade, lazy mornings, or countryside getaways, they take the art of les vacances seriously.
If you’re heading to France, planning a staycation with a French twist, or simply dreaming of summer from your garden, why not infuse a bit of French spirit into your plans?
Here are ten typically French activities to inspire you, along with the expressions to go with them. A great way to sprinkle in some vocabulary while soaking up that holiday feeling.
10 French Activities for Your Summer Adventure
1. Prenez un p’tit pastis entre potes
Have a little pastis with your mates. This aniseed-flavoured apéritif, often called un p’tit Ricard, is a southern French favourite. It’s usually sipped slowly in good company before dinner.
2. Jouez à la pétanque
Play a game of boules. This traditional sport is a familiar sight in village squares. The metallic clink of the balls and the relaxed pace make it a wonderfully French way to spend a summer afternoon.
3. Faites des randonnées
Go hiking. Whether it’s the Alps, the Pyrenees, or a forest path nearby, France is full of beautiful walking trails. Pop some cheese and a baguette in your backpack and off you go.
4. Mangez de la crème glacée
Eat some ice cream. It’s one of the simplest pleasures of summer. You could even use it as an excuse to practise ordering in French. “Une boule de pistache, s’il vous plaît.”
5. Profitez de la vie
Make the most of life. This little phrase says a lot. Slow down. Take a moment. Sit in a café and watch the world go by. That is very French indeed.
6. Faites la grasse matinée
Have a lie-in. The French call it a “fat morning”, and it’s all about sleeping late and taking it easy. No alarm clock. No guilt.
7. Lézardez sur un transat
Lounge about on a deckchair. Just like a lizard sunning itself on a rock. A book, a breeze, and nothing much on the to-do list. Don’t forget to pronounce the final t in transat.
8. Faites bronzette à la plage
Sunbathe on the beach. “Faire bronzette” is an informal way to talk about catching some rays. Add some crème solaire, and you’re ready.
9. Faites un plouf
Go for a dip. It might just be your toes in the sea or a full dive into a lake. Either way, “faire un plouf” is a fun little expression to know and use.
10. Faites une pause aux aires d’autoroute
Take a break at a motorway service station. A true part of the French holiday experience. Stretch your legs, grab un en-cas, refuel the car, and take in the scenery. You might even spot a family playing pétanque at the picnic area!
Want to Sound More French This Summer?
If you’d love to pronounce these words and expressions with more confidence and ease, my French Pronunciation Power Pack is the perfect place to start.
It’s a free resource designed to help English speakers improve their French pronunciation. Inside, you’ll find 3 short video lessons, pronunciation tips, and practice tools to help you sound more French, one step at a time.
Whether you’re a beginner or brushing up before a holiday, it’s a fun and focused way to level up your speaking skills and boost your confidence.
You can download it >>here.
Passez un bel été !
Wherever you are, I hope this summer is filled with sunshine and memorable moments! Try out a few of these expressions, savour the slower pace, and bring a little ambiance à la française to your holidays.
Profitez-en et à très bientôt,
Frannie x
Want to Sound More French When You Speak?
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