It's already been 3 months since I was in France. I wish we were a little closer and I could just pop in for few days or the long weekend.

One of my favourite things about Paris is noticing the little quirks of everyday life. They’re the habits that I kind of forget about leaving in Australia but hit me as soon as I land and are such a part of the French scene. 

Here are 5 quirky French habits you’ll spot in Paris from day 1.

😀 1. Saying Bonjour Everywhere

Bonjour isn’t optional.  it’s the secret code for politeness. Step into a shop, greet the bus driver, or order a coffee… always start with Bonjour !

🥖 2. The Daily Baguette Ritual

Yes, it’s true — Parisians really do walk home with a baguette under their arm. Usually bought fresh in the afternoon, because bread here is meant to be enjoyed the same day. 

Phrase to try: Une baguette, s’il vous plaît. (One baguette, please.) *ps. Make sure you ask for une baguette tradition, it's the best.

☕ 3. Coffee at the Counter

Lo...

What is the key to speaking French? 

Some might say passion, some might say hard work, some might say immersion....

What do you actually need to get by in French? 

We are not talking about fluency here, just some good old fashioned basic French that will be good enough to get you through your next trip and will allow you to enjoy the amazing gratification that connecting with the locals can be.

You can do it, I promise. 

Here are what you truly really need to get there...I promise it's not that bad.

1) Master the sounds

Do not worry about your accent but work right away on your pronunciation. Listen, say it, repeat, and then do it again.

Speak from day 1. Do not wait until you're better, until you know more vocabulary, until you have been to classes.  

2) Basic tenses

Learn and understand the most important 5 tenses and some common verbs.

4 or 5 tenses will allow you to speak of any situation. The present, the futur proche, the passé composé, and a few bits and pieces...