10 Surprising French Culture Shocks: What Immersion Courses Don't Teach You
Studying French in France? Get ready for these 10 surprising French culture shocks, from electric blinds and long pillows to the real rules of 'bonjour' and 'tu/vous.
Simply French Team
So, you're dreaming of learning French. Not just from an app, but by truly living it—strolling through ancient streets, ordering a café crème at a local bistro, and finally mastering the subjunctive.
Many students flock to immersion courses in beautiful cities like Montpellier, diving headfirst into intensive study. They expect to grapple with grammar and vocabulary, but what they often don't expect are the dozens of small, surprising cultural differences that make up daily life in France.
Based on the fascinating experiences of a student who recently completed a two-month "super intensive" course in the South of France, here are 10 culture shocks you might encounter.
1. The Magic of Electric Blackout Blinds (Volets Roulants)
In many countries, we rely on flimsy curtains. In France, especially in the South, they've perfected the art of darkness. Almost every window is equipped with volets roulants—electric blackout blinds. With the press of a button, you can plunge a room into pitch-black darkness, even at high noon. It's not just for afternoon naps; it's an essential tool for keeping apartments cool during the hot summer months.
2. The Mysterious Delivery Hooks by the Door
As you wander through French towns, you might notice small, often decorative, metal hooks next to apartment doors. These aren't just for decoration! They are a charming relic of a bygone era, traditionally used for the daily delivery of baguettes or milk, which would be hung in a basket.
3. The Long Pillow: Meet Le Traversin
Forget your standard rectangular pillows. On many French beds, you'll find le traversin, a long, cylindrical bolster pillow that spans the entire width of the bed. While it might seem strange at first, it's incredibly practical for sitting up in bed to read or (what else?) study your French verbs.
4. Those "Wispy" Curtains Have a Serious Job
At first glance, the thin, see-through curtains (moustiquaires) on windows seem pointless. They don't block light or offer much privacy. But as one student learned the hard way (after many mosquito bites), their purpose is crucial: they are the last line of defense against insects, allowing you to keep the windows open on a hot day without being eaten alive.
5. The Strict Social Rules of Greetings
This is a big one. The rules for "hello" are not flexible.
- Bonjour is used all morning and afternoon, but it abruptly stops around 5 PM.
- Bonsoir is used from the evening onwards.
- You only say these when you arrive. When you leave, you say Bonne journée (Have a good day) or Bonne soirée (Have a good evening).
- And Salut? It's the ultimate multitasker, working for both "Hi!" and "Bye!" in informal settings.
6. The Heartbreaking Quest for Decaf Coffee
If you're sensitive to caffeine, be warned. Finding a good decaffeinated coffee (un déca) in a French café is a challenge. More often than not, you'll be handed a sachet of instant coffee. The silver lining? It's the perfect excuse to try the chocolat chaud, which is often a luxuriously rich drink made from real melted chocolate and cream.
7. The Southern France Lifestyle (vs. the Paris Stereotype)
Many English speakers have a stereotype of the French as being impatient, judgmental, or quick to correct you. In the South of France, at least, the opposite is often true. The lifestyle in Montpellier is described as laid-back, calm, and friendly, with locals happy to chat.
8. The "Everyone Speaks English" Myth
Another common stereotype is that if you try to speak French, the person will just reply in perfect English. This is simply not true, especially outside of major tourist hubs in Paris. In Montpellier, for example, many residents prefer to speak French, which is the perfect (and necessary!) push for a student to practice and improve.
9. The Great Social Dance of Vous and Tu
Every French learner knows the textbook rule: tu is for friends and family (informal), and vous is for strangers and professionals (formal). But the real-life navigation of this rule is all about "vibes." A conversation might start with a mutual vous, until one person casually drops a tu to signal, "it's cool, we're chill." Missing that cue and continuing with vous can suddenly become awkward. It's a subtle social dance that locals navigate as naturally as breathing.
10. Funky Grammar and "Franglais"
The language itself has its quirks:
- Text Abbreviations: The French have their own textspeak: bjr (bonjour), slt (salut), tkt (t'inquiète / don't worry), and the classic mdr (mort de rire / lol).
- English Loanwords: English is everywhere—c'est cool, j'adore un challenge, je dois faire un planning, c'est de la fake news.
- The Golden Rule: You must pronounce these English words with a French accent. If you say "Power Rangers" with an English accent, you might get a blank stare. Say it like "Pow-eur Rahn-geurs," and you'll be met with a nod of recognition!
Want to Master the Language Before You Go?
Navigating these cultural quirks is so much easier when your language skills are solid. You don't want to be fumbling with vous and tu while also trying to order a coffee!
That's where Simply French comes in.
Our comprehensive online courses, from total beginner (A1) to advanced (C1), are designed to get you conversation-ready. We don't just teach you grammar rules from a textbook; we prepare you for the real France, with lessons on modern culture, spoken-language shortcuts, and the confidence to handle any situation.