Ready to travel and kick your study of French into high gear? French tutor Jackie A. shares her suggestions for where to plan your next vacation…
When you started learning French I’d bet your friends and family asked you “Why?!? You can’t use that anywhere else besides France! When are you ever going to use that?!?” Well, I’m here to help you tell those not so blissfully ignorant loved ones just where you CAN use your French!
1. Canada
As many Americans know, Quebec is the French speaking region of Canada. A six hour drive can take you from New York City to Montreal. Nowadays you do need to bring your passport, but with it you get all the beauty of 400-year-old French architecture, the language of love, as well as North American winters perfect for the slopes, and the comfort of knowing you’re not too far from home.
2. The Caribbean
Okay, okay so the Caribbean isn’t a country but there were too many to list! St. Bart’s, St. Martin, Guadeloupe, Martinique, La Reunion – the list goes on and on! Can’t you just imagine the white sandy beaches, coconut in hand, listening to waves with a new French-speaking friend by your side whispering the most romantic language in the world into your ear? Le sigh!!!
3. Morocco
If Indiana Jones is more your style than a beach resort, you should know that most of Africa speaks French either as a primary or secondary language. Explore thousand-year-old ruins, order a coffee in your favorite Casablanca cafe, plan a trip to the desert, and haggle prices in the casbah with the locals using your knowledge of the French language.
4. Seychelles
It’s where Prince William & Kate Middleton had their honeymoon so you know it’s good! Located on the east side of Africa, these breathtaking islands are tres chic right now, and the locals at the art galleries will be eating out of the palm of your hand when you understand their language – French!
5. Switzerland
Why is Switzerland last? Ask Mark Twain, Ernest Hemingway, or Charles Dickens. This is also the place where Audrey Hepburn decided to spend her life. I personally spent four months studying French in Switzerland and I ache for more!
The Alpine vistas, the clean air, the glacial water, the trains, and the many, many indoor and outdoor activities all make Switzerland an amazing place to visit. It’s a wonderful example of democracy and a multicultural nation that works efficiently and peacefully. Plus – it’s smack dab in the middle of Europe. Perfect for any excursion you’d like to venture off to next!
These aren’t the only places that speak French – you can find French speaking regions here in the United States, more European countries, countries in southeast Asia, a spare country in South America, and many islands in all of the Earth’s oceans.
By learning to speak French you have a key to new cultures – music, art, food, ideas, and new friends around the world. Check out the video below to get started with some key phrases for travelers:
Learn French even faster by working with a private tutor! French tutors are available to work with you in-person or online via webcam. Find your French tutor today.
Post Author: Jackie A. is an acting, English, French, and Spanish instructor in Essington, PA. She taught English as she studied abroad in Geneva, Switzerland and is an active member of her local improv troupe. Learn more about Jackie here!
Megan L.