Living abroad offers your children an incredible openness to the world. But it’s also a challenge: how can you pass on French culture to them while allowing them to thrive in a different environment?
Between language, traditions, and little daily rituals, there are many ways to keep a living connection with France. No need for textbooks or formal lessons — culture is passed on above all through joy, curiosity, and sharing.
Speak French in daily life
Language is the first gateway to culture.
Even if your children grow up in a multilingual environment, keep speaking French at home. Tell them stories from your childhood, describe your day, read them books, or sing French nursery rhymes.
The more the language is associated with positive emotions, the more natural and alive it will become for them.
Cook the French way
Cooking is perhaps the most joyful way to pass on culture.
Prepare classic French dishes together — crêpes, tarts, gratins, or a simple yogurt cake.
Use the moment to tell them where these recipes come from, share memories of family meals, or teach them expressions like “mettre la main à la pâte” (to lend a hand).
These shared moments become traditions that cross borders.
Celebrate French holidays
Even abroad, it’s possible to celebrate the key moments of the year the French way.
Bastille Day on July 14th, galette des rois in January, crêpes for Candlemas, Easter eggs, Christmas and its festive markets… These rituals remind children of their roots and provide familiar traditions.
Invite local friends to join in — it creates joyful and meaningful cultural exchanges.
Read and listen in French
Books, songs, and films are wonderful tools for maintaining a connection with French culture.
Choose children’s books, fairy tales, comics, and music suited to their age.
Watch movies or cartoons together in the original French version — it helps them keep their French ear tuned and build their vocabulary while having fun.
Create “100% France” moments
Why not establish a weekly “French-style” day or evening?
A traditional dinner, a movie night with a French film, a board game, or simply a chat about France and what you miss from it.
These moments become emotional touchpoints where culture is experienced through the joy of sharing.
Travel to France or bring France into your home
If possible, plan occasional trips to France so your children can discover or rediscover the country — its landscapes, museums, cousins, and grandparents.
And when that’s not possible, bring France into your home: listen to French music, cook with regional products, watch documentaries about different regions.
Every little gesture helps nurture their curiosity and strengthen their connection to their roots.
Take part in the local French-speaking community
In most major cities around the world, there are associations, schools, or Alliances Françaises that organize cultural events, celebrations, screenings, or workshops for children.
Taking part not only helps maintain the language but also fosters a sense of belonging to an open and welcoming French-speaking community.
Are you a French expat living abroad?
Discover our offers for French expats and French companies abroad.