Which areas of France speak fairly 'standard' French?

Show all answers

WISE OWL

The purest French is spoken In the Loire area of France, which also happens to be one of the most interesting regions both culturally and historically. Brittany and Normandy are also clear of a strong accent.

The most pronounced regional accents are down in the South and also in the North East by the Germany, Luxembourg and Belgium borders.

You have to bear in mind that now there have been such shifts in population that accents are becoming more uniform throughout France, and there also are many immigrants from ex-French territories that have settled everywhere so have distinctive accents.

However if you are applying to be an assistant in a school during your gap year, there is no guarantee that they will send you to the region of your choice. My son was sent to Tunis (which is not in France but in Tunisia. North Africa). My daughter, having asked for the Loire for the same reason as yourself, found herself in a lycГ©e in Maubeuge near the Belgian border, and several of my students instead of being sent to the main cities they had requested in their application found themselves in backwaters. My youngest daughter having asked for Lyon found herself in Decazeville near the Pyrennees. It is very much the luck of the draw. However, it should be said that, despite the dismal location she was sent to, my eldest daughter had the happiest year in her life in Maubeuge and speaks the purest of French. Perhaps it would be a good strategy to specify towns in a certain region, rather than whole areas as you are encouraged to do on the application form.

Blues Lovin' Daddy

Northern France has a pronunciation that I can easily understand. I learned French in highschool 30 years ago. (America)
BUT...when I go to southern France, forget it. also, when I speak to people of African descent, who also speak French, it is difficult.
Children are very easy to understand, in all regions.
I have been to Caribbean islands where a French 'patois' is spoken. that is VERY VERY difficult to understand.

Aucune probleme around Paris, Lille, Amiens, Normandy....

elliott

The city of Tours in central France is known to have the purest accent of all France.

a.labourdette

SOUTH OF FRANCE! and monaco!
they speak both french and english plus such a great place to be at! amazing night life and shopping if your into that

st tropez, cannes, nice and monte carlo are great places

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: