Five Minute French: French phrases to use in July

Last updated on August 9th, 2023 at 05:11 pm

Ready to learn some French phrases for July?

July is my favourite month of the year, because it’s my birthday, and the summer is now in full swing. 

It’s been a hot and sticky start, but my garden is in full bloom now, although the grass is looking a bit sorry for itself.

Those usual weekly commitments are finished for the summer, which for me, sadly, means no line dancing till September.

But on the plus side, I have more time to enjoy the night markets, aperos with friends on the long summer evenings, and the fields of sunflowers that are now all over the Charente.

Another thing you’ll see a lot of is garage sales. It’s a popular thing in France and a great way to clear out your house and make some pocket money at the same time.

We have a long weekend trip planned in July to the wine capital of France, Bordeaux. Although we only live two hours away, I love going to explore and spend time there. 

We have a wine-tasting trip to Saint Emilion planned, as well as visiting Bassin des Lumières and spending time at some of the great markets there.

School is out for summer, and everywhere is starting to fill up with tourists. Even our little Supermarket, SuperU in Mansle, was full of English-speaking people when I popped in on Saturday. 

Along with the night markets come the festivals. And they happen in all shapes and sizes. One of my favourites is the Cognac Blues Festival.

July 14th is la Fête Nationale (Bastille Day)

It’s the French equivalent of the 4th of July, and the fireworks displays are always really good.

Interestingly though, the French DON’T call it Bastille Day. That’s a name we’ve adopted for it.

July is also the month of the famous Tour de France, running from July 1st – July 23rd, and it reaches Bordeaux on Friday, July 7th.

“Le bonheur est un papillon, qui, lorsqu’il est poursuivi, est toujours juste au-dessus de votre portée, mais qui, si vous vous asseyez tranquillement, peut se poser sur vous.”

Nathaniel Hawthorne

TRANSLATION: Happiness is a butterfly, which, when pursued, is always just above your reach, but which, if you sit quietly, may alight on you.

Time for our top picks for French phrases to use in July

Ralentissons notre rythme au travail. (Let’s slow down at work.)

Mettons les enfants au centre aéré en attendant que les parents soient en vacances ! (Let’s put the kids to the activity center waiting for parents to be on holidays!)

Choisissons quelques festivals pour faire la fête avec nos chanteurs préférés ! (Let’s choose some music festivals to party with our favourite singers!)

Partons, ne serait-ce que quelques jours, pour changer d’air. (Let’s leave, if only for a few days, to get a change of scenery.)

Reposons-nous dans le canapé en regardant les grimpeurs du Tour de France. (Let’s rest in the sofa watching hill-climbers of the Tour de France. 

Faisons un barbecue en famille ou entre amis le soir du juillet et allons regarder le feu d’artifices. (Let’s barbecue with our family or friends the night of 14th of July and watch the fireworks.)

Allons flâner dans les allées d’une foire à tout un dimanche pour dénicher la perle rare. (Let’s stroll through the aisle of a garage sale to find the rare gem.

N’ayez ps peur de faire un grand pas si on vous l’indique. Vous ne pouvez pas traverser un gouffre en deux petits sauts.

David Lloyd George

TRANSLATION: Don’t be afraid to take a big step if someone tells you to. You cannot cross a chasm in two small jumps.

À bientôt et merci beaucoup!

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