MUST-KNOW FRENCH SUMMER VACATION WORD!

[@OuiInFrance]

Bonjour! I'm thinking of doing a Q&A-style video soon and would love it if you dropped your questions over on the prompt in my community tab! Merci!

[@MaBelleone1]

Where is the Community Tab? Love your videos... :)

[@isabellem1945]

​@@MaBelleone1If you click on the channel's thumbnail you'll see the list of tabs, next to ""playlist".

[@OuiInFrance]

@@MaBelleone1 Hi, thank you! It's in the horizontal menu at the top when you click on my channel page, just scroll right.

[@MaBelleone1]

@@OuiInFrance Thank you so much...I do love your content and your writings...

[@lilbatz]

What is the one thing you would tell anyone one learning French is the biggest bang for your time buck.

[@jeanmarieboucherit7376]

I love your enthusiasm about France. I am French myself but my girlfriend navigates between Zambia and Switzerland but when she comes to France she goes crazy about everything,the food, the history, the culture.Unfortunately many French people tend to complain a lot about their country maybe because they have never lived in other countries,they do not appreciate the good things we have.

[@OuiInFrance]

I think it's a case of the grass is always greener....

[@sapfothoidou]

Hello it's true French do complain,but if you study about French life you realise they have a good way of life, I agree with Diane!

[@jfrancobelge]

I don't remember who said that but here it is: "France is a heaven full of people who like to think they live in hell".

[@lindagrace2]

I grew up in France and my mom was French. I am convinced most French just LIKE complaining 😊 (notice all the strikes)

[@joelcafeolai6201]

Expressions I LOVE in France : 'Bonjour ma puce' ( which is endeering ) , which translates to ' Hello my flee' or ' je vais jeter un oeil au four' which translates to ' I am going to throw and eye in the oven ' ... always makes my English friends laugh ...

[@babsr8479]

What is the sense of the second expression?

[@joelcafeolai6201]

@@babsr8479 this means just ' im going to check what i have cooking in the oven' ..

[@babsr8479]

@@joelcafeolai6201 Thank you; how clever

[@ogamiitto8627]

Salut Diane, team aoûtiens ici ! Un mois de congés entre Alsace, Allemagne/Suisse, Vercors et Var... J'ai hâte. Bonnes vacances à tout le monde !

[@yumyummoany]

I’m a Juilletiste going to France to see my son and his family and my son and his family are going to be Aoutiens as they come here! I love the village where they live and it’s great when we are recognised!

[@OuiInFrance]

Have a wonderful trip! Family is everything ;)

[@Joliefleur252]

Traditionaly, the aoutiens are more very blue collar (since factories close in august) and juilletiste are more white collar. Now french are mostly going on vacation from mid july ( bastille day) to mid august (15 august being a major christian hollyday)

[@dev5963]

I knew the words because I have French friends. Not that different than the US. I you tell a French person (or British, German, etc), that you are an American snowbird, they may think you like winter. However, to Americans, it originally meant retirees from the US Northeast who travel to Florida for most of the winter but can now mean any person from a northern colder clime to any warmer southern clime. Different cultures, different languages, but similar context. Another great video. I appreciate that you point out that you are still learning new words and cultural norms.

[@johnsell]

The French even have an expression "le grand chassé-croisé" describing traffic chaos on the roads as the juilletistes head home on the same day as the aoûtiens drive away to their vacation locations, despite decades of efforts by le bison futé to stagger the journeys.

[@nancylindsay4255]

Qui c'est, ce bison futé?

[@nox8730]

@@nancylindsay4255 C'est comme la météo, mais pour le trafic routier / It is like a weather forecast, but for traffic. KZbin efface les commentaires présentant un lien extérieur. Paie ta censure.

[@TheEstampe]

@@nancylindsay4255 Bison futé (Smart Buffalo in French) refers to a communication campaign run by the French service in charge of road traffic management in the mid-70s. The name was so popular it has been used ever since.

[@annepoitrineau5650]

And we all play that merry go-round :)

[@drgnslayers]

I'm a Francophone from Quebec and I had never heard the words Juillettistes et Aoûtiens. In Quebec, those working in the construction industry have a mandatory 2-week vacations beginning in the last full week of July. Another fun fact is that the zoo near my home have more visitors in August than July

[@jeromemckenna7102]

Vacationing in the US used to be more common, I worked for a restaurant when was going to college and until the year I was hired they normally closed in August. Of course this was a long time ago (1973).

[@colleenmarin8907]

My dad always had off the week around July 4th and the week around Christmas and New Years - the company he worked for was closed twice a a year. Not great when your employer dictates the only times you have off, but we at least knew that we'd have family time twice a year

[@jostock564]

Prolongateur is my favourite word. I absolutely love it. It makes me chuckle.😂😂

[@michaelrobinson2524]

I am going to Barcelona, and taking a cruise with stops in Marseilles, Cannes, Mallorca and Ibiza....the ship deport this Sunday!! so excited

[@OuiInFrance]

Have an amazing time!! What cruise line is it?

[@DH007-w2d]

Bonjour. In Marseille, if you see a "cagole", you could say "Bonne Mère" or "Peuchère"...

[@Cricrispec]

Bonjour Diane, Bonjour tout le monde, cette année, je serai aoûtien, et je crois que j'aurais un bien meilleur temps que les juillettistes, qui ont un temps frais et pluvieux. Il y aura peut être de la canicule en août, mais dans les Alpes, la chaleur devrait être plus douce. Bonne vacances à tous les juilletistes et à tous les aoûtiens. Christophe

[@OuiInFrance]

Bonnes vacances !!

[@lavachekikri]

Bonjour Diane, Étant une professeure (au collège) en Suède je pourrais dire que suis les deux - juilletiste et aoûtienne et même juiniste car mes vacances sont de 19 juin jusqu’au 11 août cette année et je passe mes vacances en France! 😅 Bonne vacances à tout le monde!❤

[@DH007-w2d]

Salut. Pour faire simple, dis que tu es fonctionnaire... On comprendra... 😊

[@LivinCindysLife]

We will be "Septembriens" this year as we are heading to Scotland. Next year we will be in France to scope out our best choices for retirement living!

[@lorryriff6613]

The word 'septembrien' does not exist, but it should ! I really enjoyed your neologism (and it would mean more vacation... ) 👍

[@b.w.9244]

Hi Dianne! I loved saying pamplemousse!

[@enriquesanchez2001]

Bonjour, Diane! I need to make up a few words! I am a "printempien" and an "automnien" !

[@LaureBejianiMashk]

True! Juilletistes référés to people who want to go on holiday straight away but when they come back they have to assume to stay on duty during the rest of the holiday period! Then the aoûtiens start going on holiday and they leave when most of the people leave and the factories stay close Personally I am. Late August holidays person : I work during everybody’s holidays and then I go !!

[@ladysparkymartin]

I went from four paid weeks off to two when I changed jobs. Because it’s union, I don’t think I’ll get more for several years. But also because it’s union, the benefits are great. 🤷‍♀️ My favorite funny French word: dooblavaysay 😁 WC 👍

[@colleenmarin8907]

I've never heard WC pronounced that way, I've only heard it said as "vay-say"

[@np8173]

I’ve realized I prefer traveling in the shoulder seasons because it’s less crowded and the temperature is much more reasonable.

[@wesleyshelby8163]

Merci Madame Diane!

[@OuiInFrance]

You're very welcome!

[@thierryf67]

i'm "Aoutien" since several years... 😉 I take 3 weeks off in August.

[@JD987abc]

Hi Diane. Another excellent posting. I remember when tailor shops and people in the garment industry vacationed in July and others in august. As I’m sure you know, many went straight to the “Jersey shore”. In those days, it boasted many beautiful hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues long before gambling started in Atlantic City. Now I live in Cape May and mainly stay off the beach due to over exposure to the sun and its damaging effects when I was younger. Beach erosion has become a serious issue in many beaches too. Coupled with traffic and a large influx of tourists, I tend to do the local scene in the fall or winter as it’s never too cold here these days. You look terrific and please say hello to Tom for me. Im staying away from Paris and France until after the Olympics. Hopefully I will return in 2025 for another round of exploring. Please take care and happy Fourth of July. And joyeux la fête nationale française. Josef DiPrimio.

[@OuiInFrance]

Hi Joe! Yes, fall and winter trips to the beach are the best. It's my favorite time to go. No sunburn, no crowds, and gorgeous in its own way. Thx as always for your support. I'll say hi to Tom and Happy 4th (and 14th) too! ;-)

[@sapfothoidou]

Bonjour Diane!I was planning to visit Paris this summer, but unfortunately I am not, I'm thinking if it was a good idea with the Olympics, I know it's difficult in Paris right now!My question is about voting! Will you vote?❤

[@OuiInFrance]

In the U.S. election, yup, absentee ballot. In France, no since I'm not a citizen

[@sapfothoidou]

@@OuiInFrance Merci!so you don't have citizenship yet!

[@OuiInFrance]

Nope and no plans to apply for it at the moment. ;-)

[@susanbartone1347]

I dislike hot humid temperatures so I often find myself wanting to take vacation in off season(s) like in February and March. I wonder, with 5 weeks of vacation time, if employers get a bit more upset if their employees take vacation(s)/holiday time at other time(s) of the year?

[@ogamiitto8627]

Unions and employers negotiate agreements in order to define a "période de référence" (for instance from 07/01 to 09/01), during which you are supposed to take the most of your days off (depending on the agreements). Even if the law is very strict to protect these rights, days off scheduling finally remains the employers prerogative. It can cause mild irritants with your boss sometimes but most of the time, vacation culture is such a thing in France that it rarely becomes a deep conflictual matter.

[@TrippinWithKenny]

I'm headed to France in the Fall. Hopefully the silliness of the Olympics will be over and life will be headed back to normal before we get there.

[@DH007-w2d]

Bienvenue. Mind you, there are elections, here... "La rentrée" is going to be... hot.

[@joyfulsongstress3238]

I've dreamed of visiting France since I was in High School. Unfortunately life seldom co-operates. I've wanted to achieve fluency for just as long. Hopefully I'll get there some day and take a few months of French Immersion classes while dragging my family along. Sigh!

[@Alexandre_Sauron_Emery]

Hello! That's very funny. I am a French person living in France, in Britany, and I am a French professional proofreader. I didn't even know those words do exist, it's the very first time I heard of them. Thank you, Diane! xD

[@LennyBarre]

On the "the world can still function if people had time off", well, everything is slowed down and don't expect projects to progress much in July/August either... Same story in late December/early January.

[@youpihat]

French public holiday doesn't count inside the annual five weeks holiday which means if one day of public holiday inside your annual five weeks holiday then you have five weeks and one more day of legal holiday !

[@steveblack5066]

My summer vacation back to France in August, les aoutiens, until Nov....

[@margaretglaser6227]

I am driving to the Loire valley next week and i will be alone so i am a bit nervous about my first drive alone after 5 years here Thanks for all your help

[@OuiInFrance]

You'll do great! Have a wonderful trip. I hope you see a lot of wonderful castles. They're stunning!

[@JD987abc]

@@margaretglaser6227 hello Margaret. Im happy for you. Ive been visiting France alone for many years and find it more enjoyable than traveling with other simply because I can do whatever I want without discussion or negotiation. Last year I spent 5 weeks on my own starting in the right bank, train to saint malo, bus to mount Saint Michael, train to angers, train to Caen, bus to honfleur, train to issy les moulineaux and back to the left bank of paris. Spent 5 days in each town all in prearranged airbnbs except for the day trips to Mount saint michaelle and honfleur. Quite the adventure. Never felt scared or threatened. Made several friends both French and from elsewhere. And all of this last fall while I was 73. I used the local trains and buses to get around or walked. Ate in little cafes and braceries that looked appealing to me. Picnicked in little parks with baguette, jambon, cheese, fruits and of course wonderful wines. Had coffee with cognac standing at the counter in the same cafe near my apartment. By the second day, the server would have my coffee and cognac ready as i had become a “local”. If I needed to use a car for short hops id order an Uber. They’re everywhere. So go and enjoy it while you can and let your adventure unfold. All best, Joe DiPrimio, cape may.

[@cltransler]

I'm going to France for July/August... where do I fall? :-) We decided to celebrate my 60th and my (French) husband's 50th. His family suggested August as that's when they were planning their vacation--which makes them Les Aoûtiens. I haven't been to France in the summer for almost 10 years (we go every Christmas), so I'm looking forward to it. We will be in the east, so I don't think I'm going to see any of the Olympic events (we're in Paris after it's over). However, we are doing the VERY American thing: Disneyland Paris. I've always wanted to go, but we never had the time. But since his family wants to go... bingo! Thank you for all the tips and advice you've given over the years, it's been very helpful. (And I just bought your guide, I've been many times, but there's always something new to learn.)

[@OuiInFrance]

So glad you enjoy my work. Thank you for picking up my guide as well. Have a wonderful trip!

[@feraudyh]

Les aoutiens are often familiar with les aoutats. Take care.

[@thierryf67]

specially in the countryside.... there not a lot in towns

[@Kaister007]

Hello Diane! Just scrolled to your channel and it is amazing! Wanted to ask you if there is anything I should know before coming to Paris. I will be working at the Olympics and wanted some heads up before coming.

[@OuiInFrance]

Hi there, welcome! I think the Olympics will be a bit of an anomaly because it'll be a big international crowd, so I think common courtesy will go a long way. But when interacting with the French specifically, definitely make sure you say the magic word, bonjour (hello) before asking someone a question or for a favor, anything really. Bonjour above all! I did a video on this if you want to get into the nuances of it. Also, check out my videos on what the French find rude about Americans and vice versa just so you can be culturally aware. Other pointers: -Starting a convo in basic French even if it's just to ask "do you speak English "Parlez-vous anglais ?" goes a long way toward how you're perceived, and saying things like merci instead of thank you in English, etc. -The French take mealtime seriously so don't be surprised if people have sit-down lunches every day (with wine!) Have a great time!!!

[@annepoitrineau5650]

Practically all European countries have a month long summer holiday. However, the French have July or August because schools are on holiday in July and August, so people have t got into the habit of taking August or July off. Some people do 1/2 July+1/2 August, whcih means that they sandwich their holidays betwen national day July 14th, an the 15th of August, another big holiday.

[@FRanceSource]

Another will enjoyed vlog. BTW just bought 4 t-shirts on your Merch page. Going to be in Vendee later this year and going to send you email. This will be our 5th return to area as we have several dear (French) friends there who have adopted my husband and I.

[@OuiInFrance]

Thank you so much!! Hope you love them ;-)

[@yaowsers77]

I didn't travel in the summer if I can help it. It's too hot, too expensive, and there's too many people. I live at the Jersey shore. My town is over run with new Yorkers. I travel between November and mid April.

[@andyshacks7812]

I’m going to Lesvos next week,so that makes me a juillettiste! We definitely can learn a lot from the French!

[@enriquesanchez2001]

COOOOOOOOOOOL! Thank you, Diane!

[@OuiInFrance]

you're welcome!

[@peavy6106]

I'm quite intrigued by the shift in pronunciation from aôut = oot to aôutiens = ah-oo-sien! Why in the heck do they pronounce the A when they lengthen the word??

[@jml4774]

I wonder if there is a word for foreigners who stay in France for the winter (like we call people "Snowbirds" when they go to Fla or AZ for the winter.) My husband and I are starting to spend winters in Nice. Do the French have such a word?

[@buddyneher9359]

Love it! Not to be confused with Decembrists, eh?

[@OuiInFrance]

or nombriliste ;-))))

[@dzymslizzy3641]

As someone with a smattering of French language knowledge, I find the French word for "shower" to be very awkward...as it has a VERY different meaning in English, as I'm sure you're aware! 😅

[@gsbeak]

Well, the word comes from French and the object designed by the word is used to shower some body parts. So nothing awkward. It is the same word in French but used with an adjective which describes the body part.

[@asterixky]

In the same aspect, you have "a la rentrée". Like, "on se revoit a la rentrée"

[@lindagrace2]

Long summer vacations are just as true in Holland, perhaps all of Europe?

[@andrewclarke3622]

Hi Diane. Firstime comment. Do French people, and I would generally assune many Europeans as well, take their vacation all in one go or can the time be broken up?

[@athanase6613]

In France, vacation policies can vary depending on the job. Some factories designate August for maintenance, mandating that all employees take the month off with pay. However, since the law provides for five weeks of paid leave and additional days off, often it simply comes down to how a business organizes these periods.

[@andrewclarke3622]

@@athanase6613 thank you.

[@OuiInFrance]

As someone said below, it depends on the job and people's personal preference. People at Tom's work generally take 2 or 3 weeks max in the summer and some even less and use their vacation time at other points throughout the year.

[@EricDS19]

In France it's mandatory by law to have 2 weeks minimum in "one go" between june and september. You can break the other 3 weeks as you wish, don't forget also the RTT vacation or CET vacations. Freetime is more than a spririt in France we had a ministère du temps libre fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minist%C3%A8re_du_Temps_libre. Lot of people have a bigger pay during vacation "prime de vacances".

[@emmanuellegd4515]

😂😂😂 it looks like juilletistes and aoûtiens are aliens from strange planets😂 crossing themselves on highways...

[@leaedt7614]

If you take your holidays in March, you are a Martian.

[@petitelilylune6127]

@@leaedt7614 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@lindagrace2]

Someone would come up with a word in English, they always do. First of all Americans don't get/take a month vacay each summer and if they did I'd be surprised if most actually picked a month, knowing them, they more likely to straddle a couple of month depending on their family or job activities!!

[@cyngibson950]

Italie!!!!

[@rhodamercado4102]

We are French, but we are in America at the moment unfortunately we are not going anywhere. 😅

[@nancylindsay4255]

Many of us in the US feel that way these days.

[@michellezevenaar]

Dutch have a word for people on vacation but not with a specific month connected to it.

[@hurricane31415]

Julyians & Augustians ?

[@armandrioux3660]

In the USA, if it doesn't yet exist, there could be a new word for the «Thanksgivingists»!

[@colleenmarin8907]

Thanksgivingians?

[@armandrioux3660]

@@colleenmarin8907 YES! They are those who travel en masse for Thanksgiving. Much equivalent to the French people who crowd the roads in July and especially August, like Diane explained well in her video.

[@maraharlow3209]

Do self employed people take long vacations too? If so how do they afford that since they don’t get paid vacation?

[@OuiInFrance]

I guess it depends on the person and is the same for self-employed people in any country. You just plan for it ;-)

[@andeez4663]

I'm self employed and take the whole of August off. There is very little work because everybody is on holiday, so I have to save throughout the year to cover my August bills. I have to say that I love having a month off every year, it's well worth saving for. I couldn't live in the USA. 2 weeks for the whole year!!!! Life is too short

[@lionelschmitt6657]

Ah, que serait la France sans le chassé-croisé des Juillettistes et des Aoûtiens ? 😉

[@matthewjay660]

Bonjour Diane. I'm a "juillettiste." 😎🏖️🏊🏻‍♂️ Which are you?

[@OuiInFrance]

Bonjour! Neither! Vacationing here in the summer is always wayyyyy too crowded and expensive. If we go somewhere, it's usually June or September (the best!)!

[@thierryf67]

@@OuiInFrance As we say : "hors saison".

[@DH007-w2d]

Oh la la. Les vacances, c'est sacré, ma p'tite dame. Et pis, y a les gosses...

[@nox8730]

Probably, cities like Paris are only livable during the summer because half the locals have scrammed.

[@colleenmarin8907]

But then the tourists make up for the loss in droves

[@nox8730]

@@colleenmarin8907 Yes, but it is still several millions people scramming to the south :). That counts.