Bonjour! Did you know that March 20th is French Language Day? French is arguably one of the most beautiful and romantic languages in the world, and today we’re celebrating by learning a few French words and reading The Tall Trees of Paris. 

Artist and curator Matt Wagner’s book features the artwork of 42 Parisian artists who’ve also completed handwritten questionnaires in their native language detailing their favorite things about the City of Light. Their beautiful artwork transcends language of course, but if you can’t read the French, there are English translations of the questionnaires on the next page. C’est magnifique!

Here some more fun words and phrases to help you celebrate all things française:

Poubelle: trash can

If any more proof was needed that French is a beautiful language, look no further than the word for trash can, poubelle. Now that is one adorable word.

Zut alors: My goodness! Oh no!

Mon dieu is similar and means, “my god.”  

Mon petit chou: my little cabbage

This is a common French term of endearment. It’s what your maman would’ve called you if you were French, and it’s what you’re going to start calling your pets from now on.

C’est chouette: That’s cool

Chouette literally translates to “owl,” but in France it’s also slang for cool. How fun is that? Owls are totally chouette.

J’ai une faim de loux: I’m hungry like a wolf

A fun French phrase, and not just a sweet Duran Duran song.

C’est une belle livre: That’s a beautiful book

Are you borrowing cette livre from le bibliothèque?

Je ne sais quoi: I don’t know what

You’ve probably heard this certain phrase before, like déjà vu, coup d’état, trés chic, sans, et tête-à-tête, it’s practically embedded into the English language.

While you’re pouring over the gorgeous art in The Tall Trees of Paris, écouter de la musique française. France is known for incredible musicians as well as artists. Serge Gainsbourg, Françoise Hardy, Édith Piaf, MC Solaar, Jane Birkin, Vanessa Paradis, Brigitte Bardot, and Manu Chao are just some of France’s all-time favorite talents.

C’est tout! Au revoir!