Boof! How a grande passion for lockdown boxsets has seen us go Gaul crazy
Stay-at-home Scots find a French connection thanks
The French have always embodied an alluring chicness that, for the rest of us, seems impossible to capture away from the boulevards of Paris – a certain je ne sais quoi, if you will, a va-va-voom, perhaps.
Recently, however, our petite admiration has experienced an exponential surge thanks to the trend for streaming foreign language shows on Netflix. Crime thriller Lupin, for example, was watched by 70 million households in just the first month of its release, while surprise hit Call My Agent, a series studded with cameos from big French stars, is another hit this side of the Channel. Meanwhile, Emily in Paris, has even been nominated for a Golden Globe – despite getting some flak for perpetuating French stereotypes.
What’s more, the popularity of subtitledshows isn’t just lining the pockets of the biggest streaming platforms. It’s also encouraging more Scots to brush up on their language skills and plan post-lockdown trips.
Ruth Allan, founder of Edinburgh-based Speak Out Languages, explained: “The Netflix effect has absolutely increased the appetite for learning French. We’ve also noticed that our French learners’ speaking skills are improving much more rapidly now they’re getting involved with box sets, which are great for practising authentic, useful French, as spoken by the locals.”
So, as we grab our Breton stripe tops and pop on a beret for a stroll to the local boulangerie, we speak to a Scot living in France and a French expat living in Scotland to discover the truth about our French crush.
Originally from Glasgow, Connie Houston lived in France from the age of 18, while working as a model, before coming home to study at the University of Glasgow. The 43-yearold settled in Paris permanently after meeting her husband, Antoine, 45, eight years ago, and the couple now live in the heart of the city with their two-year-old son, Henry.
Connie says she’s not surprised the Scots have fallen in love with French culture as the countries have long had a strong connection.
“I have always loved France, and I lived here on and off for about 10 years while I was modelling. Even when I did go home to Glasgow, I chose to study history of art with a specialisation in 18th-century France, and I would often return to Paris for modelling jobs.
“I never thought I’d come back to live in France permanently, but then I met my now husband, and we ended up moving to Paris in a bit of a flurry! I’m actually technically French now, too, as I just received my citizenship.
“Living in Paris, I sometimes have to pinch myself. When you live somewhere, it’s easy to forget what’s around you, but every now and then I remember how very lucky I am – for example, our local park is home to the Eiffel Tower.
“There’s always been a connection
between Scotland and France since the Auld Alliance – which granted dual citizenship in both countries
– and I certainly feel it. I always say I’m Scottish rather than British when people ask, and French people always comment on how much they love Scotland. Before lockdown, the planes would always be full of French people coming to Scotland for a holiday.
“They appreciate the countryside and have a romantic vision of
Scotland, just like we really enjoy the elegant, chic, almost clichéd images of France.
“The clichés are based on the typical Parisian – especially in the district I live in, where there are a lot of posh, very chic locals, who do look a little bit intimidating. Even though I’ve been here for years I catch myself looking at someone and thinking: ‘Goodness, they really are so chic’.
“And it’s true that French people will often answer in English with non-native speakers. Even waiters in cafes, when they hear my accent, will reply to me in English – and I speak fluent French!
“Although it received criticism, the French seem to find shows like Emily In Paris quite funny. They like laughing at it, and say things like, ‘When will Emily actually cross the Siene to the Right Bank?’ and ‘When will Emily actually take the Metro?’
“There are some things I miss about home but I absolutely love my life here.”