Belgian French, also known as Walloon French, is a window into the rich cultural and historical heritage of Belgium’s French-speaking regions.
Belgium, a country often celebrated for its rich history, diverse culture, and delectable cuisine, is also home to many French language speakers.
This distinctive variation of French spoken here is spoken primarily in the southern region of Wallonia and the capital city Brussels.
What Makes Belgian French Unique?
While it shares the same grammatical structure as standard French, there are several distinctive features that set it apart:
- Vocabulary differences:
Numerical Terms: Belgian French uses ‘septante’ for 70 and ‘nonante’ for 90, unlike standard French, which uses ‘soixante-dix’ and ‘quatre-vingt-dix’. - Meal Names: In Belgium, ‘dîner’ refers to lunch, and ‘souper’ is used for dinner, in contrast to standard French where ‘dîner’ means dinner.
Regional Words: Certain words are unique to Belgian French, such as ‘dringuelle’ (a small tip or gift) and ‘sot-l’y-laisse’ (a part of poultry meat). - Idiomatic Expressions: ‘Avoir bon’ (literally translating to ‘to have good’) – this means to feel good or to be comfortable. ‘Une fois’ – this expression is often used for emphasis, akin to ‘you know’ in English, particularly common in the Brussels region.
Historic Cities
Liège
Known as the ‘Cité Ardente’ (The Fiery City), Liège boasts a rich industrial history, stunning architecture, and lively festivals.
The Grand Curtius Museum offers a journey through art and archaeology.
Namur
The capital of Wallonia, Namur is renowned for its imposing citadel, scenic riverside views and vibrant cultural scene.
The annual Namur International Festival of French-Speaking Film is a highlight.
Festivals and Celebrations
Carnaval de Binche
Recognised by UNESCO, this traditional carnival features the iconic Gilles of Binche, who don elaborate costumes and masks, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.
Les Ardentes
A major music festival in Liège which attracts international artists and music lovers, reflecting the dynamic and modern cultural pulse of the region.
Iconic Dishes
Carbonnade Flamande
A hearty beef stew slow-cooked in Belgian beer, offering rich flavours and tender meat. Often served with frites (fries), it is a quintessential Belgian comfort food.
Boulets Liégeois
Meatballs served in a savoury and slightly sweet sauce made with onions and sirop de Liège (a local pear and apple syrup), accompanied by crispy fries.
Delicious sweet treats
Gaufres de Liège
Liège waffles are a beloved street food, characterised by their dense, caramelised sugar-coated exterior and soft, chewy interior.
Speculoos
These spiced shortcrust biscuits, often enjoyed with coffee, are a traditional treat with a distinct flavour of cinnamon and cloves.
Beer Culture
Belgium’s beer culture is legendary with an impressive array of local brews to sample. In Wallonia, you can try the Trappist beers from Abbey of Chimay or Orval, each crafted by monks using centuries-old recipes.
