The Great French Invasion of London: Fact or Fiction?
Ah, London. A city steeped in history, brimming with culture, and apparently, crawling with Frenchies. But just how many croissants are we talking about here?
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| How Many French People Live In London |
The Numbers Game: A Statistical Safari
There seems to be a bit of a bunfight (sorry, couldn't resist) when it comes to pinning down a precise number. The French Consulate likes to throw around a grand figure of 270,000, which would make London basically a Gallic arrondissement by now. The Office for National Statistics (ONS), however, is a tad more conservative, with their 2011 census suggesting a figure closer to 86,000.
Tip: Keep scrolling — each part adds context.
So, where's the truth?
Well, somewhere in between, most likely. The ONS number only counts folks with French passports, which doesn't account for French-born residents with British citizenship or those who haven't bothered to register with the consulate (fair enough, consulate paperwork can be a nightmare).
Tip: Slow down at important lists or bullet points.
A Rough Estimate (with a Side of Onion Rings)
A 2020 study suggests there might be around 113,000 French folks nestled in London. That's enough to fill Wembley Stadium... with baguettes!
QuickTip: The more attention, the more retention.
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Why So Many Frenchies?
London's got a certain je ne sais quoi that seems to attract the French. Maybe it's the financial opportunities, the proximity to home (thanks, Eurostar!), or the sheer entertainment value of watching Brits queue patiently.
French phrases to master for your next London encounter:
Tip: Write down what you learned.
- "Bonjour" (Hello) - Because manners.
- "O� se trouvent les toilettes?" (Where is the toilet?) - Because after all those baguettes...
- "Je ne comprends pas" (I don't understand) - When faced with a particularly fast-talking London cabbie.
How to Spot a Parisian in London (Not Guaranteed to Be Accurate)
- Stripes? Always stripes. A Breton top is practically a national uniform (though, not exclusively Parisian).
- The ever-present scarf. No matter the temperature, a French person will have a scarf. It's the law.
- An air of nonchalant sophistication. They may look like they just rolled out of bed, but trust us, it's a carefully curated look.
French London: A Toast (with Tea, Obviously)
So, whether it's 86,000 or 270,000, there's a healthy dose of French culture enriching London. And hey, the more the merrier, right? Just don't expect them to queue.
French London FAQ:
- How to impress a French person in London? Speak fluent French (or at least attempt it).
- How to find French food in London? Walk into any bakery and inhale deeply.
- How to survive a conversation about football (soccer) with a French person? Just agree that Kylian Mbapp� is a wonder.
- How to avoid awkward moments? Don't ask them if they miss surrendering.
- How to fully embrace the Franco-London experience? Learn a few French pastry names and hit up Borough Market.
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