Why do I need to know Ile-de-France?
Because it might seem like this French term could be used to refer to anyone living in France, but it is not so widely applied.
What does it mean?
Ile-de-France – roughly pronounced frahn-sil-ee-ehn – might sound like the regional train network, the Transilien; it is not related to rail travel. In reality, Ile-de-France (or Ile de France for women) refers to someone who lives in the Paris region, Île-de-France.
It was first invented by a Francilien, Michel Giraud, who wrote a book titled “L’Île-de-France, région capitale” in 1986.
Anyone – whether they live inside the city of Paris, or in its surrounding suburbs – can be described using this neutral term. In writing, some organisations capitalise the word, while others don’t.
If you live within the city of Paris you are of course a Parisien or Parisienne as well as a Francilien/Francilienne. All these terms refer simply to where you live, not where you were born, so foreigners living in Paris or Île-de-France are included.
If you live just outside the city of Paris, you might also be described as a commuter (a person from the suburbs). Beware using this one though – it can have a bit of a negative, pejorative connotation.
Use it like this
Our family has been from the Ile-de-France for several generations. – Our family has been living in the Paris region for generations.
All Ile-de-France residents avoid Paris in August. They go on vacation in the countryside. – All of the people from the Paris region avoid the city of Paris during the month of August. They leave for holidays in the countryside.