New French Fans Find Philly's Charm

Alex and Tom, two friends from Boulogne‑Billancourt, first met at age 12 over a shared love of soccer. Their bond deepened during a Delaware camp at Eastern University, marking their first U.S. adventure. Scholarships later sent them to colleges in Ohio and Mississippi, but the 2020 pandemic halted those plans. Trapped in South Carolina, they turned to social media—posting humorous clips of mispronounced English words. Those videos exploded on TikTok and Instagram, where they now run AT Frenchies with over two million followers. Their channel blends French lessons with everyday life in America.

They toured the country, but Philadelphia felt special. “No one talks about Philly,” Tom recalled, eager to explore a city that had impressed friends back home. While watching France’s World Cup matches against Iraq and Paraguay, they sampled local eats—cheesesteaks, water ice, and Wawa sandwiches. Their reels captured Philly slang like “jawn” and the spirited chant of “Go Birds!” They stayed ten days, visiting the Rodin Museum, City Hall, Reading Terminal Market, and Independence Hall.

Philadelphia’s authenticity struck them. “People here don’t try to impress,” Alex noted, contrasting it with LA’s image‑obsessed culture. The duo expressed gratitude in a heartfelt Instagram post, thanking fans who waved their jerseys and cheered “allez les bleus.” Comments urged them back for Eagles, Sixers, or Flyers games.

Beyond soccer, AT Frenchies runs a global French club with 500 members and weekly lessons. Alex and Tom plan to return for the book promotion of Pardon Our French, released September 8. They hope to enjoy more Philly sports events and perhaps a triple‑team collaboration.

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