Idioms, or idiomatic expressions, words and phrases that aren’t meant to be taken literally often have a cultural meaning behind them. They exist in all languages and are often part of everyday language and conversation! They don’t really make sense when you read each word separately, but they have an implied meaning. We asked Manon de Witte who teaches French lessons online at French Coffee Break, to share some of the most commonly used idioms in French, some key phrases that French people use daily, and which will help you to sound French – and speak like a local.

Avoir un coup de foudre

Literally: to have a thunderbolt

No, it’s not a meteorological catastrophe, but a feeling. Like lightning, which is a sudden, instantaneous phenomenon, this expression means “falling in love at first sight”, instantly.

Romantic, isn’t it?

As an example of how you might use it in French “Quand Thomas a vu Julie, il a su qu’elle était la femme de sa vie. Ça a été le coup de foudre.” When Thomas saw Julie, he knew that she was the woman for him. It was love at first sight.”

Avoir un coup de barre

Literally: to have a blow or knock from a bar

There are a lot of expressions with the word “coup”. Here, literally, a blow from a bar would be a bit violent. But to the French, everyone knows that it figuratively means “avoir un coup de barre” means to be suddenly tired, to feel an unexpected fatigue.

As an example, you could say “Je prends toujours un café quand j’ai un coup de barre.” I always have a coffee when I suddenly come over all exhausted.

The word coup features a lot in idioms, for instance coup de mou – feeling sluggish

Poireauter

We all know a “leek” is a green vegetable. But the verb “poireauter” or sometimes we say “faire le poireau” (“to do the leek”) has nothing to do with the vegetable. It means “to wait” (informally), usually due to a delay.

For example, “J’avais rendez-vous avec Antoine mais il était en retard. J’ai poireauté pendant une heure dans le froid !” I had a meeting with Antoine, but he was late. I had to wait for an hour in the cold!

Sécher les cours

Literally: to dry classes

No, you don’t literally “dry” classes with a hair dryer. This expression means you are deliberately missing classes, you are not attending classes voluntarily.

Example: “Le directeur du lycée m’a appelé ce matin car mon fils était absent en cours de maths ce matin. Quelle surprise, c’est la première fois qu’il sèche les cours !” The principal at the school called me in this morning because my son was absent from maths class this morning. What a surprise – it’s the first time he’s missed a class.

Faire la grasse matinée (ou la grasse mat’)

Literally: to do the fat morning

You know that sweet pleasure of waking up peacefully on a Sunday morning at 11am without an alarm… Well, if you do, you have already done a “grasse matinée” (= to sleep late).

Example: “Mon fils de 15 ans fait toujours la grasse matinée, le dimanche il ne se réveille pas avant 11 heures ou midi !” My 15-year-old son always sleeps in late, on Sundays he never wakes up until 11 am or even mid-day!

Avoir du piston / Être pistonné(e)

“Être pistonné(e)” is not, as literally translated, to have a piston. It is in fact a way to get a job, an internship, a promotion, a favor…because you know someone who recommends you, when you have connections and someone’s recommendation to get an advantage.

Example: “Ce n’est pas juste, mon collègue a eu une promotion alors qu’il travaille moins que moi… Je suis sûr qu’il est pistonné ! Son père connaît le patron.” It’s not fair, my colleague has been promoted even though he doesn’t work as hard as me – I’m sure he got the job through favouritism. His dad knows the boss.

Chercher midi à quatorze heures

Literally: to look for noon at 2pm

As with many idiomatic expressions, this one has no real literal meaning, but it is still widely used by French speakers. “Chercher midi à quatorze heures” means needlessly choosing the complicated option, looking for complications when there are none.

Ne cherche pas midi à quatorze heures : pour les vacances, réserve un hôtel avec le petit-déjeuner inclus et tu seras tranquille !

Être au bout du rouleau

Literally: to be at the end of the roll

A roll is composed of sheets, of paper for example. When you have arrived at the last sheet, you are literally at the “end of the roll”. Figuratively speaking, this means (familiarly) that you are exhausted, discouraged, have no energy left. You have reached the limit of your capabilities… Let’s hope you don’t have to use this expression!

 Example: Les médecins et les infirmiers font beaucoup d’efforts depuis le début de la pandémie de Covid-19… Ils sont au bout du rouleau. Je comprends pourquoi ils font grève. The doctors and nurses made huge efforts since the start of the pandemic of Covid 19 – they have no energy left. I understand why they are going on strike.

Avoir la chair de poule

Literally: to have gooseflesh

“Avoir la chaire de poule”  means goosebumps or goose pimples.

Example: “Je ne peux pas écouter Jacques Brel sans avoir la chair de poule.” I can never listen to Jacques Brel without getting goosebumps.

Casser les pieds de quelqu’un

Literally: to break someone’s feet

To break someone’s feet is to annoy, bother, or strongly irritate that person. If you are disturbed, annoyed by someone, you can say they are “breaking your feet” – it’s an informal expression).

Example: Ma voisine me casse les pieds tous les soirs avec le volume de sa télé ! My neighbour is driving me nuts with her television turned up so loud.

The expression gave birth to the adjective “casse-pieds” (annoying). Être casse-pieds = casser les pieds

Ma collègue Sandra est casse-pieds, elle arrive toujours en retard en réunion ! My colleague Sandra is so annoying, she’s always late for our get togethers!

Using phrases like this that native French speakers use daily, improves your French language skills!

You can hear Manon pronounce these phrases here on YouTube

If you want to learn French – join Manon’s French Coffee Break classes, group or individual online tuition for all levels that really works. Use the code NEW20 to get 20% off your first course.

The post 10 French idioms that help you sound French! appeared first on The Good Life France.

Learning another language can be daunting, and learning French is certainly no exception. However, the lessons with French Coffee Break are nothing like those French classes you endured at school. Instead, Manon Dewitte, a native French speaker and teacher, has created a unique system, tailoring classes to suit your needs. It’s like doing an immersion course – but online! Most importantly, though, it’s not her belief in you and your French-speaking abilities that motivates you, although that is encouraging to say the least. It’s the fact she gives you permission to make mistakes, learn the correct way and move on.

Practice makes almost perfect!

In my first lesson, Manon agrees that I need to expand my vocabulary, and that tidying my grammar is a priority. But she quickly reassures me with, “But, you know, you don’t have to be perfect.” And with that, you are given a free pass. In classes with Manon, it is perfectly ok to lose your words, to stumble over your liaison, or to tie your tongue in a knot. You are already succeeding because you are trying. As Manon insists, the practice goes a long way.

Whether you are learning French to apply for a job or for French citizenship, if you’re taking an exam – Manon covers the DELF, DALF and TEF – or if you simply want to communicate more easily, Manon will take your requirements into account. She is perfectly aware that everyone learns at different speeds, that some people have a natural flair for languages, while others, quite frankly, do not. No matter where you fall on that scale, she will nurture your abilities.

Everyone can speak French

“Everyone can speak French, it’s absolutely possible!” says Manon, and just like that, be prepared for your confidence to suddenly soar in the first class alone.

It begins with a 15-minute call with Manon so she can assess your level; starting at A1 (Introduction), there are 9 levels in total, so you have plenty of room to grow. During your chat, she aims to understand exactly what you hope to achieve. She recalls helping a woman from Brazil needing to pass the French citizenship test. “She was preparing to marry a Frenchman and her French skills were minimal – she was desperate to get to the B2 level but only had a few months! It was intense, but we did it! And on the big day, she shone with her French language skills! Of course, normally people have longer to prepare but I’m convinced that everyone can learn French!”

Encouragement and motivation

Every class takes place online and can be taken individually or in a group of 4 to 6 people. As the lessons progress, Manon will adapt, modify and change material to suit everyone. Students prepare for the classes in advance, whether there is writing, listening or something to watch. Then the class starts with a French-speaking ice breaker as everyone discusses their opinions on the material. Manon helps throughout with vocabulary and grammar.

“Sometimes people are quite shy to talk out loud in French, especially when they’re new to it,” says Manon, “but then they realize that everyone is in the same boat, all wanting to learn. And they begin to help, encourage and motivate each other and to realise it’s ok to make mistakes. That’s how you learn – and you can learn, it just takes time and regular lessons.”

Learn about French culture, traditions and cuisine

Practicing with others is the secret to accustoming yourself with another language, and while that can be intimidating at first, just appreciating the camaraderie is enough to get the conversation flowing. Manon is patient and helps to create a perfectly relaxed atmosphere, and her advice about releasing the need for perfection is unbelievably helpful.

Each course includes 20 lessons, and before the classes begin, you are given access to a Google Drive file full of course content and homework documents. According to Manon, a strong basis in grammar is “essential” for good French, yet that is where the similarities with your school French lessons end. Instead, Manon focuses on real French – the words spoken in day-to-day life, not the phrases you’ll read in textbooks. Depending on your overall goal, you can learn both the formal and informal versions of the language, the phrases that you’ll use in an interview or useful terms to say with friends. Best of all, the subjects are interesting – with Manon, you will tackle French culture, traditions, stereotypes, and cuisine.

Every lesson counts

With this refreshing outlook on language learning, it doesn’t take long to improve! After only my first lesson, I was shocked to realise I already sounded more fluent! Manon agrees, “It really doesn’t take long to get better. When students join for their very first lesson with no French language skills at all, they are always amazed that within a few hours they’re chatting away in French!”

She doesn’t just offer classes – sign up to her newsletter for regular French content (a perfect excuse to practice your reading) and her Instagram is full of fun and intriguing tips and infographics. She likes to keep your French brain ticking over by feeding you bite-size portions of language. As she says to me during the class, “You’re going to get better and better at this with practice and then you will be nearly perfect!” If that isn’t motivation, then I don’t know what is.

There is also a weekly podcast for you to listen to and practice French with transcripts for study/reading (free to all) via the website below.

Find out more, book a free chat with Manon and learn French at: frenchcoffeebreak.com

The post Online French Lessons that really work – and they’re fun appeared first on The Good Life France.

The French believe their language is the most beautiful in the world an in our podcast podcast episode How to speak French we talk about why that is.  This is a summary of the episode for those that aren’t into podcasts!

We’ll share some key tips to help you get by in French that are really easy to remember – even if you’re not fluent. It’s a short language lesson and there will be no test at the end!

Why do the French think their language is the most beautiful, here’s an example:

If I ask you in English: “do you like cheese”. It sounds like a basic question right. I am just asking you if you like something. I am looking for a fact about you. That’s it. But now, if I say it in French: “aimes-tu le fromage”. That’s a completely different thing. When you hear that, you want to like cheese, you want to have cheese right now!

Also, French media (and only French media obviously) have been saying for some time now that the French language will be the most spoken language in the world by 2050! And of course it is hard to disagree with a French person because you can hardly get a word in as French people just love to talk and share their language!

The most important French words

So – the most important word in the French language is bonjour.

When you go into a shop in France – it’s polite to say bonjour. Even in my local supermarket, if I walk in and the people working on the checkouts are looking my way – we always say bonjour to each other. And you say it when you go into cafés and bars, pretty much everyone really. Except the train or metro or the bus – don’t say it when you go on public transport. Unless there is a driver – but not to the passengers! Seriously though you can’t say bonjour enough. If you don’t say bonjour when you meet someone in France, they’re likely to think you’re a bit rude.

I was in Dijon in Burgundy once , and since I can’t go past a bakery or a chocolate shop, or a cheese shop without going in. And in Dijon there are just so many delicious shops, even more since they opened the incredible gastronomy village at the International city of food and wine. So since I can’t pass any of these shops without a look at least, drooling at the window, or taking a photo – there’s a lot of scope to say bonjour. I counted my bonjours – including stopping for a hot chocolate, lunch, dinner and a glass of wine.

53 times in one day!

And in France if you already said bonjour to someone, what do you do? You simply say Re-bonjour which means: “hello again”. It’s quite casual though, don’t say that to someone you don’t know very well.

The next most important words are s’il vous plait – please. And merci – thank you.

Homophones

Right, that’s the easy bit out the way. Let’s talk about homophones – French words that sound the same – but mean different things!

For example the French for sea – Mer (sounds like mare)

The French for mother – Mere (sounds like mare)

The French for Mayor, as in the Mayor of Paris – Maire (sounds like mare)

Yup, to me they all sound the same. And that is what makes learning French so much fun. Even French people admit it all sounds the same but ah, it’s all about the context they say.

Tu and Vous – a French conundrum

We need to talk about tu which means you, and vous – which means you. Tu is informal and/or singular and vous is formal – and/or plural. So how do you know which one to use?

It’s complicated, even for French people! Generally tu is what you use for friends. Vous is what you use for people you don’t know well, your boss, government officials, the President and royalty. But it’s a bit more complicated than that.

The parents of Olivier, my podcast partner, live in Nantes, west of France and they have a neighbour, whose been a neighbour for a long time, years in fact. When they first met, they called each other vous – comment allez vous, how are you, that sort of thing. Quite formal which is normal when you meet someone and when you are from an older generation. But somehow, they never got passed “vous” onto calling each other “tu”, despite seeing passing each other in the street most weeks and stopping to chat. And now, you know what? Olivier says “It’s too late, my parents can’t suddenly call their neighbour by “tu” – it wouldn’t seem right!” There is even a word in French ‘tutoyer’. A French person might say to you “on se tutoie?” ‘Shall we call each other “tu?” Yes really, and then you know you’re past the formal side of things.

If in doubt – use vous, not tu. Unless you’re talking to a child, or a friend, or family… ok let’s move on.

The letter H in France

Let’s talk about the letter h in French, which is silent, so you never ever hear a word beginning with ha. And amazingly French people don’t even laugh hahaha – they laugh ah ah ah…

Apparently the French don’t like the letter h! They say ‘and-ball, ‘amburger, ‘otel, ‘ockey and ’alloween!

I love it when the Bread Man delivers the bread to our village. I’m teaching him to speak English, and he’s helping me with my French. I try to get him to say his h’s and he says “ave a ‘appy weekend” and I say “non it’s have a happy weekend.” He tries so hard and he makes all these strange noises and my dogs love it. They jump around him as he’s going red in the face trying to ha ha ha. And after several years of trying, I’m resigned to the fact that it’s just never going to ‘appen..

French isn’t just about words

The French language isn’t just about words – it’s also about noises, and body language. If someone asks a question and you don’t know the answer, you can reply silently by shrugging your shoulders, which means “I don’t know” without saying it. That’s because French people are allergic to saying that they don’t know something.

When French people are bored, they make a “pfffff” noise. Or if something is really bad, like ‘ this movie is the worse movie in the world’ the sound bof escapes from them.

Bah, hop, tsst, blowing raspberries – they’re all part of the French language! .

Subscribe here to never miss an episode: thegoodlifefrance.com/podcast

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Find all our France Podcast episodes on all podcast platforms from Apple Music to Spotify

Janine Marsh is Author of My Good Life in France: In Pursuit of the Rural Dream,  My Four Seasons in France: A Year of the Good Life and Toujours la France: Living the Dream in Rural France all available as ebook, print & audio, on Amazon everywhere & all good bookshops online.

The post Everything you want to know about the French language! appeared first on The Good Life France.

When it comes to French, homestay immersion courses in France present a really effective way to learn – and they’re fun!

Devoting several days to focussing on French, listening to it spoken and picking up on the nuances of everyday French without distractions is a great way to really fast forward your French language skills. And for truly exceptional immersion courses, SL Immersion are the leading company for homestay immersion in the French language. They offer outstanding teachers and locations range from Paris to Provence, via Normandy, Burgundy, Brittany and Bordeaux, the French Alps and heaps more fabulous places throughout France.

Stay with a French teacher in their home

Staying with a French teacher in their home gives you the opportunity to live the French lifestyle in one of these legendary places like a local – and learn French at the same time. SL Immersion was founded by Celtina Masardo, a woman with a passion for teaching French and her company is composed of teachers who love to help foreign students learn French.

All the courses are officially certified by the French Government Tourism agency Atout France to ensure quality and security of the stays – and that’s not something that all immersion courses offer.

Learning French at your pace

“I taught French for foreigners for more than 10 years in schools in Lyon and Switzerland. But I was frustrated by the fact the students were just learning French for a few hours during classes, and after that nothing, or almost nothing. They reverted to speaking in their maternal language simply because it’s easier when visiting tourist sites and when not in class. I just knew there had to be a better way to help people learn French”.

So in 2012 Celtina set up SL Immersion with the help of local teachers and their families in Provence where she lives. Over the years the popularity of the courses, the news of their success and testimonials from happy students spread. And there are now dozens of homestay locations right across France.

As a student, you stay with the teacher and family in their home. You still take classes because that’s an important part of learning. But you get to practice your French in a real-life environment.

Total immersion

“We offer a high-quality stay with total immersion. Students often return to carry on learning in a unique and authentic environment” says Celtina. “Our teachers provide personalized lessons that are adapted to each individual’s need and aim. All our teachers are professionally qualified and highly experienced in teaching French as a foreign language.” Whether you’re learning for fun, want to pass exams, speak French for a job or for moving to France and want to learn fast or even want to teach French – there are teachers to suit all needs.

“Learning French with an immersion homestay chez the teacher is the most effective way to learn and to discover the authentic culture. The locals open their homes and share the secrets of their village, gastronomy, and heritage. It is a wonderful exchange. We share a lot. And the student is immersed in the language 24h/7, there are even guided conversations at mealtimes!”

And it’s fun!

There are loads of opportunities to discover the most beautiful villages and historic cities. Visit the legendary markets, museums and vineyards. Enjoy great French gastronomy, go wine tasting and discover real France. But this time it’s with the help of a local, someone who knows the area, its people and its culture. You’ll get to know France in a way you never thought possible as a visitor.

Every stay is adapted to suit the needs of the visitor. Every stay is tailor-made, and students can choose how many formal lessons to undertake (from 5-30 a week) on an individual or group basis (usually no more than 4 people). The teachers can adjust the pace of learning as you go through the days. And they will focus on areas that need improvement and be specific where you need help.

Go as an individual, with your family and friends or as a group! At the end of your stay, you’ll be amazed at the incredible difference it makes to your French!

Find out more and book your French immersion stay at: slimmersion-france.com

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There are more than 100,000 member of the French Coffee Break community, and there’s a reason it’s so popular – online immersive experiences to learn French that really work. And they’re fun.

French Coffee Break offers online group lessons and individual lessons, daily posts, a YouTube Channel and everything you need to fully immerse yourself into the French language and give you the tools and the confidence to understand French and to speak it like a French person.

The courses were created by Manon Dewitte, a French native, who while learning English and Portuguese, developed a modern approach to learning with an aim to revolutionise French language teaching. In three years, she has helped thousands of students to become confident and proficient in French.

Group lessons

With French Coffee Break, you’ll learn French in a simple and effective way in small group classes. There are nine levels of lessons. The first level starts with an introduction course for those who have little to no French language experience and want to learn some basic French for everyday life (classified A1.1). Then you go through various levels including B.1 – which is the minimum level you need to attain for French citizenship. The exam to become a French citizen requires you to demonstrate written and oral proficiency in French. Then there are several more levels ending with C1 – you’re totally fluent in written and spoken French at this stage.

French for every level

Whether you want to learn French for fun or for a specific reason, maybe to go on holiday and be able to converse easily or a dream trip to Paris. Maybe you want to be able to book a restaurant or hotel. Or travel independently on public transport and feel confident that you’re going the right way! Or perhaps you’re moving to France and you’ve not spoken French since you were at school and need to brush up.

Every module includes 20 lessons. After signing up, you’ll receive a Zoom invitation and a link to a Google Drive folder. Course content will be shared with you and other participants on Google Drive. Each course is built around the four skills necessary to speak a foreign language: writing, listening, speaking and reading. You have unlimited access to course content. You’ll find a welcoming and encouraging teacher and enthusiastic classmates. Plus you’ll have the chance to practice with others who are also learning French which makes it fun, interesting and authentic.

You’ll learn about French culture, history, gastronomy and traditions whilst learning grammar and vocabulary the way it is really spoken in France.

Get 20% off when you sign up – use the code NEW20 for your first purchase of a group course.

Private lessons

If you want to learn French for a specific requirement, perhaps DELF/DALF preparation or pronunciation lessons. Or perhaps you need to prepare  for moving to France or a job interview. Tailored, individual lessons can really help you to progress quickly. Choose from one to ten lessons working with Manon to create a bespoke approach designed to help you reach your goals. These programs are tailored to your specific needs and at your pace.

Every course has a detailed description so you can tell what level you’re at. Or you can send an email enquiry or book a free 15-minute call with Manon to discuss your requirements.

Find out more about learning with French Coffee Break at: frenchcoffeebreak.com

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When it comes to learning French, nothing beats an immersion course in France. Without distractions, you can focus on getting to grips with French, whilst you also get to know France.

LaPont Language and Cultural Immersion Programs offer a superb autumn course in Burgundy that’s all about learning French by immersion whilst you experience authentic France. This is a gourmet adventure with stunning 17^th century chateau accommodation in a superb location in Saône-et-Loire.

Burgundy – cradle of French gastronomy

Burgundy is a food and wine lovers delight and during your immersion you’ll be able to indulge in the region cuisine’s most delicious flavours. The chateau’s in-house chef will prepare superb dishes with local fresh produce paired with local wines. You’ll dine at restaurants from authentic auberge to Michelin star and enjoy wine tasting sessions at vineyards. And you’ll also taste authentic Bresse cuisine, as this area is famous for its Bresse poultry, which has achieved international acclaim for its quality and unique taste. You’ll have a picnic at quaint medieval village where you can feast on the sights as well as the produce. Plus you’ll visit markets (including one held under Roman arches) and taste specialities with the locals! And you’ll enjoy a cooking class and learn how to make the famous boeuf Bourguignon and a sublime tarte aux pralines.

No French region would be complete without its very own cheeses! Burgundy is famous for its pungent Epoisses, the limited edition Citeaux with only 100,000 cheeses being produced from the monks’ 75 cows, and smooth and creamy Soumaintrain cows’ cheese. And don’t miss the local favourite Le Charolais goats’ cheese which is one of the many PDOs (Protected Designation of Origin) product held by regional producers. Or Comté, a hard cheese from neighbouring Jura, Franche-Comté

Burgundy in the fall

In the fall, the landscapes of Burgundy take on the most beautiful colours of the year; just as the grape harvest comes to a close, the vineyards come to life with blazing colours, creating a superb mosaic. It’s a great time to taste the wines of Burgundy, sparkling crémant, vin jaune, a unique wine from the Jura, and the local star Chardonnay, which you’ll get to taste at a nearby vineyard.

This is a wonderful time to experience the culture of Burgundy. Sunny days, cooler nights, and the summer crowds have departed. Learning French is also about the culture, the history and the heritage. You’ll visit museums, wineries, a magnificent 16^th century Royal monastery, and chateaux – as well as enjoying the local countryside and vineyards that surround your chateau home.

Delicious Lyon

The LaPont 10 Day French Immersion in Burgundy Program concludes with an overnight stay at a boutique hotel in the heart of Vieux Lyon. Lyon is renowned as one of France’s gastronomic capitals, and there’s no better place to discover the authentic French Cuisine culinary scene. The intimate farewell dinner, for the small group will be hosted at one of the Michelin-starred chef Paul Bocuse Restaurant, which overlooks the Saône River.

Learning French

Being immersed means you’ll quickly learn phrases. It’s so much easier to remember words, when all around you are people helping you to learn and wanting to learn with you. Small group, small classes based on your level (you’ll be assessed on the first day) and you’ll soak up the lessons alongside the culture. You’ll practice French not just during lessons at the chateau, but you’ll have a chance to use your new and improving skills as you enjoy all the many glories of Burgundy.

You might be surprised by just how much you learn while you’re having so much fun discovering the very best of France.

Places are limited. Find out more and book your place, visit: lapont.com/forthcoming-tours

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Stoke the fire and gather round the TV, popcorn et chocolat chaud at the ready. We’ve compiled our list of our favourite winter feel good films to watch and study French. We’ll start with our ‘winter warmer’ movies, before listing some Christmas classics to get you in the festive spirit!

Learning through film is one of the most effective ways to study a language. Not only will you learn ‘real’ French vocabulary in context, you’ll also have great fun as you immerse yourself in French culture.

Winter Warmers

Amélie – 2001

Amélie is one of French international cinema’s biggest successes. Following the death of Princess Diana, Amélie decides to help those around her by secretly orchestrating their lives. She soon realises she has been neglecting her own interests, and her quirky would-be lover in the process.

Populaire (Popular) – 2012

Rose applies to be a secretary at an insurance firm run by Louis. Louis soon discovers that Rose is an extremely fast typer, using only two fingers. He urges her to enter a speed typing competition if she wants the job, and soon he is training her to become the fastest typer in the world.

Les Émotifs anonymes (Romantics Anonymous) – 2010

Angélique, a master chocolatier, and chocolate factory owner Jean-René, are too shy to admit their love for each other. The film follows their awkward journey as their feelings develop for one another.

Intouchables (The Untouchables) – 2011

This comedy drama follows the story of a Parisian aristocrat and his live-in carer following a paragliding accident. A touching story about the bond formed between two men who would never have usually met!

Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis (Welcome to the Sticks) – 2008

Despite living a comfortable life in the picturesque Salon-de-Provence, Julie has been suffering from depression for a long time. To help his wife feel better, Julie’s postmaster husband plots a move for the family. Hilarious and heart-warming…

Christmas Classics

Le père Noël est une ordur (Santa Claus Is a Stinker) – 1982

Two workers at a suicide prevention hotline on Christmas eve get the shock of their lives as a pregnant woman, her abusive boyfriend and a friend visit their offices.

L’apprenti Père Noël (Santa’s Apprentice) – 2010

Although Santa doesn’t want to retire, rules dictate that he must find his successor! An animated Christmas classic, follow the story of a young, shy boy in Australia who could become Santa’s next apprentice.

Un conte de Noël (A Christmas Tale) – 2008

A French family is caught in deep Christmas friction as the matriarch Junon asks her children and grandchildren if they are eligible to become her bone marrow donor.

Enjoy our “how to speak French” podcast episode where we share top tips…

The post 8 Winter Feel Good Films to Watch and Learn French appeared first on The Good Life France.

Have you ever wondered why we say ‘pardon my French?’ We have, so we asked some French language experts and it’s a fascinating story… here’s what they say:

The term “pardon my French” has been used regularly for almost 200 years. It’s used to excuse the fact that you’ve sworn, or are about to swear or use offensive language. It’s a widely used term, even in popular movies like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off! And you don’t have to speak French or even be a Francophile to use the phrase.

Earliest Use of the Phrase

One of the earliest recorded uses of the phrase was in a story published by Karl Von Miltie in 1831, in his book The Twelve Nights. Karl writes:

“My dear Mr. Heartwell, you are come to see me at last. Bless me, how fat you are grown!—absolutely round as a ball:—you will soon be as embonpoint (excuse my French) as your poor dear father, the major.”

Embonpoint is defined to describe persons who are considered larger than usual. In this instance, he is not apologising for the insult, rather for saying the insult in the French language. The phrase became more commonly used during the 19th century, however it did not make its entry into the Oxford English Dicitionary until 1901.

The Arrival of French Words in England

To truly understand the influence of French on the English language, we need to go back to the 11th Century. Following the Battle of Hastings in the 10th Century, when William the Conqueror invaded England, the French language became de rigeur.
Although William tried to learn English (at the age of 43), he soon gave up. Within 20 years of Norman occupation, almost all the religious institutions in England were French-speaking. The aristocrats brought with them large French-speaking retinues, and soon the language of the aristocracy became French. When the English nobility lost their estates in France in 1204 they adopted English as their main language as a source of national pride.

Eventually English did take over from French, but about 10,000 introduced French words are still used today. And there ae hybrid words which have evolved directly from French. For example, sabotage originates from the French word sabot, which is a wooden clog worn by French peasants. As industrialisation swept through Europe, angry peasants soon discovered that a sabot, when placed in machinery, would effectively bring the factories to a halt, thus sabotaging the factories. Even the word coupon, comes from the French verb couper, meaning to cut.

Intertwining of Languages and Origins of Pardon my French

Thanks to the intertwining of the French (and other languages), English subsequently evolved into a rich and versatile global language. ‘Pardon my French’ was originally used in England when someone used a French word, when speaking to someone who may not have had the social standing to understand French. However with conflict between the French and English led to the word being used to indicate that anything regarded as rude or uncouth was dubbed as French, regardless of whether it was or not!

Have a listen to our “How to speak French” podcast episode to learn the three most important words in French!

The post Why do we say ‘pardon my French?’ appeared first on The Good Life France.

With a wealth of online resources and tools, there has never been a better time to learn French online. Studying French through websites and apps allows you to study little-and-often, wherever you are.

Spaced repetition (SRS) software

SRS flashcards are a great way to learn and reinforce vocabulary. You’ll be tested more on words you remember less.
Tip: organise your words into groups to lighten the load!

Switch your email and phone to French system language!

Feeling brave? not switch your email and phone settings to French? As these are platforms that you’re already familiar with, you’ll get exposure to new vocabulary without feeling overwhelmed.

Meet a French language partner online

Studying with language exchange partners is a great way to practice your French language skills and make new friends in the process. There are loads of online platforms to help you find someone suitable. Just remember to take steps to stay safe online!

Get an online tutor

Study with the help of a teacher without needing to leave your home. This is a great option if you don’t get so much exposure to French language in your daily life.

Watch French TV and films online

You can use free tools such as YouTube, or subscription service such as Netflix to learn French. This is a great way to expose yourself to accents from across the French-speaking world!

Listen to French podcasts on streaming platforms

A great option if you’re on the go! Study French as you travel, exercise, or relax through podcasts!

Try a learning French browser extension

Hover over words on websites for immediate translation for an easy win!

Use an online dictionary tool

Put your words and texts into an online dictionary tool to help decipher the meaning. Even better, find one that links to your SRS flashcards to build the new words into your daily study routine!

Learn to sing French songs!

Learning songs is a great way to learn vocabulary in context and have fun when learning French. Get those endorphins flowing with a French karaoke session!

Have a listen to our “How to speak French” podcast episode to learn the three most important words in French!

The post What’s the Best Way to Learn French Online? appeared first on The Good Life France.

We live part of the year in France. A place with verdant landscapes and sublime design sense. Also, praluline, the brioche swirled with pink, sugar-coated pralines. Praluline comes from Roanne in the  Auvergne Rhone-Alps region. We discovered it in old Lyon. It’s like something from Barbie’s Easy-Bake oven, only edible.  It’s what we miss most when we’re not in France.

Friends ask why we’re not there year-round. We tell them: “je ne sais pas” (in English: “beats hell out of us”). Could be taxes, could be bureaucracy. Most likely it’s primitive garbage disposal technology.

But the fact is, we also like our native home – the U.S.A. It’s where we grew up, raised our kids and have our Costco card. The challenge is keeping spiritually close to France while away. We do that in many ways.

For starters, our U.S. house is in Lafayette, CA. Hard to forget France when your namesake is the hero of the French Revolution. Couldn’t say why it’s called Lafayette. Internet research tells us he never ventured farther west than Las Vegas. Probably in search of In-N-Out Burgers, like Lewis and Clark.

But it’s not just geography that links us to France. We rely on cultural touchstones, as well: Jean Sablon recordings, Inspector Bruno novels, French vanilla ice cream.

Then there’s television.

We don’t have a TV set in our French house. I’m old. There aren’t enough years left to get the cable guy out. We make up for it by watching French television programming in the U.S.

You’d be amazed at how many French TV shows you can find in the U.S. There’s everything from murder mysteries to, well, more murder mysteries. It seems that the French love a good homicide. Agatha Christie may have been born at the right time, but definitely not in the right place.

Here are just a few of the murder-solving French TV detectives we follow from the U.S.:

• A trained psychiatrist attached to the Paris homicide bureau;
• A trained art historian attached to the Paris art crime bureau;
• A trained oenologist (this is either a wine expert or a guy who feels the bumps on your forehead to determine if you need the care of the trained psychiatrist) who assists the Bordeaux homicide bureau;
• Two husband-wife detective teams (divorced); one in Lyon, the other in Montpellier; who catch killers and annoy their kids; and
• A morose loner who wears incredibly itchy wool turtleneck sweaters and contemplates death…. no, wait… that’s the Swedish guy.

Anyway, you get the idea.

And here’s the thing about French detectives: they’re all incredibly handsome. At least that’s what my wife tells me…ad nauseum. They have this thing they do with their T-shirts. They don’t tuck them in. So the shirts ride up seductively over the service revolvers on their belts.

I try the same thing. But in my case the shirt rides up over a protruding belly. I’m no judge, but I don’t think that this is seductive.

There’ve been a few good French TV dramas without the line: “I’ll know more after the autopsy” (it’s what the medical examiner tells the girl who wants to know if there’ll be a second date). Here are the best we’ve found:

• Speakerine: moody 1960s political thriller set in Gaullist Paris;
• A Very Secret Service (Au Service de la France): simultaneously understated and over-the-top French spy satire; and
• Call My Agent (Dix Pour Cent): the best of the bunch and a loving spoof of the entertainment business.

All of these programs are broadcast with subtitles. You may not need them. I do. I’m still working on a translation of the French alphabet to English. But if you get stuck, here’s the plot of every French murder mystery ever filmed:

The girl cop hates the guy cop. He hates her, too. They catch the killer. They get married. The only exception: when the guy cop turns out to be the abandoned-at-birth son of the girl cop. In that case, they bake cookies.

We watch these programs faithfully. They’re not always good, but they’re French. And that’s all we’ve got till I find a recipe for praluline.

Mike Zampa is a media relations consultant and former newspaper editor and columnist who, along with his wife, splits time between the Dordogne Valley and San Francisco Bay Area.

The post Discover France through TV Shows! appeared first on The Good Life France.