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.

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

The post Brilliant Immersive online French courses appeared first on The Good Life France.

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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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.

When it comes to learning French, the very best way is through immersion or face to face learning with someone who understands how to teach, coach, and help you. And face to face learning works just as well with online French lessons as it does if you’re in the same room.

Flexible and highly structured

Brigitte Miramont has been teaching French to non-French speakers for more than 30 years. She is highly qualified and has taught at high school, university level and runs immersion courses at her home near Marseille. ‘Learning to speak French gives you skills that go far beyond the obvious’ she says. ‘Learning a new language is rewarding, life-enriching, and it’s also fun.’

Whether you’re learning for yourself, for a move to France, for a job, to pass an exam or to make your time in France more satisfying by being able to communicate better, Brigitte will put together a highly structured learning plan that’s also flexible

Private and tailor made

‘Most people have uniquely different requirements when it comes to learning’ says Brigitte. ‘One size doesn’t always fit all when you’re learning French. Often friends or couples do want to share lessons and learn together. But equally, individuals respond best to a tailor-made approach.’ After an initial, free consultation, Brigitte will create a plan that’s just right for each person. And importantly, she takes into account what level you want to achieve.

Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or advanced, her plan will help you to increase your French skills from speaking to writing. ‘People are often amazed at how quickly they can progress’ says Brigitte. ‘But when I’m working with someone face to face to teach French online, I can adjust the pace and the level. I make my approach suit the individual and their needs. It is wonderfully successful. I really love to see students of all ages and levels enhance their skills in a way and at a pace they didn’t think was possible.

Whether it’s a child worried about moving to France with family and not being able to speak French. Or someone who needs to understand French for their job. Students sometimes want to learn because they appreciate a new skill and love the French language. There are all sorts of reasons to learn French, and it is my pleasure to help people’.

Bespoke online French lessons

The 60-minute lessons cover speaking and listening and cover grammar, phonetics, and vocabulary. You’ll learn about accentuation and intonation and all the little things that help you speak French like a local. And what you’ve covered during your online lesson will be emailed to you afterwards so you can practice as much as you need.

Contact Brigitte for a free 30-minute trial lesson on Skype to discover more…

Find out more at: www.live-and-learn-en-provence.com/online-lessons

The post Tailored online French lessons appeared first on The Good Life France.

People are interested in learning French for all sorts of reasons. Some want to learn to enhance their travel experience in France. Others for fun, or maybe for work and some seek to impress with their new knowledge. Whatever the reason, the fact is – learning to speak French is a popular topic. However, finding the right resources for learning French can be challenging especially for beginners. For this reason many students prefer to enrol in an online tutoring class which is immersive and interactive.

This is good news for those who are planning to teach French! But the question is, are you ready to host your own online French class? While you may be completely fluent in French, it takes more than personal knowledge to teach someone else. There are loads of great French teaching resources to help you set up when it comes to French tutor jobs.

Librivox

This platform contains free audiobooks that you can download and listen to. It’s excellent teaching material to offer to your students so they can listen and become more familiar with the language. Teaching goes beyond the limited hours of class time and extending your help by providing study materials like audiobooks is a great way to show your students that you are truly dedicated to teaching them.

Quizlet

You might encounter some students who may be experiencing difficulty in memorizing new French words. To help them, you could use Quizlet. This website allows online French tutors to prepare a list of new words and vocabulary and turn them into quick practice tests. You can hold online sessions with your students using Quizlet, making French teaching more immersive, fun, and interactive.

Frenchteacher.net

For a general list of resources, Frenchteacher.net has got you covered, although not highly recommended if you already have a specific teaching material in mind that you are looking for. But for those who have just started an online tutoring career and are looking to boost online French teaching jobs, this website is very useful. A variety of resources provides ideas on how to build your lesson plans, modules and activities until you create your own material.

QC French

If you don’t have time to come up with your own tests and practice activities, QC French can help. The platform has a number of French worksheets you can download for free! They make great homework sheets as well as useful to work on together in class.

Cortland

Looking to make your classes more fun and exciting? With Cortland you can host a quick and simple game with your students. Teaching French online can be challenging especially for a young audience, like pre-schoolers. You’ll find a list of French language games to play which helps students to focus and have fun at the same time.

Momes.net

You’ll find resources for French teachers at the intermediate level too. Momes.net has articles, stories, forums and reviews. The materials in this website make a great base for work sheets and practice activities for teachers with easy to comprehend contents.

Onlinenewspapers.com

Casual conversations to increase a student’s oral language abilities are helped by making your chat topical. Onlinenewspapers.com is an excellent resource for current events. The website curates French news articles which help your students familiarise themselves with the language, as well as with French culture.

Light Bulb Languages

Light Bulb Languages helps you to create fresh and new materials to use in French tutoring jobs. The website is regularly updated with all sorts of learning activities including PowerPoint presentations, texts, audiobooks, files, and worksheets. The materials range from beginner level to advanced.

Phonetique

One major challenge that students encounter is how to correctly pronounce the French words  Phonetique can help with that, though it’s better for advanced French learners and isn’t recommended for beginners.

The post Planning to teach French? 10 top French teaching resources appeared first on The Good Life France.