And they’re off … Posted by Tim Hildreth on Jul 27, 2021
It took a year, but the latest edition of the Jeux Olympiques (les JO as they’re more commonly known in France) have finally begun in Tokyo. The 2020 games – taking place in 2021! – may just be getting started, but France has already made their mark. And they’re off … Team France won their…
Monumental Updates Posted by Tim Hildreth on Jul 20, 2021
It’s a big week for some of the world’s most recognized monuments. After last week’s celebrations commemorating Bastille Day/le 14 juillet, there’s more big news this week concerning the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. Let’s check out these monumental updates. Monumental Updates Let’s start at the top … or as close to the…
Saying “Bonjour” and “Bonsoir” Posted by Bridgette on Jul 16, 2021
Saying “Bonjour” and “Bonsoir” Bonjour is one of the first words people learn when learning French, and most even know it if they have never learned French. It is quite universal, but when to say it is not. In the US it isn’t unusual to skip a friendly ‘hello’ and get straight to the point…
Bastille Day 2021 Posted by Tim Hildreth on Jul 13, 2021
After last year’s quatorze juillet pas comme les autres, I was happy to see that this year’s festivities will see a return to more-or-less normal with des feux d’artifice, les bals des pompiers, un défilé militaire, [et un] concert sous la Tour Eiffel … you can find all the details here! French holidays: Bastille Day 5…
A French Geography Lesson Posted by Tim Hildreth on Jul 6, 2021
As vacation season arrives – in this very strange (almost, hopefully!) post-Covid world – it seemed like a good to time to trot out some useful vocabulary. So this week it’s time for a French geography lesson. A French Geography Lesson With apologies to anyone who associates geography lessons with school, the common terms below…
Les accents Posted by Bridgette on Jul 2, 2021
Bonjour! Let’s talk about accents. In French they are important, since both the pronunciation and meaning of a word can change with or without an accent. For example: pêcheur vs pécheur = fisherman vs sinner Keep reading to help avoid mistakes like fisherman and sinner. 🙂 ________________________________________________________ Accent aigu (the acute accent, lit. the “high”…
France is … Posted by Tim Hildreth on Jun 29, 2021
France, and especially Paris, holds a very special place in my heart. Most people just accept it when I gush about some new discovery from across the sea. But others are always asking me why I love France so much. “What’s so great?” They say. Well while it’s hard to narrow down, for me, France…