How many of us have all the good intentions of learning or improving our French in our spare time with CD courses and free apps, but find that the reality is so much harder?

You may have heard of new legislation being introduced that will make it essential for those moving to France to live and work, to speak and understand French. If you’ve already tried going it alone, you’ll have realised how hard it can be to learn a new language without help – it’s not how we naturally learn says Celtina Massardo of SLImmersion.

Learning French naturally

If you listen to a toddler communicating, it’s impressive how quickly they progress, but think about it: there’s usually a parent chatting to them throughout the day, asking questions, repeating and correcting the child’s phrases. That type of one-on-one tuition with a supportive attitude is ideal for learning a language.

As an adult, the equivalent is an immersion course. “With SLImmersion, you’re living with a French-tutor, an expert in teaching the language, and simply having to communicate, but knowing that you’re in an encouraging environment. Forget the dread of large classes where you might be judged or corrected publicly, it’s just you and your tutor, and every single aspect of the teaching is tailored to ensure that it’s relevant to you. Even better, by staying with someone who’s French, you also get to experience their culture, cuisine and way of life” says Celtina.

Moving to or living in France – How to learn French fast

New legislation in France likely to come into effect in 2026 means that anyone applying for a residency card will need to demonstrate a French level over A2 on the international language scale, meaning that you can understand frequent phrases and expressions related to areas of personal and family information, shopping, work and leisure (there are some exceptions to this ruling eg pre-Brexit card holders).

And don’t panic – if you don’t have time to study French before your arrival, you will have time to learn when you arrive.

If you want to learn quickly, an immersion course is ideal. Operating since 2012, SL Immersion offers customised French-language programmes, connecting would-be learners with qualified and vetted tutors across the country. You decide what you need in terms of teaching level, length of stay and the region you’d prefer, and Celtina will advise you on which tutor is the ideal match.

Programmes are very flexible and are tailored to fit the individual: your accommodation will be with your tutor, taking meals together and enjoying activities to discover the region, all while speaking and improving your French.

What makes it different

Celtina Masardo created SL Immersion after teaching in language centres in Lyon and Switzerland. She also worked as a French language test examiner for OFFI, the French Office of Immigration and Integration, one of the accepted forms of demonstrating your French level for the new legislation.

“I wanted to offer a more authentic service, so I started welcoming students to stay with me in my home, offering an immersive experience of living the language as you learn it. My courses in Provence became very popular so I started to make connections with teachers in other regions to see if I could expand what I was offering. It was very important to me that each tutor was highly qualified, with a lot of experience teaching foreigners and that, like me, they were passionate about the French language. Now, many years later, we have a national network of hand-picked, carefully vetted tutors offering homestays that provide that ideal combination of learning, culture, authenticity and interaction with the locals.”

Why not try a new area?

If you’re already living in France, and you’re tempted to book an immersion course, your first reaction might be to choose whichever tutor is closest to your hometown, but this is a fantastic opportunity to explore another part of the country. You can experience life in Paris, Bordeaux or the Côte-d’Azur, get to know Brittany, Normandy, or venture across to the Ardèche or Rhône-Alpes, Provence or Occitanie.

“New destinations are being added regularly,” adds Celtina, “but only when the tutor has passed the quality checks, as it’s incredibly important to us that we offer the best possible service.”

What can I expect

As every homestay is tailored to suit you, your experience will be unique, but from the moment you arrive, you’ll be gently encouraged to communicate with whatever level of French you have. This is a natural learning environment, not an academic setting, so you’ll chat about daily life, current events and what you might be having for dinner that night!

Depending on your host and the location, you can visit the local area, exploring markets, sites of interest and nearby landmarks, all while improving your French vocabulary and accent. This way, learning grammar comes naturally, as it does when we learn from our parents and families.

Nigel stayed with Anne-Laure in Bordeaux for 6 nights and was delighted with his progress: “The improvement in my French has been close to miraculous. When I arrived, I could hardly string a sentence together but now I am a very confident speaker. I highly recommend Anne-Laure and SL Immersion.”

And Tinne, who stayed with Coralyne in the Côte d’Azur, says “I learned a lot whilst enjoying myself during my stay. I not only learned French grammar but learned about the local culture, food and environment, and also met a great family!”

If you’ve ever said to yourself, ‘I wish my French were better, but…’ then perhaps it’s time to take the plunge and book an immersion stay. Your future self will certainly thank you for it!

Take the plunge

Visit the SL Immersion website, where you can browse the profiles of tutors across the country, read reviews, and decide what kind of course would best suit you.

The post How to learn French fast if you’re moving to or living in France appeared first on The Good Life France.

Learning French can be challenging – for some more than others. Learning online, in a classroom or from a book doesn’t work for everyone – we’re all different and we all learn in different ways. A rediscovered way of learning French in France has had great success with those who want to become confident when speaking French – a ‘natural’ way of learning, the way you learn as a child. Hear, experience, speak and then write.

The Experience France (XPF) system is different from most, and though grammar and those pesky conjugations, past, present and future tense combinations are important – they’re only taught once you’re confident with communicating in French.

Learn French naturally

Carl Adkins, an IT entrepreneur who studied psychology, and founder of XPF says “When I lived in France with my family, I assumed I’d soak up the language, pick it up as I went along. But that just didn’t happen. My kids learned easily but I struggled. Months in and I was still finding it hard to have a simple conversation with the neighbours. And instead of getting easier as I expected, it started to get harder because by then I’d lost my confidence.”

He tried several different courses and found they were all too focused on the technicalities – when what he really wanted was to understand and to be understood in French. He started looking into the different ways of learning and eventually discovered a method that helped him – based on how the brain works, with personalised coaching and natural learning.

“I struggled with memorising lots of grammar, never mind finding time for written homework alongside a young family. So, I became a student of French, linguistics, natural language acquisition (NLA) & neuropsychology trying to find out if I could develop some new software, a new app or method for helping adults like me to learn French.

What I discovered is that the method (NLA) already exists and it’s the way we learn our first language. And, that enjoying a subject helps you to ‘acquire French naturally’ – our brains recognise the sounds and pattern of language in the same way that we can hear a few notes of a song and know which song it is. There’s much more to the methodology but that’s the simple version!”

French immersion courses around Normandy and Paris

The XPF teachers are trained in this methodology and ‘teach’ French on immersion courses in France, as well as online classes. They use the natural method of learning – listen, experience, speak and only then when you’re confident, write. They combine this approach with modern techniques (latest psycholinguistic & neurological research that finally explains why those rhymes, hymns & practical pre-school activities produce children that can communicate without knowing any grammar rules or writing.

There’s no rush to learn grammar rules, you simply enjoy the process of learning at your own pace. It’s a totally different learning environment where clients experience and learn about the culture of France and learn the language as they go. It’s a very customised experience based on the individual’s goals and interests as well as the level they are at, rather than teach everyone from the same book.

“Some clients have plenty of vocabulary but lack confidence or opportunities to express themselves in French – our goal is to give them the footholds they need to climb to base camp within an environment that they enjoy and will remember because all their senses are engaged” explains Carl. “This equals fun immersions but also when back to home and work they know that we will support them with regular online sessions about Napoleon, the Normans, cuisine, art and audio playlists so that they can progress further on their French journey. Naturally.”

Based near Paris, the courses take place around Normandy and Paris, at local markets, cultural venues, picturesque streets, Monet’s garden, historic castles. The motivating environment really helps to ‘experience’ the language.

Tailored programmes

“Many people don’t suit the traditional methods of learning” says Carl, “they think it’s them, and they give up and lose confidence. The truth is, we’re all different, we all learn differently and at different paces. What this method does is take that into account. The coaches help you gain confidence with speaking and because of that, you’ll be amazed how quickly you’re able to have a conversation in French. The problem is that once you feel you’ve failed, it’s self-fulfilling. Once we get rid of that negativity in learning, things start to change quickly.”

Each programme is tailored to help you reach your goals. It could be that you want to be able to converse in French easily on holiday in France. Or you’re moving to, or living in, France and need to be able to communicate. Perhaps you’re taking the citizenship test and want to be sure you’ll pass the oral exam. Maybe you’re going for a job in France. Whatever it is, the learning is individually tailored to suit you.

From fully immersive one day taster courses, to a week or more, plus follow up online lessons and online courses, curated audio lessons and personalised activities, there’s something to suit everyone.

Find out more at: xpfrance.net

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Do you wish you spoke better French? If your goal is to prioritise communication over instant grammatical accuracy, then there’s an approach that could well help you. An immersive experience that focuses on natural language acquisition rather than rote learning, is often the ideal way to overcome your fear of making mistakes when speaking French and will see you communicating much more easily on your next French adventure. Offering a bespoke and immersive concierge service, Experience France (XPF), combines language learning with cultural experiences. You’ll not only learn French, but you’ll also really live it, while appreciating the country’s unique culture and learning about what interests you.

How is it different?

Learning French in the classroom can often feel as though it’s more about rules and grammar than about speaking a language naturally. Holding a conversation can feel a long way off while you are conjugating verbs and structuring a sentence. Listening to someone speak a language, for instance on the radio or even TV, can also be of limited use:  it’s hard to understand meaning without any context and when French is spoken at speed with no element of one-to-one communication. The approach taken by XPF is more akin to the way children acquire language. It will focus on grammar and sentence structure, but the primary route to learning is through using and experiencing the language in a natural setting with a teacher who is proficient in helping you to learn. You’ll become familiar with the vocabulary you need, learning to express yourself readily and comfortably in an immersive, responsive setting.

Bespoke French language holidays

In order to create your perfect language learning experience, you’ll first need to talk to one of the organisers at XPF. They will work with you to find out what your level of French already is and what you hope to achieve linguistically. With online courses, as well as multi-day stays and single day experiences available in Normandy and Paris, they’ll focus on your interests and language goals so that they can match you with a teacher, a location and an activity that is going to offer a fun and effective way to improve your French communication.

XPF, start from an understanding that every language learner is unique. This means they don’t offer a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach but focus instead on a learning experience tailored to your individual interests, goals, and lifestyle. Whether you love art, cooking or enjoying French heritage, these elements will become fundamental to your learning process. You’ll move beyond language and really connect with what you love, in French.

If you’ve been to a traditional French class, it may have left you feeling disconnected from the language and frustrated at how hard it is to learn the rules. An immersive approach allows you to pick up language skills while wandering through the picturesque streets of Paris, engaging in conversations at a local market in Normandy, or while enjoying a really good meal. With XPF, every experience is a lesson, and every lesson is an experience.

XPF teachers

The XPF team is made up of experienced bilingual coaches. Every one of them is a native French speaker and their goal is to help you to break down the barriers to language learning rather than by rote classroom learning. The aim is to move away from more traditional methods of teaching French towards immersive experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime. XPF use an approach to acquiring language skills based on a more natural learning sequence – hear, experience, speak and then write. With XPF, grammar and conjugations are important, but they follow on from the process of learning to communicate effectively. This natural method is supported by modern techniques and insights ensuring that your learning is effective as well as enjoyable.

Whether you’re a beginner or whether you want to brush up your language skills, you can choose the learning path that is right for you. You can opt for multi-day immersive courses, single-day experiences and you can become a member of Club XPF. Experienced coaches will be by your side to guide and support you and to enjoy every step of your language development journey with you. They will help you to forge a deeper connection to French culture as you improve your communication skills.

Multi-day tours

Whether you decide to explore the countryside, food and fascinating heritage of Normandy, or dive into the hustle and bustle of Paris, XPF’s multi-day tours will give you the time to learn the language as you immerse yourself in French culture. Every aspect of your stay will be carefully planned, from where you stay to where you eat, to ensure that your experience is enriching as well as comfortable.

You’ll be guided by an expert bilingual coach, and you’ll learn French as you interact with people, explore the locality, and engage with the community around you. This form of study is continuous, immersive, and, most importantly, a really effective way to learn French.

Single Day tours

If you’re keen to improve your language skills but don’t have the time to commit to a longer visit, a single day immersion experience could be perfect for you, offering flexibility and fun as you learn French. It offers a taste of French culture and language in a short time. You can choose from a number of activities, from cooking classes in Paris to art tours in Normandy. Each experience is filled with real-life interactions that enhance your language skills in practical situations and really bring the French language alive.

Club XPF

The philosophy of XPF is that language learning happens better if you are part of a community and to this end, they have created Club XPF. This is more than just an online course and is instead a community of like-minded individuals, all of whom are on their own journey with the French language. You will have access, as a member, to ongoing coaching and online resources, but also to XPF’s online forums and regular meetups. Immersive travel experiences provide plentiful opportunities to practice speaking French and to connect with each other. Far from being a chore, learning French in this way becomes instead a joyful journey of discovery, as you find your connection with France and the French language.

Find out more

XPF offers a free lesson to allow you to sample their teaching style. To find out more or to book your language learning experience, visit xpfrance.net  

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When it comes to learning French, one of the questions that comes up over and over is – how do you know whether to say tu, or vous?

Although tu and vous both mean you – they’re to be used in different situations.

Tu – is for informal situations – like when you’re talking to friends or family – but not all family! For instance when talking to your in-laws it’s common to use vous.

If you use ‘tu’ in the wrong circumstances – it can easily be taken as you being a bit disrespectful.

Use ‘vous’ instead of ‘tu’ and that too can seem wrong – maybe unfriendly.

Vouvoyer: To talk using ‘vous’ is called to vouvoyer in French. It’s for when you’re having a formal conversation, or talking to people you don’t know, teachers, older people or those in authority.

 Tutoyer: Talk using ‘tu’ is tutoyer in French. If you met someone for the first time and used ‘vous’ you can move onto ‘tu’ infact you can even suggest ‘shall we tutoyer’ if you’re not sure!

Tu is for friends, family (except occasionally when talking to elders, some families practice vous), when you’re talking to children, and colleagues.

So how do you know which to use?

It’s always best to play it safe if you’re not sure and use ‘vous’. The person you’re talking to can always say ‘let’s tutoyer, let’s use tu’ (Tu peux me tutoyer ! Tutoie-moi !) Or you can ask them – shall we use tu/Can I say tu to you? (On se tutoie ? Je peux te tutoyer ?)

 You shouldn’t mix tu and vous in the same sentence. So for instance if you ask someone for help, and use the expression for please, keep to informal or formal.

Excuse-moi, tu peux m’aider, s’il te plaît ?”

or

Excusez-moi, vous pouvez m’aider, s’il vous plaît ?

Et toi?

And, just for a little frisson of complication – there’s also ‘toi’! We French are famous for our grammar rules and they can seem complex, but once you know how it all works, everything slots into place.

Take ‘toi’ – which also means you. Like ‘tu’ but in some circumstances we use ‘toi’. Tu is used as a direct subject for instance ‘comment-vas-tu’ – how are you.

Toi is indirect, and follows a verb or preposition for instance with, of or for. For example ‘je voyage avec toi’ (I am travelling with you). Or commonly when you ask someone how they are they might say ‘je vais bien. Et toi?’

Unlike ‘tu’ and ‘vous’, ‘tu’ and ‘toi’ can appear in the same sentence: Moi, je suis française et toi, tu es Anglais. Me, I am French and you, you are English. In French you use ‘moi’ et ‘toi’ to emphasise the subject – but it’s not mandatory.

It can take a little practice to get it right, but practice makes perfect right?!

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Want to learn French with an immersive homestay in France but not sure what to expect? Here’s the lowdown from SL Immersion who have a proven track record of helping guests achieve their language goals. Find out what’s it like to do a French immersion in France.

If you’re a keen French learner without daily exposure to the language, you’ll probably find that one of your biggest hurdles is confidence. It’s one thing to learn with an app or answer questions in a French class once a week, but if you visit France, on holiday for instance, people aren’t reading off a script or giving you the responses you’ve learned to expect. You may not fully understand what they’re saying and jumping into a conversation can sometimes feel like stepping off a cliff. In a tourist area, the people you meet will often switch to English and that can feel like a relief, but it can be frustrating if you’re keen to learn. An immersive homestay can offer intensive language learning in an informal and relaxed setting.

What is an immersion programme and who is it for?

Whether you’re an absolute beginner or an experienced French-speaker looking to improve your grammar and polish your accent, an immersive homestay could be perfect for you. As the name suggests, it is the language equivalent of jumping in with both feet. You’ll be surrounded by French-speakers and almost exclusively speaking French. It is an extremely effective way to speed up your learning and build confidence in your French communication skills.

Where will I stay?

With SL Immersion, you will stay in your teacher’s home. Usually, your arrival is planned for a Sunday afternoon, although than can be adjusted to fit with your preferred timings. When you arrive, you will be warmly welcomed and treated like a member of your host’s family. It’s a very different atmosphere from a hotel and, over the course of your stay, you’ll settle into the household rhythms as a guest in a family home.

What will I eat?

You will share meals with your teacher, who can adapt them to meet any specific dietary requirements you may have. A meal lasts about an hour, or sometimes more, with about 30 minutes allowed for breakfast. Mealtimes are dedicated to naturally guided conversations. French people love to chat while they eat, so your meals offer a golden opportunity to practise French with your teacher. The conversations you have will play a really important role in the progress you make and will give you more confidence to speak and to hone your listening skills too.

The meals you will be served will often be local or national dishes designed to introduce you to French culture. You’ll even have the opportunity to experience every day French daily life, for instance by learning to prepare some recipes with your host.

What will I learn?

Before you arrive, your teacher will assess your language level and work with you to establish your learning needs and goals to design a curriculum that works for you. Each course is individually tailored to help you improve your French as much as possible and have fun while you learn. This means that you can always tell your teacher before or during your visit if there’s something specific you want to focus on. Each lesson lasts an hour and you’ll need to bring your own materials to take notes. At your teacher’s home you’ll then have access to books and dictionaries to support your learning.

What’s the timetable like?

Your teacher will prepare personalised classes for you, taking place at the time you agree together the morning after you arrive. Classes will then run every week day, as intensively as you wish. The schedule may vary depending on your arrival dates and if, for instance, the weather forecast means that it’s better to plan activities in the morning, you may have lessons in the afternoon instead.

Will I get to see the local area?

Yes. When you arrive, your teacher will suggest activities to you so that you can plan your stay. Some of these will be free and some will involve extra fees, but the choice will be up to you. These outings, usually lasting a couple of hours or more, are a great way to learn about French culture and to improve your conversational French skills in a real life setting. With your teacher as a guide, you’ll learn about the local area and practise grammar and vocabulary to consolidate your ‘classroom’ learning.

Will I get any free time?

Yes you will. You can use this to explore the area on your own, to relax or to practise what you’ve learned and prepare for classes. Your teacher will use this free time to prepare lessons and menus or to take care of personal chores.

What are the benefits of immersion?

During an immersive stay, you’ll develop confidence in your linguistic abilities in a safe and supportive environment, with a teacher who knows how to guide you towards understanding and expressing yourself in French. If you are already competent in French, your experienced teacher can push you to understand and correct your mistakes and to express yourself more fluently and naturally.

How do I sign up for a course?

If this approach to language learning sounds like it’s for you, visit slimmersion-france.com/french-immersions/ to find out more about how a homestay programme that will be tailored to your needs.

The post What’s it like to do a French immersion in France appeared first on The Good Life France.

Do you wish you spoke better French? Would you love to be able to order fluently in a restaurant? Do you want to chat with French friends, or do you work with French-speakers and need to communicate more confidently? Whatever your motivation, living in France for a week or more, where you’ll learn French as it’s spoken in France, with a French-speaking teache,  enjoying lessons tailored to your language level and specific needs, is the perfect way to improve your language level fast.

French as French people speak it

However diligently you study a language, you’ll always find that the way it’s spoken in an informal setting – such as a restaurant, office or at a family lunch – is very different indeed from schoolroom French. With SL Immersion you’ll not only learn the foundation of grammar and vocabulary necessary to structure a conversation well, you’ll also get to put your lessons into practice in conversation with your host, who is a qualified teacher of French as a Foreign Language, and with their family, friends and neighbours.

Cultural Experience

In addition to improving your French, living with your teacher will give you an invaluable insight into French culture. From local traditions and gastronomy, to an exploration of neighbouring towns, countryside, markets and cultural attractions, your host will ensure you get a real flavour of France. Whether you take the course alone, with your family or as a group (of up to four people per teacher) a homestay in France will boost your confidence and improve your communication skills while giving you a real understanding and appreciation of French culture.

Home from home

By staying in a French home, you’ll be completely immersed in the language, with assistance as you need it to help you understand what’s going on. You’ll learn the vocabulary and phrases that French people use every day, in a comfortable, informal setting. You’ll have a French friend and ally by your side, who knows the ropes, understands the area, and not only wants to help you communicate, but knows exactly how to help you do so effectively.

The whole of the Hexagon

Immersion stays run in Paris, Brittany, the Alps, Normandy, Bordeaux and across the south of France, so you can choose which area you want to explore in depth while learning. With your teacher as an expert local guide by your side, you’ll not only get more chances to practice speaking French outside the home and classroom setting, but you’ll also get the inside story on the local area. Your host can explain its heritage and community, taking you to the best-known tourist destinations, as well as to places a little more off the beaten track. They will also help you to navigate conversations with the people you meet along the way.

Learn your lessons

With every SL Immersion stay, it’s up to you to choose how much study time you factor in to support your informal learning. Whether you want to learn for an hour a day or up to three, the structured classes, tailored to your particular level of French, will consolidate grammar and vocabulary which you can then practice in a less formal setting. Your host will also plan guided conversations at mealtimes to reinforce learning and aid with speaking and comprehension.

Down to business

If you’re a professional looking to improve your French in order to communicate with colleagues or clients, an SL Immersion course can be tailored to your specific needs. It’s the perfect way to polish your grammar and improve your accent if you already have a good level of French, or to teach you the basics of communication if you’re about to move to a job in France or to set up a business there for instance. Lessons can focus on business vocabulary to ensure that you are as well-equipped as possible for the workplace.

Online learning

For all SL Immersion courses, it’s possible to combine your stay in France with online lessons before or after your visit to boost your learning. In some cases, students, who range from eight to 84 years of age, decide only to learn online. If this is your preference, or perhaps your starting point before booking a homestay, each package of 12 lessons can be tailored to your needs and your schedule. Lessons have also been adapted for blind and visually impaired students.

Teaching beyond the classroom walls

Founder of SL Immersion, Celtina Masardo is a qualified teacher of French as a Foreign Language, who became frustrated to see that her students often lost the progress they made in lessons by reverting to their mother tongue as soon as they left the classroom. Immersion in a fully French environment has offered the perfect solution and the business she originally set up in Provence, now has qualified teachers all across France offering immersive language stays. All SL Immersion courses are fully certified by Atout France – the French government tourism agency – ensuring the quality and security of your stay.

Find out more

For more information and to book your French immersion stay, visit: slimmersion-france.com The website offers a number of free resources and quizzes, including a test to assess your current level of French.

The post Learn French as it’s spoken in France with an immersion homestay appeared first on The Good Life France.

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. Here are 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!

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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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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 spring and autumn courses in Burgundy that’s are 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!

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