Tag Archives: french is beautiful

french for paris

blossoms-in-paris

 

The blossoms are blooming here in Pennsylvania, despite Mother Nature being very confused (it’s currently 45 degrees). From what I’m seeing on my friends snapchats and images, the blooms are beginning in Paris, and I’m hoping to see them in ten days, eek! I’m crazy busy getting both home + work life in order before I go, but right now I’m making time to review my French. As you may have seen in my French is Beautiful series, I’ve been studying and improving thanks to (my friend + tutor) Carrie Anne James. Even after years of speaking French, I always review and refresh my knowledge before a trip. Speaking the language (even at a basic level) shows respect, makes things easier, and therefore, more enjoyable.

The French for Paris audio program covers all the basics for navigating and enjoying Paris, and while it’s quite comprehensive, it’s not overwhelming. Carrie Anne teaches you to improvise in conversation, not just imitate, as well as offering cultural tips to help you understand why certain things are said (or not). There are also some fun extras, like the “traveling with kids” bonus lesson, which I’m honored to have inspired! Also included in the course is a guide to Carrie’s favorite places in Paris, which I’ve devoured. While all of her program offerings are amazing (see them here), if you have plans to travel to Paris (and France in general), this one’s for you. Tell her I sent you…merci à tous!

image courtesy of Ashley Ludaescher Photography

*my tutoring is c/o French is Beautiful…these words + opinions are my own*

french is beautiful

frenchisbeautifuliggrid

 

I thought a little change of pace might be nice…I’m sharing a few of my favorite Instagram accounts to follow if you’re learning, or want to improve, your French. While there’s a plethora of beautiful French + Francophile accounts (of which I’ll share my favorites soon), the ones that provide language learning opportunities are more rare. I actually discovered my tutor Carrie Anne James via Instagram…I fell hard for her cinematic french word/ phrase pronuncation videos. Speaking of which, she will be doing that exact thing via a daily email, beginning in August – I highly recommend signing up for it here! Her and I both find inspiration in these accounts – some are for beginners, others more advanced…but they are all lovely and informative. I realize that I subconsciously ended up with a summery theme when curating this grid…it must be my vacation brain, ha. Give them a follow and let me know what your favorites (for learning) are!

(listed in order, from top to bottom, left to right)

@zoemacaron | @frenchwords | @deedeeparis | @frenchwords  | @mylittleparis | @malinzillen | @frenchwordsjournal | @theparisdarling | @sophiefontanel | @malinzillen | @deedeeparis | @frenchisbeautiful

french is beautiful

paris-skyline-ashley-ludaescher-photography

 

“Ma patrie, c’est la langue française. | My homeland is the French language.”

Albert Camus

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My life currently revolves around the subject of home, in both the physical and metaphoric sense. For the purpose of this post, I’m going to address the latter. I’ve always felt at home when in France, and when speaking the language there is a strong sense of familiarity. Whether it’s due to my ancestry, my Francophilia, or the many years I’ve dedicated to learning, studying and improving my French provides a feeling of belonging for me. I’m craving that feeling more than ever, especially considering the current chaos in my life. I’ve let my studies slip a bit, and I’m missing it. However difficult it may be at the moment, I’m determined to continue the progress I’ve made. I’ll be revisiting and reviewing lessons from Carrie Anne James during this transitional period, along with a few private lessons along the way. My next post will delve more deeply into the language aspect, but for now…I’m making time for learning, and finding solace in it.

* french is beautiful is a regular series – browse the archives here *

french is beautiful

fleurishing-famille-paris

 

“There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of  a child. There are seven million.”

Walt Streightiff

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Were we really in Paris with our children, only a month ago?! It feels like it was a all a dream. I’m so thankful to have moments like these documented, thanks to my friend Ashley Ludaescher (still so many more incredible photos to share). Navigating a foreign country with children, especially toddlers, is challenging for sure. Speaking the language (even at a basic level) really makes things easier, and more enjoyable. Carrie Anne James was kind enough to include me in the development of her French for Paris course, and I’m honored to have inspired the “traveling with kids” bonus lesson. I think it goes without saying that I personally relied heavily on that portion of the program during our trip!

Since this was my first time traveling with my children to France, I wanted to be prepared with the proper terminology. Full disclosure – I didn’t know the word for stroller. There were many times when I found myself using phrases that were new to me, such as “excusez moi, est-ce que les pousettes sont permises?” (excuse me, are strollers allowed?). I located diapers, requested mild cheese, even spoke with other parents, in French – and it felt great. Do you have to speak French in order to travel there with your children? No – but I highly recommend it. You will get more respect, better treatment, and yes, even the elusive smile, from the Parisians. Henry et Marie even garnered a tickle or two (or three).

* french is beautiful is a regular series – browse the archives here *

french is beautiful

louvre-pyramid

 

“Il y a eu une modernité pour chaque peintre ancien. | Every ancient painter was once modern.”

Charles Baudelaire

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One of the things I love most about Paris is it’s history. However, I’m constantly in awe at how beautifully ultra-modern elements are married + juxtaposed with classical architecture. The best example I can think of is the Louvre…with the original structure (not including the original fortress) dating to the 16th century, and the 1989 addition of the glass pyramid designed by I.M. Pei. While originally very controversial, it is now one of the most recognizable modern landmarks in Paris. I feel this is very representative of French, and any language, really. You must have an understanding and respect for the proper (formal) verbiage, but be able to weave in modern day elements. There have been numerous times when I’ve used “textbook” French, and suddenly, it’s as if I have an arrow sign above my head blinking “AMERICAN” in neon lights. For example, instead of using the classic je voudrais for “I would like”…using je vais prendre gives it a modern, casual update. Another example – instead of using nous for “we”, a more common (modern) usage is the word on. I’m learning that these seemingly small tweaks can make the difference between sounding like you just left high school and sounding like a pro. Merci mille fois, Carrie Anne James.

* french is beautiful is a regular series – browse the archives here *