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Tipping in France: What American Tourists Need to Know

4/20/2026

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If you’re visiting France—especially Paris—you might be wondering about tipping. The rules are quite different from the United States, and understanding them will help you avoid confusion (and overpaying).

Tipping is not expected or required
Unlike in the U.S., tipping in France is not automatic and not required. In restaurants, servers receive a regular salary, so they do not rely on tips to make a living.
In addition, service is already included in the bill (“service compris”), and taxes are included as well. This means you are already paying for the service when you pay your check.
What do people usually do?If the service was good, it is common to round up the bill, but only by a small amount.
For example:
  • If your bill is €37.80, you might leave €40
  • If your coffee costs €1.80, you might leave €2
These are small tips, not percentages like in the U.S.
New tipping prompts on card machinesSince the Olympic Games, some restaurants—especially in tourist areas in Paris—have started adding tipping options on credit card machines, with percentages like 5%, 10%, 15%, or even 20%.
It’s important to know:
  • This is not standard in France
  • You are not expected to choose one of these options
  • Leaving more than 10% would be considered very high by French standards
Most French people would not tip that much.
Be aware of misleading informationSome tourists have reported being told that “tipping is not included” or that it is expected.
This is not true.
Tipping is never mandatory in France, and it is not legal to require a tip. If this happens, you can politely decline. You can also mention that you are aware of the law.
What about taxis and tour guides?The same general idea applies:
  • You can round up the fare for a taxi
  • You can leave a few euros for a tour guide if you wish
But again, these are small amounts, and you should never feel pressured to give more.

In France, tipping is a gesture of appreciation, not an obligation. A few euros is more than enough to say “thank you.”
Enjoy your trip to France 🇫🇷
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Join Our French Book Club: La Petite Fadette by George Sand

4/19/2026

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Are you looking for a simple and engaging way to improve your French while discovering a classic of French literature?

I’m excited to invite you to our next French book club, where we will explore La Petite Fadette by George Sand.
📅 Event DetailsDate: Thursday, May 14
Time: 7:00 PM EST
Location: Zoom


About the BookLa Petite Fadette is a well-known French novel set in the countryside of 19th-century France. It tells the story of Landry, a young farmer, and his evolving relationship with Fadette, a girl often judged and misunderstood by those around her.
Through this story, George Sand explores themes such as love, prejudice, personal growth, and the importance of looking beyond appearances. The language is accessible, making it a great choice for learners who want to read their first French novel.
Who Is This Book Club For?This book club is designed for learners at an A2–B1 level who want to:
  • Improve their reading and listening skills
  • Build vocabulary in context
  • Gain confidence speaking French
  • Discover French culture through literature
How It WorksBefore each session, you will receive:
  • A link to purchase the book
  • Access to a Google Drive folder with comprehension questions and audio recording
During the session, we do not read the text together. Instead, we focus on:
  • Answering the comprehension questions
  • Discussing the story
  • Sharing your thoughts and opinions (what you liked, didn’t like, etc.)
This format allows you to practice speaking and build confidence in a relaxed and supportive environment.
How to Join

Follow the link for more information and to sign up: link
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French Conditional vs Subjunctive

4/16/2026

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The conditional and the subjunctive can both express uncertainty, which is why they are often confusing. But they are used for different reasons.

The conditional is used to talk about something imagined, possible, or dependent on a condition.
It is often similar to “would” in English, and it is also used to be polite, especially in situations like ordering at a restaurant.

Examples:
Je partirais en France si j’avais le temps. (I would go to France if I had time.)
Il pourrait venir demain. (He could come tomorrow.)
Je voudrais un café, s’il vous plaît. (I would like a coffee, please.)
Je prendrais un verre de vin rouge. (I’ll have a glass of red wine / I would take a glass of red wine.)

Key idea:
→ The conditional = an imagined or possible situation + polite requests (very common in real life)

The subjunctive is used to express a personal reaction: doubt, emotion, desire, or necessity.
It is usually introduced by “que” in French.

Examples:
Il faut que tu viennes. (It’s necessary that you come.)
Je veux que tu fasses tes devoirs. (I want you to do your homework.)
Je ne pense pas qu’il soit là. (I don’t think he is there.)

Key idea:
→ The subjunctive = how the speaker feels or reacts (not certain, subjective)

Main difference:
Conditional → imagining a situation OR being polite
Subjunctive → reacting to a situation (emotion, doubt, opinion)

Helpful comparison:
Je pense qu’il viendra. (I think he will come.)
Je ne pense pas qu’il vienne. (I don’t think he will come.)
Il viendrait s’il pouvait. (He would come if he could.)

Very simple summary:
Conditional → “in another situation” (imagined, possible, polite — especially in restaurants)
Subjunctive → “in my mind” (doubt, emotion, desire)

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H Silent or H Aspiré? Master French Liaison and Pronunciation

4/8/2026

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En français, le H ne se prononce jamais.
Mais il existe deux types de H :
- le H muet : on fait la liaison et l’élision.
l’homme / les hommes
l’hôtel / les hôtels
l’histoire / les histoires
- le H aspiré : on ne fait pas de liaison et pas d’élision.
le haricot / les haricots
la halle / les halles
le héros / les héros

Comment savoir si le H est muet ou aspiré ? C’est la partie difficile : il n’y a pas de règle simple.

Voici quelques astuces :
  • Beaucoup de mots d’origine latine ont un H muet
    (homme, hôtel, histoire)

  • Beaucoup de mots d’origine étrangère ont un H aspiré
    (héros, hamburger, haricot)
  • Le meilleur réflexe : regarder dans le dictionnaire
    → les dictionnaires indiquent souvent si le H est aspiré
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Why Learning to Say Your Allergies in French Is Essential When Traveling to France

4/7/2026

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Why Learning to Say Your Allergies in French Is Essential When Traveling to France
If you’re planning a trip to France, you’re probably thinking about the food, and for good reason. French cuisine is incredible. But if you have food allergies or intolerances, there’s one thing you absolutely shouldn’t overlook: knowing how to clearly communicate them in French.
In restaurants, bakeries, and even small cafés, staff may not always speak fluent English. And when it comes to your health, you don’t want to rely on guessing or hoping to be understood. Being able to say your allergy correctly, and pronounce it clearly, can make a real difference.
That’s why learning a few key phrases before your trip is so important. If needed, even a few short lessons can help you feel confident saying them out loud.
Common food allergies you may need to mention in a restaurant include peanut allergy, which is une allergie aux arachides or aux cacahuètes, tree nut allergy, une allergie aux noix including almonds and hazelnuts, shellfish allergy, une allergie aux fruits de mer, fish allergy, une allergie au poisson, egg allergy, une allergie aux œufs, soy allergy, une allergie au soja, and sesame allergy, une allergie au sésame.
For example, you can say: J’ai une allergie aux arachides to mean I have a peanut allergy.
Food intolerances are also important to communicate clearly. For example, gluten intolerance is une intolérance au gluten, dairy intolerance is une intolérance aux produits laitiers, and lactose intolerance is une intolérance au lactose.
You can say: Je suis intolérant(e) au lactose to explain that you are lactose intolerant.
Even if you know the words, pronunciation really matters. Words like arachides or fruits de mer may not be understood if they are mispronounced. Taking a little time to practice can help you be understood right away and avoid confusion.
A few short lessons before your trip can make a big difference. You’ll feel more confident, you’ll be able to explain your needs clearly, and you’ll enjoy your experience in France with peace of mind.
If you’d like help preparing for your trip, I offer practical lessons focused on real-life situations like ordering at a restaurant, asking questions, and explaining allergies or dietary needs. I offer lessons on Zoom, so no matter where you live, we can work together.

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Traveling to France? Don’t Forget About Voltage and Plug Adapters

3/22/2026

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If you’re planning a trip to France, there’s one important detail many travelers forget: the electrical system is different from the United States.
In France, the voltage is 230V, while in the U.S., it’s around 120V (often referred to as 110V). This means you won’t be able to plug your devices directly into French outlets without the proper equipment.
What does this mean for your devices?Some of your devices will work just fine, but others may not.
Most modern electronics like:
  • laptops
  • smartphones
  • tablets
  • camera chargers
are dual voltage (you’ll often see “100–240V” written on the charger). These devices can handle both U.S. and European voltage.
However, you still won’t be able to plug them directly into the wall because the outlets in France are different.
You’ll need a plug adapterTo use your devices in France, you’ll need a plug adapter. This allows your U.S. plugs to fit into French outlets.
👉 You can find the one I use here: 
Click

👉 Important:
A plug adapter does not convert voltage. It only changes the shape of the plug.

What about voltage converters?For devices like:
  • hair dryers
  • curling irons
  • some electric toothbrush chargers
you may need a voltage converter if they are not dual voltage.
The adapter I personally useWhen I travel to France, I use a multi-port travel adapter, and it makes everything so much easier.
It has:
  • a standard outlet for my laptop
  • USB ports for my phone
  • USB-C ports for my tablet
This way, I can charge all my devices at the same time without carrying multiple adapters.
👉 You can find the one I use here: Click

It’s compact, convenient, and perfect for travel.
Final tipBefore your trip, take a minute to check your devices and pack the right adapter. It will save you time, stress, and possibly damaged electronics.



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French book Club Jules Verne

3/17/2026

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Are you passionate about learning French and eager to improve your language skills? We have an exciting opportunity for you! Join our French Book Club for beginner+ to intermediate levels!
This book club is ideal for learners who have completed the A1 level, meaning they are familiar with the present tense, the past tense, and have some exposure to the future tense.
📅 Next meeting: Thursday, April 16th at 7:00 PM (ET) on Zoom

📖 Book: Cinq semaines en ballon, Jules Verne (Lectures CLE en français facile)
Only 55 pages!!!

🔗 Link to purchase on Amazon:
Paperback: Click on this link
Kindle: Click on this link

After your registration, I will send you:
  • A link to access the audiobook (one audio per chapter)
  • A set of questions to help you understand the book. We will use these questions during our meeting to discuss the book.
How will the meeting be structured?

1️⃣ Introduction of participants
2️⃣ Comprehension questions about the book (provided in advance)
3️⃣ General discussion about the book:
  • What do you think about the main character?
  • What is your favorite passage?
  • Did you enjoy the book? Why?
  • ...

If there are more than six participants, I will place them in breakout rooms of two or three people.

Why join our book club?
✔️ Regular language practice
✔️ Expansion of vocabulary
✔️ Improvement of written and oral comprehension skills
✔️ Meeting other French learners

💰 $10 per meeting: Registration

📩 Contact us for more information!


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French Conversation Group: Discussing Current Events in French

3/13/2026

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In my weekly French conversation group on Zoom , intermediate and advanced learners practice listening comprehension and conversation by discussing current events from the French-speaking world.
Each week, we explore a different topic related to French culture, international news, or important figures from the Francophone world. These discussions help participants expand their vocabulary, improve their listening skills, and gain confidence speaking French in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Next week’s topic is especially exciting for those of us who live on Florida’s Space Coast.
On Wednesday, March 18, our group will be discussing French astronaut Sophie Adenot, who recently launched from Cape Canaveral and is currently aboard the International Space Station.
This topic creates a unique connection between France and our local community, since the mission began right here on the Space Coast. It’s a great opportunity to talk about space exploration, international cooperation, and the role of France in the global space program.
During the session, participants will learn about Sophie Adenot’s mission and discuss the topic together in French.
If you are an intermediate or advanced French learner looking for a way to practice speaking while exploring interesting topics, this conversation group is a great opportunity.
The group meets every Wednesday, and new participants are welcome.

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Why “Tu me manques” Does NOT Mean “You miss me”

3/5/2026

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One expression that always surprises French learners is “tu me manques.”

At first glance, many English speakers assume it means “you miss me.” But in reality, it means the exact opposite: “I miss you.”
Why is that?
The reason is that French and English structure this idea in two completely different ways.


In English, the person who feels the emotion is the subject of the sentence: I miss you.
“I” is the subject. I am the person who feels the absence.

But in French, the structure is reversed. The person who is missed becomes the subject of the sentence.
Tu me manques.
Literally: You are missing to me.


So if we break it down:
tu = you
me = to me
manques = are missing


A more literal way to understand it is:
“You are missing from my life.”

This is why the verb agrees with the person who is missed, not with the person who feels the emotion.
For example:
Tu me manques. I miss you.
Je te manque. You miss me.
Elle me manque. I miss her.
Mes amis me manquent.I miss my friends.

Notice how the verb changes depending on the person or people who are missed.
This structure often feels strange at first for English speakers, but once you understand the logic, it becomes much easier.
Instead of thinking “I miss you,” try thinking: “You are missing to me.”
It’s a small shift in perspective, but it explains the structure perfectly.
And once you get used to it, you’ll start using “tu me manques” naturally in conversation.

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March 03rd, 2026

3/3/2026

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How the Idea for My Book Was Born


Sometimes, the best ideas don’t start with a business plan. They start with a student.
One of my students once told me she wanted to focus almost entirely on verb conjugations. She felt that no matter how much vocabulary she learned, she kept getting stuck when speaking because of irregular verbs. And she was right — French has a lot of them.
Her initial goal was ambitious: she wanted to learn all the conjugations. Every tense. Every form.
But I gently explained that this wasn’t the most efficient approach.
Instead of trying to master everything at once, I suggested we focus on four essential tenses:
– Present
– Passé composé
– Imparfait
– Futur simple

Why? Because with just these four tenses, you can already have real conversations in French. You can talk about what you’re doing now, what you did yesterday, what you used to do, and what you’re going to do next. That covers a huge part of everyday communication.

Once she understood that, our work became much more focused and strategic.
She still wanted everything clearly organized in one place — not scattered across textbooks or different websites. So I started creating structured materials for her.
For each verb, I included clear conjugation charts in those four tenses. Then I added example sentences in each tense to show how the verb works in real context. After that, I asked her to create her own sentences in different tenses and situations. This step was essential. Writing her own examples helped her move from simply recognizing conjugations to actually using them naturally.

What started as a simple document quickly grew. Before I knew it, I had created more than fifty pages of verb charts and practice material.
The content was strong. But the format wasn’t practical.
Studying from a long digital file isn’t ideal. Printing dozens of loose pages isn’t convenient either. The pages get lost, damaged, or disorganized.
That’s when the idea clicked.

Why not turn it into a book?

A structured, organized, practical book.
One place for 100 essential irregular verbs.
Clear conjugations in the four most useful tenses.
Example sentences to guide learners.
A method that helps students actually use the verbs — not just memorize them.

What started as a resource for one student became something much bigger.

Today, the book is available on Amazon and can be found on all Amazon marketplaces worldwide. It is printed locally through Amazon’s print-on-demand service, which means it is produced closer to the buyer for faster and more efficient delivery.

It is also available in Kindle format and included in Kindle Unlimited for readers who prefer a digital version.
Link: 
https://a.co/d/0hXYE4YM

And it all started with one student who simply wanted everything in one place.
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Practice French with Confidence: Listening & Conversation for Intermediate and Advanced Learners

3/2/2026

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Every Wednesday at 1:00pm, I host a small-group session focused on French listening and discussion. The cost is just $10 per session.
How it works:On Saturday, I send the article along with the comprehension questions so you have time to prepare.
Before the session, you:
- Watch the video and read the article
- Think about your answers

During the Wednesday group, we:
- Read the document together
- Answer the comprehension questions as a group
- Move into a guided conversation using the prepared questions
- Explore additional spontaneous questions related to the theme

This structure helps you:
- Improve listening skills
- Expand vocabulary naturally
- Practice expressing opinions
- Speak more confidently in a supportive environment

Prefer Private Lessons? 
If you prefer one-on-one support, I also offer private listening and conversation sessions for $25 (30 minutes).
For private sessions:
- I send the video in advance
- You receive 2–3 comprehension questions
- We discuss 2–3 broader conversation questions together

Private lessons allow for more personalized feedback and targeted speaking practice.
If you’re ready to actively use your French and strengthen your listening and speaking skills, I would love to work with you.
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From Rosetta Stone to Real Conversations: How to Start Speaking French with Confidence

2/25/2026

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Many students use Rosetta Stone to build their French vocabulary and improve their listening skills, but they often miss one important element: real-life speaking practice. If you are currently learning French with Rosetta Stone, I can help you take the next step by practicing pronunciation, reinforcing the vocabulary you are studying, and gently introducing conversation based on the themes you are already learning.
During our sessions, we focus on saying the words out loud with confidence. French pronunciation can feel challenging, especially with silent letters, vowel sounds, and rhythm. Instead of simply repeating audio recordings, you will receive personalized feedback so you can understand how to shape the sounds and speak more naturally.
We also review the vocabulary and expressions from your current Rosetta Stone units. This helps you connect what you learn in the app to real communication. Many students tell me that they recognize the words when they see them, but feel unsure when it is time to speak. Practicing together allows you to move from recognition to active use.
As your confidence grows, we can begin simple conversations inspired by the topics you are studying, such as daily routines, travel, food, or hobbies. The goal is not perfection, but progress. Even short conversations help you develop fluency and feel more comfortable using French outside the app.
These sessions are ideal for learners who want to stay consistent with Rosetta Stone while adding human interaction and real pronunciation coaching. Lessons are available online via Zoom with the option to choose short 30-minute sessions.

If you are currently using Rosetta Stone and would like extra support with pronunciation and conversation practice, feel free to reach out. I would be happy to help you turn your app-based learning into real spoken French.
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Prepare for Your Trip to France with a Private French Tutor: Speak with Confidence Before You Travel

2/23/2026

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Planning a trip to France or another French-speaking country?
A few personalized French lessons before you travel can help you feel more confident and independent during your stay.

In my travel-focused French lessons, we practice real situations you will experience abroad. You will learn greetings, numbers and how to use euros, shopping vocabulary for stores and markets, ordering at restaurants, buying museum tickets, making reservations, and communicating at hotels and airports. We also practice how to ask for directions in the street and understand basic transportation language.

Lessons are designed for American learners and focus on practical conversation, clear pronunciation, and useful travel phrases. Sessions are available online on Zoom or in person in Satellite Beach.


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French book club on Zoom (level A1+/A2/B1): La Reine Margot, Alexandre Dumas

2/12/2026

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Are you passionate about learning French and eager to improve your language skills? We have an exciting opportunity for you! Join our French Book Club for beginner+ to intermediate levels!

📅 Next meeting: Thursday, March 19th at 7:00 PM (EST) on Zoom
📖 Book: La Reine Margot, Alexandre Dumas
Only 60 pages!!!
We will read a simplified French edition designed for language learners. This adapted version makes it possible to enjoy a real literary work while keeping the language accessible.

✨ Only 60 pages and about 700 vocabulary words, making it a manageable and motivating read.
✔️ Suitable for learners who have completed A1 or are at a strong A1 level
✔️ Ideal for learners currently working through A2
✔️ Also a great fit for B1 learners who want a smooth and enjoyable reading experience

🔗 Link to purchase on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4bTffGC
📂 I can provide a PDF version of the book if needed.
After your registration, I will send you:
  • A link to access the audiobook (one audio per chapter)
  • A set of questions to help you understand the book. We will use these questions during our meeting to discuss the book.
How will the meeting be structured?
1️⃣ Introduction of participants
2️⃣ Comprehension questions about the book (provided in advance)
3️⃣ General discussion about the book:

  • What do you think about the main character?
  • What is your favorite passage?
  • Did you enjoy the book? Why?
  • ...
If there are more than six participants, I will place them in breakout rooms of two or three people.
Why join our book club?
✔️ Regular language practice
✔️ Expansion of vocabulary
✔️ Improvement of written and oral comprehension skills
✔️ Meeting other French learners

💰 $10 per meeting
Registration:https://www.frenchbyemilie.com/store/p21/www.frenchbyemilie.com/french-book-club.html

👑 If you’d like to learn more about this person, join us!
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Helping FLVS Students Succeed in French

5/6/2025

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Over the past few years, I’ve had the pleasure of teaching several students enrolled in French 1 and French 2 through Florida Virtual School (FLVS).

Many of them felt a bit lost and overwhelmed by the self-paced virtual format. They struggled to stay motivated, found French grammar confusing, and often didn’t know where to start with assignments.
I helped them step-by-step:
  • I explained key grammar rules and verb conjugations in a clear and simple way.
  • We practiced pronunciation together to build confidence in speaking.
  • I guided them through their assignments and helped them prepare for quizzes, oral assessments, and exams.
With weekly support and a bit of encouragement, my students began to feel more confident and saw real progress — and some even started to enjoy learning French!
If your child is currently taking French on FLVS and could use extra help, I’d be happy to support them too.
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Pourquoi le verbe monter peut se conjuguer avec être et avoir au passé composé ?

4/2/2025

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Pourquoi le verbe monter peut se conjuguer avec être et avoir au passé composé ?
Le verbe monter fait partie des verbes de mouvement (comme aller, venir, entrer, sortir…), et on l’utilise généralement avec être au passé composé quand il n’a pas de complément d’objet. Mais si on ajoute un complément d’objet direct, on utilise avoir.

COD: complément d'objet direct Exemples avec être (pas de COD → le verbe est intransitif)
Elle est montée dans sa chambre.
Nous sommes montés dans le bus.
On parle du mouvement, il n’y a pas de complément d’objet direct après le verbe.


Exemples avec avoir (avec un COD → le verbe est transitif)
Elle a monté les valises.
Ils ont monté les escaliers.
Le verbe a un complément d’objet direct : les valises, les escaliers → on utilise avoir.

Voici d'autres verbes qui utilisent avoir avec un COD et être quand il n'y a pas de COD.


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Did you know you're speaking French without realizing it?

3/1/2025

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Did you know you're speaking French without even realizing it?
English has borrowed many French words, and you probably use them every day! Here are some examples:
Chic – Her outfit is so chic! → Sa tenue est tellement chic !
Ballet – She has been practicing ballet since she was five. → Elle pratique le ballet depuis qu’elle a cinq ans.
Genre – What genre of movies do you like? → Quel genre de films aimes-tu ?
Cliché – That romantic scene is such a cliché! → Cette scène romantique est tellement un cliché !
Rendezvous – They had a secret rendezvous at the café. → Ils ont eu un rendez-vous secret au café.
Fiancé(e) – My fiancé and I are planning our wedding. → Mon fiancé et moi préparons notre mariage.
Déjà vu – I had a strange sense of déjà vu in this town. → J’ai eu une étrange impression de déjà-vu en marchant dans cette ville.
Faux pas – Wearing white to a wedding is a faux pas. → Porter du blanc à un mariage est un faux pas.
RSVP – Please RSVP by next Friday. → Merci de répondre avant vendredi prochain.
Cul-de-sac – They live in a quiet cul-de-sac. → Ils habitent dans un cul-de-sac tranquille.
How many of these words did you know were French?

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French conjugation book

2/12/2025

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Book Recommendation:
If you want to review or learn how to conjugate 100 tricky French verbs, this book is perfect for you! It covers the four most important tenses for everyday conversations: present, passé composé, imperfect, and future. With clear explanations and examples, you'll be able to master these conjugations and improve your fluency in French.
📖 Good news! This book is free for Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscribers.


Click on Amazon

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French book club

2/12/2025

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Are you passionate about learning French and eager to improve your language skills? We have an exciting opportunity for you! Introducing our new French Book Club for beginners +!
We will meet once a month to discuss a chosen book. The first meeting will be on Thursday, February 27th at 7:00pm on Zoom.


Here is the book that we will study :
Victor Hugo habite chez moi, Mondes en VF
The book is at an A1 level. It is ideal for learners who understand simple sentences (basic vocabulary, mainly using present and passé composé).

[https://www.amazon.com/Victor-Hugo-habite-chez-moi/dp/2278087967/ref=sr_1_1?crid=HQ1PX8G15OZL&keywords=victor+Hugo+habite+chez+moi&qid=1702324301&sprefix=victor+hugo+habite+chez+moi%2Caps%2C101&sr=8-1]
After your registration, I will send you:
  • a link to access the audiobook (one audio per chapter)
  • a set of questions to help you understand the book. We will use these questions during our meeting to discuss the book.
  • Link for the meeting on Zoom
During the meeting, we will talk about the book together. Examples of conversation questions:
  • What do you think about Victor Hugo?
  • What is your favorite passage?
  • Did you like this book? Why?
If there are more than 4 participants, I will place them in breakout rooms of 2 or 3 people.
Participation fee: $10 per meeting
[https://www.frenchbyemilie.com/store/p21/Book_Club.html](https://www.frenchbyemilie.com/store/p21/Book_Club.html)

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"Oh là là" – What It REALLY Means in French!

1/25/2025

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You’ve probably heard “Oh là là” in movies and think it’s romantic or flirty, right? 😏 Well, surprise! French people use it in many other ways in everyday life, and it’s not always glamorous. 😅
👉 Here’s how the French actually use "Oh là là" with examples:
Surprise (good or bad):
  • Oh là là, ce gâteau est énorme !
    (Oh my gosh, this cake is huge!)
  • Oh là là, tu as vu la circulation aujourd’hui ?!
    (Oh my, did you see the traffic today?!)
Annoyance or Frustration:
  • Oh là là, ces enfants font tellement de bruit !
    (Ugh, these kids are so noisy!)
  • Oh là là, j’ai encore oublié mes clés !
    (Oh no, I forgot my keys again!)
Admiration or Wonder:
  • Oh là là, ta robe est magnifique !
    (Wow, your dress is stunning!)
  • Oh là là, cette vue est incroyable !
    (Oh wow, this view is amazing!)
Exhaustion or Overwhelm:
  • Oh là là, je suis épuisé après cette journée.
    (Oh gosh, I’m so tired after this day.)
  • Oh là là, il y a tellement à faire avant les vacances !
    (Oh man, there’s so much to do before the holidays!)

Embarrassment:
  • Oh là là, j’ai renversé mon café partout !
    (Oops, I spilled coffee all over myself!)
Sympathy:
  • Oh là là, je suis désolé pour toi.
    (Oh no, I’m so sorry to hear that.)

💡 Fun Fact:
The more “là”s you add, the stronger the emotion:
  • Oh là là là là là là ! 😱 = "I can’t believe this just happened!"
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Croissant ordinaire vs Croissant au beurre: connaissez-vous la différence?

3/4/2024

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Picture
Quand il s'agit de pâtisserie française emblématique, le croissant est sans conteste l'un des favoris du monde entier. Cependant, une question se pose souvent : quelle est exactement la différence entre un croissant ordinaire et un croissant au beurre ?

1. Les Ingrédients :

Commençons par les ingrédients. Le croissant ordinaire est souvent fabriqué avec de la farine, de l'eau, du sucre, du sel, de la levure et de la margarine. La margarine est l'ingrédient clé qui donne à ces croissants leur texture légère et feuilletée.
D'un autre côté, le croissant au beurre est, comme son nom l'indique, enrichi en beurre. La pâte est composée de farine, d'eau, de sucre, de sel, de levure et, bien sûr, d'une quantité généreuse de beurre. C'est cette abondance de beurre qui confère au croissant au beurre sa saveur riche et sa texture incroyablement fondante.
2. La Texture :

La texture est une caractéristique distincte qui différencie ces deux croissants. Le croissant ordinaire a tendance à être plus léger et moins riche en raison de l'utilisation de la margarine. Il est souvent plus aéré avec des couches bien définies, mais moins fondant en bouche.
D'un autre côté, le croissant au beurre est beaucoup plus riche et plus dense. La quantité généreuse de beurre dans la pâte lui confère une texture plus moelleuse et une saveur plus prononcée. Chaque bouchée est une expérience luxueuse de beurre fondant qui se mêle à la légèreté de la pâte feuilletée.
3. La Saveur :
En ce qui concerne la saveur, le croissant ordinaire a un goût plus neutre. La margarine apporte une légère touche de gras mais ne contribue pas vraiment à la richesse du goût. Il est souvent utilisé comme base pour des garnitures sucrées ou salées.
D'un autre côté, le croissant au beurre est une explosion de saveur de beurre. Le beurre de haute qualité utilisé dans la pâte donne à ces croissants une saveur riche et décadente qui peut être appréciée seule ou avec une simple couche de confiture.
Conclusion :
En conclusion, la principale différence entre un croissant ordinaire et un croissant au beurre réside dans les ingrédients utilisés et leur impact sur la texture et la saveur. Tandis que le croissant ordinaire est léger et aéré, le croissant au beurre est riche et fondant, offrant une expérience gustative inégalée. Que vous optiez pour la simplicité du croissant ordinaire ou le luxe du croissant au beurre, une chose est sûre : chaque bouchée vous transportera en France, le pays où le croissant est roi.

English:

When it comes to iconic French pastries, the croissant undoubtedly ranks among the world's favorites. However, a question often arises: what exactly is the difference between an ordinary croissant and a butter croissant? In this article, we'll explore these two variations of this golden delight and examine their distinct differences.
1. Ingredients:
Let's start with the ingredients. The ordinary croissant is often made with flour, water, sugar, salt, yeast, and margarine. Margarine is the key ingredient that gives these croissants their light and flaky texture.
On the other hand, the butter croissant is, as the name suggests, enriched with butter. The dough is composed of flour, water, sugar, salt, yeast, and, of course, a generous amount of butter. It's this abundance of butter that gives the butter croissant its rich flavor and incredibly melt-in-your-mouth texture.
2. Texture:
Texture is a distinct characteristic that sets these two croissants apart. The ordinary croissant tends to be lighter and less rich due to the use of margarine. It's often more airy with well-defined layers but less buttery in texture.
On the flip side, the butter croissant is much richer and denser. The generous amount of butter in the dough gives it a more buttery and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Each bite is a luxurious experience of melting butter that blends with the flakiness of the pastry.
3. Flavor:
When it comes to flavor, the ordinary croissant has a more neutral taste. Margarine adds a slight hint of fat but doesn't contribute much to the richness of the flavor. It's often used as a base for sweet or savory fillings.
On the other hand, the butter croissant is a burst of buttery flavor. The high-quality butter used in the dough gives these croissants a rich and decadent flavor that can be enjoyed on its own or with a simple layer of jam.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the main difference between an ordinary croissant and a butter croissant lies in the ingredients used and their impact on texture and flavor. While the ordinary croissant is light and airy, the butter croissant is rich and buttery, offering an unparalleled taste experience. Whether you opt for the simplicity of the ordinary croissant or the luxury of the butter croissant, one thing is certain: each bite will transport you to France, the country where the croissant reigns supreme.

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French conversation group for Teens (age: 12-16)

2/16/2024

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I am offering you a weekly conversation group for teenage French learners (aged 12 to 16 years old)

👥 Who? Teens aged 12-16
📅 When? on Tuesdays 7:00-7:30pm EST
🌐 Where? Online (Zoom)


  • Minimum Level Required: Understand simple vocab and make basic sentences.
  • One Topic per Week: Receive the topic and questions two days before the group.
  • Group Interaction: Ask and answer questions in French.
  • Breakout Rooms: If there are a lot of participants, we'll divide them into groups of 2 or 3.
  • Ideal for Improving: Listening comprehension, pronunciation, and fluency in French.
  • Contact us for more information: [email protected]
Fee: $10
https://www.frenchbyemilie.com/store/p22/FrenchconversationgroupforTeens.html

Topic on February 20th : le bien-être (well-being)
  1. Quelles choses te rendent heureux/ heureuse tous les jours ? (rendre quelqu’un heureux = to make somebody happy)
  2. Comment tu fais pour te sentir mieux quand tu es stressé par l'école ou les amis ? (se sentir mieux = to feel better)
  3. Comment tu organises ton temps pour avoir du temps pour l'école, le jeu et le repos ?
  4. Pourquoi est-il important de bien dormir pour se sentir bien ? Combien de temps dors-tu ?
  5. Comment tu gardes le moral quand les choses deviennent difficiles ? (garder le moral/ rester optimiste / to keep your chin up)
  6. Qu’est-ce que tu pourrais faire pour faire plaisir à ta maman ? (faire plaisir à quelqu’un = to make somebody happy)
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Difference between retourner, revenir and rentrer

2/15/2024

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RETOURNER
To go back to a place where the speaker has been before but is not currently located.
Example:
  • J'ai adoré ce musée! Je veux y retourner le mois prochain!
    I loved this museum! I want to return there next month.

  • Je dois retourner au bureau parce que j'y ai laissé mon carnet.
    I need to return to the office because I left my notebook there.
REVENIR

To come back to the place where the speaker currently is.

Example:
  • Attends un instant, je reviens dans une minute.
    Hold on, I'll come back in a minute.

  • Je pars en vacances lundi et je reviens vendredi.
    I'm leaving on vacation on Monday and returning on Friday.

RENTRER
Meaning: “to return home” (your house, your country...)
Example:
  • Il se fait tard, je rentre chez moi.
    It's getting late, I'm going home.

  • Je pars au travail à 9 heures et je rentre à 18 heures.
    I leave for work at 9:00 a.m. and return home at 6:00 p.m.

  • Je rentre en France pour voir ma famille cet été.
    I'm going back to France to visit my family this summer.

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Valentine's Day in France: Celebrating Romantic Love and Traditions

2/14/2024

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Valentine’s Day in France = Just for People in Love

En France, la Saint-Valentin est uniquement fêtée par les amoureux.
En France, les enfants n'offrent pas de carte de Saint-Valentin à tous leurs amis et à leur famille ou seulement s'ils ont un intérêt "amoureux" particulier. N'allez donc pas envoyer à tous vos amis français une carte de Saint-Valentin sympathique !
Même si cette fête est considérée de plus en plus comme une fête commerciale, beaucoup de couples en profitent pour célébrer leur amour.
La Saint-Valentin en France est célébrée un peu comme dans le reste du monde - chocolats, roses, bijoux, restaurant romantique...
Parfois une carte, mais beaucoup moins que dans les cultures anglaises et, encore une fois, uniquement pour des intérêts romantiques.



In France, Valentine's Day is only celebrated by people in love.
In France, kids do not give a Valentine to all their friends and family or only if they have a special “love” interest . So don’t go about sending all your French friends a friendly Valentine’s day card !
Even if this holiday is considered more and more as a commercial holiday, many couples take the opportunity to celebrate their love.
Valentine’s day in France is celebrated a bit like it is in the rest of the world – chocolates, roses, jewels, a romantic restaurant...
Sometimes a card, but much less than in English cultures and again, only for romantic interests.

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Explore the Life of Marie Antoinette: Join Our Book Club Meeting on February 22nd!

2/13/2024

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Are you curious to learn more about Marie Antoinette, the fascinating historical figure? If so, mark your calendars for Thursday, February 22nd, at 7:00 PM EST , and join our French book club meeting on Zoom!
Marie Antoinette, the last queen of France before the French Revolution, continues to intrigue and inspire people around the world. From her lavish lifestyle to her tumultuous reign, there's much to explore and discuss.
Our book club will be focusing on a book that offers insights into her life in an accessible way, making it suitable even for beginners. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply curious about this iconic figure, this meeting promises to be engaging and enlightening.

Here is the book that we will study :
Marie-Antoinette au château de Versailles, Mondes en VF
The book is at an A1 level. It is ideal for learners who understand simple sentences (basic vocabulary, mainly using present and passé composé).

https://www.amazon.com/Mondes-VF-A1-Marie-Antoinette/dp/227810246X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=27QZMXVZJIJBK&keywords=marie+antoinette+mondes+en+vf&qid=1706224504&sprefix=marie+antoinette+mondes+en+vf%2Caps%2C102&sr=8-1
After your registration, I will send you:
  • a link to access the audiobook (one audio per chapter)
  • a set of questions to help you understand the book. We will use these questions during our meeting to discuss the book.
  • Link for the meeting on Zoom
During the meeting, we will talk about the book together. Examples of conversation questions:
  • What do you think about Marie-Antoinette?
  • What is your favorite passage?
  • Did you like this book? Why?
If there are more than 4 participants, I will place them in breakout rooms of 2 or 3 people.
Participation fee: $10 per meeting
https://www.frenchbyemilie.com/store/p21/Book_Club.html




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