Another July 14th is just around the corner. You may know it as Bastille Day, but here in France, it’s called “La Fête Nationale” or “le quatorze juillet.” What’s it all about? Simply put, it’s the date that marks the start of la Révolution française (the French Revolution) and represents the day on which France won her independence from the unchecked and absolute power of the monarchy.
Bastille Day: Background & Vocabulary Read More »
In these frigid January days, those of us in Paris are scurrying from place to place under slate-grey skies, scowling as the freezing air seems to slice through every layer of our clothes. On days like these, nothing is more tempting than finding a nice quiet spot to hunker down with a good book and
7 Cozy Spots in Paris to Escape the Winter Cold Read More »
You thought the French food fest was over now that Christmas and New Year’s Eve was behind us? Think again. With the arrival of January comes a national obsession with the galette des rois – the “king cake.” If you’re in France, you’ve probably noticed this scrumptious-looking cake, usually topped with a golden paper crown,
Galette des Rois: A Sweet French Tradition Read More »
In Paris, New Year’s Eve (called le Réveillon de St. Sylvestre) can feel like pure magic. While the French typically celebrate by sitting down to a sumptuous feast – inevitably featuring delights such as foie gras, raw oysters and champagne – the City of Light offers endless other ways to ring in the New Year
19 Ways to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Paris in 2014 Read More »
“Errer est humain, flâner est parisien.” To err is human, to stroll is Parisian. – Victor Hugo These words were true in the 19th-century and they’re true today. Nothing is more quintessentially Parisian than spending a lazy hour or two strolling through Paris’s streets, gardens, or along the banks of the Seine with no aim
The Covered Passages of Paris: A Christmas Stroll Read More »
Paris is a haven for bon vivants. Although there are numerous supermarkets, chain shops and fast food restaurants, markets in Paris are still very much alive, kicking and full of fresh fruit & veg. While in Paris, whether on holiday or staying for longer, we suggest making like the locals and heading over to your
Top tips to learn French at markets in Paris Read More »
For American, the fourth Thursday in November can be a hard day to be in France. Besides the occasional co-workers or waiter who asks–Wut iz zis Zanksgiving, the day will be just the same any other Thursday in November. But don’t despair! There are an estimated 50,000 Americans living in France. If you got to
How to Have Thanksgiving in Paris Read More »
As the days get shorter and the air colder, its time to move your French lessons inside. But where should we meet? Go ahead and stand in line to go up the Eiffel Tower with your friends. The view is gorgeous and it is an experience not to be missed, but up there it is
Practice Counting at the Palais de Justice Read More »
At French As You Like It, we are lucky enough to work with all sorts of interesting individuals with all different levels of French. From the professional singer who wants to perfect her accent to the traveling spouse who has just moved to France, we love the challenge of creating French lessons for everyone. Whether
Learn Your Colors in a Parisian Park Read More »
The largest mosque in France and the third largest in Europe, the Grand Mosque de Paris is located in the 5th arrondissement just around the corner from Le Jardin des Plantes. The beautiful pink marble mosque was built between 1922 and 1926 to honor the soldiers from the French colonies who had helped France during
A French Lesson over Tea at the Grand Mosque of Paris Read More »
France’s motto may be “Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité” (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity), but trust us that égalité does not apply to croissants. That perfect croissant is both butter and flaky without being too greasy and definitely not stale. This perfection can be extremely hard to find, but worth the search. Ask any Parisian about their neighborhood and
Searching for the Best Croissant in French Read More »
Whether you are planning a relaxing family lunch or a romantic dinner, it is best to be aware of the rules and etiquette when using Paris parks. Here are a few tips to keep you out of trouble and make sure the police do not interrupt your picnic: Alcohol in parks: Though you will often
Rules and Regulations for Picnicking in Paris Read More »
Summertime is a beautiful time of the year for a picnic in Paris. Whether it is a romantic dinner along the Seine or a family lunch on the Champ de Mars, picnicking in Paris is an easy and relaxing way to enjoy the city. For the picnic food, check out L’Epicerie du Bon Marché. It
The Perfect Picnic Starts at L’Epicerie du Bon Marché Read More »
In our ongoing quest to make your dream Parisian apartment come true (or just have fun imagining it), let’s spend some time talking about how you would furnish your pied-à-terre. There are a million different sorts of furniture stores in Paris from small antique shops to the many IKEAs just outside the city. To familiarize
Buying Furniture in French at Le Bon Marché Read More »
Everyone knows that a French apartment isn’t complete without geranium gushing from the windows boxes. Your French tutor has held your hand as you’ve bought new appliances for and hung pictures in your dream French apartment. Let us now take a stroll through the Marché aux Fleurs to purchase some houseplants and the great thing
Buying Plants (& Chickens) in French at the Marché aux Fleurs Read More »
We’ve helped you buy a refrigerator for your dream Parisian pied-à-terre. Now suppose next you want to hang a picture or add a bookcase to one of the walls, you are going to feel rather silly pantomiming screwdriver (un tournevis) at your neighborhood hardware store. A French lesson at the Bazaar de l’Hotel de Ville
Private French Lesson at the BHV in Paris Read More »
After your shopping lesson at Darty, explore the nearby neighborhood with a French lesson at the Eglise de la Madeleine. Click to listen to the French lesson! Location: Place de la Madeleine Transportation: metros lines 8, 12, and 14 at Madeleine Hours: Open 8:30am to 6pm Admission fees: free Website: http://www.eglise-lamadeleine.com/ The location has been
Learning French at L’Eglise de la Madeleine in the Paris 8th Read More »
After what has felt like the rainiest Spring ever, the sun is finally out and the weather people are promising it will stay this way for a couple more days. Here’s some ideas to help you plan your weekend in Paris (and work on your French). The Rose Garden at the Parc de Bagatelle: After
Bonjour and Happy End of the Week! Read More »
Click to hear the French garden vocabulary! Gardening and The Grand Palais We’re pleased to welcome Clémence Dangles from the Paris Creators Studio as a guest blogger. The Paris Creators Studio offers a selection of unusual and inventive classes for English speaking Parisians and English speaking tourists. It’s spring time (not joking…) and what most
Creative Gardening in French Read More »
Great places to take teens visiting Paris! We’re sure even the most sulky teenager would have fun practicing French while “breathing in chocolate.” Here’s a few addresses to save for visiting Paris with a teenager. Have you heard about these prepaid SIM cards specifically for non-French speaking tourists? Now you have no excuse for not
Happy Friday! Here’s what we’ve been reading this week… Read More »
