NEWSLETTER UPDATES
Welcome to our newsletter - bringing you little snippets of France and French life.
As we roll into summer, Paris and Normandy have both burst into life, with cafés tumbling onto the streets and the markets full of the best of local produce.
With so much colour, Normandy has always attracted creatives and we’ve been to Le Havre, the birthplace of Impressionism, to explore the town’s artistic heritage. From Renoir to Dufy, Le Havre’s Musée d’Art Moderne is a fantastic place to learn about and enjoy the work of some of the great artists. It’s also where we took a closer look at Renoir’s Portrait of Nini Lopez, one of his favourite models.
Of course, when in Rome…or rather when in Normandy, you’ve got to eat like a Norman, and as Normandy is known for its fabulous cuisine, do have a look at our little taster of some of the best Normandy dishes. And talking of food, we’re delighted that with a little bit of help, our blogger Kris is getting to grips with French menus and finding the confidence to order her meals in French.
SUMMER 2024 EDITION
How not to learn French
Why it’s time to throw away those French textbooks and get to grips with science instead.
The Normandy Gourmand
Is it cheese please, or do you prefer a drop of Calvados to wash down your Tarte Tatin?
Renoir's favourite model
Did Nini Lopez deserve to be called fish face?
Do you fear the French menu?
How to get to grips with the colloquialisms of the French menu.
WINTER 2023 EDITION
Did Van Gogh really shoot himself?
Discovering beautiful Auvers & Van Gogh's final resting place I did not expect to have an "Aha!" moment but following in his footsteps, through fields and picture post-card France, that's exactly what I got!
15 Van Gogh Quotes
Maybe you've only seen his art but he also wrote down his thoughts. Here's 15 lovely quotes from the Institut Van Gogh to brighten up your desktop, phone or tablet. Visit their website shop to get amazing re-prints of his Auvers paintings
Luxury Spa & Eurostar to Paris?
Luxury hotel & Eurostar to Paris, avoid queues AND spend more time in the spa - "yes" you can justify it! This "suite to seat" offer from Marriott Renaissance has just launched & is not even on their website so contact us if you'd like help to book. The Forbes article also has a video if you're intrigued!
Private French Lessons for Adults
How's the best way to get prepared for your French immersion in France - hibernate through winter? No! Trial our unique approach from just €99, book 10 coaching lessons for €500 or join our "Club XPF" for 12 months of coaching AND a one week immersion in France from only €226/month.
SUMMER 2023 EDITION
Dreaming in multiple languages?
Sleep has a more powerful role in language-learning than was previously thought. What does this reveal about our night-time brain?
Cycling in France?
Taking a bike (vélo) for a tour around Paris or the Normandy countryside is a great way to explore so here's a few of the important rules & signs that you need to know. (In French!)
Discover the Best of Normandy
Finally being recognised for it's beautiful countryside and great destinations, within 1-2 hours from Paris or Calais, see 12 Must-Visit Places.
Best Paris Terraces?
It's sunny terrace time 😎 in Paris! Most on this list are free. MUCH more space than that café on the corner. Ask us about our favourite terraces outside Paris 😉
You think French has crazy rules?
Great BBC video proving that the “sound of language” is important for English also. Learn about this odd ‘law’ that has been passed on from generation to generation, and most of us use them. Lexicographer, etymologist and broadcaster Susie Dent looks into these linguistic quirks.
“Ou est the bathroom?”
Going to powder your nose in France used be a game of Russian roulette but things have gotten A LOT better since the first “vespasienne”. Maybe not everyone’s idea of a day trip in Paris but you can tell a lot about a place by its toilets my Nan used to say!
SPECIAL OFFERS
Free Chateau Lesson
Who doesn't like a chateau tour, especially a free one? One of our most popular visits is to the former home of Alexandre Dumas - creator of the Three Musketeers. Here's a free lesson with audio to practice your French! Contact us if you'd like a personalised lesson or to get other lessons about communicating in French, Napoleon, Lafayette or Renoir for example.
Exclusive XPF Offer
Love Paris? Like a bargain? Want to learn all about the culture and intriguing history? Or what about getting the scoop on all the latest shows, boutiques, and top tables in the City of Light? Pay only $30 (USD) for an entire year membership to Bonjour Paris!
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