Bisoubye x

Tu connais* Paul Taylor? If so, you may have been lucky enough to catch the Paris-based British comedian in Brisbane last month. He was in town touring his third bilingual show, ‘Bisoubye x’, following on from the success of his previous offerings, ‘#FRANGLAIS’ and ‘So British Ou Presque’.

Known for his good-natured (and potty-mouthed) skewering of French culture, including the head-scratching politics around (language warning!) La Bise, Taylor conducts his comedy shows in a mix of French and English. And he’s loved by francophone and English-speaking audiences alike.  

If you’re unfamiliar with his work, this Frenchly article gives a good synopsis. Or, encore mieux*, our own office manager Fiona Berrocal, whom many of you know and love, interviewed the man himself recently on radio 4EB as part of L’Heure Francophone. Take a listen here from 40:20 mins.

If you’re now kicking yourself that you missed out, you have two options. The first is to jump on un vol* and catch him in France from October (or at one of his other international shows), and the second is to watch his previous shows from the comfort of your home*. Then make sure tu es prêt* when the next tour is announced. Nous serons!

* Definitely not suitable for work

*Do you know? | *even better | *a flight | *you are ready | *We will be!

Tout va bien

Do you ever struggle with the verb pouvoir*? This song by Ezéchiel Pailhès will help you remember the negative, first-person conjugation, je ne peux pas*, for good. Simple and repetitive, it’s a bit of an ear worm. Go on and have a listen – we think you’ll be surprised how much tu comprends*. (But we’ve also included the translated lyrics, au cas où*.)

Listen on Spotify.

‘Tout Va Bien’

Je ne peux pas dire non, tout va bien
Ce serait mentir, oui, de le dire
Je ne peux pas dire non, tout va bien
Ce serait mentir, oui, de le dire

Je ne peux pas dire non, tout va bien
Ce serait mentir, oui, de le dire
Je ne peux pas dire non, tout va bien
Ce serait mentir, oui, de le dire

Mais ça va, va, va, va, va
Toujours mieux, mieux, mieux, mieux, mieux
Dès le soir
J'oublie tout, tout, tout, tout, tout
C'est bien trop, trop, trop, trop, trop dérisoire

Mais ça va, va, va, va, va
Toujours mieux, mieux, mieux, mieux, mieux
Dès le soir
J'oublie tout, tout, tout, tout, tout
C'est bien trop, trop, trop, trop, trop dérisoire

Je ne peux pas dire non, tout va bien
Ce serait mentir, oui, de le dire
Je ne peux pas dire non, tout va bien
Ce serait mentir, oui, de le dire
Je ne peux pas dire non, tout va bien
Ce serait mentir, oui, de le dire

Mais ça va, va, va, va, va
Toujours mieux, mieux, mieux, mieux, mieux
Dès le soir
J'oublie tout, tout, tout, tout, tout
C'est bien trop, trop, trop, trop, trop dérisoire

Mais ça va, va, va, va, va
Toujours mieux, mieux, mieux, mieux, mieux
Dès le soir
J'oublie tout, tout, tout, tout, tout
C'est bien trop, trop, trop, trop, trop dérisoire

Et en anglais*…

I can't say no, it's alright
It would be lying, yes, to say so
I can't say no, it's alright
It would be lying, yes, to say so 

I can't say no, it's alright
It would be lying, yes, to say so
I can't say no, it's alright
It would be lying, yes, to say so 

But it goes, goes, goes, goes, goes
Always better, better, better, better, better
From the evening
I forget everything, everything, everything, everything, everything
It's too, too, too, too, too ridiculous

But it goes, goes, goes, goes, goes
Always better, better, better, better, better
From the evening
I forget everything, everything, everything, everything, everything
It's too, too, too, too, too ridiculous

I can't say no, it's alright
It would be lying, yes, to say so
I can't say no, it's alright
It would be lying, yes, to say so
I can't say no, it's alright
It would be lying, yes, to say so 

But it goes, goes, goes, goes, goes
Always better, better, better, better, better
From the evening
I forget everything, everything, everything, everything, everything
It's too, too, too, too, too ridiculous

But it goes, goes, goes, goes, goes
Always better, better, better, better, better
From the evening
I forget everything, everything, everything, everything, everything
It's too, too, too, too, too ridiculous

*to be able to (can) | *I can’t | *you understand | *just in case | *And in English…

Famous French Brands: A.P.C.

For most of us, missing luggage is an inconvenience, but for Tunisian-born, Paris-based Jean Touitou, it also served as inspiration. Losing his bags en route* to Barcelona and setting off in search of un jean*, the former Kenzo employee was unimpressed by the options on offer, especially the lack of his favoured raw denim.  

This experience, and his disdain for the OTT fashion of the 1980s, led Touitou to create the utilitarian-chic French label A.P.C. in 1987. Initially selling menswear only, Touitou soon realised les femmes* also craved a fuss-free alternative to loud, trend-led clothing. He introduced womenswear the following year – and the rest, as they say, is history. 

Headquartered in Paris, A.P.C. (or Atelier de Production et de Création*) has become synonymous with high-quality, practical, and casually elegant clothing. Think raw Japanese denim, well-cut basics like the perfect white tee or striped crew-neck sweater, and simple leather accessories. We’ll take the ‘Demi-Lune’ sac* in each colour, svp.

35 years on, the still-independently-owned marque* is highly sought after in Europe, the U.S. and Asia. Collabs with brands and celebs from Asics to Jane Birkin, Goop and Kid Cudi keep things fresh, and A.P.C. stores can be found in the world’s most fashionable cities – including Melbourne.  

But if un vol* down south isn’t on the cards, don’t worry. You can still get that French girl (or gars*) look by shopping the collection online.

*on the way | *jeans | *women | *Production and Creation Workshop | *Half-Moon bag | *brand | *a flight | *guy

Who Speaks French?

How much do you know about the French language? Who speaks it and where do they live? If you’re up for a translation challenge, this article provides some interesting insights. Or, if you want to take the easy route, we’ve pulled out the key facts below.

But before you take a peek, can you deviner* how many Francophones there are around the world? If it helps, the total number of English speakers is environ* 1.5 billion…

Drapeau de la francophonie

French is…

• The official language of 30 countries. This represents more than 300 million people, half of whom live in Africa.

• The world's fifth-most spoken language after Mandarin, English, Spanish and Arabic or Hindi.

• The only language spoken on 5 continents (besides English).

• The second most taught language in the world.

Francophones (French speakers)…

• Number around 274 million, globally.

• 212 million are native speakers, while 62 million have learned French as a second language.

• Have a total income representing about 5% of the world economy (while making up only 1.5% to 2% of its population).
  
  *guess | *around

The Ultimate Snack?

Récemment*, an American mother in Paris created quite the social media storm by posting a video of her child’s after-school snack to TikTok. The meal in question? A chunk of baguette filled with chocolate and beurre salé.*

While Aussie dietitians would likely choke on their activated almonds, this is apparently a common delicacy among French children for le goûter*. With goûter meaning ‘to taste’, le goûter is the sweet afternoon snack les enfants* enjoy around 4:30pm when the bell rings. 

Served by parents and after-school carers, this non-negotiable snack is designed to tide les petits* over until dinnertime. It might simply consist of yoghurt and fruit. But if you're lucky, you'll score a couple of cookies, pain au chocolat, or Nutella on bread. The TikTok goûter in question is also popular.

One thing that’s a little contentious, however, is the addition of salted butter. “Baguette + chocolate bar + BUTTER. Butter is compulsory for me, not an option! But never salted, beurk*,” says LF’s Josephine. What do you think, les chouchous*? Is salted butter a ‘oui’ or a ‘non’ for you?

*Recently | *salted butter | *afternoon snack | *children | *the little ones | yuk! | *teacher’s pets

AFFFF Playlist

Watching, reading, listening… We all learn in different ways, and many of our students use music to polish up on their French. If that's you, or if you're simply looking for something to listen to en faisant le ménage*, you might be interested in the playlist from this year's Alliance Française French Film Festival. 

Listen here

*while doing the housework

Fancy a French Series?

Au nid*, we’re lucky to receive some great recommendations for French series and films. Whether you’re into crime, medical or period dramas, here are three of our chouchous’* recent favourites. We hope you’ll find some fresh inspiration if tu cherches quelque chose de nouveau à regarder*.

Les Combattantes (Women at War)

France, 1914. As the German troops advance and men leave for the frontlines, four women must grapple with the devastating consequences of war at home.
Starring: Audrey Fleurot, Julie de Bona, Camille Lou
Watch it on: Netflix

Vise Le Cœur (Aim for the Heart)

From childhood antagonists to first loves to fierce enemies, police captain Julia Scola and criminal lawyer Novak Lisica have a long and complicated history that culminated in 20 years of estrangement. When Novak leaves his firm to join the police, he supervises Julia’s squad as the new commissioner, and the two must confront their past relationship as they take on Paris’s most challenging crimes.
Starring: Claire Keim, Lannick Gautry, Noémie Chicheportiche, Zinedine Soualem, Waly Dia, Nicolas Cazalé
Watch it on: SBS On Demand

Hippocrate (Interns)

In this French medical drama, a group of interns are forced to take responsibility when doctors in charge of the intern department find themselves quarantined at home due to drastic preventative health measures in a public hospital. (Apparently, the super squeamish best give this one a miss.)
Starring: Louise Bourgoin, Alice Belaïdi, Karim Leklou, Zacharie Chasseriaud
Watch it on: SBS on Demand

*At the nest | *teacher’s pets’ | *you’re looking for something new to watch  

Bonne Maman

We’re willing to bet une baguette* that lurking in your fridge is a jar of confiture* bearing the name and signature vichy rouge* lid of this French foodie brand. Meaning grandmother or granny, Bonne Maman is a family-owned marque* synonymous with delicious home-style preserves, jellies and fruit spreads. All made to traditional recettes* – jam-packed with fruit, and without artificial flavours, colours or conservateurs* (pas préservatifs*, attention!*). 

Founded in 1971 by the Gervoson family, Bonne Maman is based in Biars-sur-Cère, a small village in a beautiful fruit-growing region along the Dordogne in Southwest France. However, the jams’ appeal is much more widespread (pardon the pun), with the range now enjoyed in almost 100 countries across the globe.

In 2021, a rumour also emerged that the company founders sheltered people during the holocaust. While the private family declined to comment, we can’t think of a better reason to pop on la bouilloire* and indulge in something sweet. *Bonne Maman, bien sûr.
To learn more, visit the French website. (We’re sorry to say the madeleines aren’t available on our shores.)

*a baguette | *jam | *red gingham |*brand | *recipes | *preservatives | *not condoms | *be careful | *the kettle | *Bonne Maman, of course

Classic French Film : La Peau Douce

If you’re a fan of La Nouvelle Vague* movement in French cinema, consider adding this lesser-known Truffaut film to your movie night roster. Released in 1964, La Peau Douce (The Soft Skin) failed to reach the critical and box office succès* of some of the celebrated French director’s previous films. Most notamment* Les 400 Coups* (1959) and the iconic Jules et Jim (1962). 

But don’t let that put you off. Over the years, the romantic drama has improved its standing and is now considered among the best in his oeuvre. 

Centring around an illicit affair, le film* stars Jean Desailly and Françoise Dorléac as the romantic leads. The older sister of Catherine Deneuve, Dorléac – shown in this stunning scene – tragically died in a car accident just two years later at the age of 25. 

Intéressé*? Watch la bande annonce* here. 

*New Wave | *success | *notably | *400 Blows |*the film | *Interested? | *the trailer

Marchés de Noël

Dreaming of a Christmas that’s white rather than white-hot? Maybe it’s time to start planning a festive trip to France next December. While there’s no guarantee of a blanket (or even a dusting) of neige*, there’s no shortage of Hallmark movie-worthy Marchés de Nöel* that will have you feeling the joys of the season. 

Behold two lists of the best French Christmas markets to add to your itinerary. Le Figaro’s 2022 round-up is in French if you’re up for a challenge. But there’s also another option en anglais* if you’ve already checked out for the year – we can’t say we blame you!

*snow |*Christmas markets |*in English

Spotlight on: Sophie Fontanel

With her silvery, mid-length locks and enviable wardrobe, Sophie Fontanel is a true style icon. The 60-year-old fashion critic, author and one-time Fashion Director of ELLE France has also amassed a 294, 000+ following as an Instagram star – thanks to artful mirror selfies showcasing her bold, intellectual and playful approach to personal style. And her online documentation of her transition to grey.

For this femme française*? Overt sexiness is out, as Sophie tells Vogue:

Ditto, crippling, vertiginous talons*.

But that doesn’t mean elle est contente* to shrink into the background. Her style is punctuated by an eclectic mix of vintage items, men’s clothing and designer pieces. And, of course, that hair – the subject of her bestselling book, Une Apparition*.

Another livre* is dedicated to her 12 years of celibacy, while she won Le Prince Maurice Prize for romantic literature in 2011 for her roman*, Grandir*.

Author, fashion journalist, influencer… Quite the modern-day slashie, non?

We can’t help admiring Sophie’s honesty, esprit* and positive approach to life ­– and ageing. Follow her stylish moves sur Instagram* or take a peek inside her chic Paris appartement* in this interview with Vogue.

*French woman | *high heels | *she is happy | *A Ghost |*book | *novel | *Growing Up| *spirit | *on Instagram| *apartment

Famous French brands: Diptyque

Step into any stylish home. and you’re likely to spot – or smell – at least one product from French fragrance house, diptyque. Founded in 1961 by trois amis créatifs*, the iconic marque* is a world-renowned purveyor of high-end perfumes, bodycare and home fragrance products. Including, of course, those heavenly bougies parfumées* (an ideal cadeau de Nöel*, if you still have some stockings to fill!). 

However, it was fabric, not fragrance, that inspired Christiane Gautrot, Desmond Knox-Leet and Yves Coueslant to set up a bazaar at the bohemian end of the Boulevard Saint-Germain, Paris. Here, the interior designer, painter and set designer sold their own textile designs alongside Indian incense holders, German paper lanterns and other exotic objets* from their travels.

The diptyque website explains…

The meaning behind the name? A reference to the store’s façade.

In 1963, the trio had the prescience to launch their first scented candles, followed in 1968 by a unisex fragrance, L’Eau*. According to The Perfume Society, “Soon, diptyque was scenting all the smartest homes in Paris and beyond – creating the trend for scented candles that we’re still obsessed with today, and carving out an identity with its so-chic iconic black lettering on a spot-it-at-30-paces oval label.”

Intéressé(e)*? Decouvrez* the range and read more about the popular perfumer – en français* or in English.

*three creative friends | *brand | *scented candles | *Christmas gift | *objects |*water | *interested | *discover | *in French

Book: France An Adventure History

If you’re searching for the perfect cadeau de Noël* for the history-loving Francophile in your life, we have just le truc*. France: An Adventure History is British writer Graham Robb’s lively and vivid exploration of the key moments, faces and themes of l’histoire française*.

Spanning events from the first century BC to today, it’s ‘A quirky, amused, erudite homage to France... ambitious and original' – according to the Times.

To read more glowing reviews or place your order, suivez le lien*. 

Christmas gift | the thing | French history | follow the link

TV5 Monde Simone Veil

To say Simone Veil was une femme incroyable* is an understatement énorme*. Born in 1927, the Holocaust survivor and former avocate* was the first female President of the European Parliament – and a tireless campaigner for les droits de la femme*. 

Most notamment*, as Health Minister she presented and successfully argued the passing of the Veil Act – the 1975 law legalising abortion in France.

Learn more about the revered political figure in this short TV5MONDE video. C’est inspirant!*

an incredible woman | huge | lawyer | women’s rights | most notably | It’s inspiring!

La Nouvelle Vague

The death of Jean-Luc Godard last month set off une vague d’hommages* for the revolutionary French film maker, often referred to as the godfather of New Wave cinema.

Godard, along with a clutch of other directors, turned cinema on its head in the 60s. A famous quote by Godard encapsulates their approach:

"Toute histoire doit avoir un début, un milieu et une fin mais pas forcément dans cet ordre-là."

“Every story must have a beginning, a middle and an end, though not necessarily in that order.”

So what is La Nouvelle Vague* anyway? Read on…

La Nouvelle Vague is a cinematic movement of the late 1950s and early 1960s which sought to casser les règles* of traditional film-making.

Frustrated with the constraints of la Tradition de qualité* style, which they felt was designed to ‘impress rather than express’, a small group including Godard, François Truffaut, Agnès Varda, Éric Rohmer, Jacques Demy and Claude Chabrol set about revolutionising the art form.

These Parisian writers and critics, possibly the original film geeks, put their money where their mouths were by directing their own films in the style they championed.

La Nouvelle Vague attempted to allow directors to express their ideas and emotions as freely as other artists, such as a painters or writers. Rather than the sanitised version of reality presented by traditional studio films, New Wave films showed the grit and realism of the streets of Paris and allowed their directors to examine social and political issues in ground-breaking ways.

*a wave of tributes | *New Wave | *break the rules | *Tradition of quality

La Nouvelle Vague was the birthplace of modern day independent cinema, and many of today’s directors such as Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, Quentin Tarantino and Wes Anderson owe much to its style. As Scorsese said “The French New Wave has influenced all filmmakers who have worked since, whether they saw the films or not. It submerged cinema like a tidal wave”.

New Wave classics include:

• Les Quatre Cent Coups (François Truffaut)

• Lola (Jacques Démy)

• À Bout de Souffle (Jean-Luc Godard)

• Cléo de 5 à 7 (Agnès Varda)

• Le genou de Claire (Éric Rohmer)

• Jules et Jim (François Truffaut)

• Le Mépris (Jean-Luc Godard)

Definitely worth checking out.

The Other French Revolution

Most of us have heard of La Révolution française*, with its tales of out-of-touch princesses, pantless radicals (les sans-culottes*) and public beheadings by way of guillotine, but how many among us know of a much more recent, and thankfully less violent, uprising?

For the soixante-huitards*, the concerns were of a similar hue to the revolutionaries of 1789: le capitalisme*, le consumerisme* and les institutions traditionnelles.*

Driven by students at the Sorbonne University in Paris, the seven-week period of civil unrest spread throughout France and included manifestations*, general strikes and the occupation of universities and factories. At the height of the troubles, the French economy ground to a halt.

A fascinating topo* below, thanks to TV 5 Monde Plus.

Click image to play video.

*The French Revolution | *without breeches (these commoners not not literally naked from the waist down - they just couldn’t afford the fancy silk knee-breeches worn by the nobility and bourgeoisie of the time, known as ‘culottes’ and had to make do with long cotton pantaloons. I’d rise up against that, too.) | *68ers, or those who took part in the demonstrations and riots | *capitalism | *consumerism | *traditional institutions | *protest marches | *rundown

Brand Story: Lacoste

If you hit your sartorial zenith in the 1980s and fancied yourself an emerging yuppy (not looking at anyone…) you may have found yourself unnaturally drawn to wearing a tiny fabric crocodile close to your cœur*.

The French leisure marque* Lacoste pre-dates this most bewildering decade and its history is as long as its present-day product line is wide.

But what really is the story with that tiny green reptile?

From the Lactose.fr website comes this explanation:

“Boston, 1923, le jeune prodige du tennis René Lacoste a 19 ans et il aime les challenges. Son capitaine d’équipe le sait. Il lui promet la belle valise en cuir de crocodile qu’il admire en vitrine s’il remporte le match difficile à venir. René Lacoste n’a pas gagné le match mais il avait la ténacité du crocodile sur le court, c’est pourquoi il a été surnommé ainsi par un journaliste américain.”

“Boston, 1923, the young tennis prodigy René Lacoste is 19 years old and loves a challenge. His team captain knows it. He promises to buy him the beautiful crocodile-leather suitcase he admires in a shop window if he wins the tough match he has coming up. René Lacoste didn’t win the match but he had the tenacity of a crocodile on the court, which is why he was so-nicknamed by an American journalist.”

Intéressé(e)*? Read more here in French (plus see some great past advertisements).

Feeling a bit paresseux(euse)* maybe? Here’s the English version.

*heart | *brand | *interested | *lazy

Actus français facile

Our first steps into listening to French can be slightly harrowing. My mind goes to preparing DELF students for their exams by listening to authentic audio tracks. Until I hit play, they have no idea what they’ll be faced with: are they in a train station, at the supermarket, is it a debate or simply a couple talking about upcoming holiday plans?

A lack of context can be a true impediment to comprehension which is why I really love Radio France Internationale’s Journal en français facile*. The subject matter is international current affairs, giving us at least some immediate context.

The language has been pared back and slowed down for a global audience, and there’s also a full transcript you can use to follow along. If you’re really keen, you could even read the dialogue ahead of time to translate any unknown vocabulary before your first listen. If you’re short on time, though, I still recommend just popping it on in the background (if only for the opening news theme which makes me feel like I’m right back in France).

*News in easy French

Breaking bread

If you’ve grown up in your country of birth, you’re likely so steeped in that particular culture that you’re unaware of the extent of the practices, customs and social etiquette you adhere to every day.

This explains why the first foray into navigating a new culture can make us so mal à l’aise* - there are just so many opportunities for embarrassment.

So let’s make a start by coming to grips with le pain* at least, in all its charming complexité*.

Un grand merci* to Géraldine from Comme Une Française* for this very helpful explainer vidéo.

*awkward | bread | *complexity | *A big thank you | *Like a Frenchwoman

Virtual Louis Vuitton

La mode* has been on our minds a lot récemment* here at Lingua Franca with some of our more advanced students enjoying an entire term devoted to high fashion, as part of our new Club de Culture series.

In Week 2, we looked at the story of Louis Vuitton, from the very humble beginnings of the man himself to the multi-billion dollar juggernaut it is today as part of the LVMH conglomerate.

With owner Bernard Arnault duking it out with Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk for the title of the richest person in the world, no-one would have been choqué* had he, too, decided to enter the race to Mars.

However, with a strong personal interest in the art world as well as a mission to make art and culture accessible to all, in October 2014, la Fondation Louis Vuitton was opened to the world. Housed in a futuristic Frank Gehry-designed building on the edge of the Bois de Boulogne’s Jardin d’Acclimatisation, it has been off limits to us here in Australia until very recently.

Such are the marvels of technology, though, that even if you’re not yet ready or able to dust off your passeport*, you can still pay a visit. Whether to appreciate the collections à l’intérieur* or to stand in awe of the architectural wizardry of the building itself, it’s all au bout des doigts* and won’t cost you a single centime*.

Simply download the Fondation LV app, and choose the theme of your virtual tour. Be sure to change the language from English to French if you want the full immersive experience, or simply turn the sound off to completely drink in la richesse* before you.

PS A bit bored by the purity of the all-white structure? Go here to see how it was transformed in 2016 by French visual artist Daniel Buren.

*Fashion | *recently | *shocked | *passport | *on the inside | *at the tip of your fingers | *cent | *the richness