Ortolan

“There is a dish so aromatic, so indulgent, so cruel, that it is meant to be eaten with a towel draped over the diner’s head – both to keep in the smells and, perhaps, to hide one’s face from God.”

So says a Gastro Obscura article about an illegal French delicacy involving a tiny songbird, Armagnac brandy and a cast iron stomach. Not to mention a black-market fee approaching €150.

Eating lunch? We suggest you come back later… Otherwise, gird your loins for an interesting read about ortolan. 

*cast iron stomach

Source : www.francebleu.fr

Famous French Brands: Mariage Frères

Can’t go past a refreshing tasse de thé*? Then consider popping on the kettle and pouring yourself a first-class cup from renowned French tea brand Mariage Frères.

Founded in Paris in 1854, Mariage Frères has long been elevating tea drinking into an indulgent art. 

Coming from a family of traders with a lust for loose leaves, brothers Henri and Edouard Mariage embarked on a mission to import teas from China, Japan and India – and their eponymous business was born.

Securing a legion of tea-drinking fans with its signature blends and elegant packaging, Mariage Frères today has boutiques and concessions across the globe. 

If you need to find un cadeau* in Paris? Drop by one of their flagship stores in the chic Marais district or Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, and you won't leave empty-handed. 

Enjoyed by local pinkie-raisers and tourists alike, the marque* was one of the first to promote the health benefits of green tea. However, it's Marco Polo, a fragrant blend with notes of fruit and flowers, and the robust Earl Grey Imperial the brand is best known for. 

With a rich history and commitment to quality, Mariage Frères continues to inspire joy with every not-so-humble cup of tea. Read more of their story here.

*cup of tea | *a gift | *brand

10 Romantic French Movies

Whether célibataire ou en couple*, with Saint-Valentin* upon us, what better time to enjoy a French romance film? From Truffaut’s 1962 cult classic Jules et Jim to the quirky charm of Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulain (Amélie), there’s something for everyone in this list of the 10 most romantic French movies ever made.

Enjoy!

*single or in a couple | *Valentine’s Day

Stream it Now: The New Look (Dior)

Lovers of la mode* will undoubtedly devour new period drama, The New Look, which documents legendary designer Christian Dior’s rise after World War II. And, bien sûr*, his infamous rivalry with the equally iconic Coco Chanel.

Landing on Apple TV+ on February 14th, the first series comprises 10 episodes, with our own Ben Mendelsohn and France’s Juliette Binoche playing the feuding fashionistas.

Stream it here or read all about it. And, if you become hooked, don’t despair. A second series is currently in production!

*fashion| *of course

Famous French brands: Ladurée

At 16 Rue Royale in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, clad in pastel green and gold, stands the original Ladurée – a petite and enduring patisserie founded in 1862 by Louis-Ernest Ladurée. 

Initially une boulangerie*, Ladurée was rebuilt following a fire to become one of the city's first tea rooms, opening in 1871. At the time, Paris was undergoing significant cultural and social transformations, and Ladurée and his wife Jeanne had a vision to create a refined gathering place for the Parisian elite. 

Their eponymous establishment rapidement* became just that – capturing the imagination of Parisian society and attracting intellectuals, artists and socialites to indulge in the exquisite pastries and teas amidst Ladurée's elegant ambience. 

However, it wasn’t until decades later that la marque's* most iconic culinary creation came to be. In 1930, the Parisian pastry chef Pierre Desfontaines, grand-cousin of Louis-Ernes, had a lightbulb moment and cemented two macaron shells together with a filling of velvety ganache. And this is how the Parisian macaron was born, mes ami(e)s*!

Central to Ladurée's international allure is this veritable rainbow of macarons in classic flavours like vanilla and chocolate to exotic renditions such as matcha and lychee. No trip to Paris is complete without sampling these delicate confections – and, trust us, you won't stop at just one!

Today, Ladurée stands as a global emblem of Parisian elegance, with boutiques and tearooms from Tokyo to New York, including high-end department stores like Galeries Lafayette and Harrods. 

It's also been immortalised in literature, fashion and film. From Marcel Proust's evocative descriptions of madeleines to Sofia Coppola's cinematic ode in Marie Antoinette, Ladurée has left an indelible mark on popular culture. As well as our collective tastebuds. 

For more, visit the Ladurée France website.

*a bakery | *quickly | *the brand’s | *my friends

Five Cult French Pharmacy Finds

Travelling to France? Plan on packing an extra tote for your beauty haul as you're headed to skincare-lover paradise! With cosmetics sections that rival any department store, French pharmacies are veritable treasure troves of skincare wonders where beauty buffs flock for coveted products that promise radiant, flawless, French-girl peau*. 

Renowned for their minimalist approach to makeup and unwavering dedication to skincare, the French prioritise healthy, glowing complexions above all else. So, do as they do next trip and stock up on these five cult French pharmacy finds to elevate your skincare routine to new heights.

NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Dry Oil: A multi-purpose dry oil beloved by beauty enthusiasts worldwide, NUXE Huile Prodigieuse is a luxurious elixir that nourishes, hydrates and illuminates the skin and hair. Infused with precious botanical oils, this cult favourite is suitable for all skin types, delivering a radiant glow and delicious fragrance with each application.

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water: Seen backstage at catwalk shows, this holy grail skincare staple is a gentle yet effective cleanser that removes la maquillage*, impurities and excess oil without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier. Ideal for sensitive skin types, the dermatologist-recommended formula soothes and calms irritation, leaving the skin clean, refreshed and balanced.

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré: Loved by makeup artists, models and celebs alike, Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré is a luxurious moisturiser that doubles as a primer and makeup remover. Enriched with nourishing ingredients like shea butter and aloe vera, this iconic cream hydrates, softens and smooths the skin, creating the perfect canvas for makeup application while promoting long-term skin health.

A313 Vitamin A Cream: A cult classic in French skincare, A313 Vitamin A Cream is a potent retinoid treatment renowned for its transformative anti-ageing benefits. Formulated with retinyl palmitate, a gentle derivative of vitamin A, this powerhouse cream stimulates collagen production, reduces the appearance of fine lines and les rides* and refines skin texture for a youthful, radiant complexion.

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5: A soothing and reparative balm for the face and body, La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 is a must-have for addressing a myriad of skin concerns, from dryness and irritation to minor wounds and burns. Enriched with panthenol, the rich, dermatologist-tested formula provides immediate relief, accelerates skin regeneration and restores comfort to even the most sensible* skin types.

Happy shopping!

*skin | * makeup | *wrinkles | *sensitive

8 Festive French Christmas Movies

‘Tis the season to watch cosy Christmas movies – and why not improve your French at the same time?

From the classic to the contemporary, and even an animated flick for les petits*, this list of ‘8 French Christmas Movies To Boost Your Holiday Cheer’ has quelque chose* for everyone. So, pop on the aircon, make some popcorn and a Kir Royal, and sink your teeth into these festive treats.

*the little ones | *something

Learn French with Arsène Lupin

We recently received a tip from one of our chouchous* about one of his favourite ways to learn French – along with everyone’s favourite gentleman-cambrioleur*, Arsène Lupin!

Learn French with Arsène Lupin Gentleman-Thief is the original version of Maurice Leblanc’s famous novel (now adapted into the Netflix series many of our students love) with a word-for-word interlinear translation of the French text.

If you find yourself frustrated at having to look up every fifth word when attempting to read en francais*, this might be the book for you.

Learn how it can help improve your French vocab and purchase a copy here. 

*teacher’s pets | *thief | *in French 

Écoute: 3 Fun French Podcasts

Do you ever listen to podcasts on your commute to work, during your afternoon walk or as you do *le ménage? Then *pourquoi pas try one of the many great French language pods on offer? 

There’s a series for every skill level and interest. And it’s an excellent way to improve your listening comprehension and boost your vocab while being entertained. 

Here are three of our current favourites to get you started. 

Bite-sized (beginner level): Louis French Lessons

With an average episode length of 5 minutes, Louis French Lessons is a great option for beginners. Or anyone wanting to snack on some bite-sized French content throughout the day. Narrated by French native Louis, these regular episodes feature short dialogues which are then broken down and explained using a mix of French and English.

Real-life stories (intermediate): Duolingo

Many Lingua Franca students use the Duolingo app to complement in-class learning – and the Duolingo podcast series is another brilliant resource. Each 20-odd-minute episode usually focuses on a real-life story – giving you a fascinating insight into different aspects of French culture. Told in French, with a small amount of English as needed to add context, the stories are diverse, and the dialogue is not too speedy. Well worth a listen. 

For fashionistas (intermediate-advanced): Chiffon

For lovers of fashion, Chiffon is a must. Hosted by journalist Valérie Tribes, this podcast series analysing our relationship with fashion and *les vêtements features in-depth interviews with stylish men and women from around the globe. Aimed at francophones, the episodes are all in French (you’d be amazed what you pick up!) and vary in length from around 20-30 minutes. 

*the housework | *why not | *clothes

Famous French Brands: Le Creuset

Step into any self-respecting cook’s *cuisine and you can bet your bottom dollar you’ll find at least one piece of cast iron cookware from iconic French brand, Le Creuset. Founded in 1925 in Fresnoy-le-Grand, a small French village situated *environ two hours north of Paris, *la marque is synonymous with culinary quality and covetable (much copied) style.

The brainchild of two Belgian industrialists, Armand Desaegher and Octave Aubecq, Le Creuset began with the creation of a cast iron *cocotte, or French Oven. Today, the brand’s enamelled cast iron cookware, utensils and kitchen accessories are instantly recognisable in vibrant, timeless colours, including Marseille (bright blue), classic Cerise (cherry red) and Volcanic (orange) – the most important of all. Inspired by the fiery colour of molten cast iron inside foundry moulds, Volcanique was the brand’s first enamelled colour. And it remains a firm favourite today.

Beyond those wanting a pop of colour in the kitchen, Le Creuset fans rave about the results come dinner time. The casseroles and cast-iron pieces ]distribute and retain heat to perfection for unparalleled slow cooking and braising. And while the price tag might seem hefty at first, if you consider them not just kitchen tools but heirlooms to pass down, they become an irresistible proposition. 

Over the years, the product line has evolved to include stoneware, non-stick cookware and even wine accessories and Le Creuset remains beloved by professional chefs and home cooks worldwide. Whether you're simmering Coq au Vin or baking a mouth-watering soufflé, it remains your trusted culinary companion, bringing a touch of French charm to your kitchen.

Learn more about the Le Creuset story on the Australian website. Or explore the French website to test your vocab.

*kitchen | *around | *the brand | *casserole

Funny French Series: Shambles

Searching for a new series and fancy something funny and low commitment? Then we have it on good authority that Shambles (Désordres) is worth a watch. Starring (and written, directed and produced by) celebrated French comedian Florence Foresti, the semi-autobiographical series follows the life of Florence – a comedian and single mother – dealing with les admirateurs*, family and the ups and downs of life.  

The best bit? With only eight episodes of just under 30 minutes, it’s a snack-sized offering perfect for your next binge.

Stream it on SBS on Demand. Or read this interview with the creator.

*fans

The Cheesemonger Olympics exists (and, yes, we're drooling)

Paris 2024 might fast be approaching, but there’s another lesser-known (yet equally illustrious) event we were recently obsessed with – the Cheesemonger Olympics! Taking place from 10-12 September in Tours, France, Le Mondial du Fromage pitted 16 competitors against each other to determine who was the big cheese, so to speak, of cheesemongering.

Fromage* aficionados from near and far applied to take part in the competition, with Brisbane’s very own Stephanie Stevenson, from Le Fromage Yard in Morningside, making the cut. Félicitations*, Steph!

At the event, the world’s best cheesemongers completed a multiple-choice test, took part in a blind tasting, were judged on their cutting accuracy, prepared the ultimate cheese plate, and delivered a 5-minute presentation on a cheese of their choice – among other challenges.

Find out more about the Mondial du Fromage in the video below.

Malheureusement*, Steph didn’t make it onto the winners’ podium, with Frenchman Vincent PHILIPPE taking out the top prize. Mais nous sommes toujours très impressionnés*!

Here’s what Stephanie had to say when we caught up with her just before she jetted off… 

CONGRATS ON BEING CHOSEN TO COMPETE IN THE ‘CHEESEMONGER OLYMPICS’! HOW DID THAT HAPPEN?

I had to complete several tasks for the application process. Part of the criteria is to work a minimum number of years in the industry, create a 10-cheese plate with a detailed description on each, a one-page writeup of a cheese from Australia (mine was on Granny's Blue from Prom Country) and a few other bits and pieces. In all honesty, I didn't think I would get in, haha. 

HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN OBSESSED WITH CHEESE?

For as long as I can remember, there was always a cheese and charcuterie plate at my family dinners, but it wasn't till I moved overseas that I really went a little crazy. This was often acknowledged by my husband and his family in France. 

HOW DID LE FROMAGE YARD COME ABOUT?

I had an idea of sharing my overseas experience and was lucky enough that my husband was keen to support a crazy hunch and be involved. Le Fromage Yard technically started before we even landed in Australia. We were still overseas and contacting distributors here until we thought, 'Why not just source the products ourselves?', and shifted our view to exporting in France.

Le Fromage Yard was established in 2015 (literally within 6 months of arriving back in Australia) and we attended markets around the Gold Coast and Brisbane. We now have a fromagerie in Morningside and still attend the Powerhouse Markets every 2nd and 4th Saturday and Manly on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month. 

DO YOU HAVE ANY SPECIFIC CHEESE-RELATED QUALIFICATIONS?

In all honesty, I started with no skills, qualifications, or any formal training. However, hard work can achieve great things. I read information online, I ate, I looked for changes in the cheeses and tried to make connections as to what was happening. It has only been in the last two years I have undertaken formal online study in the UK.

It appears that dedicated cheesemonger training has only just arrived in Australia through the same UK program. I hope that more support will be given, and it will turn into more serious qualifications and evolve into an apprenticeship. 

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF CHEESEMONGERING?

There are so many cheeses out there that you can never get bored! There is always something new and interesting to try. I would also have to say a huge part of enjoying the job is our customers (we are so lucky with how amazing they are) and being a part of so many significant milestones in their lives (birthdays, weddings, family get-togethers, anniversaries, proposals etc). It is pretty special to be trusted in helping them create a memorable day! 

PART OF THE COMPETITION INVOLVES CREATING A CHEESEBOARD. DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR THE BUDDING HOST? 

My first tip for creating the ultimate cheese board is to chat with your local cheesemonger – they will question you and find what you are looking for. I cannot say how enjoyable it is when someone trusts you to help them create something delicious! When in doubt, keep it simple – a soft, hard, and blue option. Ask your cheesemonger what the popular options are. Feeling more adventurous? Ask what is eating well or ripe! 

WHAT CHEESE ARE YOU LOVING RIGHT NOW?  

A new goat's milk camembert! It is a lot more subtle than the traditional French chevre, but its gooey, supple texture is to die for, and it still has the incredible zesty, acidity many goat cheeses have. We visited the farm last trip to France, and I think I am just as obsessed with their agricultural ethos as I am with the cheese.

I'm also LOVING Ironbark from Long Paddock. We are proudly the first to stock their products in QLD and they have just started their raw milk production of Ironbark, which is just incredible! 

SO HOW ARE YOU FEELING IN THE LEAD-UP TO THE COMPETITION?

Extremely nervous and very out of my league! However, I believe sitting in your comfort zone does not develop your skills or knowledge, so I figure there is nothing to lose and everything to gain. 

WHAT DOES THE COMPETITION INVOLVE?

The competition runs over an entire day, and we will be expected to complete a number of tasks within a designated amount of time. I will complete a multiple-choice test, blind tasting where I need to identify the cheese, age, milk variety, manufacturing technique and age, a presentation on a cheese, accurately cutting 4 x 250g cuts of cheese, a single person platter, an appetizer, a cheese preparation, a large 1m X 1m cheese platter on a theme and cheese carving/artistic presentation. 

BONNE CHANCE*! WILL YOU BE EXTENDING YOUR STAY PAST THE COMPETITION?

I think I struck gold as Slow Food is in Italy the week after my competition! This was something I have been dying to attend, so it was a no-brainer to stay for another week. We will be staying near Alba in Piedmont and attending some cheese classes and the cheese festival and sampling some delicious wine from the region! 

*Cheese | *Congratulations |*Unfortunately | *But we are still very impressed! |*Good luck

Stephanie and her husband Pierre

The Art of Being a Flâneur

When dans une nouvelle ville*, do you race around with a jam-packed schedule of galleries, monuments and restaurants to get to? Or are you more of a “let’s see where this street takes me” wanderer?

New York Times writer Victoria Tentler-Krylov is a firm proponent of the second approach. In The Art of Being a Flâneur, she writes: “To walk a city led by your senses rather than a destination is to awaken to the city and, possibly, to yourself. It’s an opportunity to expand your capacity for wonder, to discover and delight in things you might have missed had you been aiming to get somewhere.”

If you have five minutes or so, this article is a lovely exploration Baudelaire’s “passionate spectator” and the French art of flânerie, or idle strolling. Enjoy!

*in a new city

Le Festival is Back!

After a three-year break, Brisbane’s beloved festival of French culture, food, entertainment and, bien sûr*, vin* est de retour*. That’s right – Le Festival is back! And by all reports, it promises to be bigger and better than ever.

This year, the weekend of French frivolity will take place on 21-23 July in a new location at Victoria Park (Barrambin). And while we’re taking une petite pause* from exhibiting, you’ll be sure to spot us browsing the wares at the French market and chatting with our francophone pals.  

What’s on la carte* for Le Festival 2023? The official program is yet to be released, but you’ll be able to shop the best of French homewares and lifestyle products and sample delicious crêpes and cuisine at the French Market and Artists & Artisans’ tent, enjoy live entertainment on the Main Stage and catch up with vos amis* over du Champagne*.

Sound good?

Best bag(uette) yourself a discount by purchasing tickets en avance*. Early Bird tickets are $12, or you’ll pay 15 at the gate. Under 12s are free. Secure your spot here.  

You can also keep track of all Festival-related updates on Instagram and Facebook. See you there!

*of course | *wine | *is back | *a small break | *the menu | *your friends | *some champagne | *in advance/ early

New Series: Liaison

With winter here, you might be looking for a new French series to dig into on those chilly(ish) nights in. Well, tu as de la chance* because Apple TV has delivered Liaison. With the star power of Vincent Cassel and Eva Green, this glossy, 6-part thriller has received somewhat mixed reviews. However, one of our chouchous* insists it’s worth a binge. 

Filmed in French and English, Liaison features Green and Cassel as agents and former lovers working together to combat international cyberattacks threatening the UK. And, unlike many hard-to-follow films, the French parts are relatively clear and easy to understand. 

Intrigued? Have a look at la bande annonce* here and see if it’s ton truc*.  

*you’re in luck | *preview | *your thing

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