French lessons, events & trips
FRENCH LESSONS EVENTS & GIFTS
Next time you’re drawing a movie night blank, dig into this list of the best French films of the 21st Century (so far) for inspiration. Whether you’re drawn to the drôle*, prefer les films au suspense* or can’t go past une histoire d’amour*, with 24 titles ranked in ascending order, there’s something pour tous les goûts*.
*funny | *thrillers | *a love story | *for every taste
“When Jean-Louis' heart stops beating, he must confront his Oedipal issues — and ask his mother an unthinkable question — or he'll be dead in three days.”
If you’re looking for a light-hearted French comedy, we recently received a recommendation from one of our students. Starring and directed by Laurent Lafitte, Dear Mother or L'Origine du Monde* had our chouchou* “laughing so hard she couldn’t breathe.”
Sound good? You can stream Dear Mother on Netflix or view la bande annonce* here.
Petit avertissement (small disclaimer): for the relatively broad-minded.
*The Origin of the World | *teacher’s pet | *the preview
With the recent resurgence in popularity of that early 2000s staple, the ballet flat, what better time to spotlight the iconic French company that does it best: Repetto. In ballet and fashion, few names hold as much prestige as Repetto – known for its craftsmanship, enduring style and star-studded following.
La marque* was founded in 1947 when Rose Repetto set out to create the perfect ballet shoe for her son, celebrated dancer Roland Petit. Her handmade shoes quickly gained a reputation for their comfort and quality, achieved with a unique “stitch and return” technique that ensures flexibilité* and an unparalleled fit.
Repetto shoes soon shod les pieds* of other renowned dancers, including Rudolf Nureyev and Mikhail Baryshnikov, with the brand providing ballet shoes for the Opéra National de Paris to this day. However, it wasn’t until a fortuitous pairing that the brand’s reputation truly took off.
In 1956, an ascendant star, Brigitte Bardot, commissioned a pair of ballet flats, the "Cendrillon," for her film And God Created Woman. The shoes became an instant success – and a style signature of B.B.
In the early 2000s, Repetto ballet flats were the footwear du jour, popularised by celebrities like Kate Moss and Amy Winehouse wearing them on repeat. And while Carrie Bradshaw would never be seen without her towering heels, Sarah Jessica Parker regularly embraced Repetto flats as a chic and comfortable alternative off the screen.
Other admirateurs* over the years have included French singer-songwriter Serge Gainsbourg, who loved the Zizi style designed for dancer Zizi Jeanmaire, and Karl Lagerfeld, who often sent models down the runway in Repetto.
Today, the company produces various footwear styles, ready-to-wear clothing and accessories. However, it’s Rose's chic and comfortable ballet shoes that have earned Repetto an enduring iconic status.
Learn more of l’histoire de Repetto* here.
*The brand | *flexibility | *the feet |*fans | *the story of Repetto
Tristement*, this month marked the passing of two legendary French performers. First, hugely successful French pop star and fashionista Françoise Hardy at 80 after a long battle with cancer. Closely followed by New Wave cinema icon Anouk Aimée at 92 years old.
Releasing her first single at 18 in 1962, Hardy became a key player in the French yé-yé style – a response to rock ‘n’ roll (and British bands’ ubiquitous chant of “yeah.”). In 2023, she was named in Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the 200 greatest singers of all time – the only French artist to make the cut.
With striking looks and signature French cool style, Hardy became a muse to designers including Yves Saint Laurent and Paco Rabanne. However, in her later years, after decades of treatment for lymphatic cancer, she was perhaps best known as an advocate for euthanasia – illegal under (“inhuman”) French law.
A darling of some of Europe’s most celebrated directors, including Italy’s Federico Fellini and France’s Claude Lelouch and Jacques Demy, celebrated actress Anouk Aimée rose to international acclaim in Fellini’s 1960 masterpiece, La Dolce Vita.
With a cool, sophisticated allure, the four-times-married Aimée had her biggest breakthrough when nominated for a Best Actress Academy Award in the 1966 Oscar-winning film, Un Homme et une Femme (A Man and a Woman).
Whether you’re un(e) admirateur/trice* or new to her work, ce film* is a must-watch (or rewatch) for any lover of French cinema.
*Sadly| *a fan | *this film
Now the nights are cool, is there any better activity than settling in with a French film (and, *peut-être, *un verre de vin)? We think not – and we have a classic recommendation well worth hunting down. Directed by cinema icon Jean Renoir (son of the Impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste), the 1939 film "La Règle du jeu" (The Rules of the Game) is a cornerstone of French cinema that once courted significant controversy.
Starring Marcel Dalio, Nora Gregor, Paulette Dubost, and Renoir *lui-même, this satirical masterpiece delves into the complex social dynamics of the French upper class just before World War II, as the rich meet up at a French chateau with their help in tow.
According to a BFI synopsis, "It's an upstairs-downstairs world where servants and masters become enmeshed in a tangle of desire, a jumble of motivations in which, in the film’s famous phrase, 'Everyone has their reasons'. At the film’s centre is the amiable Octave (played by Renoir), whose best intentions lead to tragedy."
You can watch *la bande-annonce, with English subtitles, here :
Upon its release, "La Règle du jeu" faced significant backlash for skewering the French aristocracy and bourgeoisie, leading to its ban by the French government in October 1939. The ban and censorship lasted until the mid-1950s (a heavily edited, unpopular version was released during the ban) when the film started to gain recognition as a cinematic tour de force.
Today, "La Règle du jeu" tops every list of best French films, hailed for its intricate narrative, technical innovation and camera work, and timeless critique of human behaviour.
*Le film is unfortunately unavailable for streaming in Australia. However, more advanced students might like to watch it with French subtitles on YouTube. Or, you can purchase a DVD with English subtitles on eBay.
*perhaps | *a glass of wine | *himself | *the preview | *the film
“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
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
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
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
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
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
‘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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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