La Maison (French Series)

Fashion meets high drama in this behind-the-curtain look at an iconic French haute couture house. When the family dynasty behind the house falls into scandal, they must find a way to reinvent themselves – or be destroyed by their rival. – La Maison, Apple TV

Now that term 4 has almost wrapped up, don’t let your French learning slide over les vacances*. We find les chouchous* who progress the fastest are avid consumers of French culture – from TV to movies to podcasts and music.

Touted by The Guardian as “an irresistibly moreish mashup of Emily in Paris and Succession”, une série* many students are devouring is La Maison. One for fans of the glamorous yet cutthroat fashion world, it’s sure to spice up those empty days between Christmas and le jour de l'An*.

Watch the trailer or stream it now on Apple TV.  

*the holidays | *the teacher’s pets | *a series | *New Year’s Day

Best French Films of the 21st Century So Far

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

L'Origine du Monde (Dear Mother)

“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

Famous French brands: Repetto

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

Vale, Anouk et Françoise

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

Classic French Films: La Règle du jeu

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

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

COIN CULTURE | culture corner

COIN CULTURE | culture corner

le premier mai | The First of May

I hope you all have, or had, a lovely day on Monday, 1st May. For us here in Australia of course it is Labour Day, and the French, too, benefit from a jour férié* to celebrate the Fête du Travail*.

However, the French have a celebration the pre-dates the Fête du Travail by several hundred years: la Fête du Muguet* (pronounced mew-gay). So strong is the tradition of giving these delicate flowers to loved ones, that in 2013 the French forked out €31.8 million euros on them. The flowers are considered porte-bonheurs* and it is said you must give at least one sprig of lily of the valley every year. Quelle belle tradition.*

*public holiday | *Labour Day | *Lily of the Valley | *good luck charms | What a lovely tradition