3 Favourite French Christmas Carols and Songs

If you need a break from Mariah on repeat these next few weeks, here are three classic French chants de Noël* to add to your Spotify playlist. Two carols you’ll definitely be familiar with – but you might find a new festive favourite in the nation’s most beloved Christmas song.

Enjoy! 

Vive le vent (Jingle Bells)

While you’ll recognise the tune in an instant, you might notice something awry with the French translation of the classic ‘Jingle Bells’. T'inquiète pas*, it’s no reflection of your comprehension skills! The lyrics to ‘Vive le vent’ (Long live the wind) are completely different – but festive and fun to sing along.

Long live the wind, long live the wind
Long live the winter wind
Which goes whistling, blowing
Through the tall green Christmas trees, oh!

Long live the season, long live the season,
Long live the holiday season
Snowballs and new year’s day
and happy new year Grandma!

Along the long road
All white from the white snow
Walks an old man
With his cane in his hand
And the wind way up there
Which whistles in the branches
Blows the romantic tune on him
That he sang as a young child, oh!

Merry, Merry Christmas
To the thousand candles
Which delight toward heaven
The night’s bells.
Long live the wind, long live the wind
Long live the winter wind
Which brings to old kids
Their memories of yesterday, oh!

And the old man
Goes down toward the village
t’s the time when everyone is good
And the shadow dances near the fire
But in each house
There floats a festive air
Everywhere the table is set
And you hear the same song, oh!

Vive le vent, vive le vent
Vive le vent d’hiver
Qui s’en va sifflant, soufflant
Dans les grands sapins verts, oh!

Vive le temps, vive le temps
Vive le temps d’hiver
Boules de neige et Jour de l’An
Et Bonne Année grand-mère!

Sur le long chemin
Tout blanc de neige blanche
Un vieux monsieur s’avance
Avec sa canne dans la main
Et tout là-haut le vent
Qui siffle dans les branches
Lui souffle la romance
Qu’il chantait petit enfant, oh!

Joyeux, joyeux Noël
Aux mille bougies
Qu’enchantent vers le ciel
Les cloches de la nuit
Vive le vent, vive le vent
Vive le vent d’hiver
Qui rapporte aux vieux enfants
Leurs souvenirs d’hier, oh!

Et le vieux monsieur
Descend vers le village
C’est l’heure où tout est sage
Et l’ombre danse au coin du feu
Mais dans chaque maison
Il flotte un air de fête
Partout la table est prête
Et l’on entend la même chanson, oh!

---

Petit Papa Noël (Little Father Christmas)

Written in 1944 and made famous by iconic French singer and actor Tino Rossi in 1946, 'Petit Papa Noël' (Little Father Christmas) is France’s favourite holiday song. The original version of the non-secular song was rewritten to remove references to the war.

It’s the beautiful Christmas eve
The snow spreads out on a white blanket
And eyes are raised towards the
The little children are on their knees
Before closing their eyelids
Saying a last prayer

Little Santa Claus
When you come down from the sky
With thousands of toys
Don’t forget my little stocking
But before you leave
You should cover yourself well
Outside you will be so cold
And it’s kind of my fault

I can’t wait for daybreak
To see if you brought me
All the nice toys I see in my dreams
And that I ordered from you

Little Santa Claus
When you come down from the sky
With thousands of toys
Don’t forget my little stocking

It looks like it’s past bedtime
The kids are going to go to sleep
And you’ll be able to start
With your sack on your back
To the sound of church bells
Your delivery of surprises

And when you’re beautiful cloud
Come first to our house
I wasn’t well behaved everyday
But I’m asking you to forgive me

Little Santa Claus
When you come down from the sky
With thousands of toys
Don’t forget my little stocking

Little Santa Claus 

C’est la belle nuit de Noël
La neige étend son manteau blanc
Et les yeux levés vers le ciel
À genoux, les petits enfants
Avant de fermer les paupières
Font une dernière prière

Petit Papa Noël
Quand tu descendras du ciel
Avec des jouets par milliers
N’oublie pas mon petit soulier
Mais, avant de partir
Il faudra bien te couvrir
Dehors tu vas avoir si froid
C’est un peu à cause de moi

Il me tarde tant que le jour se lève
Pour voir si tu m’as apporté
Tous les beaux joujoux que je vois en rêve
Et que je t’ai commandés

Petit Papa Noël
Quand tu descendras du ciel
Avec des jouets par milliers
N’oublie pas mon petit soulier

Le marchand de sable est passé
Les enfants vont faire dodo
Et tu vas pouvoir commencer
Avec ta hotte sur le dos
Au son des cloches des églises
Ta distribution de surprises

Et quand tu seras sur ton beau nuage
Viens d’abord sur notre maison
Je n’ai pas été tous les jours très sage
Mais j’en demande pardon

Petit Papa Noël
Quand tu descendras du ciel
Avec des jouets par milliers
N’oublie pas mon petit soulier

Petit Papa Noël

---

Douce Nuit (Silent Night)

Penned in the 1800s by an Austrian priest, Silent Night has been translated into over 300 languages – including English and the French version, ‘Douce nuit, sainte nuit’ (Sweet Night, Holy Night). Read more about the history of ‘Stille Nacht’ here.  

Sweet night, holy night
In the heavens, the star shines
The announced mystery is fulfilled
This child sleeping on straw
It’s infinite love
It’s infinite love

Holy child, soft lamb
How big He is, how beautiful He is
Listen to the pipe sounding
Shepherds driving their flocks
Towards his humble cradle
Towards his humble cradle

He comes running towards us
In a gift without return
In this world ignorant of love
Where he’s starting his stay
May he be the King forever
May he be the King forever

What a welcome for a King
The spot of the shelter, the spot of the roof
In his manger he shivers from cold
Oh sinner, without waiting for the cross
Jesus suffers for you
Jesus suffers for you

Peace to all, Glory to heaven
Glory to the maternal heart
Who for us, on this Christmas day,
Gave birth to the eternal Saviour
That Israel was waiting for
That Israel was waiting for

Douce nuit, sainte nuit!
Dans les cieux ! L’astre luit.
Le mystère annoncé s’accomplit
Cet enfant sur la paille endormi,
C’est l’amour infini!
C’est l’amour infini!

Saint enfant, doux agneau!
Qu’il est grand! Qu’il est beau!
Entendez résonner les pipeaux
Des bergers conduisant leurs troupeaux
Vers son humble berceau!
Vers son humble berceau!

C’est vers nous qu’il accourt,
En un don sans retour!
De ce monde ignorant de l’amour,
Où commence aujourd’hui son séjour,
Qu’il soit Roi pour toujours!
Qu’il soit Roi pour toujours!

Quel accueil pour un Roi!
Point d’abri, point de toit!
Dans sa crèche il grelotte de froid
O pécheur, sans attendre la croix,
Jésus souffre pour toi!
Jésus souffre pour toi!

Paix à tous ! Gloire au ciel!
Gloire au sein maternel,
Qui pour nous, en ce jour de Noël,
Enfanta le Sauveur éternel,
Qu’attendait Israël!
Qu’attendait Israël!

*Christmas songs |*Don’t worry

Blanc de Blanc Encore (Plus Exclusive Discount!)

Struggling to find the perfect last-minute gift for the Francophile in your life? We happen to think experiences make the best cadeaux de Noël*, so why not treat them (and yourself) to a riotous, champagne-fuelled night of entertainment?

Playing now until 14th Feb at The West End Electric, Blanc de Blanc Encore is the self-proclaimed “show that pops your cork”. An “intoxicating Gatsby-esque ride (that) astonishes and delights with its unique brand of opulent, cheeky, edge-of-your-seat theatre”, the smash-hit show from Strut & Fret first premiered at the Sydney Opera House in 2019 and is headed for London’s West End on the next leg of its tour.

A fusion of circus, bawdy comedy and cabaret acts, Blanc de Blanc Encore has won a legion of fans among audiences and critics alike.

“This was one of the funniest, most entertaining shows I have been to & I have been to a lot. Total engagement from start to finish. Do yourself a favour & book for a truly amazing show. Love, love, loved it!!!” ★★★★★ Brenda Webber 

“A hilarious, risqué show that runs the risk of upsetting prudish types (and we absolutely loved it).” Sunday Telegraph

Interested? We have some exciting news! The lovely folks at Strut & Fret are offering an exclusive discount for Lingua Franca students. Enter the code MYLINGUAFRIENDS at checkout to unlock 15% off tickets! Or purchase directly through this link, which will apply the code automatically.

For more information, check out this video. Or visit the website to snap up your sièges*. We’ll see you there!

* Christmas gifts | *seats

Famous French Brands: La Vache Qui Rit

With an iconic look and a delightful backstory, La Vache Qui Rit, or “The Laughing Cow”, is a brand of processed cheese products produced by Fromageries Bel. Wrapped in nostalgia, the wedges of mild and creamy, spreadable cheese – made with a blend of cheddar, gouda, edam, emmental and comté – were created in 1921 by French cheesemaker Léon Bel.

The instantly recognisable red cow logo, complete with cheese-round earrings, was designed by celebrated illustrator Benjamin Rabier. During World War I, Rabier, then a French officer, painted a laughing cow on meat trucks transporting rations for soldiers. He nicknamed it “Wachkyrie,” a cheeky nod to the Germans’ “Walkyries,” inspired by Wagner’s famous Ride of the Valkyries.

When said aloud in French, the pun sounded like “Vache Qui Rit” – sparking the imagination of young dairy farmer, Léon Bel. When Bel later launched his fromage* – the first soft, portioned processed cheese in aluminium packaging that could be easily shared and transported – he asked Rabier to create a new version of the laughing cow. In bright red with her signature earrings, she became the cheerful mascot stocking dairy aisles today.

Loved by adults and kids alike, La Vache has since become a staple in lunchboxes in over 120 countries across the globe.

* cheese

PS: This one’s for you, Antoine.

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

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