Bon Bout D’An! Something French to wish others this time of year

A sunny view from the village of Auriol, where Jean-Marc and I had lunch Wednesday. In these southern French towns you'll hear a traditional Provençal end-of-the-year wish: Bon bout d'an! TODAY'S WORD: Bon bout d'an!     : Happy end of the year! EXAMPLE SENTENCE & AUDIO FILEListen to all the French words in today's story via the sound file below. Then scroll to the … Continue reading Bon Bout D’An! Something French to wish others this time of year

Big News! A Change is Coming + se lancer dans l’inconnu

Jean-Marc, right, and friends at one of the wine shop's events. Read on for some big news regarding my husband. TODAY'S PHRASE: "se lancer dans l'inconnu"     : to strike out into the unknown EXAMPLE SENTENCE & AUDIO FILEListen to all the French words in today's story by clicking on the sound file below. Then scroll to the vocabulary section and check your comprehension. … Continue reading Big News! A Change is Coming + se lancer dans l’inconnu

What is “Sobriété Énergétique”? + How to warm up in winter (with la bouillotte)

Our town's tourist bureau produces a delightful series of travel posters. Here’s one for Christmas, spotted while Jackie and I enjoyed an evening stroll by the port. Notice the traditional wooden boat, or “pointu.” TODAY’S WORD: la bouillotte     : hot water bottle EXAMPLE SENTENCE & AUDIO:Avec le froid, la hausse du coût de l’énergie et la menace de coupures d’électricité,les gens s’équipent. La … Continue reading What is “Sobriété Énergétique”? + How to warm up in winter (with la bouillotte)

Bois, Kindling, or Tinder in French + A Fun and Free Activity while walking

Wooden boats all dressed up for the holidays. More about le bois in today's story. Enjoy French delicacies? Don't miss the sweet column at the end of the edition. If today's word is too easy for you, find some more advanced terms in the story below.  TODAY'S WORD: le bois     : wood AUDIO: Listen to all the French words in today's story by … Continue reading Bois, Kindling, or Tinder in French + A Fun and Free Activity while walking