French Destinations, Travel

Lunch in Arles, “Séjour” in Camargue, wild horses and a cool rancher’s hut

Les flamants roses–pink flamingos in the Camargue. More photos from our weekend in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer on my Instagram (please follow for upcoming entries), and all our recommended addresses are at the end of this post. Today's Word: un hébergement     : accommodation, lodgingsFrench Audio/Listening: Click the following link to hear Jean-Marc pronounce the French words in the following story. Then scroll down to the vocabulary list … Continue reading Lunch in Arles, “Séjour” in Camargue, wild horses and a cool rancher’s hut

Kristin Espinasse21 Comments
Mr Sacks

Sacoche: How to say “Man Purse” in French + update on Mr. Sacks

Notice the leather satchel on the ground: meet Mr. Sacks, Jean-Marc's lovable sidekick. This picture is from my Instagram where I've been carefully choosing photos & pairing them with interesting French words. Follow me on Instagram for more.  Today's Word: la sacoche (sah-kohsh)     : handbag, saddlebag, purse, bag from the Italian saccoccia, or "little pocket" Audio/Listening: Click the following link to hear Jean-Marc pronounce … Continue reading Sacoche: How to say “Man Purse” in French + update on Mr. Sacks

Kristin Espinasse23 Comments
Health, Psychology

To chill or relax in French + allergy season in France

Photo of Port des Capucines from my Instagram where I have been posting a daily photo and French word all week. Be sure to hit the follow button on my Instagram for the daily updates.Today's Word: décompresser     : relax, chill, chill out Audio/Listening: Click the following link to hear Jean-Marc pronounce the French words in the following story. Then scroll down to the … Continue reading To chill or relax in French + allergy season in France

Kristin Espinasse15 Comments
Family Life, Jules

Chapeau bas and Froissé (do you know this emotion in French?) + Ski Lessons from Mom

Wishing you a Joyeuse St. Valentin today, as this journal won't go out on Valentine's Day. In the meantime, please follow me here on Instagram. Merci!Today's Word: chapeau bas     : hats off!, bravo!When we say "chapeau bas!" we recognize the merit or the value of someone Audio/Listening: Click the link below to hear Jean-Marc pronounce the French words in the following story. Then scroll … Continue reading Chapeau bas and Froissé (do you know this emotion in French?) + Ski Lessons from Mom

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Recette / Recipe

La Chandeleur: Candlemas, Santons, Crepes (and a Sobriety update…)

Brushes, paint, and clay figurines at a santon maker's in Marseilles. Read today's story about a few French traditions taking place on February 2nd. And don't miss a very personal update in the post note.Today's Word: la chandelle (shahn-del)      : candle Hear Jean-Marc pronounce the French word for candle in today's proverb: Download Chandelle.wav  Le jeu n'en vaut pas la chandelle.  The game is … Continue reading La Chandeleur: Candlemas, Santons, Crepes (and a Sobriety update…)

Kristin Espinasse48 Comments
Marriage

Manger son Chapeau + Change a habit not a spouse :-)

The expression "manger son chapeau" comes from "avaler son chapeau" which is from the English "I'll eat my hat if…" Have you ever said this, dear reader? Ever had to eat humble pie? Enjoy today's story, and please help get the word out about this journal by sharing it with a friend. Merci! Today's Expression: Manger son chapeau     : to eat humble pie … Continue reading Manger son Chapeau + Change a habit not a spouse 🙂

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Family Life, Grocery Store Encounters, Jules

S’épancher: to pour out one’s heart + Another grocery store encounter

A flower shop in Sospel, France. The hearts in the fleuriste's window hint at today's word. The story below reveals the full meaning. Enjoy two sound files in today's post and thank you for sharing this journal with a friend. Today's Word: s'épancher     : to pour out one's heart Example Sentence and Sound FileRetenir ses larmes, voilà bien, selon moi, le comble du … Continue reading S’épancher: to pour out one’s heart + Another grocery store encounter

Kristin Espinasse36 Comments
Characters, Culture

Les Étrennes: This French new year’s custom will have you digging in your pockets

Photo of les boîtes à lettres taken in Marseilles at Les Arcenaulx. Thank you, Jean-Marc, for recording two sound files for today's post (the second is found below the vocabulary list). Note: if you are experiencing déjà vu reading the following column–tout va bien–the story is being revived from the archives.  TODAY'S WORD: LES ETRENNES     : New Year's gift, tip, bonus étrenner = … Continue reading Les Étrennes: This French new year’s custom will have you digging in your pockets

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Health

Cloué au lit (Nailed to the bed): La grippe, les frissons

Random photo of a Faïence/earthenware shop in Moustiers Sainte-Marie. The picture is off-topic, but it's a lot prettier than a photo of "la grippe". Also, there is a picture of Mom and me in our pajamas at the end of this post, so if you don't usually click over to the full version of this letter, you might try to today 🙂 Today's Word: La … Continue reading Cloué au lit (Nailed to the bed): La grippe, les frissons

Kristin Espinasse46 Comments