“Smala” & Family Visit to Cassis, Aix-en-Provence, Marseilles

Kristi Espinasse shares her joyful experiences with her American family visiting Cassis, France, for the first time. Their week has been filled with activities like beach outings, farmers market trips, and cliff diving. They explored several picturesque locations, including Marseille and Aix-en-Provence, while enjoying the cultural differences. A highlight was a family gathering at Vieux Port, where despite language barriers, the reunion was a success. As Kristi reflects on the importance of family time, she embraces the concept of “smala,” meaning big family. She cherishes these moments together, even as she contemplates obligations at home that prevent further travels. Continue reading “Smala” & Family Visit to Cassis, Aix-en-Provence, Marseilles

Quel temps de cochon! Beastly weather in La Ciotat, Cassis, and Sanary-sur-Mer!

Out now! Jackie Clark Mancuso's latest in her much-beloved Hudson series: "An expatriate dog in Paris meets a young stray and helps him search for home…via a whirwind tour of Paris with stops at Hudson's favorite haunts." Order a copy here.un temps de cochon     : lousy weather, beastly weather,  Thanks to my friend Dominique for sharing today's expression! Audio File: Quel temps de cochon: click … Continue reading Quel temps de cochon! Beastly weather in La Ciotat, Cassis, and Sanary-sur-Mer!

Commentary on French presidential election. Emmanuel Macron. Laisser le champ libre à quelqu’un

I am turning over today's post to my husband, Jean-Marc, who has written a commentary in French (with an English translation) on Sunday's French presidential election. (Photos from yesterday's walk in Calanque de Port-Miou, Cassis. For more photos, follow here on Instagram.) TODAY'S WORD: Laisser le champ libre à quelqu'un         : to leave the field free for someone (to step in…) Try Mastering French … Continue reading Commentary on French presidential election. Emmanuel Macron. Laisser le champ libre à quelqu’un

Boulot: Guess who found a job in Bandol?

The port of Bandol where our story takes place, among the old wooden fishing boats, or “les pointus”…. TODAY’S WORD: boulot         1.  job, work 2.  chubby, plump metro, boulot, dodo = the daily grind, all work and no play EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Hear Jean-Marc read the following sentence in French Notre fille, Jackie, a trouvé un boulot en tant que “runner.” Le runneur est un … Continue reading Boulot: Guess who found a job in Bandol?

Curfew in French

The spirit of Christmas in the seaside town of Cassis. TODAY'S WORD: le couvre-feu         : curfew ECOUTEZ – Listen to Jean-Marc pronounce today's French word:Download Couvre-feu Couvre-feu. Quand vous étiez jeunes, vos parents vous ont-ils imposé un couvre-feu pour rentrer avant minuit? Curfew. When you were young, did your parents impose a curfew for you to return before midnight? A DAY IN A FRENCH … Continue reading Curfew in French

how to say “from the bottom of the heart” and “shooting star” in French?

When nature frames a lovely scene…. Photo taken in Cassis. Dear Readers, French Word-A-Day is free thanks to sponsors and readers like you! Whether you have read my language journal since October 2002–or whether you have just signed on–I thank you du fond du coeur for supporting this educational enterprise! More than learning a new French word or phrase, I hope you will come away from the … Continue reading how to say “from the bottom of the heart” and “shooting star” in French?

How to say “to staple” in French? And a wardrobe malfunction on the way to a wedding in Cassis

 Today's story takes place in Cassis, where risks are taken… especially with fashion. Read on… agrafer (ah graf ay) verb     : to staple, to fasten, hook up, clip together Audio File: hear Jean-Marc*: Download MP3 or wavJ'ai agrafé mon pantalon. I stapled my pants. Have a moment? Check out my husband's wine blog & see videos of our farm. Click here.    Featured book: Sara Midda's South of France: a sketchbook … Continue reading How to say “to staple” in French? And a wardrobe malfunction on the way to a wedding in Cassis

l’heure bleue

A magical hour in an ancient town: Ovada l'heure bleue (leuhr bleuh, listen to MP3 or wav) noun, feminine 1) the blue hour, the magic hour… crepuscule, twilight… the hour between daylight and night when the sky's luminosity draws artists out of their studios to see light's last glimmerings.     2) the hour (between 5 and 7) in which one meets their lover before returning home from … Continue reading l’heure bleue

regard fixe

The parasol pine trees of Cassis, where today's story ends in mystery… Free Subscription to French Word-A-Day. Sign up a friend or a family member, here.   un regard fixe (reuh gaar feex)      : a stare  regarder fixement = to stare into the distance   Correct Your French Blunders: How to Avoid 99% of the Common Mistakes Made by Learners of French. Speak and write French as … Continue reading regard fixe