Alliance Française de Bristol

Don't forget to come and see the French show prepared by students doing the French drama course with Alliance Française de Bristol:

2012-01-29T13:27:00.004Z

A French show of dialogues, games, speed dating and more....
Audrey, the French tutor running the drama course, encourages you:

" Venez voter pour le couple gagnant: il y a un fermier qui cherche l'amour, un danseur célibataire depuis au moins 20 minutes, la belle Tiffany, mamie Josette"...

Cela vous met l'eau à la bouche? ( Do you feel tempted? Does it make your mouth water?)

Why not come and watch the show at The Hen & Chicken, North Street, Bedminster, Bristol at 8.30pm on Tuesday, January 31st? You'll enjoy the show even if you only have a little bit of French and you'll meet students studying in our French classes and several of our French teachers.
For more info...

You'd like to watch a video of one of the shows? Here is the link...

Did you know that the next show prepared by students taking French drama classes is coming up soon?

2012-01-22T16:52:00.005Z

Audrey, our French drama tutor, has a great show to present on 31st January with a group of 6 students who have been following the French drama course for the last 10 weeks.
The show, all in French, is a mixture ( un mélange) of improvisations ( des improvisations ), sketches ( des sketches )and games ( des jeux ) involving the audience ( le public ).
It is great fun and you only need a good GCSE French to follow and participate.

Here is what the French tutor sent to the students who followed the previous French course after the show:

Vous avez été vraiment super hier. J'ai eu des messages ce matin de personnes impressionnées! Encore merci pour tout votre travail, votre enthousiasme et bonne humeur. Vous vous rendez compte de tout ce que vous avez créé à partir de rien? Que vous avez su divertir 45 personnes pendant plus d'une heure? Je suis très fière de vous tous!

If you wish to be impressed and have a very enjoyable evening, please come to our show of French sketches and word games, for more info...

If you would like to find out about Audrey, the French drama tutor, listen to her interview on Alliance Française de Bristol podcast...

Quelles sont vos bonnes résolutions pour 2012?

2012-01-15T15:21:00.003Z

What are your new resolutions for 2012? This is a common question asked in France as in England.
We are now the 15th January, if you made a resolution on the 1st, did you stick to it or have you already given up? It may make you feel better to read that, according do an English study, only 12% of you will keep it up ( tenir sa résolution)!
Here is what a French psychologist, Sophie Achard, recommends:
«pour parvenir à tenir ses bonnes résolutions, le mieux est de n'en prendre qu'une» So, stick to one resolution, this is the message. And, she also says that you must not hesitate to reward yourself at each step:
«Il ne faut pas hésiter à mettre en place un système de récompense et à se féliciter pour chaque micro progrès accompli»
VIPs in le département du Lot ( South West of France) have been very proactive in their New Year resolutions! Here are some examples of what they wish to achieve:
« Parvenir à prendre 10 jours consécutifs de vacances ».
« Ne pas perdre mes clés et mieux ranger mon sac à main »
« Perdre 5 kg ».
« Découvrir les quelques restaurants gastronomiques lotois où je ne suis pas allé ».
and some more demanding ones:
« Continuer à mettre mon énergie et mes idées au service de tous ».
« Œuvrer à ce que quelles que soient nos différences de religion ou de philosophie, nous puissions travailler ensemble au bonheur de tous ».
Has your New Year resolution been to learn French? I hope you haven't given up already, the blog will help you keep it up!
If you haven't made a resolution yet, it is not too late: why not join one of our French classes? There are still a couple of places in our French tuition groups, our French cookery workshops are starting early February ( one place left), our next French drama course will take place in March but there is a show on 31st January, come and see what fun it is! For more info on all these French courses...

Winter is here and where is the snow?

2012-01-07T21:59:00.002Z

No white Christmas for us this year unless some of you went skiing as the snow just obliged a couple of weeks before Christmas.
Suzanne, a student with our French tutor, Jocelyne, likes the snow and has written a poem about it. Here it is:

Pourquoi aimer la neige?

Pourquoi il faut qu’on aime la neige ?
Ça provoque plusieurs problèmes.
Bien sur je dois être très folle,
Si je dis que je l’aime.

Quand ce n’est pas possible d’aller dehors
Et il fait froid pour beaucoup des jours,
C’est facile de détester la neige,
Et souhaiter l’été encore.

Mais attendez ! La neige est bonne.
Ça nous donne un peu de magie.
Elle est blanche et propre et pure et belle,
Elle est vraiment une utopie !

La meilleure raison pour aimer la neige,
La chose plus formidable aussi,
C’est seulement avec la neige,
Que c’est possible de faire du ski !

Suzanne has been taking French tuition with Alliance Française de Bristol for several years now and has progressed in leaps and bounds!
There are still a few places left in a couple of our French classes, so do contact us if you would like to join, for more info...

Bonne Année ( Happy New Year) from all the French tutors at Alliance de Bristol and Bath!

2011-12-31T17:03:00.004Z

Everybody in France is getting ready for le réveillon du jour de l'an ( New year's Eve) which is celebrated either with family or friends: another occasion to eat a big and scrumptious meal!
Young people do go to parties and for those living in Paris, it is a tradition to go on the Champs Elysées for midnight. It was quite a habit to open a bottle of champagne and share it with other people on the street but this year, drinking on the streets is forbidden.
We have started writing les cartes de vœux ( new year cards), we have until 31st January to send them to relatives and friends.
Here is the kind of message we write:

Why not make a New year resolution: une résolution pour la nouvelle année and join one of our French tuition classes now, for more info...

Joyeux Noël from Alliance Française de Bristol and Bath!

2011-12-23T16:45:00.004Z

Some customs are different for Christmas in France, for instance:
We do not send Christmas cards but New Year wishes in January, now mostly by email.
We celebrate on Christmas eve ( le réveillon de Noël) with a big meal, here is a menu:
Des huîtres ( oysters) et du foie gras; une dinde farcie aux marrons ( turkey with chestnuts); des fromages ( cheeses) et une bûche ( a Chritmas log) avec des vins pour accompagner chaque plat (with different wines for each course).
Father Christmas ( le Père Noël) does call during the night and brings presents ( les cadeaux) which are put in the shoes that children have left in the fireplace ( la cheminée) or by the Christmas tree ( le sapin de Noël).
On Christmas day ( le jour de Noël) we are busy opening presents and visiting relatives we did not see the night before.
Boxing day does not exist and a lot of people go back to work. But New year is coming soon so more celebrations are on the way!
Joyeux Noël!!
Alliance Française de Bristol and Bath are enrolling for January so don't forget that you can join one of our French classes, for more info...

Isabelle, French tutor and chef at Alliance Française de Bristol suggests a recipe for a savoury dish or a pudding:

2011-12-14T10:32:00.009Z

Chou pastry (pâte à choux) is a popular recipe but.... it has got to come out right! Isabelle offers a recipe that should work out each time.

PATE A CHOUX
Ingrédients:
• 250 ml d’eau
• 60g de beurre sans sel coupé en morceaux
• 125g de farine
• 3 à 4 œufs selon la taille
Préparation :
Mettre le beurre et l’eau dans une casserole. Faire chauffer jusqu’à ce que le beurre fonde.
Hors du feu, ajouter la farine d’un seul coup. Battre le mélange avec un fouet, puis mélanger vigoureusement avec une spatule pour obtenir une pâte en forme de boule qui n’attache pas à la casserole.
Transférer dans un grand bol et ajouter un œuf à la fois, bien mélanger entre chaque œuf pour obtenir une pâte onctueuse.
Sur une plaque à four, pour chaque chou, mettre une cuillérée à café de pâte sur du papier sulfurisé. Aplatir le dessus avec une fourchette mouillée pour obtenir un beau chou bien rond. Mélanger un jaune d’œuf dans une cuillère à soupe d’eau et étaler sur le chou avec une brosse pour qu’il soit bien doré.
Mettre au four pour 20 minutes à 200C, ou 6/7 pour un four à gaz.
Quand les choux ont une belle couleur dorée, éteindre le four et laisser les choux refroidir dans le four avec la porte entr’ouverte.

If you wish to prepare some canapés over Christmas, why not try to fill in your choux with une mousse de chèvre ( goat's cheese mousse) et ciboulette ( chives) or with some Stilton and a little bit of chutney if you prefer to give your choux an English touch. Or try them with some smoked salmon ( du saumon fumé) as on the picture.

If you prefer to eat your choux as a pudding, serve with une glace à la vanille et une sauce au chocolat or avec de la crème.

It is not too late to buy a voucher as a Christmas present for the French cookery classes starting in the New Year. These French workshops will take place in Bristol, for more info...

One more riddle ( Une autre devinette) from Jocelyne' s French lesson:

2011-12-11T14:18:00.004Z

Our French tutor, Jocelyne, has students with varied interests so they have been creating des devinettes on a wide range of topics, see whether you could have guessed this one!

Je suis dur et de longue durée.
Je suis centenaire.
Je peux créer les héros et les vilains.
Je peux casser les jambes, les têtes, les clavicules et les cœurs.
Tout le monde me connait.
Il y a un cirque qui me suit.
Si vous me suivez vous pourriez voir un 'diable.'*
Je peux enlever ou finir les carrières.
Chaque été je torture deux cents hommes courageux. Je suis ………........................................................................................................................................................ Le Tour de France! *( le diable= un homme est deguisé en diable et suit le Tour!!! c'est vrai!

Look at our News to see what Alliance Française de Bristol and Bath offers in terms of French courses and French classes for early 2012, for more info...

Some more riddles from Jocelyne's French class!

2011-12-04T16:30:00.004Z

The Thursday morning French group had great fun making up these riddles ( devinettes). The answers ( Les solutions) are given at the end of the riddle but see if you can work them out.
Que suis-je?
Mon son en français ressemble a un détective.
Le potage m’aime.
Je suis un ami du champignon.
Mon son en anglais ressemble a une fuite.

Je suis un poireau.

Que suis-je ?
Je suis utile mais on ne veut pas m’utiliser.
J’apparais en beaucoup de couleurs différentes.
Je n’aime pas le vent.
Je peux être une arme dangereuse.
Je suis souvent mouillé.

Je suis un parapluie. Christine

Please do not hesitate to try out your own riddles and write them down in The Comments section. Or come and join one of our French courses and learn enough French to have a go.
Or, if you are interested in cooking, why not enrol for our next French cookery classes or treat someone to the lessons, vouchers are available for Christmas. For more info...

Find out about French riddles!

2011-11-27T17:49:00.009Z

One of our French tutors, Jocelyne, asked her Thursday morning French class to make up some riddles (devinettes). Here is one for this week:
Je suis solide mais aussi fragile.
Quelquefois je suis grand et quelquefois tout petit
Je suis cultivé ou je suis sauvage.
Je suis la nourriture, la chaleur, la lumière, l’abri et le confort.
Je suis vivant mais je ne respire pas.
En hiver je suis nu.
Je suis vert, jaune, orange, rouge, brun et doré.
Je suis ……. un arbre
Why not try to make your own riddles and put them in the Comments section at the bottom? Or come and join one of our French courses and you'll soon be able to write some. For more info...

Did you know that you should choose carefully which wine to drink with which cheese?

2011-11-20T16:05:00.009Z

Students at Alliance Française de Bristol and their French tutors had a very inspiring evening last week when they learnt about several traditional but rare French wines. The talk was followed by a dégustation of not just wine but food as well, the appropriate food, of course. So, for instance, with un Chignin ( a white wine from Savoie), you eat green olives and du Comté ( a cheese from the East of France), with un Marcillac ( a red wine from Aveyron), you eat de la saucisse de l'Aveyron and du Cantal (a cheese from Central France).

Susan who has been taking French tuition with her French tutor, Martine, for several years has written a very interesting piece on cheeses and wines:

Comment faut-il manger les fromages?

Les Français utilisent souvent la phrase << la sainte trinité gustative>>, c’est-à-dire que le mieux est de déguster ensemble un pain, un fromage et un vin de premier rang. En général, les Français disent que les fromages et les vins d’un même terroir se marient bien. Il y en a qui préfèrent proposer un vin moins puissant afin de ne pas écraser les subtilités de goût des fromages.

En outre, il y a d’autres idées pour déguster les fromages de la région sud-ouest de la France. On dit que le fromage de brebis (dont les marques bien connues incluent l’Etorki et l’Ossau-Iraty) se déguste très bien avec de la confiture de cerises noires et un vin moelleux, comme le Jurançon, ou un rouge très épicé, comme le Madiran.

Par contre, le chèvre, c’est-à-dire le Rocamadour, s’apprécie avec les légumes et les œufs, peut-être en omelette. On le mange de préférence avec un vin de Cahors produit dans la même région.

Les fromages de vache, c’est-à-dire le Saint Albray et le Chaumes, peuvent accompagner des salades ou se déguster chauds.

En fait, on trouve que la plupart des français préfèrent boire du vin rouge avec le fromage, mais il y en a qui pensent qu’un vin blanc sec, peut-être un vin sec d’Alsace, va mieux avec un fromage sucré comme le Reblochon de Savoie.

Bon appétit !

If you wish to find out more about wines, look out for our next dégustation session or even better, come to one of our French tuition classes! More info...

You don't need a French degree to write French poetry!

2011-11-13T15:34:00.005Z

Amel, one of the French tutors for Alliance Française de Bristol, has two French classes that we call false beginners. They can use the present ( le présent) , the perfect tense ( le passé composé) and the immediate future ( le futur proche) with basic verbs and vocabulary.
Below Amel explains how they worked to write two fantastic poems.
With the French class on Wednesday, we looked at an extract of « L’Écclésiaste » a book of the Hebraic Bible. Firstly, we looked at its structure and established that it is repetitive, it doesn’t rime and opposes two antonyms in each sentence. In groups, we then made the longest list of antonyms we could think of, referring to the dictionary if needed.
Finally, we wrote this poem. Enjoy!

Il y a un temps pour tout, sur la terre et sous les cieux
Un temps pour avoir peur et un temps pour être courageux,
Un temps pour les personnes jolies et un temps pour les personnes moches,
Un temps pour le silence et un temps pour le bruit,
Un temps pour jouer et un temps pour travailler,
Un temps pour être calme et un temps pour être furieux,
Un temps pour les bons moments et un temps pour les moments mauvais,
Un temps pour être doux et un temps pour être dur,
Un temps pour partir et un temps pour rester,
Un temps pour être jeune et un temps pour être vieux,
Un temps pour parler et un temps pour écouter,
Un temps pour avoir besoin et un temps pour avoir assez,
Un temps pour donner et un temps pour recevoir,
Un temps pour être triste et un temps pour être heureux.
Classe du mercredi – Bravo à Colin, John, Simon, Sonal, Katie, Nicky et Mariella.

With the French tuition group on Monday, we looked at a poem of Georges Perec called « De la difficulté d’imaginer une cité idéale » (1985). We briefly discussed the difference between “oui” and “si”, and how to express a wish with the conditional tense.
Then, in small groups, we wrote these two poems. Enjoy!

J’aimerais bien vivre a coté de la mer, mais parfois non,
J’aimerais vivre jusqu’à cent ans mais parfois non,
J’aimerais bien dormir dans un hôtel de glace mais parfois non,
J’aimerais vraiment bien aimé vivre dans une autre époque mais parfois non,
J’aimerais faire du vélo de Land Ends à John O’Goats mais parfois non,
J’aimerais bien apprendre le tango à Buenos Aires mais parfois non,
Je n’aimerais jamais être perdu sous terre mais peut être avec Jules Vernes,
Je n’aimerais pas vivre dans une cave avec des chauve-souris mais parfois si,
Je n’aimerais pas tenir une tarentule mais parfois si.
Classe du lundi – Bravo à Sue, Linda et Phil !

Je n’aimerais pas être un père mais parfois si,
J’aimerais bien vivre en Provence mais il y a beaucoup d’Anglais,
J’aimerais travailler dans une fromagerie mais parfois non,
Je n’aimerais pas faire les quatre volontés des enfants mais dans le futur si,
J’aimerais vivre sur le Queen Elisabeth 2 mais parfois non,
J’aimerais voyager aux quatre coins du monde mais parfois non,
J’aimerais faire « trick or treats » à Halloween mais je suis trop grand.
Classe du lundi – Bravo à Mike, Rosemary et Tom !

Alliance Française de Bristol is starting a new beginner's class this week, why not join! For more info...

Did you know that you can come and taste some very special wines with Alliance Française de Bristol?

2011-11-10T13:17:00.006Z

Lionel, specialist in French wines, who used to be a French tutor, is going to make students and their French teachers discover unique French wines from rare cépages ( grapes), from a diversity of regions with some rather unknown appellations.
There will be four wines to taste: which wines? C'est une surprise!
With the tasting ( la dégustation), and to enhance it you will have some cheese ( du fromage)and du saucisson as well as some fruit ( des fruits).
You can still join the feast this coming Saturday and book tickets, for more info...
If you would like to find out more about Lionel, listen to the podcast prepared by Alliance Française de Bristol, voici le lien pour l'écouter: http://www.myspace.com/afbristol/music/songs/les-vins-rares-84950620

Do you remember poems about September written by two students taking French tuition with Martine?

2011-11-06T15:31:00.003Z

On another lovely sunny day, here are two more poems written in Martine's French class:

Septembre qui s’enveloppe dans ses brumes, ses voiles,
Septembre quand doucement on laisse ses pensées estivales.
Septembre dont ses rosées féeriques drapent les gazons,
Septembre, vides les parcs où criaient les enfants.
Septembre qui s’attarde sur le seuil.
Septembre quand les arbres prennent leur deuil.
Septembre avec sa tranquillité sereine, pensive,
Septembre sans nuages, sans souffle, arrive.
Sarah

Septembre
Septembre,...l’été?...l’automne?
Septembre, fleuraison, récolte,
Septembre, vacances, rentrée,
Septembre, soleil, matins frais,
Septembre, vêtements légers,
Septembre, le pull dans le sac
Septembre, hirondelles adieu,
Septembre, les noix sont partout,
Septembre....l’été?...l’automne?
Septembre, quelle saison chantes-tu?
Septembre, beauté des deux!
Helen

Do not hesitate to write your own poem in French in the Comments section or join one of our French tuition groups or enrol on our French drama course starting next week, still a couple of places left, but hurry up! For more info...

Did you know that our next French drama workshop is starting soon?

2011-10-30T15:43:00.006Z

Our next learn French through drama workshop will be run, as usual, by our enthusiastic and experienced French tutor, Audrey. One of her students said: " Audrey obviously has a lot of experience and knowledge and her energy is infectious!"
These French classes do not require any acting skills, they provide an engaging and lively atmosphere which enable the students to pick up the language easily. Anyone with a good GCSE French can join in.
The good news is that there are still a couple of places, for more info...
Why not watch one of the videos taken last Summer?

Did you know that our next French cookery workshop starts soon?

2011-10-27T12:24:00.004+01:00

Isabelle, French tutor and chef at Alliance Française de Bristol, will start her next French workshop on Wednesday, 2nd November at 7pm.
The idea is to prepare one dish per session which you can take home and eat with your partner, friend or.... you will not regret it, as one of the students said:
Iza created a friendly, relaxed, chatty atmosphere, we learned some new cookery tips. It was great to match spoken French to a real situation and the food was delicious.
One of the dishes you could be preparing is un gratin de céleri et courge.
There will also be a fish dish and a dessert.
Why not join? There is just one place left! For more info...

Such a lovely day today, we could still be in September!

2011-10-23T15:58:00.002+01:00

Here are some poems written in Martine's French class by some of her students. They spent a French lesson talking about September and listening to Barbara' s beautiful song called Septembre and they were inspired!

Septembre

Septembre arrive. Mois trompeur,
au moment critique de l'année,
plein de surprises, l'avant coureur
d'hiver vient, et cache son secret.

Couleurs d'automne illuminées,
doux rayons de soleil divergent
et lancent les silhouettes mouillées
de rosée sur fils de la Vierge.

Ne croyez pas cette douceur,
la générosité de fruits,
la tenue de soirée! L'humeur
changera quand jour succombe à nuit.
Sue

Septembre

Septembre- la rentrée des classes,
Septembre- la saison des chasses.
Septembre- les amants se quittent,
Septembre- les adieux sont dits.

Septembre- mois de la tristesse,
Septembre meurt avec finesse.
Septembre – feuilles aux couleurs gaies ;
Septembre- contrepoint de mai.
Alan

There will be some more poems next week, look out for them or write your own poem in the Comments section. If you would like to get more involved and take French tuition, go to our website: For more info...
Or you may like to cook some Autumn French dishes, why not join our French cookery course, one place left: For more info...

So the French are in the rugby final!

2011-10-16T15:03:00.006+01:00

Le XV de France has made it! Just!
How will they cope in the final against New Zealand?
Earlier on in the competition when the two teams were about to play each other, a French commentator on France Inter ( a French radio station) said:
La marée noire risque de submerger les Bleus! ( The black tide may submerge the Bleus)
And the same radio was saying the same thing today.
So: Croisons les doigts! ( Fingers crossed! or Touchons du bois! ( Touch wood!)
Anyway, the players will all look smart at the beginning of the match, wearing their shirt ( leur maillot) with the cockerel ( le coq) on it.
Why le coq? As we all know the Romans invaded France and in Latin, the word Gaulois ( the Gaul) and the word coq were both translated by gallus.
Then, in the middle ages, ennemis of the French would compared them as cockerels as they thought that the French were as vain and as proud as the cockerel. Well, the French decided that le coq was a good symbol for a proud nation and decided to use it.
Nowadays, it is the logo on the rugby shirts of La Fédération Française de Rugby!
Alliance Française de Bristol and Bath with its French tutors do not just teach about rugby:
If you wish to take French lessons as a beginner or join an intermediate or advanced French class or learn French through drama or cookery workshops, go to our website: For more info...

You know the French have beaten the English in the rugby world cup!

2011-10-08T16:30:00.004+01:00

Le Mondial 2011:
The French ( Les Français) have beaten the English ( Les Anglais) in the quarter final (le quart de finale).
The headline in the famous newspaper, Le Monde, says:
Le XV de France renverse l'Angleterre!
Les Bleus will be playing Wales ( Le pays de Galles) in the semi- final ( La demi-finale) as Wales has beaten Ireland ( Le pays de Galles est vainqueur de l'Irlande).
Watch out for our blog next week as we will be telling you all about the logo of the French team ( le coq) as it appears on Chabal's shirt.
Why not join some of our French lessons to find out more about rugby or other topics, for more info...

Did you know that last night was La nuit blanche in Paris?

2011-10-02T12:56:00.004+01:00

La nuit blanche ( The sleepless night) started in Paris ten years ago on the first weekend of October.
The idea is that you can stay up and enjoy a host of unusual activities or shows right through the night.
If you went to Le Sacré cœur last night you would have seen, in the gardens below, 1000 candles ( bougies) reconstituting the night sky as it will be in 2111! The special candles that were used, could resist wind and rain but as it was, the night was warm and calm.
If you wanted to experience purple rain and see a purple night, you could go to L'hôtel d'Albret in the 4th arrondissement. Once in the courtyard, you were given a transparent umbrella and were under Une "Purple Rain" as it was called.
If you were in a surreal mood, you could go la station de métro Anvers in the 9th arrondissement and see a display of urban furniture ( du mobilier urbain) presented in a surreal fashion: un abri-bus ( bus shelter), un parking à vélo ( bicycle park), une poubelle ( a dustbin), un lampadaire ( a lamp post), une horloge ( a clock), un horodateur ( a ticket machine for carparks) une caméra de surveillance ( a CCTV camera) and plenty more...
If you wish to broaden your French vocabulary and discover more about France, why not contact Alliance Française de Bristol or Bath to start some French tuition, for more info...

Did you know that the TGV, train à grande vitesse, celebrates its 30th anniversary this month?

2011-09-25T17:01:00.003+01:00

The first TGV ( fast train) ran between Paris and Lyon for the first time on 27th September 1981.
There are 800 TGV per day, stopping at 230 stations.
It goes at an average speed of 320km per hour!
In 2010, 98,5 million passengers had taken the TGV in France; 1,7 billion in France and Europe.
For more info, have a look at the site below:
http://www.leparisien.fr/voyages/30-ans-du-tgv-les-chiffres-et-dates-cles-21-09-2011-1620154.php
Don't forget you can learn more about France if you join one of our French courses, for more info...

If you live in Bristol or Bath and you have a child learning French at secondary school, why not think of the Student Exchange between Bristol and Bordeaux? Meeting at the council house in Bristol on Wednesday, 28th September: For more info...

Do you know what Les journées du Patrimoine are?

2011-09-18T17:36:00.003+01:00

Les journées du Patrimoine ( open days to show the French heritage) take place every year on the 3rd weekend in September. They are taking place this weekend. It gives the opportunity to the public to see monuments and sites which are not usually open to the public and the visits are free.
In Paris, you can see Le palais de l'Elysée, where the president works and lives, l'Hôtel de ville: the townhall, Le Palais Garnier: the opera house, and a lot more.
In Bordeaux, you can visit Le grand Théâtre; in Aix en Provence, you can go to some monuments and sites where Cézanne worked and in Nice you can discover La grotte du Lazaret: a prehistoric cave overlooking the sea.
And of course these open days are happening all over France.
We are still enrolling for this academic year so why not come and meet some French tutors at Alliance Française de Bristol et Bath: for more info...

Do you know the French vocabulary for the rugby world cup?

2011-09-14T21:32:00.002+01:00

Come to French lessons with Alliance Française de Bristol or Bath and you 'll find out.
You can come and meet us in Bristol on Saturday, September 17th in the foyer of the Central Library, College Green, between 10 am and 2pm: for more info...

What is in French?
The rugby world cup: la coupe du monde de rugby
A team: une équipe
A goal: un but
A player: un joueur
The rugby ball: le ballon oval
The referee: l'arbitre
A try: un essai
To convert a try: transformer un essai
A penalty: un but sur pénalité
A drop-goal: un drop

Time to enrol for French lessons with Alliance Française in Bristol and in Bath!

2011-09-11T13:08:00.004+01:00

Come for enrolment at:
Henleaze Library, Northumbria Drive ( opposite Waitrose) in Bristol on Monday 12th September between 7.30pm and 9pm.
Or at:
St John's Parish Church, South Parade ( near Police Station) in Bath on Monday, 12th September, between 7.30pm and 9pm.
Have a look at our website for the French classes we offer: group lessons, drama and cookery workshops and more, for more info...

Schools have started again in France too, it is called la rentrée, children go and buy their school equipment (les fournitures) as exercise books and text books are not provided by schools.
A new pencil case ( une trousse) as well as a new satchel (un cartable) with the latest designs are very tempting! A homework notebook (Un cahier de textes) is a must and exercise book covers (des protège-cahiers ) of different colours for different subjects have to be bought according to the teachers' recommendations. But no uniforms, ( pas d'uniformes).
Bon courage à tout le monde!

Do come for a chat to find out about our day and evening French classes in Bristol and in Bath!

2011-09-07T15:28:00.003+01:00

Some French tutors for Alliance Française de Bristol et de Bath will be available to talk to you about our French tuition at:

Clifton Library, Princess Victoria Street, Bristol on Saturday, 10th September between 10 am and 1pm.

The Farmers’ market, Green Park Station, Green Park Road, Bath on Saturday, 10th September, between 9am and 2pm.

If you can't come then, there are other opportunities to meet our French tutors in Bristol, for more info...

Or in Bath, for more info...

What about a bit of a refresher with the subjunctive before resuming French classes this September?

2011-09-03T17:21:00.003+01:00

Suzanne, taking French tuition with Alliance Française de Bristol wrote this poem with her French tutor, Jocelyne:

Ecologie…au Subjonctif!

Tout le monde veut que nous puissions prendre
Tout ce que nous voulons,
Mais je doute que nous ayons besoin
D’utiliser autant.

Je regrette que nous supposions que la terre
Va durer sans arrêt.
Je crains qu’elle ne comprenne pas
Les dégâts que nous lui avons faits.

Malgré que les ressources naturelles
Ne soient pas illimitées.
Nous exigeons de plus en plus
Nous n’essayons pas d’elles sauver.

Il faut que nous nous réveillions maintenant
Et arrêtions d’être si gourmands.
Jusqu’à ce que nous respections la planète,
Nous trouverons la vie stressante !

If you wish to revise some grammar, improve your spoken French or your listening skills or start from the very beginning, now is the time to join one of our French classes, for more info...

Why not come for a chat to meet Alliance Française French tutors?

2011-08-31T18:59:00.003+01:00

Two of our French tutors will be ready to talk to you about our French courses and answer all your questions in Bristol this Saturday, please come to:
Redland Library, Whiteladies Road, on Saturday, 3rd September between 10am and 1pm.
If you can't make it but would like to see us, find more info on our website...

Another book recommended by one student in Françoise's Wednesday French tuition class:

2011-08-29T12:50:00.003+01:00

If you saw the film Elle s'appelait Sarah you may like to read more about what was going on in France during the second world war ( la deuxième guerre mondiale).
Françoise, one of our French tutors, studied UN SECRET de Philippe Grimbert with one of her advanced French classes this year, here is:

Un commentaire:

C’est l’histoire des effets de l’invasion nazie en France sur une famille juive française pendant la Deuxième Guerre Mondiale.

Deux membres d’une famille , une femme mariée et son fils sont déportés
dans un camp de concentration à Auschwitz et le livre décrit l’avenir
de ceux qui restaient en France, comment ils s’en sortaient avec leur perte et en particulier comment ils essayaient de protéger le jeune narrateur en lui disant rien du passé.

C’est une bonne histoire qui vaut la peine d’être lue car elle traite un sujet très sensible vécu par un expert.

If you would like to study books with Alliance Française de Bristol or Bath, or if your French is more basic or if you are a beginner, you can enrol in one of our French classes this September, for more info...

Some more comments about Une Pièce Montée from the Friday morning French class:

2011-08-19T12:23:00.004+01:00

Martine, the French tutor who studied the book with her French tuition class thought it was a real success and she highly recommends it to other French tutors as well as anyone whose French is a good A2 or above.
I am sure some more French tutors at Alliance Française de Bristol et Bath will be studying it, if you wish to join them, now is the time to enrol, for more info...

See below what some of the students wrote about the book:
Liz:
Une Pièce Montée est un livre qui ne contient aucun instant ennuyeux. Il explore les perspectives des invités différents à un grand mariage à la mode.
L’auteur a écrit chaque chapitre selon le style do son personnage, et cette formule m’intéresse beaucoup.
A la fin on a une bonne maîtrise d’une famille bourgeoise de notre époque, mais il y a des questions qui restent sans réponse.
Le roman est un mélange de tristesse et d’humour. Je le lisais pendant les noces de mon fils, donc c’était un livre très approprié pour moi.

Olivia:
Je vous recommande Une Pièce Montée par Blandine Le Callet. C’est un roman contemporain et l’histoire se déclenche pendant la journée d’un grand mariage. La famille française est de la haute bourgeoisie où les apparences sont très importantes. Dans chaque chapitre, l’auteur se concentre sur une personne qui y est présente. Le lecteur devient tellement engagé dans leur vie parce que Blandine les décrit en utilisant un style familier. Les personnages sont crédibles et on peut se rapporter aux courants sous-jacents qui se trouvent dans une famille.

Pippa:
Une Pièce Montée par Blandine Le Callet est un livre avec beaucoup d’originalité et d’humour mais aussi de gravité. C’est un livre très agréable à lire, mais ce n’est pas un livre léger. C’est un livre bien écrit et bien perçu avec beaucoup de tristesse et d’humour. Chacun des personnages raconte le même mariage bourgeois. On voit une tranche de la société par les yeux de neuf personnes avec des personnalités très différentes. Chaque personne a beaucoup de problèmes qui sont crédibles et passionnants, de Pauline qui est mignonne et amusante à Hélène sa mère qui a un mari qui aime sa voiture plus qu’elle. On est ému par Maddie et son secret et on déteste Damien et son pari. Blandine Le Callet traite les aspects différents de la vie comme la trisomie et l’homosexualité avec beaucoup de sensibilité.
C’est un livre qui est très intéressant à étudier.

Pete, a student in Martine's French class suggests some good reading for your holiday:

2011-08-10T19:16:00.006+01:00

Une Pièce Montée

Un aperçu, fascinant et spirituel, sur les vies de la bourgeoisie française. C’est l’histoire d’un mariage, avec chaque chapitre narré du point de vue d’un individu différent. On raconte les récits habilement mais avec simplicité, et le roman entier est assemblé avec soin. Il y a quelques surprises et même deux ou trois chocs. Probablement, vous n’assisterez plus jamais à un mariage dans le même état d’esprit !

PS Très utile pour appendre l’argot et le vocabulaire familier !

Lively, witty and full of surprises, by Blandine le Callet: a must! ( incontournable!)

What is une pièce montée? It is a special dessert for weddings and christenings built like a pyramid with des petits choux ( sort ot profiterolles) holding together with caramel or sometimes it is made with des macarons. Would you like to see what it looks like? Go to our Facebook page!

Why not join us and discover books with us or simply practise your French in one of our French tuition classes, for more info...

What about paying a visit to Nice this Summer?

2011-08-02T12:31:00.002+01:00

Peter, a student taking French tuition on Tuesday nights, decided to tell his fellow students and his French tutor something about the history and architecture of Nice:

Nice (au style de Bien-Dire, French magazine published in Lyon):

“Quelle belle ville, c’est la ville aux cent hôtels” se serait exclamé un jeune homme riche en arrivant à Nice au 19ème siècle. La ville compte encore tous les grands hôtels qui ont l’air de gâteaux de mariage énormes.

Que diriez-vous d’un peu d’histoire de cette ville, pour mieux vous imprégner de la vie niçoise? Non?........vous pensez peut être que ce sujet sera un peu ennuyeux, un peu comme un article écrit par un office de tourisme? Tant pis! Je vais commencer.

A l’origine Nice est simplement une cité étape pour les marins grecs qui s’étaient installés à Marseille. Ils l’ont nommée la colonie Nikaia apparamment pour commémorer une victoire à proximité. En 154 avant JC, les Grecs ont été suivis par les Romains. Par la suite, Nice connaîtra deux âges d’or. Elle doit le premier au régime de la Maison de Savoie de 1388 au 18ème siècle.

En 1860 Nice est devenue une partie de la France, le commencement du second âge d’or. Nice est devenu la destination favorite pour l’aristocratie anglaise et européenne. Nobles et riches bourgeois se font également bâtir de magnifiques demeures tandis que parcs et jardins se multiplient.

Son association et sa longue tradition de visiteurs internationaux donnent à Nice une attitude ouverte et accueillante envers les voyageurs.

If you would like to see some photos of Nice that a group of students took while on a trip with their French tutor, go to our website ...

The Friday morning French class is back from Toulouse:

2011-07-26T17:35:00.007+01:00

The French class left on Friday afternoon with their French tutor, Martine and arrived with plenty of time to enjoy an apéritif, place du Capitole before going for their first meal and discovering les spécialités toulousaines:
le cassoulet, le canard confit among the most famous ones.
The next three days were spent walking round and visiting the famous churches, museums and looking at the attractive old buildings.
Here is what they enjoyed most:
J'ai adoré les briques roses qui créent une atmosphère lumineuse.
La basilique St Sernin est un bâtiment merveilleux, très clair à l'intérieur.
J'ai aimé les briques roses, le marché Victor Hugo et faire du vélo sur les bords du canal du Midi et de la Garonne.Si vous aimez l'art moderne, allez aux Abattoirs.
Le musée de la résistance et de la déportation m'a émue.
Les peintures dans la salle des mariages du Capitole sont très amusantes!
J'ai été très impressionnée par la place du Capitole et les bords de la Garonne.
If you wish to see some photos of the students practising their French with their French tutor with a glass of wine or during a meal, go to our website, for more info...

The Friday morning French class is looking forward to their trip to Toulouse!

2011-07-18T13:01:00.002+01:00

Martine, one of the French tutors at Alliance Française in Bristol, is taking a group of students, taking French lessons with her, to Toulouse.
They'll be leaving from Bristol airport on Friday afternoon. The hotel has been booked for months and is conveniently situated near the tourist office ( l'office du tourisme). Its premises are in the old donjon near la place du Capitole with its cafés where they'll have un apéritif before having their first meal at the restaurant called Les Terrasses St Rome. The owner ( le patron) has promised Martine that they will not have un temps anglais so he is reserving a table à la terrasse!
On Saturday they'll be discovering the old town with its churches, particularly la basilique St Sernin, and the 17th century hôtels particuliers. Martine has prepared a list of museums for students to choose from but also they all want to enjoy walking ( faire des balades) along la Garonne and le canal du Midi. And make the most of the cafés and restaurants to soak up the atmosphere, to make it all come to life, after studying about Toulouse in the French lessons from books and from the Internet.
The group is travelling back the following Monday: during those four days, they will speak French the whole time ( Martine will make sure of that!) so quite an immersion in the French language, South west accent included!
Look out for photos on our website in the next few weeks, for more info...

Did you know that the film La princesse de Montpensier is on at the Watershed in Bristol?

2011-07-13T13:29:00.002+01:00

La Princesse de Montpensier by Bertrand Tavernier is an adaptation of the novel by Madame de la Fayette. The film narrates the passionate love affair between Mademoiselle de Mézières and le Duc de Guise. The young girl was forced to marry le Prince de Montpensier when in love with le Duc!
Violence, rivalries and passions take place on a back drop of religious wars during the 16th century: a must! Or as we say in French: C'est incontournable!
There is a special discount for students taking French lessons with Alliance Française de Bristol et Bath. Please contact us for details...

Camping in France

2011-07-10T09:11:00.005+01:00

When you go camping (camper) in France, don't forget to pack your tent (la tente) and your pegs (les sardines)!

If it's hot you might not need a sleeping bag (un sac de couchage), but you definitely will need boules de pétanque to play during the apéritif!

A few useful words:

a camper van = le camping-car

a flask = la gourde

a cool box = la glacière

And beware of mosquitoes (les moustiques)!

Join our classes to learn French with Alliance Française de Bristol in September to keep your French up in a relaxed atmosphere! More info here.

Would you like to know how to argue in French?

2011-07-03T19:24:00.006+01:00

Last Tuesday, brave actresses who took part in Alliance Française de Bristol course to learn French through drama stepped on stage to share their creations with us.
Do you know what to do when someone steals your parking spot in France? Click on the video to see how to argue (se disputer) in case it happens to you!

Colourful insults include: "You look like a potato" (une pomme de terre), "You're crazy!" (vous êtes dingue)...

Of course you won't need this vocabulary when you travel to France, as we are such considerate (courtois) and polite (poli) drivers! :)

Did you know the next French through Drama show is this Tuesday 28th June?

2011-06-26T18:18:00.002+01:00

Join us for an evening of games, short pieces and improvisations in accessible French!

After ten sessions, the brave actors/French learners will entertain you for an evening. They'll introduce you to the art of arguing in French, will share with you their creations, and will ask for your help to solve a a dilemma...

Watch a video from the last show:

Grab a drink - or a delicious pizza - from downstairs and share a table with other French learners/speakers!

Held at the Comedy Box, Upstairs at the Hen and Chicken (there is no lift, but please contact us if you need help going upstairs)
210, North Street, Southville,
Bristol
BS3 1JF

8.30 pm
Entry £2 on the door

NEXT COURSE STARTS IN OCTOBER

Why not join us?

Work on pronunciation and rhythm
Improve communication skills
Experience grammar in context
Have fun!

We'll start a new series of 10 sessions in October (each lasting 1 hour 30 minutes - Tuesday nights @ Comedy Box, BS3 1JF). The course is filling up, so it is best to sign up soon. To enrol, send an email toinfo@theatre-vo.com.

"Theatre VO is a completely different way of learning French; it's amazing how much you take in without even realising it. Acting was never really my thing- but acting in French is completely different!! It's great fun and I'd recommend the course to anyone who wants to improve their ability to speak French." - Rosie

Did you know that the French film Potiche is at the Watershed?

2011-06-22T09:50:00.003+01:00

Potiche, a comedy by François Ozon is called Trophy Wife in English.

Out in France in 2010, it's the story of Suzanne Pujol ( French Icon Catherine Deneuve), a submissive housebound housewife (femme au foyer). After her husband's factory goes on strike (en grève) and he's being taken hostage (pris en otage) and she has to step in to manage it...

One of François Ozon's other film is 8 Women (8 femmes). Have you seen it?

The Watershed is offering a discount to see Potiche on Sunday 26th at 8.10 pm for people who take French lessons at Alliance Française de Bristol et Bath.

Please contact us to find out the password: For more info...

Jean,one student taking French lessons on Tuesday nights is introducing you to Dinan:

2011-06-19T13:23:00.005+01:00

Everyone in that French class described a town or village in France which they like and recommend.
Jean has a house in Brittany and enjoys spending time in Dinan whenever possible, she is taking you through the old part of the town and telling you some of its history, enjoy!!

DINAN
Dinan dans le nord de Bretagne est une ville médiévale, fortifiée, bien restaurée et bien conservée. Elle est quelquefois mystique et magique avec ses remparts imposants, ses tours et son château qui surplombent le vieux port de Dinan le long de la rivière de la Rance. La vieille ville recèle beaucoup de bâtiments à colombage du treizième et quatorzième siècles. On peut s’installer à l’une des terrasses de café qui la bordent et prenez le temps de l’admirer. Si l’histoire vous intéresse, elle tourne autour de ses querelles avec l’Angleterre, notamment l’invasion du Duc de Lancastre en 1357. Un héros local, Bertrand du Guesclin a gagné un combat en tête à tête avec un chevalier anglais et sa statue de bronze demeure Place des Champs. Dans son vieux quartier elle propose un grand choix de cafés, de bars, de magasins de fleuristes, d’artisans et de tissage. Mais permettez-vous assez de temps pour aller voir la Rue du Petit fort. Que diriez – vous d’un petit tour de cette ruelle pavée qui descend raide au vieux port pittoresque. De chaque côté il y a des vieux bâtiments d’intérêt où on peut trouver encore des artisans et des restaurants et des cafés tandis qu’on imagine le grondement de charrettes et le son de sabots des chevaux.
Jean.

If you would to share and discover France with Alliance Française de Bristol et Bath, why don't you join one of our French tuition classes: For more info...

This week we're going to Villeneuve sur Lot with Kevin, student in a Tuesday evening French class:

2011-06-12T21:21:00.005+01:00

With this cold, rainy weather it is nice to think about nice warm sunshine, so we are taking you to the South West of France ( le sud ouest ).

Villeneuve sur Lot

Comme toutes les villes en France, il y a une place, Place Lafayette où il y a un marché le mardi et samedi matin. La place est ornée de la salle du marché construite en 1864. Quand j’étais à Villeneuve il y avait une soirée sur la place, avec beaucoup d’étalages avec la nourriture de la localité, les tables, et un groupe qui a joué de la musique des années cinquante et soixante.

Il faut que vous jetiez un coup d’œil à l’église de Sainte Catherine. Elle était construite au neuvième siècle, dans le style Romano-Byzantin, et sa construction s’est achevée en 1937. C’est fabriqué en brique rouge avec un grande tour qui surplombe la ville.

Il y a beaucoup de délices à visiter comme le jardin médiéval et les trois ponts, y compris le Pont Vieux du troisième siècle. Le vieux moulin est maintenant le musée municipal de Gajac. Si vous raffolez de choses comme ça il y a une grande exposition cette année de l’ouvrage de André Crochpierre, un villeneuvois qui vivait de 1830 à 1937.

Autrement il y a le Centre Culturel avec les ateliers municipaux ouverts à tous les publics et à toutes les sensibilités artistiques : théâtre, cirque, cours de danse et beaucoup d’autres choses. Au Salon du Livre il y avait en mai, l’Histoire du Théâtre et littérature russe qui a attiré des personnalités y compris Lionel Jospin (on a pensé : qu’est ce qui lui est arrivé ?).

Finalement, il y a un atelier pour les seniors, prévention des chutes où les seniors peuvent apprendre les bons mouvements de la vie quotidienne afin d’éviter les chutes, la première cause de mortalité chez les plus de soixante-cinq ans.

Kevin

If you would like to find out about French regions and other aspects of French life, join our French tuition lessons: For more info...

Some students taking French tuition in a Thursday morning class have been discussing the environment:

2011-06-05T13:40:00.003+01:00

And when you discuss the environment, you use the subjunctive ( le subjonctif ), of course......... and you write a poem, évidemment!!!
Here is what Suzanne wrote:

Ecologie…au Subjonctif!

Tout le monde veut que nous puissions prendre
Tout ce que nous voulons,
Mais je doute que nous ayons besoin
D’utiliser autant.

Je regrette que nous supposions que la terre
Va durer sans arrêt.
Je crains qu’elle ne comprenne pas
Les dégâts que nous lui avons faits.

Malgré que les ressources naturelles
Ne soient pas illimitées.
Nous exigeons de plus en plus
Nous n’essayons pas d’elles sauver.

Il faut que nous nous réveillions maintenant
Et arrêtions d’être si gourmands.
Jusqu’à ce que nous respections la planète,
Nous trouverons la vie stressante !

Bravo Suzanne! If you would like to have a go, feel free and add your creation in the Comments below.
If you would like to join one of our French classes and perhaps one of our intensive French courses starting in the next couple of weeks or in July, go to our website: For more info...

Did you know that the film Les amours imaginaires is on at The Watershed in Bristol?

2011-06-02T17:30:00.003+01:00

Les amours imaginaires by Xavier Dolan is called Heartbeats in English.
It came out in France in 2010, it depicts the story of two friends, Francis et Marie, who are both in love with the same person Nicolas. As both of them want to conquer their loved one, tension mounts: Francis and Marie become obsessed with Nicolas and compete for his attention.
The Watershed is offering a reduction for people who take French lessons at Alliance Française de Bristol et Bath.
Please contact us to find out the password: for more info...

With Summer holidays approaching, it is nice to find out about towns or areas in France:

2011-05-29T20:04:00.000+01:00

A group of students in a Tuesday evening French class did just that!
Here is what Pat wrote about St Malo where she spent a couple of days on her way to the Loire Valley:

St Malo

St Malo est une ville très ancienne, un centre maritime du peuple gaulois des Ambibarii. En 423 l'armée romaine l'utilise pour de nombreuses attaques venues du Nord.
C'est ensuite que Saint Maclow, venant de l'actuel Pays de Galles, s'installe sur le rocher qui prendra le nom de rocher de Saint Malo en 541.
Saint Malo est un port de mer situé sur la Manche, à l'embouchure de l'estuaire de la Rance.Il y a des remparts qui entourent la ville, construits et reconstruits au XII et au XIX siècles. Les remparts étaient très impressionnants et beaucoup de rues étaient protégées. Dans les rues il y a un grand choix de cafés, de restaurants et aussi de magasins.
Aussi c'est possible de rencontrer les musiciens qui jouent dans la rue.

if you would like to study areas of France, whatever your level of French, join one of our French courses: for more info...

Did you know about the French intensive course running in June and July with Alliance Française de Bristol?

2011-05-22T13:49:00.001+01:00

The French intensive course that we offer every year is becoming more and more popular. Whether you need French tuition in basic French or French classes in intermediate or advanced French, we have something for you:
- If your French feels rather rusty, we will help you cope with practical situations aimed at your requirements such as going to the shop, the restaurant, solving problems, etc…. “A really good start if you have very little French.”
- If your French is of a good standard, we may discover a French region with you, find out more about an area you would like to go to, discuss how to buy a property etc… or go over this grammar point that you always struggle with. “A real boost to help you regain confidence in speaking.”
For instance , last year one of our French tutors had a group with several members going camping in France in the following weeks and they wanted to be able to communicate about small ailments such as:
A stomach upset: une crise de foie
A headache: mal à la tête.
A toothache: mal aux dents
A sun stroke: une insolation
A mosquito bite: une piqûre de moustique
A wasp sting: une piqûre de guêpe
If you wish to find out about our French intensive course, please go to our website: more info...

Did you know that pets de nonne are little sugar doughnuts?

2011-05-15T20:14:00.000+01:00

Le pet de nonne or le beignet goes back to the Renaissance period. Different stories are told about the origin of the name but, in any case une nonne is a nun and pets de nonne were first of all cooked by nuns in Franche Comté ( east of France) for instance.
Iza, our French chef and French tutor is preparing some pets de nonne in her French cookery class next week and here is the recipe:

Pets de nonne

Ingredients
•    250 ml of full fat milk
•    60 g of unsalted clarified butter
•    150g of plain flour
•    50 g of caster sugar+ some more sugar to coat the pets de nonne
•    Optional: 2 tbs of essence of orange blossom flower
•    Frying oil
•    50 gr of dble cream
In a heavy bottom saucepan, combine the milk and the sugar and the diced butter. Heat it until the butter has melted.
Off the heat, add the flour in one go. At first whisk the mixture, then with a spatula mix vigorously until you have obtained a paste that clumps into a ball.
Transfer the paste to a mixing bowl and add one egg at a time. When adding the essence of orange blossom flower, mix it between the first and the second egg. The paste must be smooth before adding the next egg.
Preheat the oil to 170C.
With a spoon, form walnut size balls that you will drop into the preheated oil. Deep fry a few balls at a time for 7 to 10 minutes depending on their size.
Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on some kitchen paper.
Finally, coat each ball with caster sugar or icing sugar. Pets de nonne are at their best when served immediately.

If you would like to learn French and learn to cook French recipes at the same time, watch out for our next French cookery workshops: more info...

Notre nouveau podcast est en ligne!

2011-05-08T13:36:00.000+01:00

Ce mois-ci, Audrey est allée enregistrer notre podcast au magasin Les Fleurs dans le centre de Bristol. La propriétaire Vanina nous parle de ses clients et de ses fleurs puisque le printemps est là! Elle nous raconte aussi quelques anecdotes inattendues! Alors n'hésitez pas à écouter notre podcast pour en savoir plus.
Cliquez ici: Podcast Les Fleurs
Merci!

Did you know that the French offer each other lily of the valley on the 1st May?

2011-05-01T13:57:00.001+01:00

A sprig of lily of the valley ( un brin de muguet) or a bunch ( un bouquet) if you're wealthy (!) is offered to loved ones on the 1st of May ( le premier mai). The tradition goes back to the Renaissance when, in 1561, it is believed, the king, Charles IX offered some to wish luck ( porter bonheur) to ladies at his court.
Le muguet celebrates Spring ( le printemps) and brings with it ( we hope) lovely sunny days!
It is cultivated intensively around Nantes to be ready for the 1st of May. All the florists all over France sell some and you can also buy some on the streets. It tends to be very expensive, a sprig ( un brin) costs at least 1 euro.
If you are a student in one of our French classes, if you have du muguet in your garden, do bring un brin to your French tutor. She will be delighted!

If you would like to learn our French language or find out about our French culture and customs, why not join one of our courses: For more info...

Did you know that the film L'affaire Farewell is on at the Watershed in Bristol?

2011-04-25T19:01:00.001+01:00

L'affaire Farewell is based on a true story of Cold War ( la guerre froide) espionage. The story is not very well-known but it played an important part in bringing down the Soviet regime.
In 1981, a colonel in the KGB whose name was Vladimir Vetrov became disillusioned in the Soviet regime and decided to leak masses of secret information to the West through a French intermediary. The French gave Vetrov the codename Farewell. All the secret papers were given to François Mitterand who was President at the time. Mitterand passed them to Reagan who described them as one of the most important espionage cases of the 20th century.
The French director ( le réalisateur), Christian Carion, insists that the film is not a documentary ( un documentaire) as there are facts he does not know so he tried to imagine how things were.
The Watershed offers a discount on May 1st at 8.10 pm to people taking French lessons with Alliance Française de Bristol et Bath. Do not hesitate to contact us to find out how to benefit from the concession.
For more info...

Did you know that our next cookery workshop will start on May 5th?

2011-04-17T18:09:00.002+01:00

Isabelle, French tutor and French chef, will be demonstrating in her kitchen how to cook typical French dishes of the season. She may show you how to prepare asparagus ( des asperges ) with a sauce mousseline for instance. You will prepare dishes under her supervision and take them home to share with your spouse or partner or friend...
The French workshop is for people with a reasonable GCSE French. There are two places left so hurry up to join and have fun learning French while cooking a delicious dish or two! For more info...

Here is a photo of a very happy student who did the French course with Isabelle before Christmas.

Isabelle has kindly offered one of her recipes for this blog.

Iles Flottantes
I gave this recipe a twist by adding some orange blossom flower essence ( de l'essence de fleur d'oranger) instead of the traditional vanilla flavour. If you prefer to use vanilla ( de la vanille ), you can infuse the seeds of one pod ( une gousse ) in the milk- don’t forget to strain your milk before making your custard.

Preparation time: 30 mn
Cooking time: 10 mn
Will serve 6-8 persons

Ingredients:
Custard sauce ( crème anglaise )
125 g of sugar ( sucre )
7 large egg yolks ( jaunes d'œuf )
2 tbsp of corn flour ( farine de maïs )
25 cl of orange blossom flower essence ( essence de fleur d'oranger )

Caramel
75 g of caster sugar ( sucre semoule )
The juice of one orange ( une orange )

Meringues
1 l of full fat milk ( lait entier )
4 large egg whites ( blancs d'œuf )
60 g of caster sugar ( sucre semoule )
1 tsp of lemon juice ( jus de citron )

Method:
Meringues
Wisk the egg whites with the lemon juice until foamy. Gradually add the sugar and beat at high speed until stiff and glossy. Scoop out meringues with a spoon and poach them in the simmering milk for 2 minutes on each side. Remove with a slotted spoon and let them drain on a tray. Set aside.

Custard
In a bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks with the sugar and the corn flour and pour over the strained milk you used for the meringues. Pour the mixture back into the pan and place over low heat. Cook it, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon. Pour immediately into a bowl, add the orange blossom flower essence, mix well and let it cool down.

Caramel
Strain the orange juice and combine it a small sauce pan with the sugar. Place over medium high heat and boil until the mixture becomes a pale caramel.

Assembling
Ladle some custard in ramekins, arrange one meringue per ramekin and trickle the boiling caramel over the meringues to form a lattice. Serve chilled.
Share

Did you know that the film Les Petits Mouchoirs is at The Watershed in Bristol?

2011-04-10T12:07:00.000+01:00

The film by Guillaume Canet, Les Petits Mouchoirs is with us now! Why les Petits Mouchoirs, little handkerchiefs? In English the title is Little White Lies and it is very appropriate as les petits mouchoirs are little lies that we tell ourselves when we don't want to admit something to ourselves.
The film is about eight friends who meet up for their holiday at Le Cap Ferret, in le bassin d'Arcachon, while their nineth friend is in hospital in Paris, after an accident. Guillaume Canet is using his own experience as he happened to be in hospital in Paris, after the success of Ne le dis à personne, Tell no-one, while all his friends were on holiday.

The film shows how a group of friends can get closer to one another when confronted to a tragedy. But can their friendship survive?

If you are on a French course with Alliance Française de Bristol or Bath, you can have a reduction at the Watershed for the showing of 17th April at 8.30pm. To find out how you can get this concession, please contact us: more info...

From the Berry to the Loir et Cher!

2011-04-02T15:43:00.000+01:00

Véronique, one of the French tutors at Alliance Française de Bath asked her students to write about a holiday in France.
Valérie, one of the students, felt like writing her thoughts about her holidays in the Loir et Cher:
Cet été, nous sommes allés dans le Loir et Cher, la région au nord de la Loire, entre la Loire et le Loir, très rurale et très tranquille où nous sommes restés dans un gîte. En comparaison des départements bien connus (comme la Provence par exemple), je le décrirais comme une aquarelle, au côté d'une peinture à l'huile vibrante, en même temps très satisfaisante. Sûrement il y avait beaucoup de châteaux (significatifs et aussi de moindre importance) mais entre eux des hectares de campagne, forestières et cultivées avec beaucoup de vaches (surtout blanches) qui disparaissent de plus en plus en Angleterre.
Heureusement je n'ai pas eu une effraction ni un vol, quelle malchance d'avoir deux incidents dans le groupe en même temps! Quant à moi, le bruit dans la nuit, c'était seulement les hiboux qui chassaient ou le hérisson résidentiel qui mâchait les escargots! ..Quel ennui doux... beaucoup de temps pour lire.

This reminded me of the poem by Joachim Du Bellay,

"Heureux qui comme Ulysse"
"...plus me plaît le séjour qu'ont bâti mes aïeux,...
Plus mon Loir gaulois, que le Tibre latin,
Plus mon petit Liré, que le mont Palatin,
Et plus que l'air marin la doulceur angevine."

And you, is there a region of France that inspires you? Tell us about it.
Contact us about our French courses: more info...

What a mouth-watering menu before Anne B's concert on 27th March!

2011-03-29T17:46:00.000+01:00

Students following French courses with Alliance Française de Bristol et Bath had a wonderful time sampling the small plates ( les petits plats) adapted and prepared by Barny and Liz Haughton, cooked by the Folk House Café in Bristol.
Anne B comes from the Berry region in central France, George Sand territory, and it seemed obvious to choose recipes from this area for the meal before the concert. Here is the menu below :

Verrines de lentilles vertes du Berry ( lentil cream puree served in small glass jars)
Tarte aux pommes de terre berrichonne ( tart of potatoes in puff pastry)
Omelette à la menthe et au chèvre ( tortilla with fresh mint and goat cheese)
Caillettes de sanglier (wild boar meatballs )
Brandade (Salt cod puree)
Poulet en barbouille du Berry ( a kind of rich Berry coq au vin)
Assiette de fromages (cheese plate including local chèvres)
Assiette de charcuterie (a plate of cold meats)

Here is a picture of: verrines de lentilles.

Find out more about our events or our French classes: more info...

Anne B's concert is next Sunday, 27th March!

2011-03-21T13:06:00.000Z

The concert was sold out last week! We're very pleased ( ravis) to see how popular Anne B is among students following French courses with Alliance Française de Bristol et Bath but sorry ( navrés) for all those on the waiting list ( la liste d'attente)!
Do listen to the podcast ( la ballado diffusion) of Anne B' s interview that one of our French tutor put together, more info...
Here is Anne B chatting away with our students at the French workshop that we ran in February. We were lucky enough to hear two new songs which are very promising for the next CD.

Do not hesitate to contact us if you'd like to find out about more events run by Alliance Française de Bristol or Bath.
To find out more about Anne B...

Why not go and see the film Benda Bilili at Bristol Watershed?

2011-03-16T15:25:00.000Z

Benda Benlili is a French documentary ( un documentaire) by Renaud Barret and Florent De la Tullage which takes place in the Congo.
Renaud Barret and Florent De la Tullage met a group of paraplegics ( des paraplégiques) who were playing music in the streets of Kinshasa. They found their music wondeful and offered to help them make a CD. That was just a beginning, the band ( le groupe) now plays in the most prestigious festivals in Europe.
The documentary was filmed between 2004 and 2009 and follows the story of Roger, a small boy living in the streets of Kinshasa, who became a man and a star ( une vedette).
Find out more about the film...
If you are a student on a French course with Alliance Française de Bristol or Bath, you can get a discount at the Watershed. To find out about it ask your French tutor or go to Alliance Française de Bristol site, more info...

Did you know that our next drama workshop will start on 15th March?

2011-03-10T12:22:00.002Z

The French music workshop was a great success!

2011-03-06T17:53:00.000Z

Kirsty, Claire and Tricia who attended the French music workshop had great fun practising their French and singing at the same time, here is what Kirsty had to say afterwards:

" A fantastic opportunity to learn and practise 3 French songs with diverse musical styles in a relaxed atmosphere. Hugo is a great French teacher - friendly, patient and accommodating. He devised a short activity linked to each song to enable us to explore and understand the lyrics. The 3 hours went too fast - when is the next one?!!"

Look out for the next worshop in June, for more info

You can still sign in for the French music workshop on Saturday, 5th March

2011-03-03T16:58:00.000Z

Hugo, musician, songwriter and native French speaker is offering a workshop to students who learn French with Alliance Française de Bristol or Bath and to anyone with a good GCSE/ AS level.
The workshop provides a unique way to practise French through songs, no experience in music is needed.
Be ready to have fun and join in:

Il est cinq heures, Paris s'éveille by Jacques Dutronc
Champs Elysées by Joe Dassin
J'aime plus Paris by Thomas Dutronc and more....

So why not walk down the Champs Elysées with Hugo? For more info

Why not come and discover Les Ponts de Paris with Alliance Française de Bath?

2011-02-27T15:03:00.000Z

Elisabeth, French tutor with Alliance Française, will be taking students who learn French with Alliance Française de Bath on a walk along the Seine, crossing bridges from East to West. You will discover the history of Paris through its bridges as well its painters, musicians and poets. You will be transported through the centuries with stories and anecdotes accompanied by beautiful photos all taken by Elisabeth: A charming talk after which you will want to book a flight to Paris immediately!

Here is what Elisabeth says in her introduction:
Sous le Pont Mirabeau coule la Seine…. nous dit le poète Apollinaire. La Seine a servi de berceau à l’établissement de Paris et les activités de la ville ont été très tôt intimement liées à l’eau. Toute son histoire se reflète dans le cours du fleuve qu’enjambent depuis des siècles de nombreux ponts, à la fois ouvrages utiles et chefs d’œuvre d’architecture, inlassablement construits, détruits, reconstruits. Ils témoignent de l’histoire de Paris, décorent la ville avec élégance et ont inspiré les artistes qu’ils soient peintres, musiciens ou poètes. C’est à cette promenade que vous convie cette présentation illustrée de photos et de musique.
Anyone with a GCSE French is welcome, find out about the talk on Saturday 5th March, more info

Le Pont Alexandre III et le Grand Palais

Le Pont des Invalides avec la Tour Eiffel

Anne B's workshop for Alliance Française students was a great success!

2011-02-24T16:21:00.001Z

The workshop took the form of a dialogue between Anne B and students following a French course with Alliance Française de Bristol and Bath. The students were very impressed by Anne's simplicity, sincerity and spontaneity. Anne was kind enough to sing for the students while accompanying herself on the piano.
She performed two new songs, not yet recorded that everyone really enjoyed.
Quite a few people bought her CD, Outremanche:
To find out about her concert on 27th March, go to Alliance Française de Bristol events page

Here are some more acrostics written by students who learn French at Alliance Française de Bath

2011-02-16T11:06:00.002Z

Students taking French tuition in Bath studied the song Outremanche by Anne B and wrote their acrostics afterwards.

B ristol est une belle ville
R egardez le pont
I inspirant pour beaucoup mais
S avez-vous l'autre chose
T oujours en dessous
O bservez les pauvres qui
L ogent dans les rues
Écrit par Jackie

L ondres c'est excitant:
O uvrez tous les magasins
N ous pouvons maintenant faire les courses
D ior, c'est génial!
R egardez cette robe
E légante
S ix cents euros, non!
Écrit par Pauline

P rescious est le nom de ma favorite
O uvrez la porte et elle vient à moi
U ne petite poulette très jolie
L'oiseau qui pense qu'elle est une chienne
E lle me suit
T ant que je lui fais beaucoup de calins
Écrit par Sandra

P aris au printemps
A nniversaire de mariage
R endez-vous au Moulin Rouge
I noubliable
S oirée
Écrit par la classe

You can join a French class in Bath, for more info

Anne B, French talent of the year 2008, is visiting students taking French tuition in Bristol

2011-02-13T18:17:00.002Z

Anne B is coming to Bristol next Friday! French tutors and students of Alliance Française de Bristol are really looking forward to meeting her, asking her questions and listening to her sing prior to her concert at the Folk House in Bristol on 27th March.
To find out about Anne B, go to her website

During our French classes, as well as listening to her songs, we have tried to write poetry inspired by her lyrics.
Here are two acrostics:

O O! Que je me sens triste
I immodérément déprimé,
S sans aucun Fred Vargas à lire
E et rien d’autre sur ma liste
A aidez-moi, je vous implore d’
U urgence venez à mon secours !
Un nul !

L lorsque le printemps a fini
E et le soleil atteint pleine puissance
J j’aime m’asseoir sur le banc
A avec un livre pour me détendre
R retournant aux phrases que j’ai lues
D dans un demi sommeil transparent
I inévitablement j’ai perdu le fil
N ni puis je retrouver le plan.
John.

You can have a go yourselves! And why not join of our French courses?
For more info

Anne B, French singer, French talent of the year 2008, is coming to meet students taking French tuition at Alliance Française de Bristol!

2011-02-05T16:17:00.000Z

Anne B who trained as a classical pianist, took singing lessons with various jazz vocalists as well as discovering a passion for Brazilian music. She moved to London in 2006 and decided to embark on a solo singing career in and around London.

Below a comment after one of her concerts:
“Her voice is pure and sensual, and despite the fact that I have not spoken even basic French since my GCSEs, her nuanced delivery ensured that there was no language barrier. Accompanied by a softly played acoustic guitar, I could have listened on and on…” Remotegoat
http://www.myspace.com/anne.b

Anne B is coming to Bristol on 18th February to run a French workshop for University students as well as students doing a French course with Alliance Française.
One group of students has listened to the lovely song called: Les abeilles ( the bees) and they decided to write some acrostics ( acrostiches) using some of the recurrent words in the song.
Here are a couple:

Ostia Antica 2010....Impression
T Tapis blanc devant les
R Ruines romaines
È Été, soleil chaud, ciel bleu, papillons, abeilles
F   Fondations,mosaïques,
L   Les rues étroites,tout
E   Enveloppé d’un parfum divin….
                                        de trèfle.

Helen Whitehead   Janvier 2011

O Observe l’aile trempée de rouge, son sourcil crème, pâle,
I Imagine son vol, à travers des pays glacials ;
S Surprise, j’en ai compté trente, cette journée avant Noël,
E Eparpillés, voletant, dans mon jardin hivernal.
A A la fenêtre, j’ai feuilleté mon livre des espèces,
U Une beauté inouïe que ces grives mauvis me laissent.

Sarah Ball Janvier 2011

Why not come and have fun with songs with our music workshop!!

Did you know about the show that students who have just finished a French drama workshop are going to perform?

2011-01-30T17:45:00.000Z

The show performed by students who have followed a ten weeks' French drama course will take place at:
The Comedy Box at The Hen & Chicken in Bedminster on Tuesday 1st February at 8.30pm.
Do come along to watch or join in:
Jeux (games), Créations (short pieces) et Mystère ( mystery) !
To watch a video of the performances of some of the students or to find out more about the show, go to

Some of the students on stage last May.

Don't miss the French cookery workshop for anyone with a GCSE level in French

2011-01-24T18:41:00.001Z

Alliance Française de Bristol is offering a French course in cookery starting on Thursday, 3rd February in Clifton.
The course is run by one of our French tutors who is also a chef. People taking part will be able to prepare delicious French dishes under the supervision of the French tutor, Iza, and then take them home to share with friend, partner, spouse...
The last French cookery workshop before Christmas was very popular. Here is what one of the students in the French class had to say:
I thoroughly enjoyed all four evenings spent cooking with Iza. I not only learnt new recipes but also lots of 'chef's tips' and technical french. Iza is encouraging and the atmosphere is relaxed. I can't wait to go again! J B, Cotham

If you wish to join the workshop, find more info:

Here is the photo of a happy chef!!

And here is a nice Winter recipe selected by Iza. Bon appétit!

Soupe à l’oignon
Pour 6 personnes

Ingredients:

•    1 kg d'oignons jaunes
•    100 g de beurre
•    2 gousses d'ail
•    1 branche de thym
•    1 litre et demi de bouillon de volaille
•    1 baguette
•    250 g de gruyère

Préparation

Eplucher et émincer les oignons.
Eplucher et écraser l’ail.
Lier ensemble les branches de thym.
Mesurer le liquide.
Chauffer le beurre doucement jusqu’à l’état de beurre noisette.
Faites revenir les oignons à allure modérée et à couvert.
Ajouter l’ail et le thym et couvrir.
Baisser le feu et cuire à couvert et à feu doux une dizaine de minutes jusqu’à ce que les oignons deviennent mous et translucides.
Verser le liquide et cuire dix minutes à compter de la reprise d’ébullition.
Saler et poivrer même si on déconseille de poivrer les potages, c’est très judicieux avec la soupe à l’oignon.
Pendant ce temps détailler la baguette en rondelles, les sécher au four.
Lorsque la soupe est prête (goûter et faire un peu réduire pour lui donner plus de densité)
Enlever le thym bien sûr!
Préchauffer le four à 180°C
Verser la soupe à deux centimètres du bord dans un plat ou une soupière allant au four
Placer les croûtons en surface afin de bien couvrir la soupe et recouvrir le pain avec le fromage râpé.
Placer les bols ou la soupière sur une plaque et enfourner.
Servir bouillant.

Recette extraite de http://chefsimon.com

Tirer les rois

2011-01-15T21:55:00.000Z

A group of students following a French course with Alliance Française de Bristol ate la galette last Thursday and here is our queen: la reine. She found la fève just as she started eating her portion.
To read more about this French custom, read the previous post.
If anyone reading this blog has a recipe for la galette, please post it in the Comments.

If you wish to join in our forthcoming events, click here.

Did you know that the French have a custom called tirer les rois?

2011-01-12T15:51:00.002Z

On 6th January for epiphany ( l'épiphanie), the French eat a cake called une galette which is made of puff pastry with butter ( that's a must!!) with marzipan ( de la frangipane ) in the middle. A broad bean ( une fève) used to be hidden in it, now it is a small figure made of porcelain ( mind your teeth!!), usually a character from the crib, un santon but the word fève is still used.
It is an occasion to gather with family or friends and la galette is shared out between everyone present. The person who finds la fève (everybody asks: qui a la fève? ) is the king or queen of the day and he or she chooses their king or queen, therefore the expression: tirer les rois ( picking out the kings). La galette is sold with a crown ( une couronne ) so the king or queen of the day puts it on. It is a moment relished by children and funnily enough, the youngest child usually finds la fève and proudly wears the crown!

Our French tutors usually share une galette with students taking French tuition.
You can look at some photos on our website

Did you know that the French do not send Christmas cards but New Year cards?

2011-01-03T12:38:00.000Z

The French custom is to send New Year cards ( cartes de vœux) up to the last day in January. A typical phrase is: Meilleurs vœux pour une bonne et heureuse année ( best wishes for a happy New Year). This is also what people say to each other at midnight ( minuit) on New Year's Eve ( le réveillon du jour de l'An ou le réveillon de la St Sylvestre). Every day of the year has a saint and Sylvestre has his saint's day on the 31st, this is why December 31st is often referred to as: la St Sylvestre.
To all of you reading this blog:
Bonne et heureuse année 2011!
Why not join our students already taking French lessons with Alliance Française de Bristol or Bath as a New Year resolution? For more info:

Father Christmas ( le père Noël) is getting very tense, read about his problems below:

2010-12-23T18:20:00.007Z

A group of students taking French lessons on a Tuesday morning has been following the French news this term: strikes ( les grèves) about retirement age ( la retraite), the new expensive plane ( l'avion privé) for Nicolas Sarkozy, the Woerth/ Bettencourt story ( l'affaire Woerth/ Bettencourt) involving a lot of money and, plenty more. Le père Noël has not been spared!!! Read below what happened to him....

LA CRISE DE NOEL

Père Noël : Bonjour, Monsieur le Facteur.
Le Facteur : Salut Père Noël ! Comment ça va ? Pourquoi faites vous triste mine ?
PN : Je suis à bout de patience. C’est une véritable catastrophe, en effet j’ai peur que ce Noël n’arrive pas ! J’anticipe une longue crise.
LF : Ce n’est pas possible, chef ; Alan nous a dit qu’une crise doit être toujours courte.
PN : Ne plaisantez plus ! C’est une situation très grave. Je dois résoudre cette crise et vous devez m’aider.
LF : Pardon chef, je me mets à votre disposition. Quel est le problème exactement ?
PN : Il y en a plusieurs. Mes elfes manquent de motivation, mes rennes sont en grève, mon comptable est devenu escroc et, cerise sur le gâteau, on apprend de WikiLeaks que j’ai annulé Noël !!
LF : Oh la la ! Quel désastre ! Mais il ne faut pas perdre espoir mon vieux. Vous avez beaucoup d’amis. Par exemple, le Groupe du Mardi Matin. Ils n’ont pas besoin de cadeaux de Noël et ils sont des gens intelligents et capables qui peuvent vous aider.
PN : Merci mon ami. Où va-t-on commencer ?
LF : Ecoutez. Pourquoi, les elfes, ont-ils changé comme ça ?
PN : C’est la faute de Sarkozy.   Il est un bas du cul comme les elfes et son succès à l’élection leur a fait penser aux ambitions oubliées.
LF : Ah, je comprends. Si une demi-portion comme Sarko peut devenir Président pourquoi pas un elfe ?
PN : Exactement. Et puis ils sont devenus déprimés. Dans l’atelier ils fainéantent et quand je leur demande de travailler ils disent « A quoi bon ? »
LF : Aha ! Je connais un philosophe qui est expert en aquoibonisme. C’est le Jean-Paul Sartre du Mardi Matin, il s’appelle Geoffrey. Il a des mots pour toutes occasions. Il va conseiller ces pauvres elfes.
PN : Bonne idée. Mais ça ne suffit pas ; il faut remonter le moral à ces petites gens. Nous avons besoin de quelqu’un qui puisse établir des rapports avec eux. Quelqu’un de chaleureux et de compréhensif.
LF : C’est le travail exact pour Sarah, elle est assistante sociale. C’est la princesse Di du Mardi Matin. Elle peut mener une campagne, un programme de sensibilisation pour le public. Quelque chose comme « Un elfe n’est pas seulement pour Noël ».
PN : Et les familles pourraient adopter un elfe, peut être ?
JF : Ça jette un max PN !
PN : Superbe M le Facteur. Bravo ! Mais il y a une montagne de travail qu’ils n’ont pas encore faite.
LF : Oui, c’est entendu. Peut être qu’Helen pourrait nous aider. Elle voyage beaucoup, c’est le Marco Polo du Mardi Matin. Helen peut aller en Inde, elle la connait bien, pour trouver un atelier moins cher pour aider les elfes.
PN : Très bien. Il est possible que ça puisse débrouiller les elfes mais qu’est-ce qu’on va faire de ces rennes pénibles. Ils se sont déclarés trop vieux pour tirer le traineau.
LF : C’est peut être un problème de nutrition. Sue est scientifique, c’est le David Attenborough du Mardi Matin. Sue peut sans doute trouver un lichen ou quelque chose de spécial pour revigorer ces vieux rennes.
PN : Mais ils ont vu à la télé des travailleurs en grève à Paris. Ils ont formé un syndicat et leur délégué est un renne gallois, odieux qui s’appelle Trwyngoch.
LF : Ah oui, ça veut dire « Nez Rouge » en gallois. Mmmm…attendez.   Molly, qui est la Delia Smith du Mardi Matin, peut faire cuire pour lui des gâteaux délicieux. En outre, Molly peut employer son charme gallois pour le rendre, ce Trwyngoch, plus coopératif et plus grammatical.
PN : Bien sûr et j’espère que ce renne embêtant va s’étrangler avec ses gâteaux!
LF : Ça colle, patron.   Mais pour réduire la charge de travail des rennes, je n’ai qu’une idée. Il faut demander à Sarkozy de nous prêter son nouvel avion privé. Il aime les belles femmes donc il faut envoyer Beverly, la Carla Bruni du Mardi Matin, pour lui demander cette faveur. Elle peut laisser sa bicyclette de course contre le mur de l’Elysée au cas où elle doit s’échapper vite.
PN : Excellent mon brave ! Mais ces ennuis avec mon comptable continuent. Depuis le scandale des dépenses des députés il est devenu cynique et ses frais sont maintenant énormes. La perte d’argent est épouvantable ! Il maquille ses comptes, j’en suis sûr, mais je ne peux pas le prouver.
LF : Pas de problème chef, je connais exactement l’homme dont vous avez besoin. Alan a un grand cerveau très logique, c’est le Mr Spock du Mardi Matin, et il est célèbre pour son talent pour trouver le maquillage.
PN : Merveilleux ! Il ne reste que le problème avec WikiLeaks.
LF : C’est simplement une question de relations publiques. Max Clifford coûte trop cher mais nous n’avons pas besoin de lui parce que nous avons Ginny. C’est la Fiona Bruce du Mardi Matin, elle est confiante et elle parle bien.   Ginny peut passer à la télé pour rassurer tout le monde que WikiLeaks a tort et que, malgré des ennuis, Noël va arriver après tout.
PN : Grâce à Dieu pour ces bonnes gens du Mardi Matin ! Puis-je vraiment compter sur eux ?
LF : Ils sont très accommodants mais ils ont besoin de direction. Donc, il est indispensable de demander de l’aide à Martine, leur prof, le petit caporal du Mardi Matin. Avec son charme et son humour elle peut les organiser parfaitement.
PN : Je commence à entendre le tintement des cloches.
LF : Puis-je voir un sourire qui commence, chef ?
PN : Oui, vous avez raison.
LF : N’oubliez pas les cadeaux pour les banquiers !
PN : Vous voulez rire ! Joyeux Noël M le Facteur.
LF : Au plaisir, chef. T’énerve pas !!

If you want to have fun with Alliance Française de Bristol, why not register on one of our French courses:

Have you heard of the film: Des hommes et des dieux ( Of gods and men)?

2010-12-07T17:43:00.000Z

Des hommes et des dieux is on show at the Watershed in Bristol until the middle of next week. The film was made by Xavier Beauvois last year in France and has had more than 2 million spectators ( un véritable tabac!) as many as Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis ( a French comedy) or Avatar!
The film tells the story of French monks ( des moines )who used to live in the monastery ( le monastère) of Tébéhirine, 90 kms South of Algers in the Atlas mountains. They lived peacefully off their land and helped the local population with medical problems.
On the night of 26th March 1996, seven of them were kidnapped. Some negotiations took place with the French authorities but they did not seem to lead anywhere. Two months later the hijackers slit the monks' throats open, their funeral took place in Algers and they were buried at the monastery.
If you are a student currently taking French tuition at Alliance Française de Bristol or Bath, you can get a discount to see the film: ask your French tutor for details.
To find out about French events in Bristol, go to Alliance Française de Bristol on Facebook:
Or look on Alliance Française de Bristol website at Events, for more info:
When you have seen the film, why not share your comments with us?

did you know why the clémentine is called a clémentine?

2010-12-01T16:25:00.000Z

The clémentine was called after Father Clément who lived in Algeria, near Oran at the end of the 19th century.
The French clémentine only grows in Corsica ( en Corse) also called l' Ile de Beauté, it is picked and ready to eat in December. You can find it now on the French markets ( les marchés).
You can eat la clémentine as a piece of fruit at the end of a meal or for le goûter ( light snack given to children when they come home from school) but its juice can be incorporated with butter to make a delicious sauce to serve with fish. Try la clémentine also with shellfish ( crustacés), it is particularly good with lobster ( homard)!!
Bon appétit!!
To find out more about our French courses and French events, go to:

Did you know that 182 French pilotes were called "un As" in the first world war?

2010-11-23T17:03:00.000Z

A pilot had to have 5 victories over the enemy to be called " Un As". Of course we also use the word "as " in card games, if you are keen on playing " la belote" or " le bridge" you'll know that you have:
L' as de pique, l'as de cœur, l'as de carreau et l'as de trèfle.
If you missed the talk on Les aviateurs et les aviatrices, why not go to the website of : Le musée de l'air et de l'espace, you'll see wonderful photos or to the Bristol museum where there is an exhibition on the history of aviation until the end of January 2011.
If you want to share your interest either on card games or planes, why not write a comment?
If you want to find out more about our French classes or our French private lessons, go to our website.
For more info:

Did you know that the French engineer Clément Ader invented the word avion?

2010-11-10T10:21:00.001Z

Did you know that the first flight in France was made in 1890 by the engineer Clément ADER who also invented the word "avion" and influenced the Wright brothers in America ? French aviation history offers a lot of very famous names like Saint -Exupery, Closterman, Nungesser . But names like Mermoz or Hélène Boucher , the French Amy Johnson , are not so well known and a lot of people think that Roland Garros was a " joueur de tennis" rather than a pilot.
Elisabeth who is a French tutor with Alliance Française will give a talk which will present pilots male and female, the "as des as" of the First World War as well as French pilots who joined the RAF during the Second World War, and many, many others as dedicated and enthusiastic," héros et pionniers des temps modernes". The whole presentation is done with the aid of Powerpoint and has attracted a huge range of interest parties.
This talk is for students taking French tuition with Alliance Française de Bristol but is also open to anyone interested and is suitable for people with a GCSE level in French.
The talk will take place on Friday, 19th November at 7.30pm; For more info:

Drama Course Starting Soon!

2010-10-23T08:39:00.000+01:00

You like speaking French? Why not improve your communication skills with our theatre workshop? Learning in context improves memory, while being involved physically and emotionally will boost your confidence.

Join us! All you need is a willingness to participate and a good GCSE level.

We start a new series of 10 sessions on Tuesday November 2nd at 8 p.m. in Southville (each lasting 1.30-Tuesday nights @ Comedy Box, BS3 1JF). We still have a few spaces. To enrol or simply find out more, please send an email to info@theatre-vo.com, visit our Alliance Française de Bristol website or call Audrey on 0781 659 0609. The price is £160.

"Theatre VO is a completely different way of learning French; it's amazing how much you take in without even realising it. Acting was never really my thing- but acting in French is completely different!! It's great fun and I'd recommend the course to anyone who wants to improve their ability to speak French." - Rosie

You'd like to see more?

You can even follow us on Facebook or on Twitter (@afbristol) so you get to know about French events.

Theatre VO also offers tailored workshops for schools and businesses. For more info, visit www.theatre-vo.com

Did you go to see the Misanthrope? What did you think? Tell us about your favourite French theatre quote!

Did you know that the Autumn fruit la mirabelle comes from Lorraine?

2010-10-16T15:35:00.000+01:00

La mirabelle is a tiny plum slightly bigger than a cherry, it has a nice reddish golden colour and is sweet and juicy. It was first planted in Lorraine, the orchards now produce mirabelles from mid-August to early October.
Its name comes from the Latin and means: belle à voir ( nice to look at).
It is lovely to eat as a piece of fruit or cooked to accompany venison or veal.
Try some next time you go to France. Buy them on a market so that you can choose some nice juicy ones.
Bon appétit!

If you are interested in food and cooking, why not try our next French cookery course? It is run by one of our French tutors who is also a French chef.
For more info:

Some short poems written by a student taking French tuition with Alliance française de Bristol

2010-10-08T16:00:00.000+01:00

Michael started to take French lessons last March, he had very little French then. Here are a couple of poems he wrote after 15 hours of French tuition:

Ton image dans le miroir
Ton parfum flotte dans l'air
Au point du jour je pleure
Parce que tu n'es pas là.

Les livres sur la table
Mon stylo dans ma main
J'écoute chaque mot que tu parles
Je vais être chagrin quand je vais partir.

We had looked at the beginning of the poem by Jacques Prévert, Alicante:
Une orange sur la table
Ta robe sur le tapis
Et toi dans mon lit

I had asked my students to imagine a poem in the same vein.
What about having a go yourselves and adding your own poems in the Comments?

More info about our courses:

French classes in Bristol and Bath: Did you know?

2010-09-26T22:47:00.000+01:00

Did you know that our French classes are starting again either the last week of September or the first week of October?
We still have a few places left so hurry up and contact us to be assessed and then join!
A complete beginner's class will start in Bristol on 22nd November.

To find out more:

Going back to school: did you know?

2010-08-29T17:05:00.000+01:00

Did you know that going back to school was called: la rentrée? You have probably noticed the big signs in supermarkets for la rentrée des classes. Young children are very excited as they choose their new pencil cases ( la trousse), their satchel ( le cartable), exercise book covers ( le protège cahier) and their homework books ( le cahier de textes). All this school material is called les fournitures scolaires. Textbooks also have to be purchased as they are not provided by schools. September is a very expensive month for families! The state provides some subsidies ( une allocation rentrée) to struggling families of around 100 euros.

If you would like to find out more about French culture and French lessons now is the time to contact us:

French holidays: Did you know?

2010-08-06T16:29:00.000+01:00

Did you know that the majority of French people take their holiday in July (les juilletistes ) or in August (les aoûtiens). The busiest weekend of the year is the last weekend of July when there is: le chassé croisé des juilletistes et des aoûtiens, it means that the July holiday makers are going home towards the North whereas the August holiday makers are heading towards the South and the sun.That particular weekend is well known for its traffic jams ( bouchons or embouteillages). Motorists are given advice for alternative routes ( les itinéraires bis), on the radio, on TV, on the Internet or on signs on motorways by Bison Futé ( clever buffalo). Bison Futé is symbolized by a sign with a small native American and was created by Le Centre d'information routière , equivalent of the AA.

Advice: Avoid travelling through France on that weekend but also on the first weekend of July, around the 14th July and the 15th August when traffic is very heavy too.

Why not think about joining one of our classes on your return from a lovely holiday in France?
For more info,

Videos from our Drama Workshops

2010-06-25T11:41:00.001+01:00

Football World Cup: did you know?

2010-06-16T22:46:00.000+01:00

We have keen football supporters among students taking French lessons with us. Some of our French tutors are more knowledgeable about football than others!!!

Did you know that:
The world cup is La coupe du monde
A team is une équipe
A player is un joueur
The goal keeper is le gardien de but
The referee is l'arbitre
The football is le ballon de foot
The first half is la première mi-temps
The second half is la deuxième mi-temps
A goal is un but
To score a goal is marquer un but

More next week even if France is out of the Cup........

Find out about us, more info

Les dix commandements de la maîtresse: written by a student taking French lessons with Alliance Française de Bath

2010-06-05T21:43:00.000+01:00

Les instructions de la maîtresse au Petit Nicolas et à ses camarades de classe

La maîtresse est drôlement gentille mais souvent Nicolas et ses camarades font les guignols,
alors elle doit donner des punitions.

Voici les instructions de la maîtresse au Petit Nicolas et à ses camarades de classe:

Vous ne bavarderez pas ou ne chuchoterez pas en classe
Vous ne donnerez pas de coups de poing à vos camarades
Alceste, tu ne mangeras pas dans la classe
Vous ne vous vanterez pas
vous ne tricherez jamais pendant les compositions
Vous ne taquinerez pas Monsieur Dubon le surveillant
Vous ne direz pas de gros mots
Il faudra que vous appreniez vos leçons tous les soirs
Vous serez gentils avec les nouveaux élèves
Vous écouterez et vous obéirez à mes instructions

Have fun and read some of the stories of Le Petit Nicolas.
Have you read some? Would you like to share your impressions with us ? Write them in the comments.

Or come and read some stories with us, more info

Students at Alliance Française de Bristol have been learning French through theatre

2010-05-20T17:07:00.000+01:00

Come and share with us an evening of games and drama in accessible French!

Tuesday 1st June, 2010
8.30 pm
Comedy Box, above the Hen and Chicken
210 North Street
Bedminster, Bristol, BS3 1JF
£2 at the door

Tuesday 1st June will be the end of a ten-week course, and the evening will give the brave actors/French students a chance to show us what they can do! There'll be a few games with the audience and some short scenes created especially for the occasion.

Simon Fry of Venue commented after last year's event: "Their efforts culminated in the performance of some innovative and amusing role plays before a 50-strong audience, enjoyed immensely by participant and observer alike." There will be time after the show to socialise with the actors. As Simon says, "you may not end up at Cannes, but you'll no doubt be clicking glasses in the bar after a stellar showing."

Why not learn French with us? We offer a variety of French courses. For more info,

A poem written by a tudent taking French lessons at Alliance Française in Bristol

2010-05-13T17:16:00.000+01:00

Suzanne had some difficulty coming back to England because of the ash cloud ( le nuage de cendres) from the Islandic volcano ( le volcan islandais), here is what she wrote:

Piegee en Paradis>

je me trouve sur une plage
Au pays du Mexique
Il fait tres beau
La mer est fantastique
Il est impossible de rentrer
En Angleterre
Donc je dois rester
A la station Balneaire
Pourquoi est ce que je suis piegee
On me demande..?
A cause d'un volcan
Tres loin d'ici ,en Islande..

J'espere qu'un jour je puisse
Dormir dans mon propre lit
Mais pour le temps qui passe..
C'est un sejour au Paradis!...
Par Suzanne , arrivee hier, pour la lecon du Jeudi.

If you have been stuck somewhere because of the ash cloud , please tell us in the comments.... in French......
If you think your French could improve, why not contact us to join our intensive course running in June/ July, more info

Learn French in the kitchen with a French tutor and chef at Alliance Française de Bristol

2010-05-01T17:16:00.000+01:00

A fantastic way to communicate in French:
Broaden your knowledge of French cuisine
Develop your vocabulary around food
Improve your communication skills in a small group of like-minded students
Take home a delicious dish

One of our students taking French tuition with us who did a cookery workshop with our French tutor wrote afterwards:
This was such an enjoyable experience! We learned a number of tricks of the trade, increased our culinary vocabulary and shared ideas in French, for new and alternative flavours.

To find out more about our French cookery courses, click here...

Le rugby encore et toujours le rugby!!

2010-04-19T19:00:00.000+01:00

An ex-student of Alliance Française de Bristol who used to take French tuition a few years ago is a very keen rugby supporter. He goes to nearly all the 6 nations games ( le tournoi des six nations) and loves going to Paris to Le Parc des Princes. He had an unfortunate experience last March! Not only did England lose but he had some trouble at the stadium: read about it in the comments!

Look out for our intensive courses starting soon, for more info:

French Easter: did you know?

2010-04-10T22:41:00.001+01:00

Good Friday ( le vendredi saint) is not a bank holiday in France. On Easter Sunday ( le dimanche de Pâques) Easter eggs ( les œufs de Pâques) get dropped in the gardens or on balconies by the bells ( les cloches) on their way to Rome where they will ring for the Easter mass! No Easter bunny!
After the Easter weekend children go back to school. They will be on holiday for les vacances de printemps from next week onwards.
Information given by one of the tutors giving French lessons with Alliance Française de Bristol.

For information on our French courses, click here.

A poem written in French by a student taking French tuition with Alliance Française de Bristol

2010-03-27T16:11:00.000Z

Although Spring has officially arrived, it was announced on the French radio on March 20th, sleet and snow are forecast for next week so a poem about Winter and snow is still appropriate!
Renee who started her French class with us last September and who was then almost a beginner wrote the following poem:

Il neige
Tout le monde est blanc
Tout le monde est silencieux
Les petits oiseaux dans les arbres, l'arrêt de leur chant
La souris qui dort dans son nid
Mon chat regarde par la fenêtre
Mon chien dort près du feu
Il neige
Tout le monde est blanc
Tout le monde est silencieux

What about writing your own poem about Spring or Easter? We look forward to seeing it on the blog!

Why not join one of our French classes for our semi-intensive courses in June? For more info click here.

A photo exhibition in Bath by students having French lessons with Alliance Française

2010-03-07T21:16:00.001Z

Come to our photo exhibition on the 13th March 2010, 19h30, at St Lukes’Church Hall-Wellsway in Bath.

The theme is “Tableau d’enfance”. Do you have a fond souvenir of your childhood? Share it with us with the help of a photo and a short text in French (maximum 800 characters).

Either submit a photo or come and help us select the best contributions. Prizes will be awarded to the winners.

Share supper with students who have French tuition with Alliance Française, bring your friends and bring food and wine too!

Tickets: £6.00 (apéritif included)

Click here to contact us.

A talk on French gardens presented by a French tutor and guide for students taking French lessons with Alliance Française de Bristol

2010-03-01T18:30:00.000Z

Florence, French tutor and guide will talk and show photos on modern gardens in Paris that you may know nothing about. She'll also present some unusual and quaint ones in the Loire Valley: plenty of new ideas for visits!

French students taking tuition with Alliance Française are warmly encouraged to come as well as anyone with a GCSE French who likes gardens.

Just click here for information about the event.

We also celebrate Valentine's day in France: La St Valentin

2010-02-20T17:40:00.001Z

French people like sending their Valentine messages via the national press: one of our French tutors has looked at
some of these messages with her students in one of the French lessons as well as some of the more famous quotes on love. Here are a couple:
"Le cœur a ses raisons que la raison ne connaît pas." Pascal
"La courbe de tes yeux fait le tour de mon cœur." Paul Eluard

For a lot of students who learn French, verbs and tenses are difficult, for French people too, here is what Jean Cocteau wrote about the verb aimer:
"Le verbe aimer est difficile à conjuguer: son passé n'est pas simple, son présent n'est qu'indicatif et son futur est toujours conditionnel."

Ask your French teacher to explain these quotes to you if you are not sure.

A French tutor of Alliance Française in Bath explains an old French tradition

2010-02-08T21:39:00.000Z

Here is a little poem for Candlemas, la Chandeleur. In the old days in France, women lit candles, des chandelles so the word Chandeleur , to protect the house from fire and lightning.
Do you know that in France we eat pancakes, des crêpes on that day? And you must toss them in the air!

Le Perce-Neige
Violette de la Chandeleur,
Perce, perce, perce-neige,
Annonces-tu la Chandeleur,
Le soleil et son cortège
De chansons, de fruits, de fleurs ?
Perce, perce, perce-neige
À la Chandeleur.

Robert Desnos

http://bath.afbristol.org.uk/courses/

With Les Bleus hosting Les Blancs in Paris on the 20th March, the posting below is rather timely

2010-01-30T18:18:00.001Z

Doing some revision on the future tense, one student taking French lessons with Alliance Française de Bristol decided to write the 10 commandments of the rugby player in French , using the future tense.

Les 10 commandements du joueur de rugby

Tu ne tricheras jamais.
Il faudra que tu fasses un régime strict : Tu ne boiras jamais trop d’alcool et tu mangeras beaucoup de légumes et des protéines.
Tu t’entraîneras tous les jours 3 heures, soit au gymnase, soit au club de l’équipe.
Tu ne fumeras jamais.
Tu représenteras toujours ton club comme un ambassadeur de sport.
Tu aideras les enfants à l’école locale.
Tu mettras le rugby avant ton plaisir mais il faudra que tu considères le rugby comme ton plaisir.
Tu devras avoir l’esprit d’équipe et tes co-équipiers te respecteront.
Tu essaieras de gagner chaque match.
Mais surtout il faudra que tu donnes à ton père des billets gratuits pour les matchs.

Le père d’un joueur de Gloucester.

Et vous, pouvez-vous nous envoyer les 10 commandements d’une autre profession ?

Write your Ten Commandments in the future tense or why not practise your subjunctive:
il faut que tu fasses un régime très strict etc....

Put your version in the comments on the blog or send them to: Alliance Française de Bristol through our site

A nice easy French recipe for these cold evenings!

2010-01-23T23:32:00.000Z

Chouquettes salées au fromage de chèvre et fines herbes

Ingredients:

    * 40 g of butter, cut in small pieces
    * 125 ml of water
    * 75 g of sifted flour
    * 1 to 2 eggs ( beat one egg only)
    * 40 g goat’s cheese
    * Some finely chopped chives
    * Salt/ pepper

Preheat the oven to 225C/ Gas 8

Heat the water and butter in a saucepan. When the butter has melted and the liquid is boiling remove from the heat, add the flour at once and stir it energetically with a wooden spoon. The mixture must come off the sides of the saucepan and form a dough.

Add the whole egg and beat the mixture. Add some more egg and evaluate if the dough needs more egg; the mixture must form a ‘point’ on the finger and must be homogeneous.

Add the goats’ cheese, the chives and season; mix just enough to incorporate these ingredients.

Line a tray with baking parchment and form choux buns either with a spoon or a piping bag. Brush each bun with egg wash (whole egg+ water well whisked). With a wet fork, push down the point of each bun - this will allow each bun to rise evenly.

Lower the oven temperature to 200C and bake the buns for 15 minutes.

Tip: At the end of the cooking time, leave the oven on and open the oven door for 3 to 4 minutes - this will allow the choux to dry and avoid them collapsing.

Recipe provided by Isabelle, French tutor with Alliance française de Bristol and chef at La Cuizine

Make French Fun Through Theatre

2010-01-03T16:20:00.000Z

Come and share with us an evening of games and drama in accessible French!

Tuesday 19th January, 2010
8.30 pm
Comedy Box, above the Hen and Chicken
210 North Street
Bedminster, Bristol, BS3 1JF
£2 at the door

Tuesday 19th will be the end of a ten-week course, and the evening will give the brave actors/French students a chance to show us what they can do! There'll be a few games with the audience and some short scenes created especially for the occasion.

Simon Fry of Venue commented after last year's event: "Their efforts culminated in the performance of some innovative and amusing role plays before a 50-strong audience, enjoyed immensely by participant and observer alike." There will be time after the show to socialise with the actors. As Simon says, "you may not end up at Cannes, but you'll no doubt be clicking glasses in the bar after a stellar showing."

A new 'French through Theatre' course will start up in March if you are interested in joining us: all you need is a good GCSE level, no previous acting experience is required! It's a fun way to learn French in context.

Past student feedback has been incredibly positive: "it's a completely different way of learning French. It's amazing how much you take in without even realising it. Acting was never really my thing, but acting in French is completely different! It's great fun and I'd recommend the course to everyone."

More info on the course on www.theatre-vo.com

A bientôt!

French Christmas: Did you know?

2009-12-23T18:48:00.000Z

We celebrate Christmas on the eve of the 24th, it is called : Le réveillon de Noël.
The meal starts quite late and consists of many dishes. We'll start with :
Les entrées: crab ( crabe), lobster ( homard), oysters( huîtres), smoked salmon ( saumon fumé), foie gras : we don't eat them all!
Then:
Le plat principal: turkey ( dinde) or goose ( oie) with chestnuts( marrons) for instance.
Followed by:
A big variety of cheeses and then:
Le dessert:
In most regions, we eat the traditional Christmas log ( la bûche de Noël) either made of chocolate or ice cream but, if you go to Provence, you have a magnificent display of 13 desserts representing Christ and the 12 apostles:
Les treize desserts: almonds ( amandes), walnuts ( noix) , hazelnuts( noisettes) and figs ( figues), quince jam ( confiture de coings), several kinds of nougat made of almonds and honey from the area, le gibassier ( cake cooked with olive oil and flavoured with aniseed or orange) and a honey and almond tart with apples and nutmeg ( tarte au miel et aux amandes avec des pommes et de la cannelle). You can't get away from it you have to taste them all!!
And of course everything is accompanied by wine!
The meal finishes very late so Father Christmas, Le Père Noël, mustn't arrive too early!
JOYEUX NOEL!!

Christmas celebrations in the various French classes in Bristol

2009-12-17T19:05:00.001Z

This is the last week of French tuition before the Christmas break and students and tutors have all been celebrating mixing English and French customs: A little bit of foie gras with Robin's very special potato salad are very edible together! A Sauternes dessert wine does not go too badly with home made mince pies!! And we can decorate the Christmas tree with: des boules, des guirlandes et des guirlandes électriques while being entertained with a sketch: En attendant le Père Noël called PN of course.

Christmas celebrations

How about becoming a French song writer for us???

2009-12-13T16:26:00.002Z

You can watch the clip La Visite by Lynda Lemay and read the lyrics so that you can understand what prompted the students who are in my French class to write their own words on the theme: J'veux pas ( see further down on the blog). What about having a go yourselves and putting your text on our blog starting with: J'veux pas.....?

Writing your own words starting: J'veux pas...

Paroles Lynda Lemay La visite

J'veux pas d'visite

Parce que j'ai pas passé l'balai

Parce que j'ai pas d'liqueur au frais

J'veux pas d'visite

J'veux pas leur dire comment je vais

Pis j'ai les cheveux tout défaits

J'veux pas d'visite

Parce qu'la maison est à l'envers

Parce que j'suis pas bonne cuisinière

J'veux pas d'visite

Parce qu'les cousins et les beaux-frères

Ça me tombe un peu sur les nerfs

Parce qu'la visite, ça parle fort

Et parce que c'est jamais d'accord

Parce que j'ai pas une grosse façon

parce que j'ai pas de plat d'bonbons

Parce que j'ai pas d'conversation

J'veux pas d'visite!

J'veux pas d'visite

Parce quand ça sonne à la porte

J'ai comme une envie d'être morte

Toute La visite

C'est hypocrite en arrivant

Et puis ça repart en mémérant

J'veux pas d'visite

Je veux qu'on me traite de sauvage

Et que ça s'dise dans l'voisinage

J'veux qu'on m'évite

Que les enfants demandent à leur mère

"Est-ce-que c'est vrai qu'c'est une sorcière?"

Parce qu'la visite, c'comme les fourmis

Ça rentre et puis ça s'multiplie

Ça revient tout le temps comme un cauchemar

Ça pense qu'on est content d'les voir

Ça coupe les films en plein milieu

Ça prend l'divan le plus moelleux

Ça nous condamne à la chaise droite

Ça prend racine, ça mange comme quatre

J'veux pas d'visite

J'ferme les lumières et les rideaux

J'fais ma prière, j'cache mon auto

J'veux pas d'visite

Parc'que j'déteste les surprises

Quand j'me promène en queue d'chemise

Parce qu'la visite, c'est pas futé

Ça fait du bruit, puis ça grignote

C'est des p'tites bêtes bien élevées

Faut leur faire bouffer des peanuts

Mais le problème, c'est qu'ça s'attache

Ça coûte une fortune de pistaches

Et quand ça fini par partir

Ça nous promet qu'ça va rev'nir...

...et ça revient !

Bristol, as seen by a student taking French tuition with us

2009-12-13T13:08:00.002Z

Here is another example about « j’veux pas ». A lot of students who have French lessons with us can’t wait to go to France. They often ask us, as French nationals teaching in Bristol, why we are here. John in the poem below gives some clues on why we are here!!

BRISTOL

Je veux pas de Bristol, si grand si gonflé,
Mais sans Bristol je perdrais tant de choses que j’aime.

Je veux pas de bus toujours bondés,
Mais j’aime les agréments qu’ils m’apportent.

Je veux pas de cafés encombrés et bruyants,
Mais j’aime m’y asseoir, solitaire, dans la foule.

Je veux pas de rues aux maisons identiques,
Mais j’aime les jardins les distinguant les unes des autres.

Je veux pas de voisins à la curiosité sans bornes,
Mais j’aime la sécurité que leur veille me donne.

Je veux pas de poussière dans les rues en été,
Mais j’aime l’art mural peint pendant la nuit.

Je veux pas de pigeons partout sur les trottoirs,
Mais j’aime leur insouciance au milieu d’la foule.

Peut-être mais peut-être que j’aime cette ville,
Avec toutes ses vertus et même ses fautes.

John

View our courses

Welcome to Alliance Française de Bristol

2009-12-06T18:47:00.003Z

Welcome to the blog for Alliance Française de Bristol! We offer a great number of regular French classes in Bristol but also in Bath and Cheltenham as well as French private tuition and French for businesses. To have some more info on French tuition, visit our site: www.afbristol.org.uk

This Autumn with one of my proficient French groups, we studied a song by Lynda Lemay, the French Canadian singer called: La visite. It tells in a humorous way the story of a girl who hates having visitors. The song starts with these words: “J’veux pas d’visite!”The choice was prompted by a comment made by one of the students in the French class who felt he had had too many visitors in the Summer and had got fed up! As a follow up, I asked my students to write something starting with: “ J’veux pas....” And I got some fantastic work, great French but also such humour!! Here are some examples ( with the permission of the students):

Etudier

D’après Linda Lemay

Je veux pas étudier

Parce que j’ai pas d’ idées

Pour les devoirs que j’ai

Je veux pas étudier

Mon esprit est tout vide

Mon cerveau est solide

La fatigue vient rapide

Je veux pas étudier

La muse m’ échappe

Ça devient un rap

Un vrai Cri du Coeur

“Empruntez-moi cette heure”

Je veux pas étudier

Cette tâche que j’ai

Ne me plaît

Je veux pas étudier

Il faut qu’on inclue

Du vocab “nouveau”

Même des phrases et proverbes

D’un français quelque peu absurde

Je veux pas étudier

Maintenant que j’ai commencé

J’aime pas ce que j’ai écrit

Rien d’autre n’arrive

Alors je continue et suis

Cette route négative mais encore

Je veux pas étudier ni faire

Cette tâche si ouverte..une histoire, un poème

Trouver des idées moi-même

Ça me fait de la peine

Je veux pas étudier, je ne veux pas le faire

Mais quand mardi arrive et la classe marche bien malgré tout ce que j’ai dit

J’étudie!!!!!!!!

Helen

JE VEUX PAS DE LA MUSIQUE D’AMBIANCE

J’aime beaucoup la musique, c’est quelque chose d’important dans ma vie. J’écoute de nombreuses sortes différentes de musique : le jazz, le classique, le world etc. Tous les jours j’écoute quelque chose de mon choix. Néanmoins, je déteste la musique d’ambiance et la musique de fond.

Malheureusement, s’évader de cet agacement devient de plus en plus difficile. Ce genre de musique pourrait être un bourdonnement métallique, des hurlements stridents parsemés de bruits lourds et sourds, des cordes riches et écœurantes, une voix grinçante ou plusieurs autres abominations. C’est le goût de quelqu’un d’autre qu’on vous impose sans considération.

Je la rencontre dans la salle d’attente chez le dentiste (sans doute pour couvrir les cris aigus des patients !) ; chez le coiffeur (heureusement, quand on est chauve, il ne faut pas rester longtemps !) ; aux magasins souvent il faut un porte-voix pour parler à la vendeuse ; aux restaurants la musique d’ambiance est estimé indispensable et, même dans leurs toilettes on trouve une enceinte (très attentionné !).

«Tous nos conseillers sont occupés en ce moment, ne quittez pas je vous prie…» Ces mots entendus au téléphone précèdent inévitablement la musique d’ambiance qui continue…et continue…et continue. Au gymnase, la musique de fond devient souvent la musique au premier plan : ça brille ! Les culturistes regardent leurs muscles dans le miroir et une telle musique marche bien pour faire de l’haltérophilie. Mais nous gagas allons en chancelant du rameur à la machine à step en ayant très envie de boules Quiès.

S’il y a une émission à la télévision au sujet de quelque chose d’un peu «difficile» comme l’histoire, l’art ou l’archéologie, le réalisateur a peur parce que, peut être, les gens vont changer de chaîne. Alors, il faut de la musique de fond. Après cinq mots, c’est difficile d’entendre le présentateur parce que la musique devient de plus en plus forte. Ça me rend fou !

Cette espèce de musique est une torture, ça fore mon cerveau. J’en ai le ras-le-bol. Qu’est ce qui ne va pas avec le silence ? Pourquoi tout le monde doit avoir cette bande sonore dans sa vie ?

Il y avait une époque où, au bar, au début de la soirée, on pouvait boire un coup dans une ambiance calme. C’était possible d’entendre le son de la bière à pression qui coule dans le verre, on pouvait lire le journal ou faire la causette avec un copain en toute tranquillité et la musique de fond n’était que le pétillement d’une bouteille ouverte ou le bruit sourd d’une fléchette qui frappe la cible. Malheureusement, c’est un monde perdu.

Robin