Un week-end à Bruxelles / A weekend in Brussels

Bruxelles au lever du soleil / Brussels at sunrise

Une ville très calme le matin très tôt / A very peaceful city very early in the morning

If you have already been to Paris many times and would love to practise your French somewhere else, why not visit Brussels in Belgium? It is less than 2 hours from London with the Eurostar and is a great destination for a long (or short) weekend. Hotels can be busy during the week with people working at the European Parliament or various European Institutions. There are plenty of room options at the weekend, and (I have been told) rooms are sometimes cheaper.

You will not have the same ‘buzz’ as in Paris or London, but it will still be very enjoyable if you would like a few peaceful days. I organised a short trip there for my husband, and here are some of the places we have really enjoyed:

Une très bonne friterie / A very good shop selling fries

• Maison Antoine

It used to be a temporary van in the middle of the square, and it is now a more permanent institution selling incredible French fries and various fried options. They are so good that all the bars around let you eat whatever you have bought from Maison Antoine on their premises, provided you get a drink.

I was puzzled to see ‘Mitraillette’ on their menu. ‘Mitraillette’ in France is a kind of weapon, a kind of shotgun. I realised that, there, it was a kind of baguette sandwich full of French fries. I guess it gives you a big shot of carbohydrates.

http://www.maisonantoine.be

Ma chocolaterie préférée à Bruxelles / My favourite Belgian chocolate shop in Brussels

• Passion Chocolat

We love trying new things, and the shop ‘Passion Chocolat’ (‘Chocolate Passion’ in English) was a nice discovery. Their chocolates are handmade and last 3 months when kept in the right conditions. These are delicious and my favourite Belgian chocolates so far. Worth a try.

https://www.passionchocolat.be/fr

L’Atomium / The Atomium

• The restaurant of the Atomium

We visited the impressive Atomium structure on the outskirts of Brussels and were lucky to arrive at the restaurant on time for brunch. We loved the space, the atmosphere, and the background jazz music. Their waffles and infusions were equally good and recommended.

https://www.atomiumrestaurant.be

Le marché aux puces à Marolles / The Flea Market in Marolles

• The Marolles District

This area of Brussels is full of bars, restaurants, art, vintage clothes and antique shops. On that Sunday, a huge flea market added to the energy and vibe. It’s worth visiting if you love this kind of thing.

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If you want to bring some things back from the EU into the UK, don’t forget to check the current restrictions. For example, from what I could read and check online, if you bring any tea, it is allowed, but you will have to declare it at customs. If you bring some chocolates, they must be for personal consumption only. There is also a limit to the amount you can spend there and bring back.

Our visit to Brussels was short but fairly intense so not as peaceful as anticipated. Food was definitely a highlight, simple but incredibly tasty and memorable. The fries from Maison Antoine and the Flower shaped chocolates from Passion Chocolat were really addictive. I realised simple foods done so well could definitely bring a lot of satisfaction.

One thing to keep in mind in Belgium is that not everyone speaks French, some do speak Flemish so you cannot assume French will be spoken everywhere and by everyone. However, there will be, for sure, many opportunities.

Have a really nice day (or night) whenever you read this post.

Annie

Written the 8th of Novembre 2024 in Milan, Italy.

Paris and the Olympic Games, So Memorable...

We saw some Taekwondo finals at the Grand Palais. It is a truly impressive building, also inside.

I attended the Olympic Games in London in 2012 and absolutely loved the female boxing finals I saw at the Excel Centre. It got me hooked on the Olympic Games, and I wanted my husband to experience the atmosphere, the electricity, the tension and the enthusiasm. So, I planned our trip and our tickets to Paris 2024 more than a year in advance.

Here is a little summary of our trip to the Paris Olympics and a few recommendations.

I was a bit apprehensive, but it felt really safe. Many policemen, 'gendarmes', and armed soldiers were everywhere around the city, and they all looked ready to intervene.

Many Parisians had left the city (more than usual), so it was easy to book our visits to various monuments and Museums just one or two days in advance when you would usually need to book at least two to three weeks in advance. Some areas of Paris (like The Marais in the Centre) sometimes felt incredibly quiet.

There were many free 'fan zones' around the city where people could watch the competitions sitting on deckchairs. The atmosphere was electric. You could hear in the distance if a French athlete had scored a goal or won a medal.

For the first time, a ‘marathon pour tous’ (marathon for everyone) was organised, open to the general public. Everyone (fit enough to run a marathon) who registered and completed the race could get a medal. That was such a great idea, opening the event to a wider audience and getting people involved.

We were lucky to see some Taekwondo finals at the Grand Palais, an incredibly impressive venue, and some weightlifting finals at the Arena Sud.

In Paris, they presented the sports competitions and provided pre-event entertainment with fun presenters, shows, and top music to boost the atmosphere. They even prepared some karaoke songs in English and French for the audience.

At the Arena Sud venue, makeup artists painted faces or arms in people’s favourite colours and with the Olympic rings, for free.

Before each competition, a clear video explained the basic rules and scoring system. It really helped us understand what was actually happening. For example, we did not know two different weightlifting techniques would be assessed: ‘Arraché’ (Snatch) and ‘Epaulé-Jeté’ (Clean And Jerk).

To top it all off, after each event, the volunteer team would thank us all for attending with some music, waves, dancing, and singing.

Paris 2024, you really made it special. Thank you for all the great memories.
Top volunteers and top organisation.

After telling all my students not to go to Paris 2024, I must admit we had a great time there…

If you are fast enough, you can still attend the Paralympics. Plenty of tickets are available, and hotel prices and Eurostar tickets have decreased to normal price levels.

If you attend these Paralympics or the next Olympics, I would recommend:

• Booking for some finals as the tension and the level of dedication are at the top. Finals are more expensive to attend, but they are totally worth it. Athletes give it all as they are so close to a medal.

• Trying different sports and venues. Unexpectedly, we really enjoyed the weightlifting finals, although we initially knew nothing about this sport.

• Visiting the city where the event takes place. From my experience (in London 2012 and Paris 2024), the atmosphere is boosted during the events. So, no better time to get some extra positive memories.

• Getting some tickets, even the cheaper ones. Even if you are quite far from the ‘stage,’ the atmosphere in the room should be incredible. In London and Paris, there were huge screens, so you could not miss the action.

Enjoy the games, and have a lovely summer wherever you are.

“Bonne saison estivale!”*

Annie

Written in London on the 10th, 11th and 12th of August 2024

(*Have a good summer season!)

Olivia Reeves (USA) got the Gold medal in Weightlifting 71kg at the South Arena

Nahid Kiyanichandeh at the Grand Palais, celebrating her silver medal (for Taekwondo Women 57kg)

Bordeaux

I can’t wait to go back to Bordeaux as I have just had an amazing week there, even if I was totally on my own and without a car.

An iPhone Photo collage I made while travelling…

Everything went as smoothly as the Bordeaux tram system, which is a great and easy way to travel from the airport to the town centre and around the city.

As you might know (if you have read my previous posts), I am currently learning about wine and, in particular, French wine, so Bordeaux was a prime location to visit.

I will share with you a few tips and I will keep a few for my students.

• When in Bordeaux, one of the first things to do is head to the tourism office. They will know all the day trips, events, and activities to do in the area and have all the maps. They were not very responsive when I emailed, but they are extremely helpful when you turn up there. They organise trips with big coaches, for example, to Saint Émilion or the Médoc, and this time, it was roughly 50 euros per person for a day trip.

• This year, I opted for a smaller tour to Pessac Léognan and Entre-Deux-Mers with a new tourism company called Vert Bordeaux, and I had a terrific time. Emmanuel, the manager and tour guide, was friendly, knowledgeable, and patient… He answered every single question I had. He carefully chooses the vineyards he visits, and they are all organic wineries. We had plenty of time in a big château in Entre-Deux-Mers, where we saw the property, cellars, vineyards and tanks, followed by a lovely wine tasting. We then headed to another château in Pessac Léognan (some of my favourite red wines come from Pessac Léognan). There, they produce Safran alongside the vines, and we could try some incredible Safran oil after the wine tasting. The whole half day ‘Off the Beaten Track’ felt very special as we were a small group (8 on that day) and had plenty of time to enjoy.

If you would like to book a tour with this tour agency, Vert Bordeaux*, visit their website at https://vertbordeaux.fr. Here is a code for my students to enjoy a 10% discount: FWO2024.

They also offer tours in Bordeaux with local treats, historical tours, or trips a bit further on the coast to Archachon and the Dune du Pilat. It is possible to book them for a private group.

(*I do not get any payment or commission to recommend them)

• If you learn about wine, you should not miss ‘La Cité du Vin’ in Bordeaux. It is a wine education centre in the shape of a decanter, and the whole place is dedicated to wine. On the ground floor, their shops have a good selection of products and wine bottles from around the world. On the first floor, there is a small library, which is totally free and has a great range of comic strips about wine and various books. The permanent exhibition on the second floor is spacious and educational, with many videos and interactive activities. After the exhibition, you can head to the top floor of the building to enjoy a glass of wine. This time, I tried the Bulgarian wine made with Shiroka Melnik grapes and a delicious Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux dry white wine. If you have enough time, I would recommend booking one of their workshops, as it gives you a different approach to wine appreciation and understanding. They are very well-structured and informative.

La Cité du Vin in Bordeaux - It has the shape of a decanter.

I could write endlessly about Bordeaux and its wines, but remember that Bordeaux is equally amazing without the wine aspect: the architecture, the food, the shops, and the rhythm and atmosphere of the city are all worth seeing and experiencing. I would say it is a great alternative to Paris if you prefer smaller cities.

Annie

Written in London on the 10th of July 2024.

Montmartre Love

Wine Tasting of one of the Montmartre wines / © Annie GENTIL-KRAATZ

My favourite area in Paris so far has been Montmartre. It is full of tourists, and for a good reason: it is highly picturesque, and the view over Paris from the Sacré Cœur Basilica is definitely worth the climb. Many artists, like Picasso, have lived in Montmartre. Initially, people were drawn to the area because there was a tax on goods and wine in Paris, and Parisians started to go out to Montmartre to have it all cheaper (as Montmatre was not in Paris then).

Did you know there used to be 17 windmills in Montmartre?

We have many happy memories there. An indie band recording a music video right under the windows of our holiday flat. A Moulin Rouge show that was magical and mesmerising. Little exploratory walks in the little streets, delicious food at the Zèbre or Loulou restaurants. A small concert of ‘Destroyer’ (indie rock band from Vancouver) in ‘La Cigale’ (a small venue in Montmartre) with friends…

The highlight of my last trip to Paris was the visit to the ‘Clos Montmartre’ vineyard and trying their red wine. It is simply incredible to have a vineyard right in the city, in this urban setting.

I initially wanted to write a wine note for you, but since it is a wine with a big heart, sold for charity and local causes, I will let you taste it for yourself.

Currently, the only way to try it is to book a tour of the vineyard or to buy it at the shop of the Montmartre museum. You will have two options with small bottles of red and rosé wines.

The museum is definitely worth a visit when you are in the area. The last time I visited, there was a very colourful temporary exhibition about Auguste Herbin, and you could see the studio of Suzanne Valadon and her son Utrillo, local artists from the past.

What is your favourite area of Paris, and why?

Let’s share notes!

Annie

(Written in Paris and London in spring 2024)

Une nouvelle passion pour le vin / A new passion for wine

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Some French comic strips about wine I enjoyed reading.

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Une nouvelle passion pour le vin

(The English Translation is just below)

Tout a commencé quand l‘un de mes étudiants m‘a révélé qu‘il adorait le champagne 'blanc de blancs' et je me suis dit que ce serait sympa de lui donner une leçon sur les différents vins pétillants en français. Alors, je me suis inscrite au cours WSET niveau 2 de Berry Brothers and Rudd. Ce cours intensif de trois jours d‘affilée a été une vraie révélation pour moi car en trois jours je suis passée du niveau débutant complet au niveau intermédiaire et je peux maintenant (finalement!) mieux comprendre les étiquettes sur les bouteilles et les expressions courantes comme 'vendanges tardives' (late harvests) ou 'vieilles vignes' (old vines) et leurs impacts sur le style et la qualité du vin.

Le vin pour les français n‘est pas juste une boisson, c‘est aussi un produit culturel qui peut apporter beaucoup plus que le simple fait de calmer sa soif ou de s‘enivrer. On peut apprendre à mieux le connaître, développer ses connaissances, faire des comparaisons, déguster et apprécier ses différents aspects et comprendre le lien entre les différents 'terroirs' et 'climats' sur le choix des cépages par exemple. C‘est simplement fascinant.

WSET est une école du vin créée en 1969 pour répondre aux besoins éducationnels dans le domaine du vin et des spiritueux. Cette école est basée à Bermondsey Street, à Londres, pas loin de London Bridge. Je suis une grande fan de leurs cours car, comme pour les cours de langues, il est important de mettre en place une base solide sur laquelle 'construire' ses connaissances, les cours et certificats de WSET sont graduels et progressifs et ils sont éducatifs tout étant vraiment intéressants et parfois même amusants. Je les recommande vivement.

Maintenant, je souhaite poursuivre mon apprentissage avec la certification WSET de niveau 3 ou la certification ‘French Wine Scholar’ qui me serait certainement plus utile car elle donne une connaissance plus approfondie des vins français. Je me suis aussi incrite à un cours WSET sur les alcools plus forts comme le cognac ou le calvados. Et puis, en juin, je serai à Bordeaux pour le festival du vin.

Mon objectif ultime est de pouvoir enseigner sur les vins et spiritueux français, en français. Quand on est professeur de langues il faut continuer à apprendre pour offrir une plus grande variété de cours et tout simplement pour continuer à se développer. Et puis j’aimerais partager cette nouvelle passion avec mes étudiants.

Ce que j’adore avec les choses passionnantes et les passions, c’est qu’on sait quand elles commencent mais on ne sait jamais jusqu’où elles vont aller.

Annie :)

Londres et Glasgow, en février 2024.

A New Passion for Wine

It all started when one of my students told me that he loved 'Blanc de Blancs' champagne, and I thought it would be nice to give him a lesson on the different sparkling wines in French. So, I signed up for Berry Brothers and Rudd's WSET Level 2 course. This three-day intensive course was a real eye-opener for me because, in three days, I went from complete beginner to intermediate level and can now (finally!) better understand bottle labels and common expressions like 'late harvests' or 'old vines' and their impacts on the style and quality of the wine.

Wine for the French is not just a drink, it is also a cultural product which can bring much more than the simple fact of quenching one's thirst or getting drunk. We can learn to know it better, develop our knowledge, make comparisons, taste and appreciate its different aspects and understand the link between the different 'terroirs' and 'climates' in the choice of grape varieties, for example. It’s simply fascinating.

WSET is a wine school created in 1969 to meet educational needs in the field of wine and spirits. This school is based in Bermondsey Street, London, not far from London Bridge. I am a big fan of their courses because, as with language courses, it is important to establish a solid foundation on which to 'build' your knowledge. WSET courses and certificates are gradual and progressive, and they are educational, really interesting and also sometimes really fun. I highly recommend them.

Now, I want to continue my learning with the WSET level 3 certification or the ‘French Wine Scholar’ certification which would certainly be more useful to me because it gives a more in-depth knowledge of French wines. I also signed up for a WSET course on stronger alcohols like cognac or calvados. And then, in June, I will be in Bordeaux for the wine festival.

My ultimate goal is to be able to teach about French wines and spirits in French. When you are a language teacher, you have to continue learning to offer a greater variety of courses and, quite simply, to continue to develop. I would love to share this new passion with my students.

What is so enjoyable about exciting things and passions is that you know when they start, but you never know how far they will go.

Annie

London and Glasgow, in February 2024.

Être Positif / Being Positive

A little warm drink

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J’ai décidé d’écrire en français pour une fois et la traduction en anglais est juste en dessous.

(English traduction below)

Bien sûr, quand on est réaliste, on voit clairement que tout n’est pas rose en France mais quand on apprend le français, il est important d’être positif pour avoir vraiment envie d’apprendre cette langue. C’est pourquoi, j’inclus souvent des éléments culturels pendant mes cours ou des choses qui pourraient intéresser mes étudiants.

Moi-même, je suis une avide lectrice, j’adore le cinéma, l’opéra et la danse classique ou contemporaine, et beaucoup d’autres choses aussi. Je suis curieuse et j’aime apprendre de nouvelles choses donc lorsque j’entends qu’un étudiant aime un style de musique, un endroit en France ou une activité particulière, je commence à explorer ce thème. J’ai ainsi pu intégrer pendant mes leçons des éléments sur le rap, le slam, la télévision, le vin, l’opéra, la voile, la lecture ou le théâtre, par exemple. Je pense que je devrais aussi peut-être commencer un programme culturel mensuel pour ce blog… Si seulement j’en avais le temps.

Néanmoins, je ne suis pas parfaite et une fois, juste une fois, ça a été un peu laborieux. Un étudiant passionné par les livres du Moyen-Âge enluminés a décidé de passer toutes ses leçons de français à traduire ligne par ligne certains de ces manuscripts. Une vraie torture d’autant plus que je ne suis pas traductrice mais professeure de langues, une distinction que les gens ont souvent du mal à réaliser. J’aime rendre des points complexes plus compréhensibles, j’aime transmettre des connaissances. La traduction demande d’autres qualités.

Maintenant, j’ai un grand plaisir à développer mes connaissances sur le vin et les différents types d’alcools avec l’ambition d’organiser pour mes étudiants, un jour, des dégustations.

Apprendre est l’un des grands plaisirs de ma vie et possiblement une façon pour moi d’accéder au bonheur.

Annie :)

A Blackheath dans le sud-est de Londres, le 27 janvier 2024.

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In English:

Of course, if we are realistic, we can clearly see that not everything in France is perfect, but when you learn French, it is important to be positive to be really motivated. This is why I often include cultural elements during my lessons or things that might interest my students.

I myself am an avid reader. I love cinema, opera, classical or contemporary dance, and many other things too. I am curious, and I like to learn new things, so when I hear that a student likes a style of music, a place in France or a particular activity, I start to explore that theme. During my lessons so far, I have been able to include elements of rap, slam, television, wine, opera, sailing, reading or theatre, for example. I also think that maybe I should start a monthly cultural program for this blog... If only I had the time.

However, I'm not perfect, and once, just once, it was a bit painful. A student passionate about illuminated medieval books decided to spend all his French lessons translating some of these manuscripts line by line. A real torture, especially since I am not a translator but a language teacher, a distinction that people often have difficulty realising. I like to make complex points more understandable. I like to share and communicate what I know. Translation requires other qualities.

Now, I have great pleasure in developing my knowledge of wine and the different types of alcohol with the ambition of, one day, organising tastings for my students.

Learning is one of the great pleasures of my life and possibly a way for me to achieve happiness.

Annie :)

In Blackheath (South East London) on the 27th of January 2024.

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French Beauty and Fashion

I love reading and have a tendency to post recommendations for books, but I have decided to write a bit about French beauty products and fashion for a change.

I was lucky to teach big groups of employees at the ‘L’Occitane’ headquarters (not far from Oxford Circus) in London. One year, one of the students gave me a bag full of full-size l’Occitane products to try. The ones I particularly enjoyed were the small perfumed hand creams that you can carry everywhere in your handbag(s). My skin can get dry in winter, so these little tubes feel like a nice, easy, and delicate remedy for everyday use. The lovely scents are a real bonus.

I usually keep my beauty rituals to a minimum, and a few Clarins and Chanel products are part of my daily routine: Chanel face and eye creams and a touch of Clarins for makeup.

I feel many beautiful women I see in London unfortunately wear far too much makeup or have too many beauty surgery procedures, which can be counterproductive. When I think of my Parisian female friends, all of them wear very minimal make-up (or at least I cannot see it), all of them can be very feminine and elegant (when needed), and all of them are slim. I obviously cannot generalise too much, and I am not an influencer, but it is good to reflect on the possible differences in attitudes and perceptions.

When I arrived in London roughly twenty years ago, I was invited to go out in a nightclub not far from Leicester Square (still in London, UK). The dress code on their website indicated ‘Dress to Impress’. With my French friend Élodie, we arrived in ultra-elegant outfits, as chic and feminine as possible. We were shocked to see many women there wearing very tight, very short, and ultra-revealing outfits. So the ‘Dress to Impress’ indication did not mean the same for us all.

There are many books to advise about French fashion, how to be Parisian or how to dress like a Parisian or else. I am not a fashion specialist, but I was really impressed by the Chanel exhibition currently at the V&A Museum up to February 2024. Each garment is beautifully cut and designed, and each outfit exudes a real sense of style. Chanel totally revolutionised the way women dressed at the time, from unpractical, big and heavy dresses to streamlined cuts and lighter (but still stylish) outfits. Chanel’s life was also interesting: Financially independent, never married but with influential lovers and a very unclear position during the Second World War, which cast a shadow on her legacy. I had read her biography and seen some films about her life, but seeing the clothes and outfits in person really added to my understanding.

The exhibition is sold out, but you can still see it if you are a member of the V&A or if a member invites you. It can get extremely crowded, but it was fine when we visited on a Monday afternoon.

Have a beautiful day or night whenever you read this post.

Bonne journée, bonne soirée ou bonne nuit.

Annie

Written in Palma de Mallorca and London in November 2023

PS: The exhibition has been extended to March 2024, so you have another chance to get a ticket if you are fast.

Bastille Day at Brasserie Zédel

I booked a table for six at the Brasserie Zédel in London for our wedding anniversary (which is on the 14th of July), and it turned out that for Bastille Day, they have a special event. If you come dressed with a Breton top and a béret, you basically get a set meal for free.

It was hard work to convince our Australian and British friends to follow the dress code, but they enjoyed the event so much that they just cannot wait to wear the outfit again.

It was a fun night, and the food was delicious. I had never seen so many ‘béret’ hats and Breton tops in one go. The vegetarian option was unfortunately not as good (Some improvements are needed on that front), but (in our experience) it is equally difficult in France to find decent vegetarian or vegan food. So, please do share with us your recommendations if you have any.

We just know this lovely vegan pastry shop in Paris, and their cakes and pastries (‘viennoiseries’) are delicious.

VG Pâtisserie

123 Boulevard Voltaire

75011 Paris

https://www.vgpatisserie.fr

We have to keep exploring.

Bonne journée!*

Annie

(In Blackheath London SE3 on the 25th of October 2023)

ps: If you would like to go to Brasserie Zédel:

Brasserie Zédel

20 Sherwood Street

London W1F 7ED

https://www.brasseriezedel.com

* Have a good day!

How to teach French slang?

Currently Reading the electronic book ‘Cher Connard’ by Virginie Despentes…

After teaching French for more than 20 years I thought I had seen and taught it all: The basics, the tenses, the subjunctive, legal terminology or else… And then, a student who had reached the proficient level with me (he had started with me at beginner level) asked me to teach him French slang, something that had never ever been requested before.

Initially puzzled, I wondered how I would do that as French slang is a huge topic and there are many different styles or types of it (Depending on the group(s)  we belong to, we would use different types of words and expressions).

My first impulse was to share the French slang I knew, which is what I was reading in French female magazines, while on holiday, and started scanning some articles for him. I would list the key expressions, would research all the definitions and explanations and would create bespoke exercises for him to practise.

Then, I looked for books including many familiar slang expressions. Some book sellers recommended a variety of options. One was a book with a main character who was a transexual prostitute getting trashed by a client. I checked a few pages and read a few dialogues and was so shocked by the language used, the vulgarity of it, how graphic the scenes were… That I realised I could not teach this type of vocabulary as I did not know anyway half of the expressions used.

I ordered a slang dictionary whose introduction enlightened me on the fact that the slang words were initially used like a secret code by small groups in the known.

I then looked at the latest book releases and found an amazing book to teach a widely used range of slang expressions. It’s ‘Cher Connard’ by Virginie Despentes.

The plot feels to me a bit improbable but the slang vocabulary used in this books is so incredibly varied and rich. It is the perfect book for my student at this level.

What astonished me while researching this topic is how often slang expressions are used mixed with very high level of French and complex structures, like with the subjunctive mood or more formal words… As if you still had to show a certain style and ability even when speaking in a familiar way.   

At the moment, while my student enjoys the book ‘Cher Connard’, I am now looking for some slang expressions in songs and will have a look at rap productions to identify if I can find anything interesting.

It’s only the start of the search…

Annie Gentil-Kraatz

In Heidelberg, Germany, on the 19th of October 2022

'L' Anomalie' and Tips on Books

I have not written in a long time because I was so busy completing a Photography MA that was taking all my time and energy. I still have a lot to do and many projects on the go, but I use my commuting time to write a few lines. And first, I want to recommend the book: 'L’ Anomalie' by Hervé Le Tellier.

My student Gorm had read a highly positive review and wanted to read it in French, so we both went through it in parallel. Initially, I found the style a bit too easy and simple, but I soon realised it was extremely clever and showed an absolute mastery in storytelling. I am not usually into Sci-Fi and unreal situations, but this was so well crafted with an exciting plot, well-developed characters, some incredible twists, and a touch of fun. It was delightful to read, and I can only recommend it to you now.

Reading helps to develop your range of vocabulary and enables you to learn accurate spelling (even when you are a native user of the language). Currently, I use books and various articles to teach French slang. It is a great way to see the vocabulary in context and to understand the situations in which the words are used.

As you can see in the picture, There are different versions of this book ‘l’Anomalie’. In England, you would have hard copies and then (cheaper) soft copies. In France, an initial premium copy (that can also have a soft cover) is produced, and then, around a year later, a cheaper version is released, and we call it the ‹pocket› version: «Livre de poche». The premium version of a book is usually around 20€, and the pocket version is usually around 10€. It can be slightly confusing when you order French books on Amazon UK as you order a book with a soft cover, but you are not 100% sure if you will get the premium version.

By law, the price of new books in France is fixed by the publishers, and this price can only be reduced in shops by 5%, for example, if you have a membership card from the bookshop. If you want cheaper books, you must get them second-hand. In the past, I used to find real gems in a second-hand shop in Orléans called 'Cash Easy'. The books were often premium versions in top condition for around £5. I have even found good premium books in a bookshop in Paris called 'Boulinier' for 20 cents each.

Of course, it was before the pandemic, but I am sure there are still some good offers to find.

Just keep your eyes peeled.

Bonne Lecture!*

Annie Gentil-Kraatz

In London, the 20th of September 2022.

(*Have a good read!)

Not Just For Halloween

If you have a child learning French or if you are a child deep inside (also learning French), I recommend the collection of comic strips called ‘Petit Vampire’ or in English ‘Little Vampire’. I have just read the first one of the series and it was lovely, such a tender and lovely story although it was full of ghosts, vampires and creatures of the night.

In the current situation in France and the tensions created by the recent terrorist attacks, I would like to recommend another series of comic strips, still by Joann Sfar: ‘Le Chat du Rabbin’ or in English “Rabbi’s Cat’. It has an interesting take on religion and it’s done in a very subtle way. 

I hope you had a Happy Halloween.

Annie Gentil-Kraatz in London on the 31st of October 2020 

French Recommendations

If you like the French language and culture, just a little note to recommend a few things I have come across these last few days. 

As a French teacher, I now have more time to watch the latest releases, check some courses online, and read more. Of course, I would recommend you to do your own research but if you do not have the time, here are a few of my recommendations:

French Book

• ‘Le Goût d’Emma’ by Takahama / Maisonneuve / Pavlowitch 

This is a comic strip (or in French a ‘BD’ a ‘Bande Dessinée’) and it is based on the real life experience of Emmanuelle Maisonneuve who was the first woman to join the Michelin Guide team. You can see the life of a Michelin Guide inspector, how she was recruited and trained and then how she and her colleagues inspect restaurants and hotels and discuss the attribution of Michelin stars. It is easy to read and the drawings have a manga feel so are super easy on the eye. I am not a big comic strip reader but this was a really good book that I read in less than two days. Recommended especially if you like good food and if you know and use the Michelin guide. 

French Films or Films in French / Latest Releases

If you are in London, these films are currently available online on Curzon Home Cinema… 

• Who You Think I Am / Celle que vous croyez - By Safi Nebbou 

Just saw this well crafted film and was well impressed. Characters are all equally interesting and the plot goes into unexpected directions. When ghosted by her lover Ludo, who is much younger than her, Claire, a university lecturer who is also the mother of two boys, creates a fake Facebook account to try and reconnect with him. Ludo does not reply to her friend request but Alex, his best mate who is also a talented photographer, does… There are some funny moments, some virtual sexual interactions, some darker times and you go step by step deeper in the story. Juliette Binoche excels as this mature woman full of insecurities and desire.   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8Rb4SJrrEQ

• The Truth / La vérité - by Hirokazu Kore-eda

It’s not a groundbreaking film but a nice cinematic moment if you like family stories and the French actress Catherine Deneuve who is at the centre of it all. 

It’s the first film in French and English by Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda, who received the Palme d’or prize in Cannes for his previous film ’Shoplifters’. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEVedePfqlY

Free Contemporary Art and Photography Courses Online 

If you love contemporary art and photography, the Pompidou Centre is offering some free courses with a mix of short videos and reading material and quizzes. A very good way to keep on learning if your French is at a good level (the whole website and all the videos are in French). 

https://mooc-culturels.fondationorange.com/local/staticpage/view.php?page=mooc-centre-pompidou

French TV Series on Amazon Prime or Netflix

I do not have a television and am not so keen on watching TV series but here are a few that my students love and it is a very good way to practise your French.

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• The Bureau (Le bureau des merveilles)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bureau_(TV_series)

• Spiral (Engrenages)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spiral_(TV_series)

• Baron Noir

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baron_Noir

These are older TV series and I am not sure if they are still available: 

• The Returned (Les revenants)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Returned_(French_TV_series)Hard

• Hard

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hard_(TV_series)

• Marseille

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marseille_(TV_series)

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Et voilà! (And there you go!)

Of course, if you need more recommendations, do not hesitate to contact me. 

Have a lovely spring season and keep safe wherever you are. 

Annie Gentil-Kraatz

In London, The 23rd of April 2020

Valentine's Day Recommendations

I really enjoyed the Valentine’s day celebrations also when I was single because, maybe, I kept the secret hope I would one day find the special person I could celebrate with. Of course, you do not need a specific day to be romantic and buy flowers but Valentine’s day can be really fun and the cheesier it is, the funnier it is too. Why not celebrate if it is positive and makes you or the person you love smile?

So today I am sharing a few recommendations for lovers, little books and a few places that I would recommend when on a romantic trip to France. 

Books

1 - ‘Paris pour les Amoureux’ by Agnès Taravella

It’s a little book with many good tips on how to enjoy Paris and its romantic aspects. There are some ideas for dates, places to kiss, restaurants to enjoy, presents or souvenirs to get, places to visit and things to try. It is written in French and in English and is really easy to read. 

2 - ‘How to cook French Cuisine’ and ‘How to cook French Pastry’ by Julie Sucail 

I found these two books in Montmartre (Paris) when I was preparing a tour in the area (I am also a personal tour guide in my free time). They are written in English illustrated with beautiful pictures and with easy to follow recipes of traditional French dishes. A great way to cook and impress your lover on a romantic evening at home. 

3 - ‘Simplissime’ Cookbooks by Jean-François Mallet

If your cooking skills are non-existent or very basic, you can try the ’Simplissime’ cookbooks. The dishes are truly super easy to make and well explained with a lot of pictures so you cannot get them wrong. It covers a very wide variety of diets and styles (vegetarian, salads, light, … ) so I am sure you can find one for you. You might not cook Michelin star dishes with them but I am sure your date will appreciate your efforts. 

Cooking lessons

• ‘Atelier des Chefs’ Cookery School

It is a French cookery school that has two sites in London and many sites all around France and it is where I started to learn how to cook properly. The atmosphere is fairly laid back and they teach you how to cook but also how to present the dishes and give you a lot of invaluable tips (Now I no longer cry when chopping onions, for example). They have a wide variety of options, styles and lesson durations starting from just £15 for a 30-minute course. After the lessons, you get to eat what you have cooked with fellow students and around a big table so it’s very convivial. If you are very lucky and nobody else has booked, you get a private class with a personal chef out of it. Very enjoyable. 

My favorite restaurant in Paris so far…

• ‘Ciel de Paris’ http://www.cieldeparis.com/en/ 

It is basically called ’Sky of Paris’ and it is the perfect name for it considering the amazing view you get of Paris and the Eiffel Tower in the distance. It was recommended by a Parisian friend and it was such a good recommendation. We went there for an early lunch and actually spent four hours if not more chatting and enjoying the food and mesmerizing view over Paris. Highly recommended. 

You can easily spend a little fortune on a weekend in France (some friends spent more than £300 on a single meal at the restaurant of the Eiffel Tower) but the money you spend is not necessarily a true reflection of the love you share and many ultra-romantic activities are actually completely free like walking along the Seine river in Paris ‘main dans la main’* on a summer evening or kissing in a park.

And if you want to prepare for your trip to France and learn a bit of French beforehand, I would love to teach you and/or your partner and share a few more tips with you. 

Vive l’Amour!**

Annie Gentil-Kraatz - London - 14th of February 2020 

*hand in hand 

**May love live forever!