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Student Quote of the Month
“The French Class is my French home in the city." - Helen G.
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PARIS IN THE SUMMER: A CONTROVERSY
Summer is here and one question remains: Paris or not Paris? Frequent visitors, whether American, or from any other country including France, are totally divided on this topic. Half would say: it’s too hot, most stores are closed, tourists are everywhere, all of the interesting exhibits are gone. And the other half: there is little or no rain, what a glorious weather! Most stores are open, there are no more tourists than in the Spring, a large number of Parisians are away, so the atmosphere is a lot more relaxed and it’s not as crowded.
The debate is not likely to end any time soon. When push comes to shove, and there are really worse things than being stranded in Paris in July or August, there is plenty to do. Paris is a city for all seasons. So here are some suggestions:
- If it’s too hot and you want to cool off, you can spend a day along the Canal Saint-Martin. From the Square du Temple in the 3rd arrondissement, you can take the bus 75 that will drop you off close by, or take the Metro lines 2, 3 or 11. At your destination, you’ll find cafés and restaurants. You can also pack a lunch and picnic along the canal. No need to hide your bottle of beer or wine in a brown bag screaming alcohol! Chez Prune is a neighborhood hub. Le Comptoir Général is a bar, a restaurant and a museum dedicated to the art of the ghetto, open every day. Le Point Ephémère is an artistic center with exhibits and concerts, check out the roof top.
- You may have visited Le cimetière du Père-Lachaise once, but it’s a great place to visit again and again, especially if you are willing to do a little bit of homework ahead of time and if you are looking for some trees to enjoy the shade. Le Père-Lachaise is a museum as much as it is a cemetery. It would take months to explore its one hundred alleys. Museums can pair up like wine does. So if you are a Louvre frequent visitor, you can connect the dots. The painter Géricault with his magnificent tombstone is an example. Or you may aim for the out of the ordinary and find the tomb of Victor Noir, a young journalist killed during La Commune de Paris (1871). Just know that if you touch the statue, it has the reputation to increase fertility or the chances to find a mate. Run run ... or run away, as you wish!
- It may be harder to find an open boulangerie in August, but Poîlane has four locations and there is always one open: 38 rue Debelleyme (3e), 8 rue du Cherche-Midi (6e), 49 Boulevard de Grenelle (15e), 83 rue de Crimée (19e). Too far from where you’re staying? No excuse. Grab those sneakers of yours. There is nothing like an early-morning walk in Paris. They open at 7 a.m. Really too far? Public transportation never stops in Paris. And if you happen to take the Eurostar to spend a couple of days in London, they have two locations there.
Anyway, you got it. Paris is not for the grumps. Or least, leave some grumpiness for the Parisians, because in any case, like you, like most people, they love their city.
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MORE ON THE GILETS JAUNES:
WHAT THE PRESS IS NOT SHOWING
As times go by, the Gilets Jaunes have become less than a mystery. Now it has been established that the root of the movement, about 34 000 people, are just ordinary citizens fighting for social justice. Members of the far right or left instigating violence neither discredited the original intent of the group nor did they succeed in overthrowing Macron for their own purpose. In smaller cities, commuters and tourists alike saw, met and talked with the Gilets Jaunes who settled on the ronds-points. They didn’t see terrorists or hooligans. They saw their neighbors, colleagues, friends, again ordinary people, tired of injustice and inequalities. The most important motto of the Gilets Jaunes right now is: “We will never give up.” If your French is up for it and if you want to find out what the press is not showing, watch YouTube: Gilets Jaunes: On n’est pas des haineux. (Subtitles are in French).
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INTENSIVE COURSES at
The French Class
Don’t miss our great events in French at The French Class!
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A 2-Hour Conversation Marathon
Saturday, July 13th from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. $49
This new approach to conversation for intermediate and advanced students allows for a 2-hour conversation in French UNINTERRUPTED. You’ll be able to take a break whenever you want, but you’ll be speaking French non-stop the minute you step back into the classroom, with the support of your teacher.
Please REGISTER AT LEAST 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE. Call (415) 362-3666.
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PRONUNCIATION COURSE FOR INTERMEDIATE and ADVANCED LEVELS
Saturday, September 28th from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
$109 includes book, wine and cheese
Presented by Dominique Brémond.
This course is designed for levels 6 to 8.
A unique approach to French pronunciation that will change your understanding of French sounds forever and will definitely improve your comprehension.
Levels 2 to 3 may take the first 2 hours of the course for $55 if space is available. Levels 4 and 5 may take the entire course upon level assessment.
Please reserve your seat in advance; this intensive fills very quickly.
This is a great seminar to repeat if you have previously attended.
Please REGISTER AT LEAST 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE. Call (415) 362-3666.
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Dites-le parfaitement / Say it perfectly
C’est la première fois que je vais à Paris.
It’s my first time in Paris.
J’y vais pour la première fois.
I’m going for the first time.
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PARTNERSHIPS with
The French Class
Don’t miss our great events in French at The French Class!
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Visiolang USA
The French Class is happy and proud to announce its partnership with Visiolang USA, a state-of-the art online language platform to learn the following languages with a native speaker: Chinese, Spanish, English, German, Italian or Korean. Please visit www.us.visiolang.net and contact dominique.bremond@visiolang.net for more information about our individual and small group online classes. We can get you started in any of these languages, at any level or as a complete beginner.
Please REGISTER AT LEAST 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE. Call (415) 362-3666.
Go to our Other Languages Online page for details on this and other events.
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TRY FRANTASTIQUE FRENCH LESSONS FOR FREE!
Try it, test your French and subscribe if you like it. Frantastique offers fun online French lessons for all levels. This is a great supplement to your studies. Try it today. You will receive a certificate of completion at the end of your program.
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IN PARIS NOW:
The Moon: Real & Imaginary Voyages
Through July 22, 2019 at the Grand Palais, 3 avenue du Général Eisenhower, Paris 8th arrondissement
By Karen Marin
 For centuries, humanity has been intrigued by the moon. Its proximity to Earth has allowed man to observe its many phases, to see its craggy exterior and to dream of travelling to its surface. In July 1969 NASA’s Apollo XI mission made this dream a reality when two astronauts took the first steps on the moon. To honor the 50-year anniversary of this historic moment, the Grand Palais is hosting a temporary exhibit entitled “The Moon, Real & Imaginary Voyages”, celebrating our fascination with this heavenly body.
The exhibit begins by stepping back in time to the day Neil Armstrong walked on the moon, planted the American flag and uttered the famous quote “One small step for man, one giant leap for Mankind”. Front pages of both American and French newspapers are on display reminding us that, on the same day, Ted Kennedy left the scene of Chappaquiddick. It’s very interesting to see the personal items the astronauts brought with them including shaving implements and dehydrated food. Rounding out the scientific portion of the exhibit are several seventeenth century telescopes and astronomers’ maps documenting early efforts to chart the terrain from afar.
The moon has been a source of inspiration for artists, writers, poets, musicians and even filmmakers. Take a moment to watch a lunar-themed cartoon and a clip from some of the first science fiction films. Next, fall under the hypnotic spell of moonlight portrayed by romantic painters from the 19th century before moving on to contemporary photography that captures this satellite in all its waxing and waning glory. Don’t miss a modern sculpture entitled "Big Bang" by Kader Attia: a magnificent orb suspended from the ceiling is a cross between a shiny disco ball and a jewel-encrusted globe.
The last room of the exhibit combines artistic renderings of the moon with poetry. The only thing missing is a musical accompaniment, be it Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon, Debussy’s Clair de Lune or even Andy Williams’ Moon River.
Beyond science and art, the exhibit also covers man’s understanding and perceptions of the moon. The gravitational pull has a proven effect on the climate and the tides of the ocean, yet this glowing orb also has a reputation for influencing the moods and behavior of mere mortals, and especially women. The cyclic phases of the moon led to the creation of the lunar calendar, which syncs with the female menstrual cycle. Consequently, in the 17th century, women were accused of moodiness, unfaithfulness and inconstancy, mirrored by the changing faces of the Moon. The moon even has a symbolic role in paintings of the Immaculate Conception in which Mary stands on a globe with the crescent moon at her feet. Religious scholars allege that this depiction signifies her glory and victory over time and space
The exhibit prompts many questions: why is the moon deified as a woman in Antiquity yet since the 19th century it is commonly referred to as the “Man in the Moon” or even “Mister Moon”? Does the moon have the power to affect our behavior? Is it really made of cheese after all? Plan a visit to coincide with the new moon on June 3rd or the full moon on June 17th then ponder these age-old mysteries.
Karen Marin is a freelance writer living in Paris and former student of The French Class.
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PARIS JE T’AIME…..MAIS POURQUOI ?
By Karen Marin, freelance writer living in Paris and former student of The French Class.
Eleven years ago, I left San Francisco to relocate to Paris. People often ask me if I would go back and if not, why. Here, in no particular order, are 20 reasons why I love my life in Paris.
1. Le Metro: I haven’t driven in eleven years and I don’t miss it. With the metro, you can cross town quickly and never worry about parking. If I avoid peak commute times, I can usually get a seat on a strapontin. There are occasional strikes, but not all trains are taken out of service anymore.
2. Cafés: What a simple pleasure to go to a café. Everyone is free to sit and watch the world go by, to drink an express and read Le Monde, to discuss and debate with your neighbor, to flirt and engage with those around you. One is never alone in a café and yet one can be reclusive, lost in thought.
3. Museums: From the Louvre to Orsay to the Cluny to the Jacquemart Andrée and numerous others, Paris has an amazing wealth of art and cultural heritage.
4. Public Gardens: Whenever you need a moment to escape the urban environment and enjoy a moment in a green space, there are many public gardens and small squares throughout town. I’m lucky to live between the Esplanade des Invalides and the Champ de Mars, but I also like to go to the Jardin du Luxembourg and the Parc Monceau. This is the tip of the iceberg as there are so many to discover including the Bois de Vincennes and the Buttes Chaumont.
5. Flâner: Aside from Montmartre, Paris is relatively flat with sweeping boulevards, cobblestone streets, and pedestrian-only zones, all of which make it the ideal city to explore on foot. Flâner, quite literally is the art of walking around with no set destination in mind.
6. Reading: With great authors, literary awards and bookstores, reading actual books (vs Kindle) is a common pastime. People read in the metro, in cafes, in the public gardens.
7. Art of conversation: The French love to talk. It’s important to be versed in current and cultural events which sometimes include sports. Be sure to have an opinion you are able to defend.
8. Charm: Although we are in the #MeToo era, men and women still interact with each other with a sense of charm and flirtation. It is flattering and harmless, and just brings a smile to your face. I love to see couples in their 70’s and 80’s who still hold hands and flirt with each other.
9. Fragrance: I work in the industry and must say the French have elevated fragrance into a work of art. It begins with the cultivation of ingredients and moves to the craftsmanship of bottles and package design, ending with the pleasure of receiving a compliment on the scent you’re wearing.
10. Bises: The double-cheek kiss greeting is customary with friends and new acquaintances, but not in a business setting. It increases the importance of choosing a fragrance that suits you.
11. Cheese: Comté, Roquefort, Morbier, Reblochon….I haven’t met a cheese I didn’t like.
12. Wine: To accompany the cheese, bien sûr.
13. Summer and Winter nights: In summertime daylight continues until after 10pm. The normal workday ends around 7pm, meaning there are still 3 hours of daylight to enjoy. Of course, this changes drastically in the winter when the sun goes down around 4:30pm, but the city is illuminated, especially during the Christmas season: cafes use candles, heat lamps and faux fur throws, creating a cozy environment
14. Architecture: Paris has a hodge-podge of 19th century Haussmannian buildings, Gothic Cathedrals, Baroque façades, Renaissance courtyards and Art Nouveau metro stations, all with a few modern structures mixed in.
15. Chateaux et Hôtels Particuliers: Beyond Versailles and the châteaux of the Loire, there are treasures to find in many regions as well as private mansions such as the Musée Nissim de Camondo in Paris.
16. Assurance Maladie or Sécu: This is our Social Security. We are well taken care of with an average of 50% of doctor visits paid and most medical prescriptions are covered too. At least, this has been my experience.
17. Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité: The official motto of France is similar to the US version. I do feel a true sense of fraternity/solidarity amongst citizens and this is manifested by the substantial social charges we all pay into and from which we all benefit.
18. Petits commerçants: These are the small businesses in every neighborhood. I’ve had amazing experiences where the owner has given me extra clémentines or another who told me to take a bottle of champagne off the shelf at Christmas. That’s a way to build loyalty.
19. Location: Sometimes you have to get out of town and it’s easy to venture out to discover other cities and countries. In 2 or 3 hours you can be in a souk in Morocco, skiing down Alps, or riding a gondola in Venice, among many other options.
20. Mentality: Although I may never fully understand them, the French collectively have a guilt-free way of looking at life that is easy to adapt. Eat a piece of chocolate, have a glass of wine, things aren’t always your responsibility, and do enjoy the pleasures of life.
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UPCOMING EVENTS AT
The French Class
Don’t miss our great events in French at The French Class!
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THE GREAT CITY OF LYON,
SEEN BY A NATIVE
A conference in French presented by Dominique Brémond. $29
The same conference will be offered twice:
Thursday, July 25, from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
Monday, July 29, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
With a wealth of historical facts (from the Romans to the Resistance against the Nazis) and an international reputation for its gastronomy, Lyon is a fascinating city. Its unique geographical position allows the residents to be in Paris, on the ski slopes of the Alps or on a Mediterranean beach in a couple of hours. Discover Lyon’s best-kept secrets through the eyes of a native.
Please REGISTER AT LEAST 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE. Call (415) 362-3666.
Go to our Conferences & Workshops page for details of this and other events.
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OTHER CONFERENCES
Our great conferences presented by Laurence Delahaye and Renée Morel will resume in September. Both of them are sending their best from France where they are spending the Summer
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PURCHASE AN APPARTMENT IN PARIS
If you are interested in learning more about turn-key acquisition and renovation services in Paris, contact Catherine Aubale Epstein at Platinum South Real Estate: www.Platinumsouth.com
Email: CaubaleEpstein@gmail.com
RENT AN APARTMENT IN PARIS
Great locations, rates and management. The French Class students get a discount.
Reserve early and contact: rothray@rothray.com
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Un verbe à la fois! / One verb at a time!
profiter = to take advantage of, to make the most of, to benefit
See what you can say with a very simple verb…
Présent
Je profite de cette occasion pour vous remercier.
I’m taking advantage of this opportunity to thank you.
Imparfait
Elle profitait du soleil.
She was enjoying the sun.
Passé composé
Elle a bien profité de ses vacances.
She really enjoyed her vacation.
Futur
Les travailleurs profiteront de ces réformes.
The workers will benefit from these reforms.
Conditionnel présent
Il en profiterait davantage s’il travaillait moins.
He would benefit from it more if he worked less.
Subjonctif présent
Il faudrait qu’il profite de ses vacances pour aller en France.
He should take advantage of his vacation to go to France.
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Speak French at Home with
the French Class
 You can learn or practice your French face to face with one of our teachers on SKYPE or FACETIME, just like in our classroom. Skype is FREE and VERY easy to install and use.
Visit www.frenchclass.com for more details and rates on Private and Online classes, or call us at (415) 362-3666 to schedule a free session on Skype or Facetime.
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Trouvez la préposition correcte
1. On a mangé _____ restaurant.
2. O a mangé _____ restaurant vietnamien.
3. On a mangé _____ Sophie.
4. On a mangé _____ cuisine.
5. On a mangé _____ cheminée.
6. On a mangé _____ terre.
7. On a mangé _____ herbe.
8. On a mangé _____ plage.
Faites défiler le texte vers le bas ou cliquez sur la clé pour voir les réponses.
Scroll down or click the key to see the answers.
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A Simple Fact To Learn More French
 If you learn one simple sentence in French every day,
you will learn 365 French expressions in a year.
For example:
J’ai besoin de mes lunettes.
I need my glasses.
Read The French Class Newsletter and learn hundreds of expressions per year, for free! Keep reading! Keep learning!
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Quelques phrases utiles /
A few useful sentences
Je prendrai une salade composée.
I’ll have a mixed green salad.
Quel est le plat du jour?
What is the special of the day?
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Un petit peu de grammaire /
A little bit of grammar
Il faut qu’il passe cet examen.
He must take this exam.
Il faut qu’il réussisse cet examen.
He must pass this exam.
Je suis désolé(e) qu’il ait échoué cet examen.
I am sorry he failed this exam.
Pourvu qu’il ait plus de chance l’année prochaine.
I do hope he’ll have more luck next year.
Il va essayer jusqu’à ce qu’il l’obtienne.
He’s going to try until he obtains it.
Call us at (415) 362-3666 if you have any questions regarding the appropriate level for you or if you would like a free assessment.
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Your Victory of the Month
Keeping a positive attitude while learning will help you learn faster and will also make learning so much more pleasant! Save a few minutes every day to open your French book and review what you just learned. Set small goals. For example, learn how to say one sentence:
Mon équipe a gagné!
My team won!
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Your Own French Tutor for
2 Cents per Day: $7:30 per Year
 During the course of your studies in French, you often have questions such as: why is this article used, which pronoun is correct or should I use the subjunctive in this sentence? The French Class created an easy and very cheap program to answer your questions. We call it: My French 2 cents.
Here is how it works in 4 easy steps:
1. pay $7.30 (2¢ per day!) for a one-year subscription to this amazing program
2. receive a welcome email
3. send your questions to the email address you are given
4. receive a prompt and personal detailed answer.
It is that easy!
Please note that "My French 2 Cents" is not a translation service.
To subscribe: Call us at 415.362.3666 or send an e-mail to info@frenchclass.com. Contact us to subscribe.
FREE WITH THE FRENCH CLASS MEMBERSHIP.
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The French Class BOOK CLUB
 The French Class book club meets once a month, on Mondays, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Books are chosen by the members of the book club, and it takes one or two months to read and discuss a book, depending on the length. We have read many authors, classics as well as contemporary, such as Balzac, Colette, Marguerite Yourcenar, Marcel Proust, Irène Nemirovski, Patrick Modiano, Amélie Nothomb, Franck Thilliez or Tatiana de Rosnay.
Please call us at (415) 362-3666 or send a message to dominiquebremond@aol.com if you would like to join our book club.
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Les réponses:
Trouvez la préposition correcte
1. On a mangé au restaurant. We ate at the restaurant.
2. O a mangé dans un restaurant vietnamien. We ate in a Vietnamese restaurant.
3. On a mangé chez Sophie. We ate at Sophie’s.
4. On a mangé à la cuisine/dans la cuisine. We ate in the kitchen.
5. On a mangé devant la cheminée. We ate in front of the fireplace.
6. On a mangé par terre. We ate on the ground.
7. On a mangé sur l’herbe. We ate on the grass.
8. On a mangé à la plage/sur la plage. We ate at the beach.
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EIGHT-WEEK SESSIONS
in 2019
1. January 7 to March 2
2. March 4 to April 27
3. April 29 to June 22
4. July 1 to August 24
5. September 3 to October 26
6. October 28 to December 21
Click here for current sessions.
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INTENSIVE COURSES
in 2019
June 24 to June 27 – 4 days
Saturday, June 29 – 2-hour conversation marathon.10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 29 – 4-hour French 2 review and conversation - 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
August 26 to August 29 – 4 days
August 31 – All day: 10:30 to 4:30
Friday, December 27 – All day: 10:30 to 4:30
Saturday, December 28 – All day: 10:30 to 4:30
Click here for details on Intensive Courses.
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You moved away?
Please keep in touch, keep speaking French!
Here are ways you can do that with The French Class...
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Study French with us online.
Click for details and rates.
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter.
Visit The French Class facebook page.
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 Go here to access our free audio library.
Access Past Issues here of our newsletter.
Sign up for "My French 2 cents." Details here.
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Merci d'avoir lu notre bulletin électronique!
Thank you for reading The French Class Newsletter! Please stay in touch!
Visit us at www.frenchclass.com.
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