This interview is taking you to Ardèche, that (so) beautiful part of France where I used to spend the summer holidays as a child. Meet André Rouy aka « Dédé l’Ardéchois » and discover the history of the train network in Ardèche – the only French département which doesn’t operate any more trains. Dédé and the Association VIADUC 07 worked to protect that heritage. Dédé wrote several books and created a train museum which opened on the 30th anniversary of the last train running through Ardèche. He built it all himself, with humour as well as a unique way to optimise his small space. What can you see in the museum? Listen to find out!

Ardéchois,e (n) / ardéchois,e (adj) = from the Ardèche region
charbon (nm) = coal
charrette (nf) = cart, barrow
cheminot = railway worker
desservir = to stop at, to serve, to lead to
dévisser = to unscrew, detach
élu,e (n) = elected member/representative
embranchement (nm) = junction
exposition (nf) = exhibition
ferroviaire (adj) = related to the rail/railway
gîte (nm) = holiday cottage, vacation rental
maquette (nf) = small-scale model
minerai (nm) = ore
orthodontie (nf) = orthodontics
passage à niveau (nm) = railroad crossing
patrimoine (nm) = heritage
pneu (nm) = tyre
reconversion professionnelle (nf) = career change
vis (nf) = screw

The post FV 134 : Dédé l’Ardéchois (Part 1): local heritage and history of the railway appeared first on French Your Way.

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In this second part of my interview with Manolo we will talk about his confrérie (a society of people who get together to perpetuate a tradition, a skill): la Confrérie des amateurs de Sagarno de la Bidassoa. This society is currently under process to be part of the Unesco intangible cultural heritage list. Learn the reasons behind the decline then the revival of the art of making “vin de pomme”, the types of apples used for the process, the amount of wine produced by the fellowship. You’ll also find out why drinking wine gives you headaches!

Thank you Mike for putting me in touch with Manolo! If you too know someone who would be a fantastic guest for French Voices, someone with a passion they would love to share, please get in touch!

aléas (nm plur) = hazards, vagaries, contingencies, risks

The post FV 133 : (Part 2) The “vin de pomme” from Pays Basque appeared first on French Your Way.

Live workshops are back!

More information and bookings open on my events page: https://frenchyourway.com.au/events

If you can’t attend, don’t worry: you will receive the replay video as well as the worksheet and answers.

Upcoming events:

Sunday May 22nd at 9pm Paris time.

Thursday May 26th at 10pm Paris time.

Check out my events page

Subscribe to my newsletter to receive special discount codes for the workshops.

Looking forward to working with you!

Jessica

The post FYW : Live workshops are back! May 2022 appeared first on French Your Way.

This 2-part interview with Manolo will take you to the heart of the French Basque country (Pays Basque), its heritage and its tradition of making “vin de pomme” (also known as “sagardo”, or “sagarno”), which is not the same as the apple cider from Normandy.

The start of the conversation will help you locate the Pays Basque and understand its strong sense of identity. People still wear the beret, speak basque (which is a language in itself, not related to French), play local traditional instruments that the rest of France probably never heard of. Listen to find out how talking about music naturally led us to talking about apples (yes, there’s a link!). By the way, do you know where apples originally come from? What’s the difference between “vin de pomme” and “cidre”? In other words, what’s the difference with how the Basque and the Norman people process their apples? The answers are in this episode.

We’ll talk about the fermentation process of course. We’ll also see why the properties of the sagardo / vin de pomme made it the daily drink on board the ships in the old times.

As you may have understood by now, this interview is all about culture, traditions, heritage, history, about understanding how trade, routes and human exchanges played a central role in the diversity of it all. Last but not least this interview is Manolo sharing his passion with you. We hope you enjoy it.

alambic (nm) = still [alcohol production]
baleine franche (nf) = right whale
barrique (nf) = barrel, cask
broyer = to grind, crush
clocher (nm) = bell tower
contrée (nf) = region, land
couvre-chef (nm) = hat, headgear
croupir = to stagnate [water], to rot
foulage (nm) = pressing, treading, crushing
fouler (vt) = to tread, trample, press
fût (nm) = cask, barrel, keg
histoire/querelle de clocher = community/parish rivalry ; storm in a teacup
morue (nf) = cod, codfish
mûrir = to ripen
prendre une pâtée (fam) = to take a thrashing
taquiner = to tease

The post FV 132 : (Part 1) The “vin de pomme” from Pays Basque appeared first on French Your Way.

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Betty Levanqué really is an incredible woman, I would even call her a wonder woman. I’m truly in awe at everything she’s done so far in her life, her stamina, her strength; she’s an inspiration to work hard, be present for your family, love people, give back to others when you can. Betty studied hard, even while becoming the other of a very premature baby with a disability and later on resuming her studies and taking up three courses in three different universities the same year at age… 40. She founded an association to help orphans in Vietnam (where her background is), the food bank of New Caledonia where she lives (banque alimentaire de Nouvelle-Calédonie), owns a real estate agency (Le Café Immobilier) as well as a popular café in Nouméa (Boops Café), and is the president of the APESA, an association supporting business managers burning out and at risk of committing suicide.

The least we can say is that Betty is profoundly humane and committed to making a difference in people’s lives. This is a long, inspiring, feel good interview.

avoir les pieds sur terre = to be grounded

The post FV 131: Wonder Betty, the life of an inspiring woman (Part 2) appeared first on French Your Way.

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Betty Levanqué really is an incredible woman, I would even call her a wonder woman. I’m truly in awe at everything she’s done so far in her life, her stamina, her strength; she’s an inspiration to work hard, be present for your family, love people, give back to others when you can. Betty studied hard, even while becoming the other of a very premature baby with a disability and later on resuming her studies and taking up three courses in three different universities the same year at age… 40. She founded an association to help orphans in Vietnam (where her background is), the food bank of New Caledonia where she lives (banque alimentaire de Nouvelle-Calédonie), owns a real estate agency (Le Café Immobilier) as well as a popular café in Nouméa (Boops Café), and is the president of the APESA, an association supporting business managers burning out and at risk of committing suicide.

The least we can say is that Betty is profoundly humane and committed to making a difference in people’s lives. This is a long, inspiring, feel good interview.

In this episode we’ll start with Betty’s Vietnamese background – this is essential to understand the values of merit, work and endurance that are ever present in her life story. Betty’s name and identity changed when she was 6 years old. Learn interesting facts about Vietnamese names.

au chevet (de qn) = at [sb]’s bedside

The post FV 130: Wonder Betty, the life of an inspiring woman (Part 1) appeared first on French Your Way.

This recording is in French, here’s the outline of what I talk about to help you follow:

A comeback video in a new environment: we’re in France! We’ve been settling down, enjoying family time after two years of separation, finally meeting my little (and very cute nephew), creating memories (e.g we took the kids to the snow!)

The children have started attending French school…on and off really, due to the absurd C*vid protocols in place here. Still, I’m hoping this will give me some time to resume working on French Your Way!

In 2021, I worked on a personal project (I’ll tell you about it when the right time comes) and spent quite a while in lockdown being my daughter’s private teacher. We also prepared our departure to France.

In order to help you with your French, I need YOU to give me your input, your feedback:

Please get in touch! Email me

/!\ Don’t forget: I explain French concepts in English. If you know me, you know that! For authentic conversations in French, check out my “French Voices” podcast.

Thanks for your patience while I wrap my head around things again and release new content! I am grateful for your support and your kindness.

Jessica

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The post FYW – I’m back ! News and what’s next appeared first on French Your Way.

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Melbourne-based French Australian painter Guy Trinquet, is a finalist in the 2021 Glover Prize, one of Australia’s most prestigious landscape painting awards.

courbe (nf) = curve

The post FV 129: (Part 2) French artist Guy Trinquet appeared first on French Your Way.

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Melbourne-based French Australian painter Guy Trinquet, is a finalist in the 2021 Glover Prize, one of Australia’s most prestigious landscape painting awards.

croquis (nm) = sketch, rough outline, first draft

The post FV 128: (Part 1) French artist Guy Trinquet appeared first on French Your Way.

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In the second part of this interview with Belgian consul Pierre Steverlynck, we discuss the languages he speaks at home and at work – since Belgium is a multilingual country. You’ll learn the difference between an ambassy and a consulate, what a “carte d’identité” may be used for (I know that not all countries have one such thing). Also find out how one becomes a diplomat. And, you’ll hear about the “flying kit”, a really cool system for expats living on faraway islands!

avancée sociale (nf) = advance, progress

The post FV 127: (Part 2) Representing Belgium abroad: the work of a consul appeared first on French Your Way.