Resources

Bienvenue, Welcome to Learn French in Seattle!

We have compiled some of our favorite resources below. Do you want to learn the French language and test your skills? Do you need to plan your next trip to France? Are you just interested in reading about France and the French culture? These great books and websites will get you started!

Bonne lecture! Enjoy!

Learning about France and the French

“French or Foe” Polly Platt. Distribooks International, 2003. This is a must read! A funny, informative introduction to cultural differences between the French and the Americans. Written by an experienced American cross-cultural trainer who lives in France.

Find out more or buy it here

“Sixty Million Frenchmen Can’t be Wrong… Why we love France and not the French”, Jean-Benoit Nadeau and Julie Barlow. Sourcebooks, Inc. Naperville, Illinois, 2003. An in-depth analysis of French society and customs. Very informative.

Find out more or buy it here

"A Year in Provence" by Peter Mayle. A delightful look at cultural differences and life in rural Southern France. Very entertaining. If you have enjoyed the book, do not miss the hilarious TV series based on the novel.

Find out more about the book here
Find out more about the DVDs here

http://www.francemonthly.com: This free monthly newsletter focuses on specific French regions.
http://www.chocolateandzucchini.com: For all of you “foodies” out there! This is a very entertaining blog by Parisian Clothilde Dussoulier. Delicious recipes, and tidbits about the French culture and the French language. Clothilde is also the published author of several cookbooks.

Studying French in the US

http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/French: Excellent (free) resource by the BBC. Beginner through advanced levels. Visit “Ma France” and learn French with 24 interactive videos.
http://www.audiofrench.com: Free online audio French dictionary. Visit this site when you do not know how to pronounce a word!
http://www.TV5.org: Subscribe to the TV channel of the French-speaking world and watch talk-shows, movies, the French news and more. Recommended for intermediate to advanced students
http://www.Rfi.fr: Radio France International. An excellent resource for intermediate to advanced students. Look for games, and exercises in the “Langue Française” section. Download the “Journal en Français Facile” daily and listen to a simplified (i.e. slower) version of the French news.
http://www.biendire.com: Bien-Dire: The magazine I recommend to all my intermediate and advanced students, and a favorite teaching tool at Learn French in Seattle!

Studying French In France

http://www.souffle.asso.fr: This excellent directory lists some of the best French schools. Some of my students have tried schools listed here over the years. Please consult me before signing up. I may be able to provide recommendations and feedback.

Planning Your Trip

http://us.franceguide.com: The official website of the French tourist office. Learn about French regions, and order free travel brochures and maps.
http://www.justfrance.org: An excellent resource to prepare your trip.
http://en.parisinfo.com: The official website of the city of Paris. Do not fly to Paris without visiting this site first! Updated daily.

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need more information about France and the French Language!