Né le 2 avril 1840 (born on April 2nd 1840), Émile Zola appartient aux personnalités imposantes de la littérature du 19ème siècle (belongs to towering figures of 19th century French literature). Victor Hugo (1802-1885) said: "Tout ce qui est dans la nature est dans l'art“ (everything that is in nature is in art). Continue reading
Le printemps et ses premiers beaux jours annoncent la chaude saison d’été. Les plantes poussent et les fleurs apparaissent. On en profite pour prendre l’air: faire des promenades en famille ou avec des amis. On travaille aussi dans le jardin: on … Continue reading
Named Journée internationale de la femme (International Women’s Day), March 8th is a day to celebrate les droits des femmes (women’s rights). A day of manifestations (protests), it is the opportunity to faire un bilan (to assess) conditions women face around the world. It is a chance … Continue reading
With the advent of cinema, a number of important stylistes (fashion designers) and grand couturiers français,(top French fashion designers) interested themselves in this phenomenally successful medium, thus imparting their griffe (label/signature; lit. claw) to the visual and emotional content of films. … Continue reading
Perfect for wintertime, Kig Ha Farz (pronounced keeg ah fahrs) is un plat copieux breton (a hearty meal from Brittany), more precisely for the Finistère department. Literally, the name means viande et pâte (meat and dough). Continue reading
"Le Beaujolais nouveau est arrivé !" (The Beaujolais Nouveau has arrived!) has become an adage, popularized by the eponymous novel by French writer René Fallet. Each third Thursday in November at midnight, the international release of le Beaujolais nouveau marks the culmination of a year's work for wine growers, just a few short weeks after the end of the grape harvest. Continue reading
In France, the word cake (pronounced like in English) designates fruit cakes, that is, cake made with dried or candied fruits, usually presented in a simple, rectangular shape. Here is a simpler yet homey, filling fruit cake recipe which is especially well-adapted to the beloved blé noir ('bleh nwhar'; buckwheat) of Brittany. Continue reading
As in any language, there are expressions in French which do not necessarily make sense when translated literally. Yet, they are embedded in the culture because they seem to express certain situations or feelings so appropriately. Here are some of the … Continue reading
Watching foreign movies with sous-titres (subtitles) is a great way to get to know a culture and its language. More and more films are now available, but it may be difficult to find those suited to one’s level. Some like … Continue reading
Pastis is une boisson alcoolisée à base d’anis et de réglisse (anise and licorice-flavored alcohol drink). It is a considered a refreshing drink and therefore popular on hot summer days. It can be had on its own, or served as … Continue reading
