• Publicity photo for Moliere's The Miser or the Scrooge (l'Avare), Ranelagh Theatre, Paris
    Going Out,  Theater-Cinema-Music

    French in English-Theatre in Paris

    Margot presented a fascinating workshop on Molière the other day. We learned facts, chronological dates, the synopsis of a play and outtakes from the script. She was preparing us for one of the nine Molière plays currently running in Paris. Molière’s “L’Avare” (The Miser/The Scrooge) is playing at the Ranelagh Théâtre in Paris until May 18, 2019. The language of Molière is spoken (French). For those who wish to coordinate sound with English, supertitles are available with Théâtre in Paris. You pay a bit more for this translation service, ideal seating, and a program in English than you would buying through the theatre booking systems. Molière has been creeping into…

  • Chair with stack of books about Paris and Champagne, Hemingway, Angels
    Books & Guides & Writing,  Practical Info

    Prepare Your Visit to Paris, France

    Suitcase? Check! Camera? Check! Walking shoes? Check! Reading material? Prepare in advance with some book ideas! Language? Brush up on that French grammar! Frantastique is my Wednesday exercise. Then when I go shopping or chat on the street, those proper verbs just slide right out ... still studying though! Some of the books in my library are Paris walking tours. They provide enough material to stroll through Paris and explore. Another prepares you with a story and history for your Champagne tasting. David Downie's books are walking tours of history. Each chapter of each book weaves a tale of discovery. Tilar J. Mazzeo's book whisks you into Champagne history with…

  • French speaking talking bears in a Paris toy store
    Children and Teens,  Let's Explore

    Toys That Speak French and Toy Stores in Paris

    Does this bear speak French? The bear might not speak French, but it can sing in French… as does the flower, baby Camille, the octopus, the farm animals, and many more. Whether your baby is in a bilingual household or not, it can be coaxed and coddled into familiarity with the sound of French. However, while shopping, recall the familiar shopping creed: “If you see it, buy it!” One day a reader asked me where to find a stuffed animal that speaks or sings in French for their new little baby. At a store, I found the “ours des doux reves” (pleasant dreams bear). It was the ideal bear for…