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French in Normandy uses antimicrobial protective spray in school against COVID

Recently French in Normandy engaged the services of Novacel, a Rouen-based company, to protect the school with a new chemical technology that actively kills all germs and microorganisms for a minimum of three months!  Have a listen to the interviews with Novacel staff in English and French!

Récemment, French in Normandy a fait appel aux services de Novacel, une société basée à Rouen, pour protéger l’école avec une nouvelle technologie chimique qui tue activement tous les germes et micro-organismes pendant un minimum de trois mois !


Top 10 Virtual Visits in Normandy, France

Your urge to travel is probably even greater now that you can’t go anywhere.

While confined to your home for the greater good, you can still satisfy your curiosity by armchair travelling to Normandy, one of the most popular regions in France. Discover the capital, Rouen, the infamous Normandy beaches, the monuments, the food and the museums of the region with our list of favourite virtual visits.

Delve even deeper into your French desires with an online French language course offered by none other than, French in Normandy!

On y va! Let’s go!

 


#1. Rouen in Motion

A glimpse into the economic and cultural capital of Normandy and home to our school French in Normandy. Rouen is a bustling, historic city of 112,000+ inhabitants, just waiting for your arrival. Roam the streets, explore the treasures of the old town and view the timbered houses with this fabulous time lapse video of Rouen

#2. Dieppe Kite Festival

The Dieppe Kite Festival was established in 1980. This is one of the largest festivals of this kind in the world and every year it gathers thousands on the Alabaster Coast of Normandy. Attendance to the Festival is free. Activities are very diverse, which ensures that everyone will find something according to his / her liking. Some of you might wander around exhibitions, some will attend various workshops or watch kites in action. And if you’re a fan of traditional music, theatre and dancing, you’ll find plenty of entertainment.

#3. D-Day Landing Beaches as never seen before from above

On June 6, 1944 Allied forces landed on Normandy’s beaches in order to launch the larges invasion and liberate the German-occupied French territory. D-Day Landing Beaches include Utah Beach, Omaha Beach, Gold Beach, Juno Beach and Sword Beach. You can get a really good (virtual) look of the D-Day beaches in this video. And once travel resumes, feel free to go there in person. You won’t regret it.

#4. Time lapse: Mont Saint Michel

Mont Saint Michel is Europe’s most unforgettable sights. It is set where Normandy and Brittany meet and its location inspired the imagination of many. This is a video that has toured Mont Saint Michel and the world. If you haven’t seen it  yet or want to relive a day of high tide around the most visited site in Normandy, then check it out.

#5. Chateau de Caen

Built around 1060 by William the Conqueror, what was once the ducal castle of Caen, now is home to the Normandy Museum and Museum of Fine Arts. As of 2004 the town of Caen has gone through some major restoration which finally provided a better view of the 12th century walls, discovered a private cellar and so on.

#6. Rouen: Musée des Beaux Arts

This museum was founded by Napoleon I, back in 1801. The Museum of Fine Arts in Rouen holds some of the most prestigious French collections of paintings, sculptures, objects and drawings. It houses some of the greatest works from Perugino. Veronese, Velazquez, Poussin, Delacroix and many more. This is a place of one of the largest impressionist collection in France.

#7. The Great Eats of Normandy Food Tour

These food tours will take you into a whole new place…into the heart of Normandy. Follow a magnificent trip to Caen and Bayeux with your host and see what type of Norman delicacies can you discover. Take your pick from famous cheeses and dairy products, fresh baked goods, wine and ciders.

#8. Rouen: Notre Dame Cathedral

As the name suggests, this is not the same as the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, but it doesn’t mean that it’s less stunning. The Notre Dame Cathedral in Rouen was established in the 4th century, enlarged in 650 and unfortunately perished during the Viking raids in the 9th century. But the same Vikings and their descendants restored it and further enlarged it in 950. Over the course of history the Rouen Cathedral was severely damaged and restored several times. Some of its paintings were done by Claude Monet, a famous Impressionists. Monet created several paintings picturing the Cathedral in different weather and in different times of the day.

#9. Monet’s house & gardens

If you stop by at Monet’s house in Giverny, you can still see the Japanese bridge in his garden. Furthermore, the weeping willow, which one the subject to some of his most famous pieces, is still there. This house of one of the most famous French Impressionists was fully restored to their original condition from back in the 19th century. Even Monet’s studios are made complete with the reproductions of his most famous paintings.

#10. A weekend at Étretat, a virtual trip

Étretat is a small commune in Normandy. This charming tourist town is best know for its chalk cliffs especially those three natural arches and a formation called L’Aiguille (“Needle” in French). The cliffs have been an inspiration to many artists include Boudin, Courbet and of course…Monet.

BONUS VIRTUAL VISIT

#11. Rouen: French in Normandy

Take a tour of our international award-winning French language school, French in Normandy. Consider taking a DELF online exam preparation course while you keep yourself safe and at home!

 

Way around France

Flirting your Way around France

In previous articles we have taught you how to get by in France and also how to read a French menu and eat out. These are all great opportunities to have a great time in this beautiful country. However, over and above this, France and the French language are known to be both beautiful and romantic. Therefore, in preparation for the New Year, we want to get you started on your flirting in French skills. So, without further ado, here are 20 phrases to help you flirt more effectively in French:

Way around France

First and foremost, the equivalent of flirting in French is Draguer.

  • uis-je vous offrir à boire? or Je peux vous offrir un verre ? – Can I buy you a drink?
  • Vous venez souvent ici? – Do you come here often?
  • Vous êtes célibataire? Mais comment est-ce possible? – Are you single? But how is that possible?
  • Tu es drôle – You’re funny
  • Tu es mignon – You’re cute
  • T’as des beaux yeux, tu sais?  – You’ve got beautiful eyes, you know?
  • T’es beau / T’es belle – You’re good looking / beautiful
  • Tu es très jolie – You’re pretty (to a woman)
  • Tu es très beau – You’re very handsome (to a man)
  • Ou as-tu été toute ma vie? – Where have you been all my life?
  • J’aimerais mieux te connaître – I would like to get to know you better
  • Allons quelque part moins bruyant – Let’s go somewhere less noisy
  • Je pense à toi – I’m thinking about you
  • Mon chéri/Ma chérie – My darling (male / female)

And for those who really mean business, here are some more phrases you can use:

  • Allons chez moi – Let’s go to my place
  • Chez moi ou chez toi? – Your place or my place?
  • Si je t’aide à apprendre l’anglais, est-ce que tu m’apprendras comment embrasser à la française? – If I help you learn English, will you teach me how to French kiss?
  • Je t’aime – I love you: Piece of advice, wait a while before using this!

There you go! Now you can surely (and carefully) enjoy your nights out, even more. One thing is certain, whether it’s an affair with a new man or woman, or one with the French language and culture, in order to be able to live it to the full, you really need to make sure that you can communicate like a native!

We hope this information will help you during your stay in France. If before or during your stay, you decide that you want to join like-minded people, who are also interested in the French language, contact us by filling our form here. Our staff and teachers at French in Normandy will be happy to help you improve your French language skills, whilst showing you around the beautiful region of Normandy.

Study in France

Applying for a Visa to Study in France

You decided you want to come to France to study, now you need to start getting ready. If you are a non-EU national you need to plan well in advance to ensure that you get your visa before you leave your country. You also need to do this, whether you are an EU national or not, if you decide to stay in France for 90 days or more. Let us explain what the procedure is:

Study in France

1. Create an ‘’Etudes en France’’ Account. This process starts by clicking one of the links below, depending on they type of student that you will be in France:

I am a study-abroad/exchange/dual-degree student

I have been accepted to a French language class, a professional training, a full-time undergraduate/graduate program, a PhD program

2. Make an online payment of $190 online. This is the processing fee and you can make this payment by clicking here

3. The next step is to email the required paper work to Campus France USA. The email should be sent to [email protected] with the mandatory subject line:  “REGULAR SERVICE + LAST NAME + USXX-XXXXX”. You will also need to include:

  • The regular service cover page filled out
  • A photocopy of the official acceptance letter
  • A copy of the online payment receipt
  • Your Visa Application

4. Once your application is processed, you will receive a confirmation e-mail from Campus France USA. Please remember that a printed version of this email will be requested at your visa appointment. We also recommend carrying this letter with you when you are travelling to France.

If you are not sure whether you need a visa or not you can also take a quick test to check: https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en_US/web/france-visas/ai-je-besoin-d-un-visa

In summary, for you to be able to get a visa, you need to meet the conditions below:

  • You must be 18 years old, or older.
  • You must have a clear idea regarding where and what you want to study.
  • You must be accepted by the institution of your choice. The enrolment procedure can vary.

For more information on how to enrol at French in Normandy and visa procedures that apply to our school, feel free to contact us: https://www.frenchinnormandy.com/contacts/ . We want to welcome you in Rouen and would be happy to assists you in this process.

Comment apprendre le français facilement ?

French Etiquette to Enrich Your Stay

Avoid making a mistake and integrate better into French life by following these essential rules of etiquette…


Always be polite.

This isn’t only regarding your time in France, you should be polite wherever you go, of course. While speaking with French people you must always address them with their titles. An older woman should always be addressed as madame, a younger mademoiselle, and all men should be addressed with monsieur. Always use bonjour (good day), au revoir (good bye) and merci (thank you), even when entering shops, waiting rooms, offices, elevators etc. My advice for you will be to always be polite and use formalities in every given situation.

Try speaking French.

I was told that German people don’t speak English with tourists, even if they speak the language (and trust me most of them do). But while visiting Germany, I concluded that this is not true at all. However, no one ever told me that generally French people don’t speak very much English, so when I visited France I was very surprised that the locals declined answering my questions in English. This is a big challenge for tourists, but as you will be studying French in France, I’m advising you to try and learn some of the basic phrases before studying abroad. Believe me, French people only do you a favor by not speaking English, this way you will learn French much faster!

Understand more about French behaviour in public.

If you are an American or Brit, you will immediately notice the difference in French behaviour, especially in public. In other cultures, people are noisy and direct, they don’t have problem maintaining eye contact and often speak loudly in public, while French people consider these behaviours inappropriate. In order to fit in to French society, my advice is to keep a low profile, speak calmly, be relaxed and not in a hurry to become friends with the French. Finding French friends and integrating into French society takes time, care and attention.

Follow their dinner rules.

As you will be living and studying in France and perhaps living with a host family, you will likely enjoy many traditional French meals. Remember, dinner is rarely served before 8pm. The French take great pride in what they serve as food and drink so respect needs to be shown not only to your hosts but also to the food being served! You should not start eating until after your host has started and be sure to reply “Bon appétit!” after your host has also said this. French people eat several courses during dinner, almost all of them accompanied with bread. During the meal, you should leave your bread on the table beside your plate and not on your plate. You should never eat cheese with your fingers, always use a fork and knife and don’t try to peel the “skin” off of any cheese! Keep in mind that French people consider dinner as the most important part of their day; they enjoy it a lot and may spend several hours having dinner and conversation. You should not rush or gulp your food and drink. Go slow, go hungry and enjoy! And if you’ve been invited, be sure to bring a small gift and send a thank you note.

I hope that these French etiquette rules will help make your stay in France even more pleasant and comfortable. Very soon you will share my opinion that France is one of the most beautiful and romantic countries in the world. Bon séjour! Have a nice stay!

If you’re thinking about studying French in France, join us in Rouen!

October Activities in Normandy


feteduventre

おなかのお祭り (La fête du ventre)

La fête du ventre(フェット・デュ・ヴォントル)というのを日本語に直訳すると、「おなかのお祭り」となります。

1930年代のお祭りを現代に復活させて今年で17回目となる、おなかのためのグルメなお祭り、毎年150ほどの食べ物を扱うスタンドが、ジャンヌ・ダルク広場を中feteduventre-normandie-actu-3心に集まります。ノルマンディーの名産品(カマンベールやヌシャテルなどのチーズ、リンゴのお酒シードル等)から、フランス全国のもの(エスカルゴ、カスレ(豆料理)やシュークルート(アルザス地方の名産、キャベツの塩漬け料理)、地元の新鮮な野菜や果物などなど、並んでいるものは、どれだけ見ても足りません!

有名レストランのシェフが、ジャンヌ・ダルク広場の特設ステージに集まり、お料理のデモンストレーションをしていたり、路上コンサートが行われたり、写真の展示会など様々な催し物もあります。

私もこのお祭りに行ってきました。例年のごとく、人で賑わっていて、午後は、道を進むのも大変でした!人々はみんなバーに集まり、地ビールを飲んで楽しそうに話していました。

私は個人的にですが、ヘーゼルナッツのはちみつと、イチゴをはちみつで煮込んだソース、また、ノルマンディー名産でもあるキャラメルを購入しました。

熱々のクレープに、チョコレート専門店のホットチョコレートにも舌鼓を打ちました。

全てが美味しくて、一年に一回と言わず、定期的に行ってほしいイベントです!

CoquillesStJacques

ノルマンディーホタテ祭りLa fête de la Coquilles St Jacques)

ノルマンディーは、ホタテ漁でフランス一番を誇るらしく、毎年ノルマンディー各地でホタテ祭りが行われます。今年は5都市で開催され、海の幸のお料理教室、魚の燻製デモンストレーション、船内見学や、漁師さんから直接魚を購入したりできimg_4407るそうです。

私自身このお祭りのことは初めて知り、行ってきました!

私が行ってきたのは10月29日、30日にヴィレール・シュール・メールという、観光地ドーヴィルからすぐ近くの町で、普段は静かな町なのですが、この日はたくさんの人で賑わっていました。(小さな町なのですが、中心街は、歩けないぐらい人で溢れていました!)

ホタテの量り売りだけでなく、その他グルメなもの、ノルマンディーだけではないフランス地方の名産品のお店などもありました。

プログラムの中には、有名レストランのシェフのホタテを使った料理のデモンストレーション、のちテイスティングなどもあり、とても面白そうでした。(もちろんチケットは即完売でしたが・・・)メニューを見る限り、本当に美味しそうで、参加できず残念・・・
Etretat

エトルタ、フェカンへのエクスカーション(Sortie à Etretat et Fécamp)

10月8日のエクスカーションは、モネの絵画で有名なエトルタ、そして隣町のフェetretatカンでした。お天気は曇りでしたが、ノルマンディーは10月、11月は雨季と言われており、雨がよく降るこの時期に、雨が降らずに遠出ができたのは、喜ばしいことなのです!

エトルタを満喫した一行は、そのままフェカンへ!

この町の名産は、ベネディクティンと呼ばれるお酒で、1510年にフェカンの修道院で作られたのが発祥だとされています。27種類のハーブが使用されており、レシピが存在する最古のリキュールとも呼ばれているそうです。フランソワ1世に大変好まれたというお酒で、度数も高いことから、フランスでは、食後酒として飲まれているお酒です。

この日一行は、ベネディクティンの製造工場に見学に行ってきました。現在でも修道院の中で製造されているそうで、中は博物館になり、製造工程や、使用されているハーブの展示などもあり、ハーブの香りを嗅ぎながら、見学できたそうです。

見学の最後は、試飲もでき、アルコールが好きな生徒さんは、ご満足だったようです。
foirestromain

フォワール・サン・ロマン(La Foire Saint Romain )- 巨大移動遊園地

blogderouen-frフランス語でフォワールというのは、市場、蚤の市、お祭りなど様々な意味があるのですが、ルーアンのフォワール・サン・ロマンというと、巨大移動遊園地のことを指します。

この移動遊園地は、毎年10月末から1か月間つづき、規模は、パリに続くフランスで2番目の大きさだそうです。

11世紀より形式を変えながら現在まで続いているこのお祭りですが(最初は、布や陶器などを露店で売ったり、家畜を売ったりしていたのが、舞台、演劇、パレード、ショーなどの見せるイベントとなり、それが少しずつ遊園地というテーマに変わってきたそうです)、

1983年よりセーヌ川沿いに2km近く続く遊園地ができていたのですが、数年前より、セーヌ川岸の改装工事に伴い、遊園地の場所を移動させたいルーアン市側と、移動したくない露店商人との交渉が上手くいかず、商人による大々的なデモ活動のあげく、結果として、去年はイベント自体を中止するという事態になってしまいました。今年の5月にようやく新居地での開催の交渉が成立し、今年は2年ぶりの開催となりました。

私も行ってきましたが、セーヌ川沿いでは、狭い川岸に長かったのが、今年は、広々とした空間での開催なので、以前のものよりもより大きく、アトラクションや露店も以前より多い印象を受けました。

ルーアンの市民もたくさん来場して、平日にも関わらず、大変賑わっていました。

ジェットコースターなどの絶叫系アトラクションから、幼児も楽しめるボートやカモ釣り(フランスは、金魚ではなく、プラスチックのカモを釣り景品をもらうのが幼児の定番の遊びです)などがあり、飲食系では、ハンバーガー、ケバブ、パニーニーなどの温かいファーストフードやレストラン(このイベントでは、店頭で直接焼いている、豚の丸焼きが有名です)お菓子系の露店(リンゴ飴、ドーナツ、チュロス、ギモーブ)もたくさんありました。

いろいろあり、ルーアン市民(大人)にとっては、賛否両論(というか苦い思い出)のあったこのイベントですが、子供や若者にとっては、雨の多いこの季節を乗り越える、大切なイベントとなることでしょう。

Photo Gallery

 

 

6 things you must see while studying French in Rouen

Cathedral Rouen

Stretched beside the Seine, Rouen is Normandy’s most beautiful city. It’s a city full with culture, history, gastronomy. This breathtaking place is home to the most famous gothic cathedral. But the cathedral is not the only reason why Rouen is so popular. It is also well-known for its prestigious former inhabitants, such as Joan of Arc, Flaubert, Monet and Corneille.

If you are one of those who are extremely lucky to have visited Rouen you already know what I’m talking about. For those who haven’t, I’m inviting you to come and enjoy it’s beauties. Furthermore, I’m inviting you to come and study French in Rouen. Besides improving your French, Rouen offers an amazing opportunities to immerse yourself in culture. Here in this blog I will list some interesting things to do while studying French in Rouen.

  1. Start with Cathédrale Notre-Dame. One of the largest and most impressive Gothic cathedrals in France is located in the old town’s heart. You will be amazed by its magnificent outlook which inspired a lot of famous people, among which was the painter Claude Monet. Take some time to absorb this view and let it inspire you. The inside of this gothic cathedral has its own story to tell, which I’m not going to reveal. My advice would be to visit it and see its beauties by yourself.
  1. Musée des Beaux-Arts. Another must see in Rouen is this art museum which is considered to be one of the most important in France. Here you can see many paintings, sculptures, and drawings that date from the 15th century to the 21st century.

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  1. Eglise Saint-Maclou. This jewel of the Flamboyant Gothic architecture is located only a short walk from the cathedral. Dedicated to St. Malo, this church was built in the 15th century. During the World War II this building was severely damaged. Lucky for us it was fully restored. Now we can enjoy the magnificent sight of this 5 bells church.
  1. Eglise Jeanne d’Arc. This church is dedicated to Joan of Arc. It was build at the Place du Vieux Marché in the exact spot where she was martyred and burned at stake. The design itself looks like the flames of the stake. I urge you to put this contemporary church, which is considered to be an inspiring place for spiritual worship, on your to see list for Rouen.

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  1. Big Clock Tower | Gros Horloge. This is another must see in Rouen. The Gothic belfry tower was built in 1389 for defensive purposes and the decorative clock dates from 1889. So take a moment and observe this magnificent piece of art and analyze the meaning of its elements.
  1. Place du Vieux Marché.  The old market place is the vibrant centre of Rouen, where you will find the church of Joan of Arc, the place where she was burned at the stake but also a lively market and many bars, shops and restaurants where tourists and locals alike spend their time. Not to be missed!screen-shot-2016-09-26-at-9-20-05-amTo sum up, Rouen is considered to be one of the most historic and cultural cities in France. The 6 places that I listed above are just a small portion of a very large treasure chest full with cultural and historic gems. Enter this chest and let yourself be taken back in time and history. Use every spare moment and immerse yourself in this majestic place.

Sortie à Giverny

giverny student tripSortie à Giverny le mercredi 19 août 2015

Quelle a été votre impression sur les jardins de Giverny et la maison de Claude Monet ?


“J’étais très contente parce que j’ai pu voir la magnifique maison et le merveilleux jardin de Claude Monet.” Fiona Price


“J’étais très heureuse d’être allée au jardin de Claude Monet avec Elisab, Fiona, Flavia… Ce qui était génial, ce n’est pas tant où nous sommes allés, mais plutôt avec qui ! Et mes camarades sont super!!!” Shen Mengue


giverny french in normandy“Je suis un cours d’histoire de l’art dans mon pays et, cette année, nous avons beaucoup parlé des impressionnistes. Alors, bien sûr, j’ai pu retrouver beaucoup de choses dont nous avions parlé en Allemagne… Mais, surtout, j’ai fait une trouvaille ! Un exemplaire d’un livre magnifique qui explique de manière très intéressante toute l’histoire de l’impressionnisme. En plus, comme c’était le dernier, je l’ai eu à moitié prix !” Gabriele Lichteuauer


“Le pont des peintures de Monet est parfaitement onirique, et le pont réel de son jardin l’est tout autant.” Elisabet Johansson


“Chez moi, nous aimons beaucoup la peinture. Mon mari adorait ça, ma fille a étudié les beaux-arts, et nous allons souvent voir des expositions à Sao Paulo. J’étais allée à une exposition de Monet au MAM de Sao Paulo en 2006 et c’était déjà magnifique. Nous avions acheté beaucoup de livres sur la peinture impressionniste de cette époque et d’autres. Depuis ce temps-là, je voulais voir le jardin de Monet, et des amis l’avaient visité. Moi, jusqu’à présent, je n’avais pas pu y aller. C’est pour ça que j’avais gardé le désir de le voir, et cette fois-ci, je suis venue à Rouen exprès pour faire cette visite. Ce fut une véritable émotion de voir ce jardin et cette maison pour de vrai.” Flavia Maria Schalch Ferreira
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