Frequently Asked Questions

Course method 

- There is no textbook that will be the basis of the course. These courses will be tailor-made according to your learning needs.  

- The basis of the courses will be to actively involve you in communicating and understanding how the language works . These mechanisms will allow you to better understand and better integrate the concepts studied. 
 

- Each course will allow you to acquire the vocabulary specific to the theme studied as well as a grammar rule related to our subjects and conversations . Phonetics will be worked on throughout the courses : it is by listening that we better understand pronunciations and can then reproduce them more easily. Knowledge of French culture and the entire socio-cultural aspect will be objectives in order to better understand what makes France. 

- The fundamental point will be to build confidence so that you dare to take the plunge ! Mistakes allow you to move forward and progress.  

Certification 

The DELF and DALF exams are official diplomas issued by the French Ministry of National Education.  

I can prepare you for it because I know these exams very well, being a correcting examiner for these exams myself . 

And you will then take this exam in an approved examination center such as the Alliance Française.  

Materials for courses 

You will be offered materials in paper or digital form. A computer, tablet or mobile phone will therefore be welcome.  

Don't forget a notebook and a pen, always useful! And of course smile and good humor ;) 

Meals during stays 

In the 6 days/5 nights package, all meals are included but for two dinners. These are optional.  

Meals are taken together with your hosts as these are times for intense conversation. 

If you have any allergies, please let us know. 
 

Household linen 

Sheets and towels will be provided.
 

Non-smoking stays 

Our houses are non-smoking in order to preserve everyone's satisfaction.
 

A little dog and 3 ponies at home 

Our little dog, Sépia, Cavalier King Charles, is our little companion every day. She is a very pleasant dog who has a lot of patience as she also works with people with disabilities. She will know how to welcome you.  

In Brenne, 2 large ponies and a small pony are in our fields. Nice sight to see them grazing in the fields.  

Transport 

- In the Paris region, public transport, taxis or walking are the essential means of getting around. You will be able to use them independently. We will also provide you with two bicycles, but be careful because traffic is dense and dangerous (outside Versailles where it is the ideal means of transport).  

- In Normandy and Brenne, public transport is not very practical, we can transport you as we agree on the schedule. You will also have two bicycles at your disposal.  

 France time zone 

Central European Standard Time  

GMT +1 

French climate 

The climate of France is temperate, characterized by mild winters and hot summers. 

French currency 

The French currency is the Euro (€).  

For non-contractual information in August 2024: 

€1 worth of milk is about $1.10  and £ 0.78 

For payments, we very often pay by bank card. 

As an application, you can use Wise which offers multi-currency financial services, ideal for managing your expenses in France .  

Transports  

- The metro, RER and Transilien are the most efficient ways to get around the city.  

With 16 metro lines, 5 RER lines, 8 Transilien lines, this means of transport is fast and reliable. 

- Buses offer a scenic alternative to discovering the city. 

- We will provide you with bicycles. But be careful, in traffic, it is not very safe. It is better to keep this means of transport to visit Versailles with its real cycle paths (45 minutes by a direct line from the house). 

- The Citymapper App will be very useful for your trips by public transport. 

- For car transport, it is best to opt for G7 taxis, either by installing their app or by phone (in French) by calling 3607. You can also use Uber, but be careful, many trips are cancelled at the last minute. 

- To travel in France, the train is the preferred means. Use the SNCF Connect app to see timetables and book.  

Language 

We will work together and you will make progress very quickly! However, be aware that many French people speak English. 

When you arrive, keep in mind a few basic French phrases: 

“Hello”, “Thank you”, “Please” are essential. 

“Do you speak English?” may be helpful. 

 
Phone 

To make your stay in France easier, it is recommended to have a working telephone.  

Orange, the French equivalent of major operators like Verizon or AT&T, offers a solution adapted to tourists: 

- A prepaid “Orange Holiday” SIM card for €40 (around $49) 

- Includes a French phone number 

- Offer 20 GB of internet 

- 2 hours of calls and 1000 SMS from Europe to the whole world 

- Valid for 14 days after first use 

- Covers 30 European countries 

The main advantage is the possibility of purchasing this SIM card before your departure. All you need is an unlocked phone. This option will allow you to easily use applications such as Google Maps to navigate or make calls as soon as you arrive.  

 
Power outlets 

France mainly uses type E sockets, which are distinguished by their male earth pin coming out of the base. France uses 230 V. This configuration is different from that of many other countries, hence the importance of finding out more and bringing a universal adapter so that you can plug in your devices when you arrive. 

Security 

Paris is generally a safe city, but be vigilant for pickpockets, especially in tourist areas and on public transportation. 

- Keep your valuables close to you, especially in crowded places. 

- Beware of common scams like "ball games" or fake petitions. 

- In case of emergency, dial 112 (European emergency number). 

Normandy and Brenne are very safe places, although you should always be careful. 

Dress code 

Parisians dress elegantly and casually. 

Opt for chic and simple outfits: shirts, well-cut pants, light dresses. Jeans and city sneakers are also appropriate. 

In Paris, avoid overly casual outfits, especially in the evening, such as shorts or sports sneakers.  

For fancy restaurants or evenings, a more formal outfit is required. 

Meal 

Meals are an important part of French culture, with specific times: 

- Breakfast (7 a.m.-11 a.m.): Generally light, consisting of coffee, orange juice, and pastries (croissant, pain au chocolat). 

- Lunch (12:00-14:00): This is a real meal taken at the table. It can last up to two hours and include several courses. 

- Snack (4 p.m.-5 p.m.): A small snack, especially popular with children. 

- Aperitif: a moment of relaxation from 6:30 p.m. until dinner. This time of relaxation and meetings is not systematic. 

- Dinner (7:30-10pm): Usually starts around 8pm and can last several hours. This is an important social time. 

- Snacking is not a French habit. We remain very attached to meal times. One exception: the 4:00 PM snack. This is generally reserved for children but some adults like to take a little gourmet break. 

- Coffee can be a mid-morning break. It is very often present after lunch.  

Restaurants 

- Book in advance for popular restaurants, especially on weekends. 

- When planning to dine at a restaurant, it is important to keep in mind the opening hours. Most establishments welcome you between 12:00 and 13:30 for lunch, and from 19:00 to 22:00 for dinner. Once seated, you can take your time to enjoy your meal. However, it is not possible to arrive at any time of the day, especially in the middle of the afternoon. That said, there are some exceptions, especially in very touristy areas, where you can find restaurants open with more flexible hours.  

- Daily menus ("formula" or "dish of the day") often offer good value for money. 

- Bread is usually free and served with the meal. 

- Tap water ("a carafe of water") is drinkable and free in restaurants. 

- Take time to enjoy your meal; eating quickly is considered rude. 

- To discover French gastronomy, the MICHELIN Guide application helps you find the best restaurants, including those with stars.  

Tips 

Service is usually included in the bill (indicated by "service included"). 

- An additional tip is not mandatory but appreciated for a service well done. 

- In cafes, rounding the bill up to the next euro is common. 

- For taxis, a tip of 5-10% is appreciated but not mandatory. 

Politeness 

Politeness is very important in French culture. 

- Always start an interaction with “Hello” or “Good evening”, even in stores or restaurants. 

- Use "Mr", "Mrs" or "Miss" when addressing someone. 

- “Thank you” and “Goodbye” are essential at the end of every interaction. 

 
Shows 

Why not see a show during your stay in Paris: concerts, ballets or even a play ("How to become a Parisian in one hour" could be an excellent idea!).  

The site https://www.ticketac.com/ is a goldmine on the subject.  

We can also give you recommendations. 

 
Television 

Do not hesitate to watch the news on the two major channels: TF1 and France 2. You will also have access to all the programs in replay with the Apps: France.Tv and TF1Info. Or the CNews app for continuous news. You also have the channel with its ARTE app which will offer you very interesting documentaries and films.  

 
Newspapers 

All French newspapers have apps. Some articles are accessible without a subscription: Le Figaro, Le Monde, 20 Minutes.  

Here are some tips to fully immerse yourself in French culture and make the most of your immersion stay.