Learning French and Experiencing French Culture in London
By Roz Andrews
If you live in London and would like to learn French, there are many opportunities to learn the language and increase your understanding of French culture without leaving the city. You can enrol on a French course, see a French film, sample French wines and cheeses, browse through a collection of French books and DVDs, and enjoy a good French meal.
French language courses tailored to individual needs are held throughout the city. French Lessons in London, for example, offers one-week intensive courses, weekend courses on Saturdays or Sundays, and evening courses on one or two evenings per week, as well as private lessons at a time and place convenient for each student.
Once you have enrolled on a French course, you may like to meet other learners and native French speakers and practice your spoken French in a relaxed setting. EuroClub organises informal French-English conversation evenings in pubs, cafes and wine bars in central London. There is also a programme of other social events, such as picnics, cinema visits and parties, throughout the year. EuroClub is a non-profit making organisation whose membership fees are very reasonable.
Take some time to relax and immerse yourself in the French language and culture at the Institut Français du Royaume-Uni in Queensberry Place, South Kensington. Watch a French film (with English sub-titles), enjoy an authentic French meal at Le Bistrot restaurant and browse through an extensive library of books, DVDs and CDs in la médiathèque. The Institut Français du Royaume-Uni also has a varied calendar of events, including regular wine tasting sessions.
Visit the European Bookshop in Warwick Street, Central London, where you can browse through an array of publications that will help you to learn the French language. As well as text books, there is a wide selection of magazines and periodicals, some of which are aimed specifically at learners of French. You will also find bilingual books, which are suitable for beginners as the text is printed in both French and English; and condensed novels in French, which are intended for intermediate readers.
Another book shop specialising in foreign languages, including French, is Grant and Cutler in Great Marlborough Street, Central London. As well as language learning resources in book, CD and DVD format, you can find interesting items such as crosswords and games, like French Scrabble.
Although primarily aimed at native speakers and advanced learners, the French Bookshop in Bute Street, South Kensington has some books that may be of interest to beginners and intermediate learners. These include French cookery books and coffee table books containing beautiful images of France.
There are many other places in London where you can learn a little more about France and its language. The France in London website is filled with information on where to go, what to see and who to meet.
Once you begin a French language course, you will find that London offers many more opportunities to improve your speaking, reading, listening and writing skills and to extend your knowledge of French culture in an enjoyable way.
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