A flâneuse is someone who delights in observing the world
with curiosity and reflection, at a leisurely pace
with curiosity and reflection, at a leisurely pace
Marianne’s new venture ‘the French Salon’ offers a small, friendly and intimate setting to help you improve your French conversation in an enjoyable and interesting way with a French artist and Flâneuse.
Meeting as a small group (maximum 6 - 8 people) in a secluded café or online, we discuss art, literature, foreign lands and holistic living.
What takes place in a session?
The group is kept small so everyone has the opportunity to speak and learn new vocabulary and typical French expressions, practice correct pronunciation and read short passages. French will be spoken from the start, and occasionally English translation will be given if necessary. There is no homework but participants are encouraged to take notes and revise during the week.
A typical session could be exploring a specific place or country, describing the people and their customs, the landscape, and look at the work of an artist or a famous person who has been influenced by such a place, either as a native, an explorer or a traveller.
Beginners with basic grammar, who can already follow a conversation, are able to learn new words, express themselves in simple sentences, while those more fluent are encouraged to describe and express their views in greater depth. It is an inclusive setting, and Marianne’s experience as a group leader makes everyone at ease no matter their level. The topics evolve throughout the year, and may cover French cuisine, Holistic living, and reflections on one’s aspirations and imagination.
Marianne’s way of teaching is creative and each session is unique. By joining the French Salon you not only improve rapidly your understanding and pronunciation, but you become part of an exclusive group that stimulates interesting conversations. Opening new horizons and inner reflection through the various topics that Marianne brings forward, you develop with time confidence in speaking a language that has a charming and poetic rhythm.
Where, When and Cost
- In Central London
Thursdays 19.00 - 20.30 (1hr 30)
£18 per evening (there may be the opportunity to purchase a set of passes in the future)
- Online via Zoom:
Tuesdays 18.30 - 19.30 (1hr)
Pause-Café. Weekly
Fridays 13.00 - 14.00 (1hr) -
£14 payable in advance through bank transfer to receive the link
Who is it for?
- The French Salon is for anyone of any race and gender who has a keen interest in the French language and culture, as well as developing more broad subjects.
- The in-person sessions are in Central London in Zone 1 (exceptionally with the decision of the group we may meet somewhere further away).
- The online sessions invite anyone living in the UK or abroad. All timings given are British time. After registration a zoom link will be sent to you each session. Each participant needs to have their screen switched ON. No admission if you cannot be viewed, as the idea is to build a strong connection between the participants to encourage dialogue.
- French native or those who speak as fluent as a French native. The participants are here to learn the language, and make progress.
- These sessions are not for you if you want to learn the language in a classical or academic way, focusing on grammar, declinations, or preparing for exams. The Salon is to learn in a more intuitive and creative way. We do not work from a book following prepared lessons. Each week Marianne submits a topic from which we explore simple exercises to a more refined conversation.
About Marianne
Marianne is a French artist with a studio in East London. She likes moving through life as a Flâneuse - a term developed in the 19th century that describes people who enjoy roaming in places - especially in a city - with no goal or schedule, and observe people, while soaking up the atmosphere of the location. The French poet Charles Baudelaire was one of them. Marianne has always viewed daydreaming as a healthy activity for developing creativity and quality of silence, and she dedicates space for doing just this on a regular basis. In early adolescence she started exploring the path of Yoga, became a teacher in her mid 20s and for the last 35 years she has helped people reconnecting with their body, imagination, and unique qualities. Her keen interest in the Arts and Holistic Sciences gives her a rich foundation to make her French Salon an interesting platform for learning conversational French as an early beginner to a more advanced level.
The Salon is suitable for anyone with a basic knowledge of French who would like to become more confident while enjoying stimulating conversation in a small group.
If you would like to participate please follow the link, and let me know which session you would like to attend or write to me at [email protected]
À bientôt !
Marianne
