Tag Archives: Culture

Books in French for all levels

Reading in French

If you want to improve your French, you can always join us and study with us, of course. 🙂

During or after your stay at our school, you can get to work on a book that you like and that matches your level.

There are various publishers offering books to read (novels, fiction, short stories, etc.) for all levels. And that’s great!

Many of the books you’ll find below are also available in our school library.

La maison Hachette and their LFF collection

They offer books from A1 to B2 level.

The A1 level books mostly aime at teenagers.

From A2 level upwards, you have access to simplified versions of the great classics, detective stories and science fiction:

Le Tour du Monde en 80 Jours by Jules Verne

Le Fantôme de l’Opéra by Gaston Leroux

Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand

Les Aventures d’Arsène Lupin by Maurice Leblanc

What we think is great is that you have access to the audio version of all the books they offer. Vocabulary AND pronunciation are all yours!

Didier FLE and their Monde en VF collection

A wide range of books are available here. What we particularly like at SOFI 64 is their collection for A1 level. From beginner level upwards, you’ll find books for adults that are original, fun and inspiring:

Les Rêves de Jules Verne by Myriam Louviot

À la Rencontre de Saint-Exupéry by Marie-Noëlle Cocton

Marie-Antoinette au Château de Versailles by Adriana Fritter

Victor Hugo habite chez moi by Myriam Louviot

The collection for the next levels is equally extensive, and you’re sure to find a little nugget you’ll love.

In the Monde en VF collection, you will also find the audio version of your favourite novel!

CLE International

The CLE en Français Facile reading collection offers a wide range of reading material for all levels. From A1 to B2, you can discover French literature without any headaches. You’ll also find classics and fiction for your enjoyment!

Jacquou Le Croquant by Eugène Leroy

Au Bonheur des Dames by Émile Zola

En Route vers les Jeux de Paris by Véronique Bruez

Contes Fantastiques Québécois by Fabien Olivry et Julien Perrier Chartrand

Audio version also available online! 🙂

This year, SOFI 64 is happy to be part of the 22nd edition of KORRIKA.

As a French language school welcoming so many students of different nationalities, we truly believe languages are a part of ourself and that learning another language gives us the opportunity to experience a culture, to see our environment and the world differently.

This is why we will run the kilometer n° 2381 starting at the Port Vieux beach in Biarritz on April 9 at 20:28 precisely. All our students, teachers and friends are welcome to join us to run and show their support to the Basque language and culture.

During eleven days and ten nights, Korrika will travel 2,575 kilometers throughout the seven provinces of the Basque Country. The aim is to promote the use of Basque language and to raise funds to finance intensive Basque courses and evening classes for adults.

Korrika will end in San Sebastian on Sunday, April 10 at 12:30.

SOFI 64 and Korrika 2022

Improve your French watching French movies

Do you like to watch films? Do you want to improve your French? Well, you can do both watching French films in French!

If you don’t know where to start here is a list of French films for you: comedy, drama, adventure, documentary, animation… We’ve watched them all and (almost) loved them all!

Click on the image below to find out more about our selection of French movies.

Let us know if it helped you and which movie you enjoyed the most! 🙂

Candlemas or Crêpes Day

Assiette de crêpes et de fruits rouges

Because in France everything or almost everything has a connection with gastronomy, we had to tell you about this special day the whole country love: Candlemas (La Chandeleur in French).

Of course, French people, who are huge gourmands at heart, do not hesitate to eat crêpes all year long but this one day gives them a good excuse to eat some (more)!

Originally a pagan festival dating back to Roman times, Candlemas was celebrated in honor of the God Pan. This feast consisted of walking through the streets with torches or candles.

At the beginning of February, the days gradually begin to lengthen. The consumption of crêpes would thus be a tribute to the cycle of the seasons and the arrival of spring announcing better days. Round and golden, crêpes symbolized the sun and the return to light.

Christianized later in the 5th century, it is celebrated 40 days after Christmas, always on February 2nd.

As a result, La Chandeleur is a mix of both of these traditions Pagan & Christian.

Big fans of crêpes since our youngest age, we share with you 3 illustrated crêpes recipes easy to make.

Bon appétit!

Recette de crêpes illustrée

Recette de crêpes Recette de crêpes makis illustrée

Martin studied French in Biarritz for 6 months

6 months in Biarritz: a truly remarkable experience

We are very often fortunate to welcome inspiring and inspired students in our school. Some of them sometimes want to share the remarkable time they had in Biarritz.

Last year, Emma gave us this wonderful gift after her visit to our school.

This year 2019, it is Mikko and Martin who decided to film the experience Martin had while with us. Martin comes from Germany. He is a professional sommelier whose family have been working in the wine industry for more than 130 years.

If you want to improve your French for professional or personal reasons, we are here to support you and help you achieve your goals!

A quick guide to say thank you in French!

“M e r c i ” a short, simple word, quite easy to pronounce. Being able to show gratitude is essential for us and for those around us.

Thanking your neighbour, family, friends, employee or employer (…) goes a long way!

How to say thank you in French

Merci

“Merci” is the classic way to say “thank you” in French. You can use it in all types of situations.

Merci beaucoup

When you feel a simple “merci” would just not be enough, these are the right words to say.

Merci d’avance

Used to anticipate the thanks because we want/we know that what we are asking for will be accomplished. It can be taken for a command though.

Merci de m’avoir aidé

When you want to thank someone for something they did for you, you must use “merci de + verb”.

Merci pour votre aide

You can also use “merci pour + noun” to thank them for something they did for you.

C’est gentil de ta/votre part

A bit like “merci beaucoup”. This is to show that you really appreciate what has been done for you.

Je vous remercie

If you wish to sound more formal when you thank someone, these are the words to use.

Merci bien

“Merci bien” is a genuine thank. It is also something you could say to a shopkeeper:

— “Un croissant s’il-vous-plaît.

— Voilà, et avec ceci?

— Ce sera tout, merci bien.”

With the right intonation, it will be perceived as ironic and could be replace by “non merci”:

— “Faire la cuisine pour une cinquantaine d’adolescents turbulents et ingrats , merci bien!”

Improve your French while listening to French songs

Last year we created a special playlist for you with French songs and French artists to help you stay in touch with French language.

During the past few weeks, we looked for more (good) songs for you to listen in order to practice your French.

On the bus, at the beach, under the shower, listen to these songs and keep practising your understanding. Click on the picture below to have access to our special playlist available on Spotify.

Let us know which song you like the most! 🙂

What to do in Anglet/Biarritz?!

You want to join us and yet wonder what is left to do after your great French lessons in the morning?

You may already know that Biarritz and Anglet are two great cities for surfing and sunbathing. There are many other things to do around here. Just follow us!

To See and To Do

Sometimes simple things are the best! Sit and enjoy an amazing sunset at the beach… There are 15 stunning beaches in Anglet and Biarritz! 🙂
Summer can be really hot some days and enjoying a stroll under the shade of Anglet’s peaceful forest can do you good.
There are also 2 beautiful lakes & parks where you can stroll around in Biarritz, picnic and take a nap!
Visit Biarritz’ lighthouse, climb the 248 steps and see…!
Parc Izadia in Anglet is an ecologic park. Enjoy a guided tour in this beauty right next to the Ocean.
Saint-Jean-De-Luz is a city located 30 minutes away from Biarritz. Visit the Maison Louis XIV, the church where the king got married, try some delicious macaroons, swim in the beautiful bay…
La Rhune with its “Petit Train” (small train”). For those who prefer hiking, you can also climb this mountain by foot and enjoy a cold drink once at the summit!
Of course, there are also many boutiques where you can shop anything you want!
The Roof will give you the opportunity to practice climbing and eat something local and fresh!
The biggest skatepark in South West France is also located in Biarritz.

+++ Golf, Rafting, Kayaking, Basque sports, Baby golf…

Going Out

La Chope (bar at the beach La Chambre d’Amour) —> Great atmosphere right in front of the Ocean
Kostaldea (bar & food) —> Great atmosphere too with a wonderful view over the Ocean, the beaches and Biarritz’ lighthouse.
Le Classique (bar & tapas) —> Bar in Biarritz with great coffee, great tapas, great cocktails, great music… on aime Le Classique! 🙂
Bar Jean (bar & restaurant) —> Amazing atmosphere and very good local food!

Eating

Surf Burger (plage Les Sables d’Or à Anglet) —> A good place to enjoy a burger after surfing! Good news for vegetarians: there are a vegetarian burger and a vegetarian wrap filled with a delicious quinoa portion.
L’Escale (plage des Sables d’Or) —> Also great to eat with a large variety of sandwiches, panini and wraps! French fries are homemade! 😉
Pizz’After Beach (place de la chapelle à Anglet) —> Craving for a delicious pizza? This is the place to eat! Quality ingredients, thin paste, various choices… you will visit this place more than once!
Le Neptune (Esplanade des Gascons à Anglet) —> A restaurant next to the Ocean where you can enjoy an organic fruit juice, some nice crêpes, a delicious burger or a quinoa salad…
Ceviche Saline (Rue Gambetta à Biarritz) —> For fish lovers! <3
Olea Mediterranean Cuisine (2 rue du Helder à Biarritz) —> Fresh homemade salads, mozzarella rolls with avocado, tomatoes (…), fruit salads, soups… an amazing place for vegetarians, food lovers and also meat eaters! 😉

Our awesome partners

Namaste Yoga with Laura Hubaide —> An enthusiast yoga instructor with a great energy. You will feel relaxed and fulfilled after your yoga session!
PowerSurf Center with Romain Laulhé —> Wether you are a beginner or a experienced surfer, Romain will help you surf better and get more confidence while going out!
Les roues de Lilou —> Need a ride? You like bikes but are not a big fan of sweat? Les roues de Lilou provides beautiful electric bikes. Visit Biarritz without effort!

Surfer in Anglet Sunset in Anglet / Biarritz Lighthouse Eating in Biarritz

10 must-see French movies!

Watching movies is a great way to learn French! For a few months now, we have been compiling French movies for you in our Pinterest page.

Choosing just 10 movies was not an easy thing but we managed to make this list for you. Don’t forget to put the subtitles on!

Our advice: if you have an elementary level in French, we recommend to opt for subtitles in your mother tongue. You will understand the movie and still recognize words you will have learned in your French class. For students with intermediate level or above, please, choose French subtitles!!

Below are the movies teachers and students liked the most. EnJoY!

1. Intouchables

Comedy.

Everyone agreed to say this is the best French comedy they’ve seen for many years. Music is great and actors are definitely awesome. You will have a good laugh!

“Intouchables” is absolutely moving. It highlights the blossoming friendship between an unlikely duo: a French millionaire in a wheelchair and his ex-criminal caretaker.

2. Le dernier trappeur

Documentary, Adventure.

If you like great landscapes and nature, you must watch this movie. Easy to understand, reconnect with nature and travel to Yukon!

“A trapper and his wife brave the harsh Yukon climate, treacherous landscape and dangerous wildlife in an attempt to live a life of solitude.” (Imdb)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiqNtuqXWVM

3. L’auberge espagnole

Comedy, romance.

The story of Xavier, a French student, who moves into an apartment in Barcelona with six other students from Europe. If you ever travelled for your studies and enjoyed an international environment, this movie will definitely talk to you!

4. La vie d’Adèle

Drama, Romance.

Great movie, not easy to describe… let see what IMDB says about it:

“Adèle’s life is changed when she meets Emma, a young woman with blue hair, who will allow her to discover desire and to assert herself as a woman and as an adult. In front of others, Adèle grows, seeks herself, loses herself, and ultimately finds herself through love and loss.” (Imdb)

5. Les choristes

Comedy, drama.

A touching movie about a music teacher and his young students from a boarding school. Beautiful music and images, we all cried! 🙂

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aArwBbB5kFE

6. Le dîner de cons

Comedy.

A very funny comedy from the 20th century with fast and striking dialogues, bright characters, inventive plot. Un classique!

Pierre and his friends organize “Un dîner de cons”. Everyone brings the dumbest guy he could find as a guest. Pierre thinks his champ -François Pignon- will steal the show.

7. Polisse

Crime, drama.

A strong and realistic drama. Don’t watch it on a rainy and grey day…!

A journalist covering police is assigned to a juvenile division.

8. La famille Bélier

Comedy, romance.

“La Famille Bélier” is a comedy easy to understand.

A girl who lives his her deaf family in a small village discovers she can sing beautifully.

9. Être et Avoir

Documentary, family.

Delightful and cute!

A one-room school in rural France with kids between 4 to 11 who are taught by a single dedicated teacher.

10. Kirikou et la sorcière

Animation, adventure.

Not a Disney nor a Pixar! A French animated movie taking place in Africa. Great to learn French!

Kirikou, a surprising baby, is born. Follow his adventures to free his troubled village from the sorceress’ hold.

For your French breakfast, you can have…

Une tasse de café

Une tasse de thé

Un croissant

De la confiture

POUR ALLER PLUS LOIN AVEC LE VOCABULAIRE:

Le matin, c’est pas toujours facile… Heureusement, le petit-déjeuner est là! Avant d’aller travailler, je prends une tasse de café ou un thé avec un croissant (ou deux!) et un peu de confiture de fraises. Parfois, je bois un verre de jus d’orange et … en route pour le boulot! 🙂

Et vous, que prenez-vous pour le petit-déj’?

Reading in French

Improve your French watching French movies

Candlemas or Crêpes Day

6 months in Biarritz: a truly remarkable experience

A quick guide to say thank you in French!

** Merci **

** Merci beaucoup **

** Merci d’avance **

** Merci de m’avoir aidé **

** Merci pour votre aide **

** C’est gentil de ta/votre part **

** Je vous remercie **

** Merci bien **