🎙️ Episode 11 : the French way of working : Myths and Realities... 🎙️

🎙️ Do French people really work only 35 hours a week? Are long lunch breaks a daily reality? And what does the “right to disconnect” actually mean?

In this episode of Le French Vocal, I take you inside French work culture to separate myths from reality. Through personal anecdotes and real-life examples, I explore the famous lunch break, paid holidays, workplace hierarchy, feedback culture, and the 35-hour workweek.

You’ll discover why lunch is both a social and professional moment, how hierarchy still shapes interactions (even at the table), why five weeks of paid vacation are considered a basic right, and how the French approach work-life balance.
If you’re curious about working in France, comparing cultures, or improving your understanding of French society, this episode is for you.

Listen now to better understand the French relationship with work — structured, protective, and deeply committed.

Perfect for:

• French learners interested in culture

• Expats or professionals working with French teams

• Anyone curious about international work styles👉 You’ll find clearly explained vocabulary examples, relatable cultural moments, and practical insights to understand how things work in France vs. the United States.
  

An episode designed to help you better understand the French — and most importantly, to help you speak French more naturally, without sounding correct but awkward.

📌 Download the activity worksheet that goes with this episode to practice, review key vocabulary, and start using these expressions in your everyday life by leaving your email for the weekly newsletter above,available for subscribers only ! ⬆️

Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform — it makes a huge difference for the visibility of The French Vocal and helps keep this season going. You can also leave a rating, a review, or a comment on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or your favorite listening platform — it’s the best way to support French Vocal.

Happy listening,
and talk to you very soon ✨

🎙️ Episode 10 : Pourquoi les français parlent toujours de la météo, et comment les imiter ! 🎙️

🎙️ The Weather in France: How to Talk About It Like a Local 🌦️

Why do the French talk about the weather so much?
Why does this topic constantly show up in greetings and everyday conversations?

In Episode 10 of Season 1 of The French Vocal, I take you into a topic that may seem ordinary at first glance… but is actually deeply cultural: the weather in France.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• why the weather is a universal conversation topic in France

• how it naturally slips into everyday greetings

• the major climate differences across French regions

• the simple, natural vocabulary used in real conversations

• the weather expressions French people actually use

• how to talk about the weather without sounding “too textbook”

• and my personal impressions after moving back to France — from rain and gray skies… to the bright blue winter skies of the Haut-Doubs region

An episode designed to help you better understand the French — and most importantly, to help you speak French more naturally, without sounding correct but awkward.

📌 Download the activity worksheet that goes with this episode to practice, review key vocabulary, and start using these expressions in your everyday life by leaving your email for the weekly newsletter above + receive an exclusive audio, available for subscribers only ! ⬆️

⭐ Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform — it makes a huge difference for the visibility of The French Vocal and helps keep this season going. You can also leave a rating, a review, or a comment on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or your favorite listening platform — it’s the best way to support French Vocal.

Happy listening,
and talk to you very soon ✨

🎙️ Episode 9 : Conduire en France

Les règles, les habitudes et les pièges à éviter 🎙️

🎙️ Driving in France isn’t just about holding a steering wheel: it’s about understanding a culture, very specific rules… and a few surprises that can sometimes be disorienting.

In this episode of French Vocal – by Parlons French, I take you into the heart of French-style driving: priority to the right, roundabouts and turn signals, red lights, pedestrians, speed limits, omnipresent speed cameras, toll highways, and the struggle of parking in city centers.

I also share my personal anecdotes about returning to France, the American habits that are hard to break, and very concrete situations often experienced by expats and travelers renting a car in France.

This episode is for you if:

• you’re learning French and want to better understand French culture,
• you live in France or plan to drive there,
• you want to expand your vocabulary with natural, authentic French.

👉 Subscribe to the podcast to keep learning French through everyday life… and tell me in the comments your worst driving story in France!

⭐ You can also leave a rating, a review, or a comment on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or your favorite listening platform — it’s the best way to support French Vocal.

📌 Want the accompanying activity sheet, plus vocabulary, everyday expressions, and the full transcript of this episode? Leave your email via the form above ⬆️.

🎙️ Episode 8 : Besançon : sa citadelle, mes souvenirs et les collines 🎙️

🎙️ Today, I’m taking you to Besançon, a medium-sized city in eastern France, close to the Swiss border, where nature, history, and everyday life come together. I’ll share my personal connection with this city: my first shopping trips with my mom, my years in college, and my return with my family after several years abroad.

With me, you’ll discover:

• The Vauban Citadel and its iconic role in the city

• The hills surrounding Besançon, perfect for running and amazing viewpoints

• Boat tours on the Doubs River and the magic of the old locks

• The cultural life and free outdoor events, from Christmas markets to carnivals and more
  

I’ll also share my everyday anecdotes and the moments that make this city beat at my rhythm. Through this podcast, you’ll discover Besançon as if you were there, with a mix of history, geography, and personal memories.

And if you want to book a boat cruise around downtown Besançon, you can do it right here on the Vauban boat website!

⭐ If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating, a review, or a comment on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or your favorite listening platform. It’s the best way to support Le French Vocal.

📌 Want to get the activity sheet that goes with this episode? Leave your email address using the form above ⬆️.

🎙️ Episode 7 : La Chandeleur et Mardi Gras🎙️

Crêpes, carnaval et traditions expliqués simplement 🥞

🎙️ In this episode of Le French Vocal, I take you along to discover a very well-known French tradition… but one that’s often misunderstood: La Chandeleur—and how it’s different from Mardi Gras!

I explain:

what La Chandeleur really is
why it takes place every year on February 2
the origins of this celebration and its symbolism of light
why people eat crêpes on that day
how the French celebrate La Chandeleur today, simply, with family

I also help you stop confusing La Chandeleur and Mardi Gras—two celebrations that are close on the calendar, but very different in spirit. As always, I share personal memories, childhood anecdotes, and a very simple crêpe recipe passed down in my family:

Mix: 6 eggs, 500 grams of flour, 1 liter of milk, 1 tablespoon of melted butter, and a pinch of salt.
Pour one ladle of the batter into a well-heated pan, let it cook for a few minutes, then flip the crêpe and let it brown on the other side. 🥞

Question for you: Is there a celebration in your country that’s somewhat similar to La Chandeleur or Mardi Gras? Do you have a childhood memory connected to this kind of tradition?
Reply in the comments—I love reading your messages!

⭐ If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating, a review, or a comment on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or your favorite listening platform. It’s the best way to support Le French Vocal.

📌 Want to get the activity sheet that goes with this episode? Leave your email address using the form above ⬆️.

🎙️ Episode 6 : Ma semaine typique 🎙️

Plonge dans le quotidien d'une française

🎙️ In this episode, I invite you to spend a typical week with me, through routines, organization, and family moments. Discover how my week as a French teacher is structured — from calm Mondays to family-filled weekends, including “off” Wednesdays and lighter Fridays.
You’ll also learn small details about everyday life in France, unique habits, and personal anecdotes that make daily life feel so distinctive.

🔹 On the agenda:
Monday: a gentle start
Tuesday: the machine is up and running!
Wednesday: the “off” day
Thursday: productivity and creativity
Friday: rituals with my students
Weekend: family time and outings

💬 What about you? How would you describe your week in three words? Share your answers in the comments — in French, of course!

CHAPTERS:
0:00 – Introduction
1 – Monday – easing into the week, nice and slow
2 – Tuesday – the machine is up and running
3 – Wednesday – the “off” day… well, almost
4 – Thursday – staying focused, no giving up
5 – Friday – the energy drops… but the heart is full
6 – The weekend — family time
7 – Conclusion

🎙️ Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode! And if you enjoyed this one, leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music or your favorite platform.

Want the activity worksheet for this episode? Leave your email in the form up there ⬆️.

This activity sheet is designed to accompany an episode of Le French Vocal, de Parlons French, a podcast that helps you learn French in a different way, based on real situations and French culture.
It includes guided activities to:

• Expand your French vocabulary

• Understand expressions used by French speakers in everyday life

• Improve your listening comprehension naturally

Designed for learners from B1 to C1, it helps you practice French actively, naturally, and progressively—either on your own or in a group setting.

🎙️ Episode 5 : L'apéro en France 🎙️

Tout comprendre de ce rituel français

🎙️ Apéro isn’t just about having a drink before dinner.
It’s a moment in its own right, a social ritual, and a very French way of slowing down, getting together, and sharing time with others.

In this episode of the French Vocal from Parlons French, I take you inside the French apéritif: what people eat, what they drink, what they say… and, most importantly, what this moment reveals about French culture.

Whether you’re learning French or simply curious about everyday life in France, this episode will help you better understand the vocabulary, expressions, and cultural codes connected to the apéro.

Take aways :

When and why the French have apéro
Typical drinks: from wine… to Pontarlier
French-style snacking and apéro must-haves
A personal story about homemade guacamole and a traditional Mexican stone mortar
An impromptu apéro or an apéro dînatoire: two very French vibes
The unspoken social rules of the French apéritif
Why apéro is, above all, a moment of connection and conviviality

To go further, sign up at parlonsfrench.com and leave your email address to receive the activity worksheet linked to this episode, which includes:

• key vocabulary from the episode,

• useful expressions related to apéro,

• short practice exercises,

• the homemade guacamole recipe,

• an additional simple recipe to help you prepare your own apéro.

If you enjoyed this episode:

• subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss any future vocals,

• leave a comment or a rating—it really helps the podcast grow,

• share this episode with friends who are learning French or who love French culture.

Thank you for being here, and enjoy listening.

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction: apéro vs. apéritif
01:10 – Apéro as a French cultural ritual
02:30 – What do people drink at apéro? A regional anecdote
04:00 – What do people eat at apéro? Homemade guacamole
05:30 – Apéro dînatoire: when apéro replaces dinner
07:00 – What apéro reveals about French culture
08:00 – Question for listeners and closing

✨ Want the activity worksheet for this episode? Leave your email in the form up there ⬆️.

This activity sheet is designed to accompany an episode of Le French Vocal, de Parlons French, a podcast that helps you learn French in a different way, based on real situations and French culture.
It includes guided activities to:

• Expand your French vocabulary

• Understand expressions used by French speakers in everyday life

• Improve your listening comprehension naturally

Designed for learners from B1 to C1, it helps you practice French actively, naturally, and progressively—either on your own or in a group setting.

🎙️ Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode! And if you enjoyed this one, leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music or your favorite platform.

🎙️ Episode 4 : La Galette des Rois 🎙️

Bien plus qu'un gâteau français

🎙️ The Galette des Rois: More Than Just a French Cake 🎙️

In this episode of Parlons French – J’te fais un vocal, I take you into the heart of a classic French tradition: the Galette des Rois.

You’ll discover:

• The origin of the Galette des Rois and Epiphany

• Essential vocabulary for talking about the galette (fève, crown, tirer les rois…)

• The French ritual around the galette

• The different types of galettes depending on the region (frangipane, brioche, Franc-Comtoise galette)

• Implicit social rules that the French don’t always explain

• And most importantly, how to use the galette to build connections with French people, whether with neighbors, colleagues, or new acquaintances

👉 And if you want to try a regional specialty, here’s an easy and delicious Franc-Comtoise galette recipe.
If you want to explore recipes from all French regional specialties, check out my full blog post!

Enjoy listening, and above all… enjoy your galette 👑

Chapters:

1. What exactly is the Galette des Rois?

2. Essential vocabulary around the galette

3. The ritual: how it actually happens

4. Galette or brioche: a regional story

5. Social rules (that aren’t always explained)

6. The galette: a perfect tool for building connections in France

7. Conclusion
   

✨ Want the activity worksheet for this episode? Leave your email in the form up there ⬆️.

This activity sheet is designed to accompany an episode of Parlons French – J’te fais un vocal, a podcast that helps you learn French in a different way, based on real situations and French culture.
It includes guided activities to:

• Expand your French vocabulary

• Understand expressions used by French speakers in everyday life

• Improve your listening comprehension naturally

Designed for learners from B1 to C1, it helps you practice French actively, naturally, and progressively—either on your own or in a group setting.

🎙️ Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode! And if you enjoyed this one, leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music or your favorite platform.

🎙️ Episode 3 : Le Nouvel An des Français 🎙️

Réveillon, voeux et bonnes résolutions

✨ New Year the French Way: Eve, Wishes, and Resolutions ✨

Hi, it’s Estelle! In this episode, I take you straight into the heart of New Year celebrations in France. We talk about New Year’s Eve, the importance of food and wine, the stroke of midnight, exchanging wishes and resolutions, and spending January 1st with family. I also share my personal anecdotes: the moments I love with my friends and children, and the amazing party we had with the French community in Michigan in 2024.

You will discover:

• French traditions (kissing under the mistletoe, hierarchy of wishes, New Year messages)

• How to celebrate New Year’s in a small gathering or with family

• The importance of respect, friendliness, and good cheer
  

✨ Keywords:
New Year, New Year’s Eve, French traditions, wishes, resolutions, French culture, food and wine, France

✨ Chapters:
00:00 Podcast Introduction
00:39 New Year’s Eve in France
04:49 January 1st: Traditions and Resolutions
07:51 New Year Memories and Personal Reflections
09:09 Conclusion

✨ Want to get the activity worksheet for this episode?
Leave me your email below to receive an exclusive worksheet every week along with
the new podcast episode. This activity worksheet is designed to accompany an episode
of the podcast Parlons French – J’te fais un vocal, a podcast that helps you learn French in a different way, through real-life situations and French culture. It offers guided activities to expand your French vocabulary, understand expressions used by native French speakers in everyday life, and naturally improve your listening comprehension.
Designed for learners at B1 to C1 level, it allows you to practice French in an active, natural, and progressive way, either independently or in a group.

🎙️ Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. And if you enjoyed this one, feel free to leave a rating and a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite listening platform!

🎙️ Episode 2 : Noël en France 🎙️

Traditions françaises et souvenirs de famille

✨ 🎄 Christmas Special – French Traditions and Family Memories 🎄

In this special Christmas episode, I take you with me into the heart of French Christmas traditions, but most importantly… into my own Christmas. I share how, for over 40 years, Christmas has unfolded exactly the same way in my family:
Christmas Eve dinner, shoes under the tree, opening presents on the morning of December 25, big family meals, visiting relatives’ homes, the famous Christmas envelopes… and even mulled wine at the Christmas market with my childhood friends.
Through personal anecdotes, I show you French culture as it is truly experienced: simple, warm, family-centered, and full of little habits that don’t always appear in books.

🎧 This episode is perfect if you are learning French (B1 to C1 level) and want to:
– better understand French Christmas traditions,
– expand your vocabulary with everyday French expressions,
– discover French culture from the inside through an authentic story.

✨ Keywords:
Christmas in France – Christmas traditions – French culture – Learn French – Authentic French – French podcast – B1 C1 level – learn French – Intermediate French

✨ Want to get the activity worksheet for this episode?
Leave me your email below to receive an exclusive worksheet every week along with
the new podcast episode. This activity worksheet is designed to accompany an episode
of the podcast Parlons French – J’te fais un vocal, a podcast that helps you learn French in a different way, through real-life situations and French culture. It offers guided activities to expand your French vocabulary, understand expressions used by native French speakers in everyday life, and naturally improve your listening comprehension.
Designed for learners at B1 to C1 level, it allows you to practice French in an active, natural, and progressive way, either independently or in a group.

🎙️ Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. And if you enjoyed this one, feel free to leave a rating and a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite listening platform!

🎙️ Episode 1 : La cuisine des français, un art de vivre

✨ In this episode, I share through my daily eating habits the French approach to food. We’ll talk about breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, and dinner, while highlighting the importance of family meals and culinary traditions. I also discuss the central role of cheese in French cuisine!

✨ Chapters:
0:00 – Intro
1:04 – French breakfast
2:54 – Lunch: culture and habits in France
4:14 – Afternoon snack
4:44 – Dinner
6:26 – Cheese, of course!
7:10 – Conclusion

✨ In this episode, we'll talk about :
French cuisine, meals, traditions, breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner, cheese, culture, eating habits, learn French, FLE, easy French, authentic French, French podcast

✨ Want to get the activity worksheet for this episode?
Leave me your email below to receive an exclusive worksheet every week along with the new podcast episode. This activity worksheet is designed to accompany an episode of the podcast Parlons French – J’te fais un vocal, a podcast that helps you learn French in a different way, through real-life situations and French culture. It offers guided activities to expand your French vocabulary, understand expressions used by native French speakers in everyday life, and naturally improve your listening comprehension.
Designed for learners at B1 to C1 level, it allows you to practice French in an active, natural, and progressive way, either independently or in a group.

🎙️ Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. And if you enjoyed this one, feel free to leave a rating and a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite listening platform!

🎙️ Episode 0 : Introduction 🎙️

Qui suis-je et pourquoi ce podcast ?

✨ In this first episode, I introduce myself and share my journey as a language teacher, my experiences abroad — especially in the United States — and how they’ve shaped my life and identity. I also talk about my return to France and the cultural differences I noticed. I explain the goals of my podcast, which aims to share authentic life moments and personal stories.

✨ Chapters:

00:00 Introducing Estelle and her background
02:57 Life in the United States and its impact
05:39 Returning to France and reflections on identity
08:16 Podcast goals

✨ In this episode, we’ll talk about:
Authentic French, podcasting, life abroad, teaching, culture, identity, family,
stories, travel, learning French, France

✨ Wanna receive the worksheet associated to this episode ?
Leave me your email below to receive an exclusive worksheet every week along with
the new podcast episode. This activity worksheet is designed to accompany an episode
of the podcast Parlons French – J’te fais un vocal, a podcast that helps you learn French in a different way, through real-life situations and French culture. It offers guided activities to expand your French vocabulary, understand expressions used by native French speakers in everyday life, and naturally improve your listening comprehension.
Designed for learners at B1 to C1 level, it allows you to practice French in an active, natural, and progressive way, either independently or in a group.

🎙️ Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. And if you enjoyed this one, feel free to leave a rating and a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite listening platform!