Four months ago, I shared with you on this blog that I and some of my local friends and celebrities had written an article about Chartres for the delightful FRANCE Magazine. Vous vous souvenez? Et bien voici l’article, il est prêt et vous pouvez le lire by clicking HERE or by reading below directement. Just bear in mind that we wrote it back in April 2021 when everything was still closed because of covid, which, thank God, is no longer le cas. Enjoy!
Voilà six mois que j’habite dans la belle Chartres. Needless to say, the current Covid situation isn’t idéale pour découvrir une nouvelle ville, un nouveau chez soi. Pas de restaurants, pas de cafés, pas de bars, pas de studios de yoga, pas de piscine, pas d’activités sociales, bref, pas grand chose. Yet, this whimsical 40,000 inhabitants little town still managed to welcome me de façon très positive, aussi positive que possible dans de telles circonstances.
D’abord, no lockdown situation will manage to take away its fairy tale like beauty : l’architecture médiévale chargée d’histoire et de mystère, the narrow and curved cobblestone streets, les charmants passages secrets dispersés un peu partout dans la ville, the picturesque little wood and stone bridges crossing the local river called l’Eure, les boutiques filled with top quality delicious and local pâtisseries, fromages, légumes bio, breads, chocolats, cafés, or roasting chickens devant les boucheries enchanting my nostrils… Wait, did I forget quelque chose? Mais oui! La fameuse cathédrale de Chartres bien sûr!
Je sais que la cathédrale de Chartres est célèbre dans le monde entier, yet I wonder how many of these “Did you know?” facts you were aware of?
-En 1979, la cathédrale de Chartres est devenue la première de France inscrite au patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization).
-The cathedral’s nickname is “la Bible de verre” because it contains 176 stained glass windows from the 13th century covering about 2600 m² (28000 ft²).
-If you think 13th century is old (and you are correct, just imagine how much history, autrement dit, how many wars this stained glass managed to live through, c’est juste incroyable!) what if I told you la cathédrale de Chartres contained four 12th century stained glass windows including the world famous representation of the Virgin Mary called “Notre-Dame de la belle verrière” known for its remarkable blue color : ce bleu limpide et lumineux est appelé “le bleu de Chartres”.
On top of these daily gifts of beauty, Chartres m’a présenté des amis dès mon arrivée! En effet, j’ai rencontré my now friend Michael Brooks the very weekend I signed le contrat de vente pour mon appartement. Nous sommes allés boire une coupe de Champagne au Café Serpente (avant le confinement) situé juste en face de la cathédrale. That’s when I found out he had moved from Seattle to Chartres in 2017 and had bought a 13th century building just round the corner! And even though I was born and raised in France, I also lived in Seattle before moving to France in 2017, comme lui! Uncanny, n’est-ce pas? I thought you’d be curious to know what Michael appreciated the most here in his new French town, so I asked him, et voici sa réponse :
Michael Brooks : “One reason Chartres is great is the labyrinth of the cathedral and its amazing energy. A circular pattern in stone on the floor of the nave, 12 meters across, it is a walking meditation. Walking the labyrinth was a life-changing experience for me in 2002; just after, I left my corporate job and launched a travel company. That first time, I kept thinking, “it’s not about the destination; it’s about the path.” Then . . . “no, it’s not about the path; it’s about how you walk the path.” People come from all over the world to experience the labyrinth, and I think that’s part of the reason it can be so powerful. Chartres became a destination for pilgrims and travelers in 876, when the grandson of Charlemagne gave to the cathedral the birthing veil of the Virgin Mary. It (miraculously) survived the great fire of 1194 and is on display today. Chartres is a stop on the famous pilgrimage of Compostela. In my mind, this creates a contrast with Notre-Dame in Paris, which feels to me empty and cold. Notre-Dame de Chartres feels energetic and inviting. In Paris, tourists go inside, walk around, look up, take pictures, and leave. In Chartres, people bring their hopes, their passions, their deepest dreams, their most authentic selves. It’s been that way for centuries, and that energy makes the space unique today. I feel fortunate, grateful, to live a short walk to the cathedral, to the labyrinth.”
Because of the closed international borders I am temporarily unable to host my French Immersion Courses ici en France which is très frustrant for so many different reasons, one of them being I so want to share my beloved & magical Chartres avec vous! I did find a way around it however by offering live online weekend immersion experiences with me and entrepreneur, talented, and creative Chartrains (that’s what people from Chartres are called) while teaching students about the local history, gastronomy, architecture, and art. Well, you’re about to meet three of them :
1- Élodie Vally who at the young age of 38 owns the oldest stained glass company here in France called la Maison Lorin, which was created in 1863 in the quaint Basse Ville quarter along the river l’Eure.
2- Olivier L’Hostis le directeur de la librairie called L’Esperluète located in a stunning Renaissance building in the heart of the historical center. Attention, “librairie” is a false friend… it’s not a library, but a book store!
3- Olivier Brelot who moved from Alsace in 1993 and bought his charming restaurant gastronomique called L’Estocade in 2000. Ses clients peuvent apprécier la superbe vue sur le fleuve, le joli petit pont en pierre, et la cathédrale.
They too answered my question “What do you love the most à Chartres?” Et voici leurs réponses :
Élodie Vally : “La ville de Chartres est en moi depuis toujours. J’y suis née et je ne l’ai jamais vraiment quittée. Je me suis passionnée très vite pour l’art du vitrail dont elle est la capitale. Elle abrite le seul atelier de peintre verrier protégé au titre des monuments historiques en France, et l’un des plus anciens ateliers de vitrail au monde : la Maison Lorin. L’âme de ce lieu m’habite depuis que j’ai franchi son magnifique portail en bois, il y a plus de 17 ans. Ce lieu est actif depuis le Moyen Âge, tannerie de la ville puis atelier de vitrail. Il a vu se succéder des milliers de chantiers de création, des centaines d’artisans y ont laissé une partie de leur âme. Il porte en ses murs une partie de l’histoire de la ville. Il porte aussi une partie de mon histoire. Le rire de mes enfants, les mots sages de mes anciens patrons, les joies partagées avec les membres de mon équipe, mais aussi les larmes des moments difficiles et les angoisses passagères. C’est mon foyer, mon château de conte de fée, une part de mon être.”
English translation : “The city of Chartres has always been in me. I was born here and I never left. Very quickly I became passionate about the art of stained glass of which Chartres is the capital. It is the home to the only glass painting company listed under France’s “monuments historiques” and to one of the oldest stained glass companies in the word : la Maison Lorin. The soul of this place lives in me ever since I passed its magnificent wooden gate, more than 17 years ago. This place has been active since the Middle Ages, the tannery of the city and then the stained glass company. It witnessed a series of creative work sites, hundreds of artisans who left there a part of their soul. Its walls keep a part of the city’s history. They also keep a part of my story. My children’s laughter, my former bosses’ words of wisdom, the joy shared with my team members, but also the tears caused by difficult moments as well as passing torments. It is my home, my fairy tale castle, a part of my being.
Olivier L’Hostis : “Chartres est une ville chargée d’histoire et, autour de la cathédrale, on pense d’abord au Moyen Âge. Mais il y a une portion de rue extraordinaire, où l’on passe nécessairement lorsque l’on vient en visite, depuis la gare vers la cathédrale. Cette portion de rue que l’on ne remarque pas va de la préfecture historique, rue Collin d’Harleville, jusqu’à la place Jean Moulin. Elle s’arrête au restaurant le Molière. L’une des extrémités, la préfecture, est le lieu du premier acte de la résistance en 1940, par Jean Moulin ; à l’autre extrémité, c’est l’ancien hôtel particulier de l’homme qui a inspiré à Molière le personnage d’Arpagon, l’Avare. Entre les 2, Robert Capa a pris l’une de ses photos les plus célèbres, celle de la tondue de Chartres. Lieu de la langue française, lieu de faits glorieux et moins glorieux de la seconde guerre mondiale, on y marche dans les pas de l’histoire. Au coin de la place Jean Moulin et de la rue Ste Même, il y a le Bon Coin. Un petit lieu de restauration où les visiteurs d’un jour peuvent s’arrêter pour se restaurer. Mais c’est peut-être aussi d’une autre restauration qu’il s’agit : si on y mange des crêpes bretonnes et des gâteaux faits maison, l’établissement est tenu par un allemand, Gerd, qui a adopté la France. C’est ainsi un lieu de restauration des relations franco-allemandes, un lieu qui a vu l’histoire, un bon lieu.”
English translation : “Chartres is a city filled with history and, around the cathedral, one thinks first of the Middle Ages. But there is an extraordinary portion of street, which you are bound to walk down on your way from the train station toward the cathedral. This street portion, which often remains unnoticed, goes from “la préfecture historique” on a street called Collin d’Harleville, until the restaurant le Molière on “la place Jean Moulin”. The “préfecture” at the end of this street is where the first act of “la résistance” by Jean Moulin took place in 1940. At the other end is the former “hôtel particulier” of the man who inspired the famous character called “Harpagon” from the play “The Miser” to 17th century French playwright Molière. In the middle of this same street, Robert Capa took one of his most famous pictures called “la tondue de Chartres” : French women who had been romantically involved with German soldiers during the nazi occupation were shaved as a punishment. In Chartres, one walks in the footsteps of glorious and not so glorious moments of history. On the corner of “la place Jean Moulin” and “la rue Ste Même” lies “le Bon Coin”. A little restaurant where visitors can stop by to renew their strength. The owner Gerd, a German man who adopted France, will feed you “crêpes bretonnes” and home made cakes thus ensuring another kind of renewal : the renewal of the French-German connection. Gerd’s place witnessed history, it’s a good place.”
Olivier Brelot : “Mon coup de coeur est « Chartres en Lumières » un événement instauré en 2003 et qui se déroule tous les ans à partir du mois d’avril jusqu’à la fin de l’année. Cette manifestation est une mise en lumière de l’architecture locale (édifices, monuments, lavoirs, ponts, etc.) reconnue comme la plus grande valorisation du patrimoine au monde. Idéal pour flâner dans les quartiers historiques de Chartres en famille, entre amis, ou en amoureux. La scénographie est renouvelée chaque année et projetée sur : la Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres classée au Patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO est mise en beauté sur les deux portails, la médiathèque, le théâtre, la collégiale Saint André, l’église Saint Pierre entre autres, font partie des principaux sites. Un ensemble qui met notre ville de Chartres sous les projecteurs et qui la rend célèbre bien au delà de nos frontières. Laissez-vous tenter par cette destination dépaysante à seulement une heure de Paris et tombez à votre tour sous le charme de la capitale de la Beauce : Chartres vous attend et vous souhaite la bienvenue.”
English translation : “My crush is « Chartres en Lumières » an event launched in 2003 which takes place every year from April until the end of the Holidays. This show puts our local architecture (churches, monuments, bridges, etc.) under the spotlight and is recognized as the greatest enhancement of cultural heritage in the world. It’s ideal for a stroll through the historical neighborhoods of Chartres with family, friends, or “en amoureux”. The scenography is renewed each year and projected on : la cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres with music matching each movement of the images lighting up three sides of the edifice, la médiathèque, le théâtre, la collégiale Saint André, l’église Saint Pierre among others, are part of the main sites. An ensemble which beautifies our city of Chartres and makes it famous way beyond our national borders. Succumb to the temptation of such a change of scenery only an hour from Paris and allow yourself to fall in love with “la capitale de la Beauce” : Chartres is awaiting you with a warm “bienvenue.”
Unlike my four friends mentioned above who have lived here for much longer than I have, I am just at the beginning of my Chartres experience, I still have so much to learn, to explore, so many wonderful connections to make, so many friends to meet, projets to create. In only six months and in the midst of these heavy Covid times, Chartres has proven to be more than promising. Espérons que vous pourrez bientôt nous rendre visite!
Et voilà, you just read the whole article, merci beaucoup! J’espère qu’il vous a plu! Again, if you want to read it directly on the FRANCE Magazine support, you can also click HERE.
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Improve your French conversational skills in a completely safe & friendly environment with me and my amazing French guests who I am selecting because they represent true Chartres landmarks : art historians, chefs, entrepreneurs, artisans, pâtissiers, etc. all passionate experts in their own fields.
Practice speaking & listening to French while learning about the French culture. This will ensure a rich discussion as well as expand your French vocabulary.
Learn French grammar & conjugation in a natural way thanks to a practical context.
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Benefits
Improve your French comprehension skills in a completely safe & friendly environment avec moi.
Practice reading, speaking, and listening to French while bursting out laughing at every page. This will ensure a rich discussion as well as expand your French vocabulary and sentence structure.
Learn French grammar & conjugation in a natural way thanks to a practical context.
Relax knowing that I’m here to manage our time together and make sure everyone gets a fair opportunity to participate.
In this course, you will find 15 videos (+ 10 bonus ones) to help & accompany you every step of the way through the course + for each word, each sentence, each expression, each conjugated verb, I have created an audio file of my voice, slow and slightly faster speed. Your French language learning experience has never been so easy, fun, and fruitful. You can learn French online and benefit from the flexibility working at your own pace offers, while having me with you the whole time.
Did you know…
You can converse (speak + understand) in French with only 600 WORDS?
The average French person only uses between 300 & 3,000 WORDS?
This means that if you can master a relatively short list of words, you’ll be able to express yourself like the average French person! Plus you’re much more likely to understand the French when they talk back to you!
This course will teach you…
1- How to speak French
2- How to pronounce French
3- How to make French sentences
4- How to conjugate all the most common French verbs
5- How to polish your results
6- How to self evaluate your French
More info HERE
It should take you about 30 hours to complete this course, which is made up of 10 lessons
This course is designed for a beginner / intermediate level. If you are intermediate but feel like you could really reinforce your foundations, you will love it.
You can join whenever, either by buying the course or by becoming a monthly member giving you access to my French online courses from $10 / month. See more details about the membership at the bottom of this page
In this course you will find 11 videos + 150 audio files + 92 pages PDF format to help & accompany you every step of the way throughout the course. In some parts of the videos, my face will appear close up and profile so you can easily see how I make these sounds with my mouth. The 150 audio files are composed of the 100 most popular French words and the 50 most common French phrases. They are recordings of my voice, speaking slowly enough so you can easily grasp every syllable. Your French language learning experience has never been so easy, fun, and fruitful. You can learn French online and benefit from the flexibility working at your own pace offers, while having me with you the whole time.
NB: if you are the proud owner of my previous French online course 600 WORDS, don’t worry, this is not a repeat as we are now exploring 1 letter words and up, whereas in 600 WORDS we began at 4 letter words and up.
Combine knowledge with confidence…
For you to be able to have a pleasant and efficient conversation with a French person, one thing is key… can you guess what it is? Confidence! How well do you think you will communicate in French if you don’t feel confident about your accent? If you are scared that people won’t understand you? Or even worse if you think someone might make fun of you? Without a minimum of confidence there is no room for communication. Yet if you feel confident, you can afford to make a few mistakes here and there because people will still understand you. What prevents a conversation from happening isn’t just a lack of knowledge, it’s also a lack of confidence. You need to have both to make it work, not to mention, to make it fun!
This course will teach you…
1- How to pronounce every letter of the alphabet
2- How to pronounce every digraph & trigraph
3- How to make every French sentence flow
4- How to pronounce the 100 most popular French words
5- How to pronounce the 50 most popular French phrases
6- How to avoid the pronunciation mistakes everyone makes
More info HERE
It should take you about 20 to 2 hours to complete this course, which is made up of 11 lessons
This course is designed for a beginner level. If you are intermediate but lack confidence when it comes to talking and feel like you could really benefit from focusing on pronunciation, you will love it.
You can join whenever, either by buying the course or by becoming a monthly member giving you access to my French online courses from $10 / month. See more details about the membership below
In the FRENCH DICTÉES online course you will find 20 videos + 10 audio files to help & accompany you every step of the way throughout the course. Why 20 videos? Because there are 10 dictées in total, each focusing on one particular topic, and for each dictée I have prepared 2 videos. Let’s say the video focuses on both French past tenses called imparfait & passé composé. The first video will go though the grammar, the conjugation, and all the tips on these two past tenses to help you understand and remember how and when to use them. The second video will be the actual dictée, a short story written by me, describing everyday life situations conveniently packed with imparfait and passé composé verbs! Boom! Efficient! The dictée will also be read by me, slowly first and then a little faster, with a close up on my face so you can more easily recognize the words and copy the shapes I make to improve your own pronunciation.
Become a French language expert
How do you become an expert at anything? By focusing on one thing at a time.
I’ve made sure to categorize and isolate either a verb tense, a verb group, a grammar or vocabulary topic per dictée, so you can effectively focus and interiorize concepts separately, which makes it a lot easier to remember them.
Here’s what you’re going to learn
What grammar & conjugation points will each dictée focus on?
Dictée # 1: Present tense
Dictée # 2: Past tenses – imparfait & passé composé
Dictée # 3: Future tenses – futur proche & futur simple
Dictée # 4: Conditional, imparfait, asking questions
Dictée # 5: Imperative form
Dictée # 6: First group verbs all tenses
Dictée # 7: Second group verbs all tenses
Dictée # 8: Third group verbs all tenses
Dictée # 9: Numbers
Dictée # 10: Prepositions
Each dictée is a short story written by me about practical everyday life situations. This means that not only do you get to work on conjugation & grammar drills, but you also improve your conversational skills at the same time: a magic combination for your next trip to France!
Grow your confidence talking about practical everyday topics
The dictées will refer to common topics that you are very likely to hear or very likely to use to express yourself such as:
-Traveling to France
-Socializing
-Childhood memories
-Family dynamics
-Everyday life routines
-How to express your ideas, opinions, and dreams
Two videos per dictée
First video: key grammar and conjugation reminders explained very clearly so you feel prepared and confident entering each dictée.
Second video: the actual dictée. I’ve made sure to categorize and isolate either a verb tense, a verb group, a grammar or vocabulary topic, so you can effectively focus and interiorize concepts separately, which makes it a lot easier to remember them.
And for you challenge lovers over-achievers?
Yes I have prepared something just for you! I have also made 10 audio files, 1 per dictée, so that if you wish to, if you want it extra difficult, if you want to test yourself more deeply, you can solely rely on sound. Indeed there are many occasions in life where we hear a language but we don’t see it: speaking to someone on the phone or listening to the radio for instance.
20 videos? 10 audio files? What else?
This new FRENCH DICTÉES online course also comes with written files with both the French text along with the English translation, so that you can evaluate yourself when you’re done taking notes.
To summarize, you’ll be able to use video, audio, and written material.
Dictées worked for me, they’ll work for you!
Let me tell you, I LOVE dictées because THEY WORK. And clearly you realize this too and that is smart of you. So now let’s see how something as simple as a dictée can truly help you become a little bit French! Your French language learning experience has never been so easy, fun, and fruitful. You can learn French online and benefit from the flexibility working at your own pace offers, while having me with you the whole time.
Become a monthly member!
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