French Facts
French is spoken by about 175 million people all around the world as a mother tongue or fluent second language
French is the official language of many African countries, including Cameroon, the Congo, Madagascar, Mali, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal and the Seychelles
Being a Romance language, much of the French vocabulary is derived from Vulgar Latin, thanks to Caesar's invasion of Gaul (58-52BC) and the subsequent manipulation of Latin by invading Germanic tribes
French
Glossary
La boulangerie
Get audio
La France est mondialement connue pour son vin, son pain et son boursin (rime utilisée pour signifier son vin, son pain et son fromage, le boursin étant une sorte de fromage).
Croissants, brioches et baguettes sont les symboles indéniables du savoir-faire gastronomique français. En effet, les spécialités boulangères françaises véhiculent, à l’étranger, un certain art de vivre à la française.
En France, le marché de la boulangerie-pâtisserie est dominé par les artisans. Les 35 000 boulangeries artisanales présentes sur le territoire national produisent près de 70% du pain français, soit environ un million et demie de tonnes de pain. Les industriels et distributeurs se partagent les 30% restants du marché.
Malgré une forte baisse de consommation de pain par rapport au début du siècle (la consommation moyenne de pain par personne est passée de 328 kg en 1900 à 58 kg aujourd’hui), il existe encore de nos jours près de 80 pains régionaux, ainsi qu’un large éventail de pains spéciaux, comme par exemple le pain au noix, le pain aux raisins, etc. Le marché reste néanmoins dominé à 80% par la fameuse baguette, universellement connue sous son nom d’origine.
Des écoles publiques et privées, forment les apprentis boulangers afin qu’ils véhiculent le savoir-faire boulanger et pâtissier français digne de ce nom.
French Courses in London
Our native-speaking qualified French teachers can guide you and your group at your work or at home, at a time convenient to you. Classes can take place on any day of the week - even weekends - morning, afternoon or evening. If needs be, if meeting at your office or home is not suitable, you can take your lessons at the trainer's office. Study materials are supplied for you.
Book now / EnquiryFrench 1 to 1 Business
Those who would benefit the most from these French tutorials are those who feel they need to learn French to help them out in their business lives. For starters, learning salutations and business etiquette is integral; once these have been practiced then reading and writing courses can start. Typical studiers have been those involved in international import/export, negotiations and acquisitions, those in multinational companies requiring another language, and those working in any way with international governments and relevant administration. Just our simplest course for beginners will have students finishing the lessons with basic telephone and e-mail French, as well as survival French should a visit to the country be necessary.
Book now / EnquiryFrench 1 to 1 General
French courses of this type are broader and are aimed towards students with a variety of requirements. While all beginner level students will cover survival French - needed for short visits to countries where English isn't widely spoken, or if you wish to 'go local'; those studying French usually go in different directions at this point, depending on what they need. Those who have benefitted from these French classes have been those investing in or buying property overseas, those married to overseas nationals, people setting off on a round-the-world trip, enthusiasts in French culture, and those enthusiastic to pass a specific exam in French.
Book now / EnquiryFrench Group Lessons
Courses in French are also accessible for 2 or more studying in tandem (Two-to-One French Course or Small Group In-Company French Course). All those involved must have around the same experience of the language, similar needs of areas of proficiency, and must be able to work at the same time and place. Bookings must be made for all students at the same time. Listen & Learn do not advise classes of more than 6-8 people, although In-Company Taster French sessions can be run with as many as 12 people.
Book now / Enquiry
London
The capital of the England and the UK, London is one of the world's leading business, financial and cultural hubs; and has massive influence in politics, entertainment, media, education, fashion and all the arts, contributing to its status as one of the major cities in the world. It was the first city in the world to reach a population of one million, and today is the most populated city within city limits in the EU, with a population of over 7,500,000, drawing from a wide range of cultures and religions, and speaking over 300 languages. It is the largest aviation hub in the world, with 5 airports; and a exceptionally major tourist destination, with iconic landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace.
French Testimonials
"Our native speaker qualified French language teachers can train you and your colleagues at your office or home at a time to suit you. Classes can be any day of the week (even weekends) in the morning."
London Map
