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1. Shard Calculation

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Response:

Calculated Shard: 135 (from laksa177)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa135.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/tips-for-learning-french\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/tips-for-learning-french\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/travel-forum\/france\/tips-for-learning-french","crawl_time":1776142669,"first_indexed_time":1521346106,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,ricksteves!community,\/travel-forum\/france\/tips-for-learning-french s443","src_root_hash":"13574744731095757335","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Tips for learning French - Rick Steves Travel Forum","meta_descriptions":["Anyone have any tips are learning\/brushing-up on my French? I used to be intermediate, but have forgotten a lot. I found a [language exchange][1] site, used DuoLingo, and am trying to work through an old textbook. The most important part is that I can at least understand most spoken French. ..."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Posted by\nbryantt\non\n03\/05\/18 04:45 PM\nAnyone have any tips are learning\/brushing-up on my French?  I used to be intermediate, but have forgotten a lot.  I found a\nlanguage exchange\nsite, used DuoLingo, and am trying to work through an old textbook.  The most important part is that I can at least understand most spoken French.\nThere are resources at the Library. Audio CDs will probably help the most to get used to spoken language again. I try watching French movies. I'm not sure whether that discourages me more than it helps? Now I think French people go out of their way to speak slowly and clearly when they interact with me; I seem to understand them much better than movies.\nThe best way to learn a language, in my opinion, is to speak it.  Are there any conversation classes at your local college?  Any online type conversation classes?\nWhat is your timeline to learn the language?\nThanks to both of you.  Library is a  good idea.  I've also checked out Netflix.\nI have time.  We're planning a long trip in the summer of 2019.\nPosted by\nTom\nMilwaukee, WI, USA\n199 posts\nWhen I was attending college in Paris many years ago, my French teacher used French comic books to help we beginners learn French.  I thought it was very effective; sentences were not all that complicated & you learned basic verb conjugation.\nPosted by\nLaura B\nSan Francisco Bay Area\n5697 posts\nSomeone recommended \"Slow News\"\nPick an online course either for free from your library or look at Berlitz.\nThe most important part is that I can at least understand most spoken\nFrench.\nUnderstand that perfectly.  Start listening at little bit each day to French news stations online.   Here is\nFrance 24 Live\n.  I find watching the news so as to see the news topics as the reporters speak about them really helps me better improve my understanding.\nnot sure where you live but they have these Alliance Francaise all over the country\nhttps:\/\/afusa.org\/\nAll good ideas, thank you very much everyone.\nPosted by\nshawn\nMichigan\n375 posts\nI love Coffee Break French.  (or should I say, J'aime Coffee Break French. J'ai apprende parler du francais! Un peu!) Free 15 minute podcast. If you are just brushing up, you could skip to lesson 20 and go on from there.  It's just the best. I've used many others, but this is the one that really helped me become much better in actually communicating, rather than just learning phrases.\nCoffee Break French\nYou can get it via itunes.  I often use it in conjunction with a duo lingo, phrase books, and a traditional \"learn French\" book...when I really get serious about getting better.\nPosted by\nstan\nThe Heartland USA\n9640 posts\nI load audio CDs into my car audio system and listen to them over and over while driving.  It beats the news.\nBryan,\nI like to listen to the Pimsleur Language Program CD's which I borrow from my local library.\nI, like you, understand most spoken French (took it in high school long ago) but after reviewing my French I was able to communicate whenever I needed to.\nEnjoy reviewing your French!\nPosted by\nPatty\nUsed to be Steilacoom, now it’s Las Vegas\n2540 posts\nYou might want to take a look at Bien-Dire Inital. It's a magazine that is geared for beginner-intermediate language learners. It has contemporary articles on news, culture, etc... it come with a CD to listen to as you read along.\nMy mom learned English ( she was French) by watching kids' programming like Sesame street :)\nHave fun learning!\nI want to second the recommendation of the podcast “Coffee Break French” above. That, combined with both the Duolingo and Memrise apps, took me a long way.\nI like Memrise better than Duolingo, but I'd never heard of Coffee Break French.  Thank's to the OP for posting this question, and thanks for all the great suggestions!!\nI'd vote for Alliance Francaise, myself.  It's an integrated course - and a lot of it is conversation.\nLook for it in your town, and not waste any time.  You have a lot of time to study.\nPosted by\nKen\nVernon, Canada\n32647 posts\nThe best option would be to check your local colleges for night school courses or whatever.  Since you already have some background in French, that would be a good method as you'd be able to get feedback on pronunciation and grammar.\nSome of the online or other courses may also work well for you.  I've found that Pimsleur was the best method for me with Italian, but there are only four levels.  They also have a French course, which you may be able to find at your local Library.  You could also have a look at Babel, DuoLingo or other online courses.\nPosted by\nChani\nTel Aviv\n15978 posts\nMy experience is that if you hesitate over words or speak slowly, most people switch to English. That happened to me more times than I can count last time I was in Paris . . . even after more than a week. Some spoke English immediately - just hearing my accent ☺\nPosted by\nshawn\nMichigan\n375 posts\nChani - this is true (usually)!  But I feel you must at least try.\nOne time we were in Chateau Neuf de Pape and we walked into one of the wine shops. We asked, in French, if she spoke English. She promptly said, \"Non!\"  So my daughter and I launched into our French....it wasn't long before she was conversing in English. In fact, we ended up having a great conversation about the education system in France (she was not a fan).\nAll of theses suggestions are great! As a language teacher, I'll just add--it doesn't really matter what you do, but exposure is the key. The more often you study\/hear\/read French, the more you will retain it. There's actually a whole interesting science behind how your brain processes in different languages--basically, every time you are exposed to a language, it helps your brain rewire the pathways required to help you think and communicate in that language. It's like a muscle you need to work! Try to have some sort of language practice daily, even if only for a few minutes. It will go a long way to helping you recover your lost language skills (they're still there--you've just got to remember how to use them!).\nOh, and also the site \"tex's French grammar\" is great (\nhttp:\/\/www.laits.utexas.edu\/tex\/\n)  It's a language course designed by the University of Texas at Austin, but they've made it open source. There are grammar lessons with practice exercises you can do, and all sorts of videos to watch. It's a great resource and free!\nPosted by\nBill G\nUSA\n451 posts\nI'd recommend Assimil.  Inexpensive if your local library doesn't have them to borrow, and recommended by a linguist.\nhttps:\/\/www.npr.org\/templates\/story\/story.php?storyId=5021582\nIf you have the time for a semester or two, you'd benefit from college courses.\nIf you have the time for Alliance Francaise, so much the better.\nYou'd have the time to speak to more French people, with different accents.\nAnd you'd benefit from having the TV on with sub-titles, if possible.  Listen all the time, it gets into your head.\nPosted by\nCoco\nDijon, Burgundy, France\n120 posts\nPosted by\nHarold\nNew York, NY, USA\n11294 posts\nIn addition to all the other great ideas on this thread, there are French movies. These have the advantage (on DVD) of removable subtitles, so you can turn them on when and if you need assistance. I find contemporary comedies the best for learning modern French as it might actually be spoken, as distinct from the artificial diction and speed of language tapes (or, sometimes, older movies).\nPosted by\nAlexander\nMacon, GA Historic Central Georgia\n1559 posts\nI am a French teacher.  French is something that is best learned first in a classroom (the rules of grammar, conjugating, etc) to build your foundation.  The only way to become fluent is to spend time in a French speaking country.\nFrance has many, many FLE (Français langue étrangère) schools and many good ones at that.\nMy top 3 suggestions are:\n1 - Institut de Touraine in Tours, France\n2- L'Institut Catholique in Paris, France\n3- L'Alliance Française de Normandie - Rouen, France\nIf you're an adult learner, like many above suggested. see where your nearest Alliance Française is located. They are an excellent resource (notice, I do not recommend their FLE courses in Paris - they have a poor reputation and are overcrowded).\nAlso go to your nearest university and ask if you can AUDIT a course.  When I taught university I always had two or three adult learners auditing and often they added an excellent element to the class.\nFrench in Action, cited above, is an excellent addition to learning  but I do NOT recommend duolingo or Rosetta Stone.\nBonne chance!\nYou might look into Lingq.com.\nI’d like to suggest a tutor.  I found one online.  As I got more proficient we mostly just conversed, but she also gave me practice cds and homework.  We started at where I was from my old high school French class memories and moved forward from there.  Alliance francais is also very good\nI'd like to second those here who suggest that the only truly effective way to learn a language is total immersion.\nNow I do agree that studying and listening to tapes and the online resources are all great and do help alot for sure. And I have done that to teach myself such languages as Thai, Bahasa Indonesia,and others.\nWhen I was in the Peace Coprs in the mid 70's they had me learning 3, yes 3 languages at the same time in country...I thought my head would explode...but I still remember much of it. And those courses were aimed squarely at instant communication.\nThere was none of what you find in so many language texts and courses, whether on a tape or a phrasebook, where they are trying to teach you to say...\"Have the porter Take my luggage up to my room\".  No What the traveler needs desperately is what we used to call Polite Conversation. The traveler needs first and foremost Food, the bathroom, shelter, and transportation and occasionally help. To me I look for courses that center on those things and leave the conversations about feeding your roommates parrot while he is away for a different time and place.\nPosted by\nFred\nSan Francisco\n16087 posts\n\"...but I do NOT recommend duolingo or Rosetta Stone.\"  Very true!  To relearn, keep alive my French, I review my grammar books, text books I used in the past plus study guides on learning French.   I agree with Alexander\/Macon that the grammatical foundation has to be established, get the verb forms,  tenses, and spelling, etc , etc  right.\nThis topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity.","attrs_markdown":"- [My Account ![My Account Options](https:\/\/d1sigdaua9p397.cloudfront.net\/assets\/chevron-down-black-46a9552ce4b61495035a1d673bdb9341d180c07bac30bf9a0b27d3b1bde2f5f9.svg)]()\n  - [Tour Account ›](https:\/\/account.ricksteves.com\/tours)\n  - [Travel Forum ›](https:\/\/account.ricksteves.com\/forums)\n\n- [Home](https:\/\/www.ricksteves.com\/ \"Rick Steves' Europe\")\n- [Travel Forum](https:\/\/www.ricksteves.com\/travel-forum \"Travel Forum\")\n- [France](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/travel-forum\/france \"France: Post questions and answers about travel in France\")\n- Tips for learning...\n\nPlease [sign in](https:\/\/auth.ricksteves.com\/client\/sign_in?return_to=https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/travel-forum\/france\/tips-for-learning-french) to post.\n\n[![Rick Steves' Europe](https:\/\/d1sigdaua9p397.cloudfront.net\/assets\/ricksteves-europe-9cf480b62090d6c670b0e80d09f97a3b3b0983a2cbf15fddfe52decfafbb8e6b.svg)](https:\/\/www.ricksteves.com\/ \"Rick Steves' Europe\")\n\n- [About Rick](https:\/\/www.ricksteves.com\/about-rick)\n- [Explore Europe](https:\/\/www.ricksteves.com\/europe)\n- [Our Tours](https:\/\/www.ricksteves.com\/tours)\n- [Travel Tips & Talks](https:\/\/www.ricksteves.com\/travel-tips)\n- [Watch, Read, Listen](https:\/\/www.ricksteves.com\/watch-read-listen)\n- [Travel Forum](https:\/\/www.ricksteves.com\/travel-forum)\n  - [Get Started](https:\/\/www.ricksteves.com\/travel-forum\/about-the-travel-forum)\n  - [Community Guidelines](https:\/\/www.ricksteves.com\/travel-forum\/community-guidelines)\n- [Shop Online](https:\/\/www.ricksteves.com\/shop)\n\n[Rick Steves' Europe](https:\/\/www.ricksteves.com\/ \"Rick Steves' Europe\")\n\n- [My Account ![My Account Options](https:\/\/d1sigdaua9p397.cloudfront.net\/assets\/chevron-down-white-a449f5224cd5cbebd113e075ca671f73f31391785ac62428ee79ef17719eb59f.svg)]()\n  - [Tour Account ›](https:\/\/account.ricksteves.com\/tours)\n  - [Travel Forum ›](https:\/\/account.ricksteves.com\/forums)\n\n- [Home](https:\/\/www.ricksteves.com\/ \"Rick Steves' Europe\")\n- [Travel Forum](https:\/\/www.ricksteves.com\/travel-forum \"Travel Forum\")\n- [France](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/travel-forum\/france \"France: Post questions and answers about travel in France\")\n- Tips for learning...\n\nPlease [sign in](https:\/\/auth.ricksteves.com\/client\/sign_in?return_to=https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/travel-forum\/france\/tips-for-learning-french) to post.\n\n# Tips for learning French\n[Jump to bottom](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/travel-forum\/france\/tips-for-learning-french#bottom)\n\nPosted by  [bryantt](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/users\/822055 \"bryantt\")  on\n\n03\/05\/18 04:45 PM\n\nAnyone have any tips are learning\/brushing-up on my French? I used to be intermediate, but have forgotten a lot. I found a [language exchange](https:\/\/www.language-exchanges.org\/ \"language exchange\") site, used DuoLingo, and am trying to work through an old textbook. The most important part is that I can at least understand most spoken French.\n\nPosted by\n\n[Travel Boss](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/users\/6331 \"Travel Boss\")\n\nMyrtle Beach, USA\n\n[03\/05\/18 05:54 PM](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/travel-forum\/france\/tips-for-learning-french#1299919)\n\n12334 posts\n\nThere are resources at the Library. Audio CDs will probably help the most to get used to spoken language again. I try watching French movies. I'm not sure whether that discourages me more than it helps? Now I think French people go out of their way to speak slowly and clearly when they interact with me; I seem to understand them much better than movies.\n\nPosted by  [sharon](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/users\/131886 \"sharon\")\n\n[03\/05\/18 06:10 PM](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/travel-forum\/france\/tips-for-learning-french#1299933)\n\n1172 posts\n\nThe best way to learn a language, in my opinion, is to speak it. Are there any conversation classes at your local college? Any online type conversation classes?\n\nWhat is your timeline to learn the language?\n\nPosted by  [bryantt](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/users\/822055 \"bryantt\")  OP\n\n[03\/05\/18 06:12 PM](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/travel-forum\/france\/tips-for-learning-french#1299936)\n\n3 posts\n\nThanks to both of you. Library is a good idea. I've also checked out Netflix.\n\nI have time. We're planning a long trip in the summer of 2019.\n\nPosted by\n\n[Tom](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/users\/67615 \"Tom\")\n\nMilwaukee, WI, USA\n\n[03\/05\/18 06:13 PM](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/travel-forum\/france\/tips-for-learning-french#1299937)\n\n199 posts\n\nWhen I was attending college in Paris many years ago, my French teacher used French comic books to help we beginners learn French. I thought it was very effective; sentences were not all that complicated & you learned basic verb conjugation.\n\nPosted by\n\n[Laura B](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/users\/57634 \"Laura B\")\n\nSan Francisco Bay Area\n\n[03\/05\/18 06:29 PM](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/travel-forum\/france\/tips-for-learning-french#1299952)\n\n5697 posts\n\nSomeone recommended \"Slow News\"\n\nPosted by\n\n[Continental](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/users\/160921 \"Continental\")\n\nNew York, NY\n\n[03\/05\/18 07:22 PM](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/travel-forum\/france\/tips-for-learning-french#1299988)\n\n4130 posts\n\nPick an online course either for free from your library or look at Berlitz.\n\n> The most important part is that I can at least understand most spoken  \n>  French.\n\nUnderstand that perfectly. Start listening at little bit each day to French news stations online. Here is [France 24 Live](http:\/\/www.france24.com\/fr\/tv-en-direct-chaine-live). I find watching the news so as to see the news topics as the reporters speak about them really helps me better improve my understanding.\n\nPosted by\n\n[Jazz+Travels](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/users\/98453 \"Jazz+Travels\")\n\nChicago\n\n[03\/05\/18 07:23 PM](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/travel-forum\/france\/tips-for-learning-french#1299990)\n\n8534 posts\n\nnot sure where you live but they have these Alliance Francaise all over the country  \n <https:\/\/afusa.org\/>\n\nPosted by  [bryantt](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/users\/822055 \"bryantt\")  OP\n\n[03\/05\/18 07:28 PM](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/travel-forum\/france\/tips-for-learning-french#1299992)\n\n3 posts\n\nAll good ideas, thank you very much everyone.\n\nPosted by\n\n[shawn](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/users\/57879 \"shawn\")\n\nMichigan\n\n[03\/05\/18 07:36 PM](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/travel-forum\/france\/tips-for-learning-french#1300001)\n\n375 posts\n\nI love Coffee Break French. (or should I say, J'aime Coffee Break French. J'ai apprende parler du francais! Un peu!) Free 15 minute podcast. If you are just brushing up, you could skip to lesson 20 and go on from there. It's just the best. I've used many others, but this is the one that really helped me become much better in actually communicating, rather than just learning phrases. [Coffee Break French](https:\/\/radiolingua.com\/coffeebreakfrench\/) You can get it via itunes. I often use it in conjunction with a duo lingo, phrase books, and a traditional \"learn French\" book...when I really get serious about getting better.\n\nPosted by\n\n[stan](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/users\/46080 \"stan\")\n\nThe Heartland USA\n\n[03\/05\/18 07:48 PM](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/travel-forum\/france\/tips-for-learning-french#1300008)\n\n9640 posts\n\nI load audio CDs into my car audio system and listen to them over and over while driving. It beats the news.\n\nPosted by\n\n[Priscilla](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/users\/98321 \"Priscilla\")\n\nCalifornia 🦋\n\n[03\/06\/18 12:23 AM](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/travel-forum\/france\/tips-for-learning-french#1300148)\n\n5403 posts\n\nBryan,  \n I like to listen to the Pimsleur Language Program CD's which I borrow from my local library.  \n I, like you, understand most spoken French (took it in high school long ago) but after reviewing my French I was able to communicate whenever I needed to.\n\nEnjoy reviewing your French\\!\n\nPosted by\n\n[Patty](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/users\/6036 \"Patty\")\n\nUsed to be Steilacoom, now it’s Las Vegas\n\n[03\/06\/18 01:41 AM](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/travel-forum\/france\/tips-for-learning-french#1300189)\n\n2540 posts\n\nYou might want to take a look at Bien-Dire Inital. It's a magazine that is geared for beginner-intermediate language learners. It has contemporary articles on news, culture, etc... it come with a CD to listen to as you read along.\n\nPosted by  [sharon](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/users\/131886 \"sharon\")\n\n[03\/06\/18 02:21 AM](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/travel-forum\/france\/tips-for-learning-french#1300201)\n\n1172 posts\n\nMy mom learned English ( she was French) by watching kids' programming like Sesame street :)\n\nHave fun learning\\!\n\nPosted by  [tedesco23](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/users\/149074 \"tedesco23\")\n\n[03\/06\/18 04:52 AM](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/travel-forum\/france\/tips-for-learning-french#1300261)\n\n21 posts\n\nI want to second the recommendation of the podcast “Coffee Break French” above. That, combined with both the Duolingo and Memrise apps, took me a long way.\n\nPosted by\n\n[aquamarinesteph](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/users\/818478 \"aquamarinesteph\")\n\nSoutheastern USA\n\n[03\/06\/18 05:27 AM](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/travel-forum\/france\/tips-for-learning-french#1300268)\n\n996 posts\n\nI like Memrise better than Duolingo, but I'd never heard of Coffee Break French. Thank's to the OP for posting this question, and thanks for all the great suggestions!\\!\n\nPosted by\n\n[chexbres](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/users\/136570 \"chexbres\")\n\nParis\n\n[03\/06\/18 07:10 AM](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/travel-forum\/france\/tips-for-learning-french#1300292)\n\n2466 posts\n\nI'd vote for Alliance Francaise, myself. It's an integrated course - and a lot of it is conversation.  \n Look for it in your town, and not waste any time. You have a lot of time to study.\n\nPosted by\n\n[Ken](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/users\/4013 \"Ken\")\n\nVernon, Canada\n\n[03\/06\/18 07:41 AM](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/travel-forum\/france\/tips-for-learning-french#1300302)\n\n32647 posts\n\nThe best option would be to check your local colleges for night school courses or whatever. Since you already have some background in French, that would be a good method as you'd be able to get feedback on pronunciation and grammar.\n\nSome of the online or other courses may also work well for you. I've found that Pimsleur was the best method for me with Italian, but there are only four levels. They also have a French course, which you may be able to find at your local Library. You could also have a look at Babel, DuoLingo or other online courses.\n\nPosted by\n\n[Chani](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/users\/13912 \"Chani\")\n\nTel Aviv\n\n[03\/06\/18 09:45 AM](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/travel-forum\/france\/tips-for-learning-french#1300324)\n\n15978 posts\n\nMy experience is that if you hesitate over words or speak slowly, most people switch to English. That happened to me more times than I can count last time I was in Paris . . . even after more than a week. Some spoke English immediately - just hearing my accent ☺\n\nPosted by\n\n[shawn](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/users\/57879 \"shawn\")\n\nMichigan\n\n[03\/06\/18 02:23 PM](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/travel-forum\/france\/tips-for-learning-french#1300386)\n\n375 posts\n\nChani - this is true (usually)! But I feel you must at least try.\n\nOne time we were in Chateau Neuf de Pape and we walked into one of the wine shops. We asked, in French, if she spoke English. She promptly said, \"Non!\" So my daughter and I launched into our French....it wasn't long before she was conversing in English. In fact, we ended up having a great conversation about the education system in France (she was not a fan).\n\nPosted by  [momo516](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/users\/821012 \"momo516\")\n\n[03\/06\/18 04:20 PM](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/travel-forum\/france\/tips-for-learning-french#1300457)\n\n76 posts\n\nAll of theses suggestions are great! As a language teacher, I'll just add--it doesn't really matter what you do, but exposure is the key. The more often you study\/hear\/read French, the more you will retain it. There's actually a whole interesting science behind how your brain processes in different languages--basically, every time you are exposed to a language, it helps your brain rewire the pathways required to help you think and communicate in that language. It's like a muscle you need to work! Try to have some sort of language practice daily, even if only for a few minutes. It will go a long way to helping you recover your lost language skills (they're still there--you've just got to remember how to use them!).\n\nPosted by  [momo516](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/users\/821012 \"momo516\")\n\n[03\/06\/18 04:22 PM](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/travel-forum\/france\/tips-for-learning-french#1300458)\n\n76 posts\n\nOh, and also the site \"tex's French grammar\" is great (<http:\/\/www.laits.utexas.edu\/tex\/>) It's a language course designed by the University of Texas at Austin, but they've made it open source. There are grammar lessons with practice exercises you can do, and all sorts of videos to watch. It's a great resource and free\\!\n\nPosted by\n\n[Bill G](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/users\/100549 \"Bill G\")\n\nUSA\n\n[03\/07\/18 05:10 AM](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/travel-forum\/france\/tips-for-learning-french#1300970)\n\n451 posts\n\nI'd recommend Assimil. Inexpensive if your local library doesn't have them to borrow, and recommended by a linguist. <https:\/\/www.npr.org\/templates\/story\/story.php?storyId=5021582>\n\nPosted by\n\n[chexbres](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/users\/136570 \"chexbres\")\n\nParis\n\n[03\/07\/18 07:14 AM](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/travel-forum\/france\/tips-for-learning-french#1300996)\n\n2466 posts\n\nIf you have the time for a semester or two, you'd benefit from college courses.  \n If you have the time for Alliance Francaise, so much the better.  \n You'd have the time to speak to more French people, with different accents.  \n And you'd benefit from having the TV on with sub-titles, if possible. Listen all the time, it gets into your head.\n\nPosted by\n\n[Coco](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/users\/17965 \"Coco\")\n\nDijon, Burgundy, France\n\n[03\/07\/18 11:01 AM](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/travel-forum\/france\/tips-for-learning-french#1301026)\n\n120 posts\n\nDon't learn too much, this could happen to you ! ;)\n\n<https:\/\/www.thelocal.fr\/20180306\/how-french-totally-messes-up-your-english>?\n\nPosted by\n\n[Harold](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/users\/51860 \"Harold\")\n\nNew York, NY, USA\n\n[03\/07\/18 11:12 AM](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/travel-forum\/france\/tips-for-learning-french#1301027)\n\n11294 posts\n\nIn addition to all the other great ideas on this thread, there are French movies. These have the advantage (on DVD) of removable subtitles, so you can turn them on when and if you need assistance. I find contemporary comedies the best for learning modern French as it might actually be spoken, as distinct from the artificial diction and speed of language tapes (or, sometimes, older movies).\n\nPosted by\n\n[Alexander](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/users\/32108 \"Alexander\")\n\nMacon, GA Historic Central Georgia\n\n[03\/07\/18 02:35 PM](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/travel-forum\/france\/tips-for-learning-french#1301094)\n\n1559 posts\n\nI am a French teacher. French is something that is best learned first in a classroom (the rules of grammar, conjugating, etc) to build your foundation. The only way to become fluent is to spend time in a French speaking country.\n\nFrance has many, many FLE (Français langue étrangère) schools and many good ones at that.  \n My top 3 suggestions are:  \n 1 - Institut de Touraine in Tours, France  \n 2- L'Institut Catholique in Paris, France  \n 3- L'Alliance Française de Normandie - Rouen, France\n\nIf you're an adult learner, like many above suggested. see where your nearest Alliance Française is located. They are an excellent resource (notice, I do not recommend their FLE courses in Paris - they have a poor reputation and are overcrowded).  \n Also go to your nearest university and ask if you can AUDIT a course. When I taught university I always had two or three adult learners auditing and often they added an excellent element to the class.  \n French in Action, cited above, is an excellent addition to learning but I do NOT recommend duolingo or Rosetta Stone.\n\nBonne chance\\!\n\nPosted by  [sesau](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/users\/129477 \"sesau\")\n\n[03\/08\/18 03:47 AM](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/travel-forum\/france\/tips-for-learning-french#1301606)\n\n3 posts\n\nYou might look into Lingq.com.\n\nPosted by  [kconhen](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/users\/822507 \"kconhen\")\n\n[03\/10\/18 12:00 PM](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/travel-forum\/france\/tips-for-learning-french#1302917)\n\n1 posts\n\nI’d like to suggest a tutor. I found one online. As I got more proficient we mostly just conversed, but she also gave me practice cds and homework. We started at where I was from my old high school French class memories and moved forward from there. Alliance francais is also very good\n\nPosted by  [aarthurperry](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/users\/818605 \"aarthurperry\")\n\n[03\/10\/18 01:26 PM](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/travel-forum\/france\/tips-for-learning-french#1302932)\n\n546 posts\n\nI'd like to second those here who suggest that the only truly effective way to learn a language is total immersion.\n\nNow I do agree that studying and listening to tapes and the online resources are all great and do help alot for sure. And I have done that to teach myself such languages as Thai, Bahasa Indonesia,and others.\n\nWhen I was in the Peace Coprs in the mid 70's they had me learning 3, yes 3 languages at the same time in country...I thought my head would explode...but I still remember much of it. And those courses were aimed squarely at instant communication.\n\nThere was none of what you find in so many language texts and courses, whether on a tape or a phrasebook, where they are trying to teach you to say...\"Have the porter Take my luggage up to my room\". No What the traveler needs desperately is what we used to call Polite Conversation. The traveler needs first and foremost Food, the bathroom, shelter, and transportation and occasionally help. To me I look for courses that center on those things and leave the conversations about feeding your roommates parrot while he is away for a different time and place.\n\nPosted by\n\n[Fred](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/users\/23305 \"Fred\")\n\nSan Francisco\n\n[03\/11\/18 08:47 AM](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/travel-forum\/france\/tips-for-learning-french#1303525)\n\n16087 posts\n\n\"...but I do NOT recommend duolingo or Rosetta Stone.\" Very true! To relearn, keep alive my French, I review my grammar books, text books I used in the past plus study guides on learning French. I agree with Alexander\/Macon that the grammatical foundation has to be established, get the verb forms, tenses, and spelling, etc , etc right.\n\n[Jump to top](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/travel-forum\/france\/tips-for-learning-french#top)\n\nThis topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity.\n\n### About Us\n- [Contact Information](https:\/\/www.ricksteves.com\/about-us\/contact-us)\n- [What We Do](https:\/\/www.ricksteves.com\/about-us\/what-we-do)\n- [Meet the Staff](https:\/\/www.ricksteves.com\/about-us\/meet-the-staff)\n- [Social Responsibility](https:\/\/www.ricksteves.com\/about-us\/social-responsibility)\n- [Climate Smart](https:\/\/www.ricksteves.com\/about-us\/climate-smart)\n- [Jobs](https:\/\/www.ricksteves.com\/about-us\/jobs)\n\n### Travel Help\n- [FAQ](https:\/\/www.ricksteves.com\/travel-help\/frequently-asked-questions)\n- [Tours FAQ](https:\/\/www.ricksteves.com\/travel-help\/tours-faq)\n- [Ask Us](https:\/\/www.ricksteves.com\/travel-help)\n- [Talks & Classes](https:\/\/www.ricksteves.com\/travel-tips\/travel-classes)\n- [Visit the Travel Center](https:\/\/www.ricksteves.com\/travel-help\/visit-our-travel-center)\n- [Guidebook Updates](https:\/\/www.ricksteves.com\/europe\/guidebook-updates)\n- [Submit Book Feedback](https:\/\/www.ricksteves.com\/forms\/guidebook-feedback-form)\n\n### Publications\n- [Travel News Email](https:\/\/www.ricksteves.com\/publications\/travel-news-email)\n- [Tour News Email](https:\/\/www.ricksteves.com\/publications\/tour-news-email)\n- [Subscription Center](https:\/\/www.ricksteves.com\/publications\/manage-email-subscriptions)\n\n### Media Partners\n- [TV Programmers](https:\/\/www.ricksteves.com\/tv-programmers)\n- [Radio Programmers](https:\/\/www.ricksteves.com\/radio\/station-support)\n- [Syndicated Content](https:\/\/www.ricksteves.com\/syndicated-content)\n- [Symphonic Journey](https:\/\/media.ricksteves.com\/symphonic-journey)\n- [Press Room](https:\/\/www.ricksteves.com\/press-room)\n\n### Contact Us\n- [email](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/cdn-cgi\/l\/email-protection#4c3e252f270c3e252f273f38293a293f622f2321)\n- [phone](https:\/\/www.ricksteves.com\/about-us\/contact-us)\n- [map](https:\/\/maps.google.com\/maps?q=130+4th+Avenue+North,+Edmonds,+WA+98020-2009&hl=en&sll=47.613028,-122.342064&sspn=0.664712,0.399628&hnear=130+4th+Ave+N,+Edmonds,+Washington+98020&t=m&z=16)\n\n### Follow Us\n- [Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/ricksteves)\n- [Instagram](https:\/\/instagram.com\/ricksteveseurope\/)\n- [YouTube](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/ricksteves)\n- [TikTok](https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@ricksteveseurope)\n- [Pinterest](https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/ricksteveseurope\/)\n- [Twitter](https:\/\/twitter.com\/RickStevesEur)\n\n©2026 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. \\| CST\\# 2086743 \\| [Terms of Service](https:\/\/www.ricksteves.com\/about-us\/terms-of-service) \\| [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.ricksteves.com\/about-us\/privacy-policy)","attrs_readable_markdown":"Posted by  [bryantt](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/users\/822055 \"bryantt\")  on 03\/05\/18 04:45 PM\n\nAnyone have any tips are learning\/brushing-up on my French? I used to be intermediate, but have forgotten a lot. I found a [language exchange](https:\/\/www.language-exchanges.org\/ \"language exchange\") site, used DuoLingo, and am trying to work through an old textbook. The most important part is that I can at least understand most spoken French.\n\nThere are resources at the Library. Audio CDs will probably help the most to get used to spoken language again. I try watching French movies. I'm not sure whether that discourages me more than it helps? Now I think French people go out of their way to speak slowly and clearly when they interact with me; I seem to understand them much better than movies.\n\nThe best way to learn a language, in my opinion, is to speak it. Are there any conversation classes at your local college? Any online type conversation classes?\n\nWhat is your timeline to learn the language?\n\nThanks to both of you. Library is a good idea. I've also checked out Netflix.\n\nI have time. We're planning a long trip in the summer of 2019.\n\nPosted by [Tom](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/users\/67615 \"Tom\") Milwaukee, WI, USA\n\n199 posts\n\nWhen I was attending college in Paris many years ago, my French teacher used French comic books to help we beginners learn French. I thought it was very effective; sentences were not all that complicated & you learned basic verb conjugation.\n\nPosted by [Laura B](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/users\/57634 \"Laura B\") San Francisco Bay Area\n\n5697 posts\n\nSomeone recommended \"Slow News\"\n\nPick an online course either for free from your library or look at Berlitz.\n\n> The most important part is that I can at least understand most spoken  \n>  French.\n\nUnderstand that perfectly. Start listening at little bit each day to French news stations online. Here is [France 24 Live](http:\/\/www.france24.com\/fr\/tv-en-direct-chaine-live). I find watching the news so as to see the news topics as the reporters speak about them really helps me better improve my understanding.\n\nnot sure where you live but they have these Alliance Francaise all over the country  \n <https:\/\/afusa.org\/>\n\nAll good ideas, thank you very much everyone.\n\nPosted by [shawn](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/users\/57879 \"shawn\") Michigan\n\n375 posts\n\nI love Coffee Break French. (or should I say, J'aime Coffee Break French. J'ai apprende parler du francais! Un peu!) Free 15 minute podcast. If you are just brushing up, you could skip to lesson 20 and go on from there. It's just the best. I've used many others, but this is the one that really helped me become much better in actually communicating, rather than just learning phrases. [Coffee Break French](https:\/\/radiolingua.com\/coffeebreakfrench\/) You can get it via itunes. I often use it in conjunction with a duo lingo, phrase books, and a traditional \"learn French\" book...when I really get serious about getting better.\n\nPosted by [stan](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/users\/46080 \"stan\") The Heartland USA\n\n9640 posts\n\nI load audio CDs into my car audio system and listen to them over and over while driving. It beats the news.\n\nBryan,  \n I like to listen to the Pimsleur Language Program CD's which I borrow from my local library.  \n I, like you, understand most spoken French (took it in high school long ago) but after reviewing my French I was able to communicate whenever I needed to.\n\nEnjoy reviewing your French\\!\n\nPosted by [Patty](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/users\/6036 \"Patty\") Used to be Steilacoom, now it’s Las Vegas\n\n2540 posts\n\nYou might want to take a look at Bien-Dire Inital. It's a magazine that is geared for beginner-intermediate language learners. It has contemporary articles on news, culture, etc... it come with a CD to listen to as you read along.\n\nMy mom learned English ( she was French) by watching kids' programming like Sesame street :)\n\nHave fun learning\\!\n\nI want to second the recommendation of the podcast “Coffee Break French” above. That, combined with both the Duolingo and Memrise apps, took me a long way.\n\nI like Memrise better than Duolingo, but I'd never heard of Coffee Break French. Thank's to the OP for posting this question, and thanks for all the great suggestions!\\!\n\nI'd vote for Alliance Francaise, myself. It's an integrated course - and a lot of it is conversation.  \n Look for it in your town, and not waste any time. You have a lot of time to study.\n\nPosted by [Ken](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/users\/4013 \"Ken\") Vernon, Canada\n\n32647 posts\n\nThe best option would be to check your local colleges for night school courses or whatever. Since you already have some background in French, that would be a good method as you'd be able to get feedback on pronunciation and grammar.\n\nSome of the online or other courses may also work well for you. I've found that Pimsleur was the best method for me with Italian, but there are only four levels. They also have a French course, which you may be able to find at your local Library. You could also have a look at Babel, DuoLingo or other online courses.\n\nPosted by [Chani](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/users\/13912 \"Chani\") Tel Aviv\n\n15978 posts\n\nMy experience is that if you hesitate over words or speak slowly, most people switch to English. That happened to me more times than I can count last time I was in Paris . . . even after more than a week. Some spoke English immediately - just hearing my accent ☺\n\nPosted by [shawn](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/users\/57879 \"shawn\") Michigan\n\n375 posts\n\nChani - this is true (usually)! But I feel you must at least try.\n\nOne time we were in Chateau Neuf de Pape and we walked into one of the wine shops. We asked, in French, if she spoke English. She promptly said, \"Non!\" So my daughter and I launched into our French....it wasn't long before she was conversing in English. In fact, we ended up having a great conversation about the education system in France (she was not a fan).\n\nAll of theses suggestions are great! As a language teacher, I'll just add--it doesn't really matter what you do, but exposure is the key. The more often you study\/hear\/read French, the more you will retain it. There's actually a whole interesting science behind how your brain processes in different languages--basically, every time you are exposed to a language, it helps your brain rewire the pathways required to help you think and communicate in that language. It's like a muscle you need to work! Try to have some sort of language practice daily, even if only for a few minutes. It will go a long way to helping you recover your lost language skills (they're still there--you've just got to remember how to use them!).\n\nOh, and also the site \"tex's French grammar\" is great (<http:\/\/www.laits.utexas.edu\/tex\/>) It's a language course designed by the University of Texas at Austin, but they've made it open source. There are grammar lessons with practice exercises you can do, and all sorts of videos to watch. It's a great resource and free\\!\n\nPosted by [Bill G](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/users\/100549 \"Bill G\") USA\n\n451 posts\n\nI'd recommend Assimil. Inexpensive if your local library doesn't have them to borrow, and recommended by a linguist. <https:\/\/www.npr.org\/templates\/story\/story.php?storyId=5021582>\n\nIf you have the time for a semester or two, you'd benefit from college courses.  \n If you have the time for Alliance Francaise, so much the better.  \n You'd have the time to speak to more French people, with different accents.  \n And you'd benefit from having the TV on with sub-titles, if possible. Listen all the time, it gets into your head.\n\nPosted by [Coco](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/users\/17965 \"Coco\") Dijon, Burgundy, France\n\n120 posts\n\nPosted by [Harold](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/users\/51860 \"Harold\") New York, NY, USA\n\n11294 posts\n\nIn addition to all the other great ideas on this thread, there are French movies. These have the advantage (on DVD) of removable subtitles, so you can turn them on when and if you need assistance. I find contemporary comedies the best for learning modern French as it might actually be spoken, as distinct from the artificial diction and speed of language tapes (or, sometimes, older movies).\n\nPosted by [Alexander](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/users\/32108 \"Alexander\") Macon, GA Historic Central Georgia\n\n1559 posts\n\nI am a French teacher. French is something that is best learned first in a classroom (the rules of grammar, conjugating, etc) to build your foundation. The only way to become fluent is to spend time in a French speaking country.\n\nFrance has many, many FLE (Français langue étrangère) schools and many good ones at that.  \n My top 3 suggestions are:  \n 1 - Institut de Touraine in Tours, France  \n 2- L'Institut Catholique in Paris, France  \n 3- L'Alliance Française de Normandie - Rouen, France\n\nIf you're an adult learner, like many above suggested. see where your nearest Alliance Française is located. They are an excellent resource (notice, I do not recommend their FLE courses in Paris - they have a poor reputation and are overcrowded).  \n Also go to your nearest university and ask if you can AUDIT a course. When I taught university I always had two or three adult learners auditing and often they added an excellent element to the class.  \n French in Action, cited above, is an excellent addition to learning but I do NOT recommend duolingo or Rosetta Stone.\n\nBonne chance\\!\n\nYou might look into Lingq.com.\n\nI’d like to suggest a tutor. I found one online. As I got more proficient we mostly just conversed, but she also gave me practice cds and homework. We started at where I was from my old high school French class memories and moved forward from there. Alliance francais is also very good\n\nI'd like to second those here who suggest that the only truly effective way to learn a language is total immersion.\n\nNow I do agree that studying and listening to tapes and the online resources are all great and do help alot for sure. And I have done that to teach myself such languages as Thai, Bahasa Indonesia,and others.\n\nWhen I was in the Peace Coprs in the mid 70's they had me learning 3, yes 3 languages at the same time in country...I thought my head would explode...but I still remember much of it. And those courses were aimed squarely at instant communication.\n\nThere was none of what you find in so many language texts and courses, whether on a tape or a phrasebook, where they are trying to teach you to say...\"Have the porter Take my luggage up to my room\". No What the traveler needs desperately is what we used to call Polite Conversation. The traveler needs first and foremost Food, the bathroom, shelter, and transportation and occasionally help. To me I look for courses that center on those things and leave the conversations about feeding your roommates parrot while he is away for a different time and place.\n\nPosted by [Fred](https:\/\/community.ricksteves.com\/users\/23305 \"Fred\") San Francisco\n\n16087 posts\n\n\"...but I do NOT recommend duolingo or Rosetta Stone.\" Very true! To relearn, keep alive my French, I review my grammar books, text books I used in the past plus study guides on learning French. I agree with Alexander\/Macon that the grammatical foundation has to be established, get the verb forms, tenses, and spelling, etc , etc right.\n\nThis topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity.","meta_canonical":null}

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Meta Description	Anyone have any tips are learning/brushing-up on my French? I used to be intermediate, but have forgotten a lot. I found a [language exchange][1] site, used DuoLingo, and am trying to work through an old textbook. The most important part is that I can at least understand most spoken French. ...
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Boilerpipe Text	Posted by bryantt on 03/05/18 04:45 PM Anyone have any tips are learning/brushing-up on my French? I used to be intermediate, but have forgotten a lot. I found a language exchange site, used DuoLingo, and am trying to work through an old textbook. The most important part is that I can at least understand most spoken French. There are resources at the Library. Audio CDs will probably help the most to get used to spoken language again. I try watching French movies. I'm not sure whether that discourages me more than it helps? Now I think French people go out of their way to speak slowly and clearly when they interact with me; I seem to understand them much better than movies. The best way to learn a language, in my opinion, is to speak it. Are there any conversation classes at your local college? Any online type conversation classes? What is your timeline to learn the language? Thanks to both of you. Library is a good idea. I've also checked out Netflix. I have time. We're planning a long trip in the summer of 2019. Posted by Tom Milwaukee, WI, USA 199 posts When I was attending college in Paris many years ago, my French teacher used French comic books to help we beginners learn French. I thought it was very effective; sentences were not all that complicated & you learned basic verb conjugation. Posted by Laura B San Francisco Bay Area 5697 posts Someone recommended "Slow News" Pick an online course either for free from your library or look at Berlitz. The most important part is that I can at least understand most spoken French. Understand that perfectly. Start listening at little bit each day to French news stations online. Here is France 24 Live . I find watching the news so as to see the news topics as the reporters speak about them really helps me better improve my understanding. not sure where you live but they have these Alliance Francaise all over the country https://afusa.org/ All good ideas, thank you very much everyone. Posted by shawn Michigan 375 posts I love Coffee Break French. (or should I say, J'aime Coffee Break French. J'ai apprende parler du francais! Un peu!) Free 15 minute podcast. If you are just brushing up, you could skip to lesson 20 and go on from there. It's just the best. I've used many others, but this is the one that really helped me become much better in actually communicating, rather than just learning phrases. Coffee Break French You can get it via itunes. I often use it in conjunction with a duo lingo, phrase books, and a traditional "learn French" book...when I really get serious about getting better. Posted by stan The Heartland USA 9640 posts I load audio CDs into my car audio system and listen to them over and over while driving. It beats the news. Bryan, I like to listen to the Pimsleur Language Program CD's which I borrow from my local library. I, like you, understand most spoken French (took it in high school long ago) but after reviewing my French I was able to communicate whenever I needed to. Enjoy reviewing your French! Posted by Patty Used to be Steilacoom, now it’s Las Vegas 2540 posts You might want to take a look at Bien-Dire Inital. It's a magazine that is geared for beginner-intermediate language learners. It has contemporary articles on news, culture, etc... it come with a CD to listen to as you read along. My mom learned English ( she was French) by watching kids' programming like Sesame street :) Have fun learning! I want to second the recommendation of the podcast “Coffee Break French” above. That, combined with both the Duolingo and Memrise apps, took me a long way. I like Memrise better than Duolingo, but I'd never heard of Coffee Break French. Thank's to the OP for posting this question, and thanks for all the great suggestions!! I'd vote for Alliance Francaise, myself. It's an integrated course - and a lot of it is conversation. Look for it in your town, and not waste any time. You have a lot of time to study. Posted by Ken Vernon, Canada 32647 posts The best option would be to check your local colleges for night school courses or whatever. Since you already have some background in French, that would be a good method as you'd be able to get feedback on pronunciation and grammar. Some of the online or other courses may also work well for you. I've found that Pimsleur was the best method for me with Italian, but there are only four levels. They also have a French course, which you may be able to find at your local Library. You could also have a look at Babel, DuoLingo or other online courses. Posted by Chani Tel Aviv 15978 posts My experience is that if you hesitate over words or speak slowly, most people switch to English. That happened to me more times than I can count last time I was in Paris . . . even after more than a week. Some spoke English immediately - just hearing my accent ☺ Posted by shawn Michigan 375 posts Chani - this is true (usually)! But I feel you must at least try. One time we were in Chateau Neuf de Pape and we walked into one of the wine shops. We asked, in French, if she spoke English. She promptly said, "Non!" So my daughter and I launched into our French....it wasn't long before she was conversing in English. In fact, we ended up having a great conversation about the education system in France (she was not a fan). All of theses suggestions are great! As a language teacher, I'll just add--it doesn't really matter what you do, but exposure is the key. The more often you study/hear/read French, the more you will retain it. There's actually a whole interesting science behind how your brain processes in different languages--basically, every time you are exposed to a language, it helps your brain rewire the pathways required to help you think and communicate in that language. It's like a muscle you need to work! Try to have some sort of language practice daily, even if only for a few minutes. It will go a long way to helping you recover your lost language skills (they're still there--you've just got to remember how to use them!). Oh, and also the site "tex's French grammar" is great ( http://www.laits.utexas.edu/tex/ ) It's a language course designed by the University of Texas at Austin, but they've made it open source. There are grammar lessons with practice exercises you can do, and all sorts of videos to watch. It's a great resource and free! Posted by Bill G USA 451 posts I'd recommend Assimil. Inexpensive if your local library doesn't have them to borrow, and recommended by a linguist. https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5021582 If you have the time for a semester or two, you'd benefit from college courses. If you have the time for Alliance Francaise, so much the better. You'd have the time to speak to more French people, with different accents. And you'd benefit from having the TV on with sub-titles, if possible. Listen all the time, it gets into your head. Posted by Coco Dijon, Burgundy, France 120 posts Posted by Harold New York, NY, USA 11294 posts In addition to all the other great ideas on this thread, there are French movies. These have the advantage (on DVD) of removable subtitles, so you can turn them on when and if you need assistance. I find contemporary comedies the best for learning modern French as it might actually be spoken, as distinct from the artificial diction and speed of language tapes (or, sometimes, older movies). Posted by Alexander Macon, GA Historic Central Georgia 1559 posts I am a French teacher. French is something that is best learned first in a classroom (the rules of grammar, conjugating, etc) to build your foundation. The only way to become fluent is to spend time in a French speaking country. France has many, many FLE (Français langue étrangère) schools and many good ones at that. My top 3 suggestions are: 1 - Institut de Touraine in Tours, France 2- L'Institut Catholique in Paris, France 3- L'Alliance Française de Normandie - Rouen, France If you're an adult learner, like many above suggested. see where your nearest Alliance Française is located. They are an excellent resource (notice, I do not recommend their FLE courses in Paris - they have a poor reputation and are overcrowded). Also go to your nearest university and ask if you can AUDIT a course. When I taught university I always had two or three adult learners auditing and often they added an excellent element to the class. French in Action, cited above, is an excellent addition to learning but I do NOT recommend duolingo or Rosetta Stone. Bonne chance! You might look into Lingq.com. I’d like to suggest a tutor. I found one online. As I got more proficient we mostly just conversed, but she also gave me practice cds and homework. We started at where I was from my old high school French class memories and moved forward from there. Alliance francais is also very good I'd like to second those here who suggest that the only truly effective way to learn a language is total immersion. Now I do agree that studying and listening to tapes and the online resources are all great and do help alot for sure. And I have done that to teach myself such languages as Thai, Bahasa Indonesia,and others. When I was in the Peace Coprs in the mid 70's they had me learning 3, yes 3 languages at the same time in country...I thought my head would explode...but I still remember much of it. And those courses were aimed squarely at instant communication. There was none of what you find in so many language texts and courses, whether on a tape or a phrasebook, where they are trying to teach you to say..."Have the porter Take my luggage up to my room". No What the traveler needs desperately is what we used to call Polite Conversation. The traveler needs first and foremost Food, the bathroom, shelter, and transportation and occasionally help. To me I look for courses that center on those things and leave the conversations about feeding your roommates parrot while he is away for a different time and place. Posted by Fred San Francisco 16087 posts "...but I do NOT recommend duolingo or Rosetta Stone." Very true! To relearn, keep alive my French, I review my grammar books, text books I used in the past plus study guides on learning French. I agree with Alexander/Macon that the grammatical foundation has to be established, get the verb forms, tenses, and spelling, etc , etc right. 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Please [sign in](https://auth.ricksteves.com/client/sign_in?return_to=https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/tips-for-learning-french) to post. # Tips for learning French [Jump to bottom](https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/tips-for-learning-french#bottom) Posted by [bryantt](https://community.ricksteves.com/users/822055 "bryantt") on 03/05/18 04:45 PM Anyone have any tips are learning/brushing-up on my French? I used to be intermediate, but have forgotten a lot. I found a [language exchange](https://www.language-exchanges.org/ "language exchange") site, used DuoLingo, and am trying to work through an old textbook. The most important part is that I can at least understand most spoken French. Posted by [Travel Boss](https://community.ricksteves.com/users/6331 "Travel Boss") Myrtle Beach, USA [03/05/18 05:54 PM](https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/tips-for-learning-french#1299919) 12334 posts There are resources at the Library. Audio CDs will probably help the most to get used to spoken language again. I try watching French movies. I'm not sure whether that discourages me more than it helps? Now I think French people go out of their way to speak slowly and clearly when they interact with me; I seem to understand them much better than movies. Posted by [sharon](https://community.ricksteves.com/users/131886 "sharon") [03/05/18 06:10 PM](https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/tips-for-learning-french#1299933) 1172 posts The best way to learn a language, in my opinion, is to speak it. Are there any conversation classes at your local college? Any online type conversation classes? What is your timeline to learn the language? Posted by [bryantt](https://community.ricksteves.com/users/822055 "bryantt") OP [03/05/18 06:12 PM](https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/tips-for-learning-french#1299936) 3 posts Thanks to both of you. Library is a good idea. I've also checked out Netflix. I have time. We're planning a long trip in the summer of 2019. Posted by [Tom](https://community.ricksteves.com/users/67615 "Tom") Milwaukee, WI, USA [03/05/18 06:13 PM](https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/tips-for-learning-french#1299937) 199 posts When I was attending college in Paris many years ago, my French teacher used French comic books to help we beginners learn French. I thought it was very effective; sentences were not all that complicated & you learned basic verb conjugation. Posted by [Laura B](https://community.ricksteves.com/users/57634 "Laura B") San Francisco Bay Area [03/05/18 06:29 PM](https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/tips-for-learning-french#1299952) 5697 posts Someone recommended "Slow News" Posted by [Continental](https://community.ricksteves.com/users/160921 "Continental") New York, NY [03/05/18 07:22 PM](https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/tips-for-learning-french#1299988) 4130 posts Pick an online course either for free from your library or look at Berlitz. > The most important part is that I can at least understand most spoken > French. Understand that perfectly. Start listening at little bit each day to French news stations online. Here is [France 24 Live](http://www.france24.com/fr/tv-en-direct-chaine-live). I find watching the news so as to see the news topics as the reporters speak about them really helps me better improve my understanding. Posted by [Jazz+Travels](https://community.ricksteves.com/users/98453 "Jazz+Travels") Chicago [03/05/18 07:23 PM](https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/tips-for-learning-french#1299990) 8534 posts not sure where you live but they have these Alliance Francaise all over the country <https://afusa.org/> Posted by [bryantt](https://community.ricksteves.com/users/822055 "bryantt") OP [03/05/18 07:28 PM](https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/tips-for-learning-french#1299992) 3 posts All good ideas, thank you very much everyone. Posted by [shawn](https://community.ricksteves.com/users/57879 "shawn") Michigan [03/05/18 07:36 PM](https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/tips-for-learning-french#1300001) 375 posts I love Coffee Break French. (or should I say, J'aime Coffee Break French. J'ai apprende parler du francais! Un peu!) Free 15 minute podcast. If you are just brushing up, you could skip to lesson 20 and go on from there. It's just the best. I've used many others, but this is the one that really helped me become much better in actually communicating, rather than just learning phrases. [Coffee Break French](https://radiolingua.com/coffeebreakfrench/) You can get it via itunes. I often use it in conjunction with a duo lingo, phrase books, and a traditional "learn French" book...when I really get serious about getting better. Posted by [stan](https://community.ricksteves.com/users/46080 "stan") The Heartland USA [03/05/18 07:48 PM](https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/tips-for-learning-french#1300008) 9640 posts I load audio CDs into my car audio system and listen to them over and over while driving. It beats the news. Posted by [Priscilla](https://community.ricksteves.com/users/98321 "Priscilla") California 🦋 [03/06/18 12:23 AM](https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/tips-for-learning-french#1300148) 5403 posts Bryan, I like to listen to the Pimsleur Language Program CD's which I borrow from my local library. I, like you, understand most spoken French (took it in high school long ago) but after reviewing my French I was able to communicate whenever I needed to. Enjoy reviewing your French\! Posted by [Patty](https://community.ricksteves.com/users/6036 "Patty") Used to be Steilacoom, now it’s Las Vegas [03/06/18 01:41 AM](https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/tips-for-learning-french#1300189) 2540 posts You might want to take a look at Bien-Dire Inital. It's a magazine that is geared for beginner-intermediate language learners. It has contemporary articles on news, culture, etc... it come with a CD to listen to as you read along. Posted by [sharon](https://community.ricksteves.com/users/131886 "sharon") [03/06/18 02:21 AM](https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/tips-for-learning-french#1300201) 1172 posts My mom learned English ( she was French) by watching kids' programming like Sesame street :) Have fun learning\! Posted by [tedesco23](https://community.ricksteves.com/users/149074 "tedesco23") [03/06/18 04:52 AM](https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/tips-for-learning-french#1300261) 21 posts I want to second the recommendation of the podcast “Coffee Break French” above. That, combined with both the Duolingo and Memrise apps, took me a long way. Posted by [aquamarinesteph](https://community.ricksteves.com/users/818478 "aquamarinesteph") Southeastern USA [03/06/18 05:27 AM](https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/tips-for-learning-french#1300268) 996 posts I like Memrise better than Duolingo, but I'd never heard of Coffee Break French. Thank's to the OP for posting this question, and thanks for all the great suggestions!\! Posted by [chexbres](https://community.ricksteves.com/users/136570 "chexbres") Paris [03/06/18 07:10 AM](https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/tips-for-learning-french#1300292) 2466 posts I'd vote for Alliance Francaise, myself. It's an integrated course - and a lot of it is conversation. Look for it in your town, and not waste any time. You have a lot of time to study. Posted by [Ken](https://community.ricksteves.com/users/4013 "Ken") Vernon, Canada [03/06/18 07:41 AM](https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/tips-for-learning-french#1300302) 32647 posts The best option would be to check your local colleges for night school courses or whatever. Since you already have some background in French, that would be a good method as you'd be able to get feedback on pronunciation and grammar. Some of the online or other courses may also work well for you. I've found that Pimsleur was the best method for me with Italian, but there are only four levels. They also have a French course, which you may be able to find at your local Library. You could also have a look at Babel, DuoLingo or other online courses. Posted by [Chani](https://community.ricksteves.com/users/13912 "Chani") Tel Aviv [03/06/18 09:45 AM](https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/tips-for-learning-french#1300324) 15978 posts My experience is that if you hesitate over words or speak slowly, most people switch to English. That happened to me more times than I can count last time I was in Paris . . . even after more than a week. Some spoke English immediately - just hearing my accent ☺ Posted by [shawn](https://community.ricksteves.com/users/57879 "shawn") Michigan [03/06/18 02:23 PM](https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/tips-for-learning-french#1300386) 375 posts Chani - this is true (usually)! But I feel you must at least try. One time we were in Chateau Neuf de Pape and we walked into one of the wine shops. We asked, in French, if she spoke English. She promptly said, "Non!" So my daughter and I launched into our French....it wasn't long before she was conversing in English. In fact, we ended up having a great conversation about the education system in France (she was not a fan). Posted by [momo516](https://community.ricksteves.com/users/821012 "momo516") [03/06/18 04:20 PM](https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/tips-for-learning-french#1300457) 76 posts All of theses suggestions are great! As a language teacher, I'll just add--it doesn't really matter what you do, but exposure is the key. The more often you study/hear/read French, the more you will retain it. There's actually a whole interesting science behind how your brain processes in different languages--basically, every time you are exposed to a language, it helps your brain rewire the pathways required to help you think and communicate in that language. It's like a muscle you need to work! Try to have some sort of language practice daily, even if only for a few minutes. It will go a long way to helping you recover your lost language skills (they're still there--you've just got to remember how to use them!). Posted by [momo516](https://community.ricksteves.com/users/821012 "momo516") [03/06/18 04:22 PM](https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/tips-for-learning-french#1300458) 76 posts Oh, and also the site "tex's French grammar" is great (<http://www.laits.utexas.edu/tex/>) It's a language course designed by the University of Texas at Austin, but they've made it open source. There are grammar lessons with practice exercises you can do, and all sorts of videos to watch. It's a great resource and free\! Posted by [Bill G](https://community.ricksteves.com/users/100549 "Bill G") USA [03/07/18 05:10 AM](https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/tips-for-learning-french#1300970) 451 posts I'd recommend Assimil. Inexpensive if your local library doesn't have them to borrow, and recommended by a linguist. <https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5021582> Posted by [chexbres](https://community.ricksteves.com/users/136570 "chexbres") Paris [03/07/18 07:14 AM](https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/tips-for-learning-french#1300996) 2466 posts If you have the time for a semester or two, you'd benefit from college courses. If you have the time for Alliance Francaise, so much the better. You'd have the time to speak to more French people, with different accents. And you'd benefit from having the TV on with sub-titles, if possible. Listen all the time, it gets into your head. Posted by [Coco](https://community.ricksteves.com/users/17965 "Coco") Dijon, Burgundy, France [03/07/18 11:01 AM](https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/tips-for-learning-french#1301026) 120 posts Don't learn too much, this could happen to you ! ;) <https://www.thelocal.fr/20180306/how-french-totally-messes-up-your-english>? Posted by [Harold](https://community.ricksteves.com/users/51860 "Harold") New York, NY, USA [03/07/18 11:12 AM](https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/tips-for-learning-french#1301027) 11294 posts In addition to all the other great ideas on this thread, there are French movies. These have the advantage (on DVD) of removable subtitles, so you can turn them on when and if you need assistance. I find contemporary comedies the best for learning modern French as it might actually be spoken, as distinct from the artificial diction and speed of language tapes (or, sometimes, older movies). Posted by [Alexander](https://community.ricksteves.com/users/32108 "Alexander") Macon, GA Historic Central Georgia [03/07/18 02:35 PM](https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/tips-for-learning-french#1301094) 1559 posts I am a French teacher. French is something that is best learned first in a classroom (the rules of grammar, conjugating, etc) to build your foundation. The only way to become fluent is to spend time in a French speaking country. France has many, many FLE (Français langue étrangère) schools and many good ones at that. My top 3 suggestions are: 1 - Institut de Touraine in Tours, France 2- L'Institut Catholique in Paris, France 3- L'Alliance Française de Normandie - Rouen, France If you're an adult learner, like many above suggested. see where your nearest Alliance Française is located. They are an excellent resource (notice, I do not recommend their FLE courses in Paris - they have a poor reputation and are overcrowded). Also go to your nearest university and ask if you can AUDIT a course. When I taught university I always had two or three adult learners auditing and often they added an excellent element to the class. French in Action, cited above, is an excellent addition to learning but I do NOT recommend duolingo or Rosetta Stone. Bonne chance\! Posted by [sesau](https://community.ricksteves.com/users/129477 "sesau") [03/08/18 03:47 AM](https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/tips-for-learning-french#1301606) 3 posts You might look into Lingq.com. Posted by [kconhen](https://community.ricksteves.com/users/822507 "kconhen") [03/10/18 12:00 PM](https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/tips-for-learning-french#1302917) 1 posts I’d like to suggest a tutor. I found one online. As I got more proficient we mostly just conversed, but she also gave me practice cds and homework. We started at where I was from my old high school French class memories and moved forward from there. Alliance francais is also very good Posted by [aarthurperry](https://community.ricksteves.com/users/818605 "aarthurperry") [03/10/18 01:26 PM](https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/tips-for-learning-french#1302932) 546 posts I'd like to second those here who suggest that the only truly effective way to learn a language is total immersion. Now I do agree that studying and listening to tapes and the online resources are all great and do help alot for sure. And I have done that to teach myself such languages as Thai, Bahasa Indonesia,and others. When I was in the Peace Coprs in the mid 70's they had me learning 3, yes 3 languages at the same time in country...I thought my head would explode...but I still remember much of it. And those courses were aimed squarely at instant communication. There was none of what you find in so many language texts and courses, whether on a tape or a phrasebook, where they are trying to teach you to say..."Have the porter Take my luggage up to my room". No What the traveler needs desperately is what we used to call Polite Conversation. The traveler needs first and foremost Food, the bathroom, shelter, and transportation and occasionally help. To me I look for courses that center on those things and leave the conversations about feeding your roommates parrot while he is away for a different time and place. Posted by [Fred](https://community.ricksteves.com/users/23305 "Fred") San Francisco [03/11/18 08:47 AM](https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/tips-for-learning-french#1303525) 16087 posts "...but I do NOT recommend duolingo or Rosetta Stone." Very true! To relearn, keep alive my French, I review my grammar books, text books I used in the past plus study guides on learning French. I agree with Alexander/Macon that the grammatical foundation has to be established, get the verb forms, tenses, and spelling, etc , etc right. 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Readable Markdown	Posted by [bryantt](https://community.ricksteves.com/users/822055 "bryantt") on 03/05/18 04:45 PM Anyone have any tips are learning/brushing-up on my French? I used to be intermediate, but have forgotten a lot. I found a [language exchange](https://www.language-exchanges.org/ "language exchange") site, used DuoLingo, and am trying to work through an old textbook. The most important part is that I can at least understand most spoken French. There are resources at the Library. Audio CDs will probably help the most to get used to spoken language again. I try watching French movies. I'm not sure whether that discourages me more than it helps? Now I think French people go out of their way to speak slowly and clearly when they interact with me; I seem to understand them much better than movies. The best way to learn a language, in my opinion, is to speak it. Are there any conversation classes at your local college? Any online type conversation classes? What is your timeline to learn the language? Thanks to both of you. Library is a good idea. I've also checked out Netflix. I have time. We're planning a long trip in the summer of 2019. Posted by [Tom](https://community.ricksteves.com/users/67615 "Tom") Milwaukee, WI, USA 199 posts When I was attending college in Paris many years ago, my French teacher used French comic books to help we beginners learn French. I thought it was very effective; sentences were not all that complicated & you learned basic verb conjugation. Posted by [Laura B](https://community.ricksteves.com/users/57634 "Laura B") San Francisco Bay Area 5697 posts Someone recommended "Slow News" Pick an online course either for free from your library or look at Berlitz. > The most important part is that I can at least understand most spoken > French. Understand that perfectly. Start listening at little bit each day to French news stations online. Here is [France 24 Live](http://www.france24.com/fr/tv-en-direct-chaine-live). I find watching the news so as to see the news topics as the reporters speak about them really helps me better improve my understanding. not sure where you live but they have these Alliance Francaise all over the country <https://afusa.org/> All good ideas, thank you very much everyone. Posted by [shawn](https://community.ricksteves.com/users/57879 "shawn") Michigan 375 posts I love Coffee Break French. (or should I say, J'aime Coffee Break French. J'ai apprende parler du francais! Un peu!) Free 15 minute podcast. If you are just brushing up, you could skip to lesson 20 and go on from there. It's just the best. I've used many others, but this is the one that really helped me become much better in actually communicating, rather than just learning phrases. [Coffee Break French](https://radiolingua.com/coffeebreakfrench/) You can get it via itunes. I often use it in conjunction with a duo lingo, phrase books, and a traditional "learn French" book...when I really get serious about getting better. Posted by [stan](https://community.ricksteves.com/users/46080 "stan") The Heartland USA 9640 posts I load audio CDs into my car audio system and listen to them over and over while driving. It beats the news. Bryan, I like to listen to the Pimsleur Language Program CD's which I borrow from my local library. I, like you, understand most spoken French (took it in high school long ago) but after reviewing my French I was able to communicate whenever I needed to. Enjoy reviewing your French\! Posted by [Patty](https://community.ricksteves.com/users/6036 "Patty") Used to be Steilacoom, now it’s Las Vegas 2540 posts You might want to take a look at Bien-Dire Inital. It's a magazine that is geared for beginner-intermediate language learners. It has contemporary articles on news, culture, etc... it come with a CD to listen to as you read along. My mom learned English ( she was French) by watching kids' programming like Sesame street :) Have fun learning\! I want to second the recommendation of the podcast “Coffee Break French” above. That, combined with both the Duolingo and Memrise apps, took me a long way. I like Memrise better than Duolingo, but I'd never heard of Coffee Break French. Thank's to the OP for posting this question, and thanks for all the great suggestions!\! I'd vote for Alliance Francaise, myself. It's an integrated course - and a lot of it is conversation. Look for it in your town, and not waste any time. You have a lot of time to study. Posted by [Ken](https://community.ricksteves.com/users/4013 "Ken") Vernon, Canada 32647 posts The best option would be to check your local colleges for night school courses or whatever. Since you already have some background in French, that would be a good method as you'd be able to get feedback on pronunciation and grammar. Some of the online or other courses may also work well for you. I've found that Pimsleur was the best method for me with Italian, but there are only four levels. They also have a French course, which you may be able to find at your local Library. You could also have a look at Babel, DuoLingo or other online courses. Posted by [Chani](https://community.ricksteves.com/users/13912 "Chani") Tel Aviv 15978 posts My experience is that if you hesitate over words or speak slowly, most people switch to English. That happened to me more times than I can count last time I was in Paris . . . even after more than a week. Some spoke English immediately - just hearing my accent ☺ Posted by [shawn](https://community.ricksteves.com/users/57879 "shawn") Michigan 375 posts Chani - this is true (usually)! But I feel you must at least try. One time we were in Chateau Neuf de Pape and we walked into one of the wine shops. We asked, in French, if she spoke English. She promptly said, "Non!" So my daughter and I launched into our French....it wasn't long before she was conversing in English. In fact, we ended up having a great conversation about the education system in France (she was not a fan). All of theses suggestions are great! As a language teacher, I'll just add--it doesn't really matter what you do, but exposure is the key. The more often you study/hear/read French, the more you will retain it. There's actually a whole interesting science behind how your brain processes in different languages--basically, every time you are exposed to a language, it helps your brain rewire the pathways required to help you think and communicate in that language. It's like a muscle you need to work! Try to have some sort of language practice daily, even if only for a few minutes. It will go a long way to helping you recover your lost language skills (they're still there--you've just got to remember how to use them!). Oh, and also the site "tex's French grammar" is great (<http://www.laits.utexas.edu/tex/>) It's a language course designed by the University of Texas at Austin, but they've made it open source. There are grammar lessons with practice exercises you can do, and all sorts of videos to watch. It's a great resource and free\! Posted by [Bill G](https://community.ricksteves.com/users/100549 "Bill G") USA 451 posts I'd recommend Assimil. Inexpensive if your local library doesn't have them to borrow, and recommended by a linguist. <https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5021582> If you have the time for a semester or two, you'd benefit from college courses. If you have the time for Alliance Francaise, so much the better. You'd have the time to speak to more French people, with different accents. And you'd benefit from having the TV on with sub-titles, if possible. Listen all the time, it gets into your head. Posted by [Coco](https://community.ricksteves.com/users/17965 "Coco") Dijon, Burgundy, France 120 posts Posted by [Harold](https://community.ricksteves.com/users/51860 "Harold") New York, NY, USA 11294 posts In addition to all the other great ideas on this thread, there are French movies. These have the advantage (on DVD) of removable subtitles, so you can turn them on when and if you need assistance. I find contemporary comedies the best for learning modern French as it might actually be spoken, as distinct from the artificial diction and speed of language tapes (or, sometimes, older movies). Posted by [Alexander](https://community.ricksteves.com/users/32108 "Alexander") Macon, GA Historic Central Georgia 1559 posts I am a French teacher. French is something that is best learned first in a classroom (the rules of grammar, conjugating, etc) to build your foundation. The only way to become fluent is to spend time in a French speaking country. France has many, many FLE (Français langue étrangère) schools and many good ones at that. My top 3 suggestions are: 1 - Institut de Touraine in Tours, France 2- L'Institut Catholique in Paris, France 3- L'Alliance Française de Normandie - Rouen, France If you're an adult learner, like many above suggested. see where your nearest Alliance Française is located. They are an excellent resource (notice, I do not recommend their FLE courses in Paris - they have a poor reputation and are overcrowded). Also go to your nearest university and ask if you can AUDIT a course. When I taught university I always had two or three adult learners auditing and often they added an excellent element to the class. French in Action, cited above, is an excellent addition to learning but I do NOT recommend duolingo or Rosetta Stone. Bonne chance\! You might look into Lingq.com. I’d like to suggest a tutor. I found one online. As I got more proficient we mostly just conversed, but she also gave me practice cds and homework. We started at where I was from my old high school French class memories and moved forward from there. Alliance francais is also very good I'd like to second those here who suggest that the only truly effective way to learn a language is total immersion. Now I do agree that studying and listening to tapes and the online resources are all great and do help alot for sure. And I have done that to teach myself such languages as Thai, Bahasa Indonesia,and others. When I was in the Peace Coprs in the mid 70's they had me learning 3, yes 3 languages at the same time in country...I thought my head would explode...but I still remember much of it. And those courses were aimed squarely at instant communication. There was none of what you find in so many language texts and courses, whether on a tape or a phrasebook, where they are trying to teach you to say..."Have the porter Take my luggage up to my room". No What the traveler needs desperately is what we used to call Polite Conversation. The traveler needs first and foremost Food, the bathroom, shelter, and transportation and occasionally help. To me I look for courses that center on those things and leave the conversations about feeding your roommates parrot while he is away for a different time and place. Posted by [Fred](https://community.ricksteves.com/users/23305 "Fred") San Francisco 16087 posts "...but I do NOT recommend duolingo or Rosetta Stone." Very true! To relearn, keep alive my French, I review my grammar books, text books I used in the past plus study guides on learning French. I agree with Alexander/Macon that the grammatical foundation has to be established, get the verb forms, tenses, and spelling, etc , etc right. 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