I Learn French

May 1st in France… “Fête du Travail” but not for everyone.

Because there are thousands of people still working today.

And not just in hospitals or public services.

I’m talking about entrepreneurs (freelancers, small business owners, independent teachers, creators,...)

People who don’t have the luxury of a “day off” built into the system.

People who don’t get paid… if they don’t work.

People who are part of the economy, but often invisible in conversations
about “workers/salariés/travailleurs.”

And let’s go even further.

What about:

mothers who are not “officially” working

people taking care of a parent, a child, a partner

That’s work too.

And yet completely absent from May 1st narratives.

Historically, May 1st was about something powerful:

→ giving dignity to work
→ setting limits
→ protecting time

But today, not everyone fits into the “salarié” model anymore.

So today, I just want to say this:

Big up to all my entrepreneur friends.

Those who are working today.

Those who decided not to.

Those who can’t afford not to.

And big up to all the invisible workers too.

The ones we don’t celebrate enough.

You are workers too.

You should be part of the conversation too.

Maybe the real question is no longer:

“Who is working today?”

But:

“Who is protected… and who isn’t?”

And if this post upsets you and you think “ cette petite c**** should learn the history of May 1st”

I did my due diligence and I break it all down in French in my latest podcast episode. Comment “281” and I’ll send it to you in your DM.

Happy May 1st, whatever it looks like for you.

I’ve done something AI will never be able to do: events with my students ❤️

I started hosting events in 2023, but to really understand how I became so good at it, I need to take you back a few years, before COVID, because none of this happened by accident.

In 2016, I moved from Brussels to Paris.

Starting from scratch in 2016 was probably only the second blank page in my life.

There were many others after that: COVID, a breakup, major life shifts.

Because when I arrived in Paris, NOBODY was waiting for me.

And if I wanted a professional network, I had to build it myself.

So I started attending networking events.

Long story short, I became a volunteer for one of these women-only network and very quickly, I started hosting events myself.

And in 2023, everything came full circle.

I had a guest on my podcast who told me: “You should organize an outing with your students. I’d love to meet them.”

And I remember thinking: oh my God… this is such a good idea.

Since then, I’ve made it a tradition.

At least once a year, we meet and we create something that simply cannot be replaced by AI.

AI cannot bring people together the way I do with my students.

So if you’ve ever wondered why you should join one of my courses this is one of the reasons.

When you join, you’re stepping into a space where you speak French and make new friends and ... of course... I’m around.

And that… will never be replaced.

If you’ve been living in a country for years… but still feel like the language isn’t fully yours, read this.

, has been living in Paris for 14 years.

She’s not French and French is not her first language.

And yet… she built a life, a career and an artistic identity here.

We met at a networking event in Paris.

You know, the kind where you have to stand up and introduce yourself (everyone’s favorite nightmare).

I said:

“If being a guest on a French podcast is on your vision board… my door is open.”

A few days later, I invited her.

In this episode, we talk about:

→ what it really takes to learn French long-term

→ Tinder (oui, ... 🤭)

→ what changes after years in a foreign country

→ and the reality behind “living in Paris”

She’s by far, the best illustrator in Paris and she draws Paris in a way that will make you see the city differently.

Comment “280” and I’ll send the interview in your DM !

I almost didn’t want to share this address…

French teacher & foodie in Paris 🇫🇷
Episode #3

Let me introduce you to Chez Mamy, a hidden gem in the 11th arrondissement.

It’s right near the Cyril Lignac corner, not far from Paul Bert.

This is the kind of place I love:

100% authentic, traditional French cuisine, no filters.

And unlike some “famous” spots…

it hasn’t been taken over by tourists yet.

And let’s be honest too many tourists = not really Parisian anymore.

If you’re looking for a restaurant that’s:
authentic, charming and truly local…

This is it.

I recommend it all the time to my students and they always love it.

My verdict: 10/10

Save this for your next trip to Paris ✨

📍 3 Rue Jules Vallès, 75011 Paris

Thanks guys for this April’s Fool. I’ll never enter the Académie because:

- I’m a woman (there are only 5)

- I’m too young

- I’m an expert in the language and we all know the Académie don’t like experts

- they are against anglicisms

- they don’t recognize verlan

- they are disconnected from spoken French

…so clearly, I’m overqualified 😅.

But don’t worry, I’ll stay where the real French lives:
in the streets, in conversations, in mistakes, in evolution.

Because a language isn’t a museum piece. It breathes, it moves, it belongs to the people who speak it.

And you? Do you prefer “perfect” French… or real French? 👀

It’s official… I’ve just been nominated as one of the Immortels of the Académie française.

I’m now the youngest member, the only one from Belgium, the second one with Algerian origins after Boualem Sansal and, to my knowledge, the only French teacher to ever join.

To say that I’m proud would be an understatement.

After years of teaching how French is actually spoken, I’m honored to finally contribute to an institution… known for preserving a version of the language that nobody really speaks anymore.

I already have a few reform ideas in mind:

– simplifying French spelling

– rethinking l’accord du participe passé avec l’auxiliaire “avoir”

– officially acknowledging the disappearance of “ne” in everyday negation

I truly hope my contribution will benefit francophones all around the world.

…or at least create a small linguistic revolution.
🐟

If there’s one thing I miss the most when I travel… it’s the croissant.

I’ve tried croissants in many countries, and I have to admit: after 40 years, my favorites are still in France.

I’ve also had some very bad ones in France.

Today, I want to share a boulangerie you’ll find in my saved spots in Paris.

It’s not my favorite but it does the job…sometimes.

Let me explain.

Some days, their croissants are amazing.
Other days… just meh.

My best experiences have always been early in the morning (they open quite early, which helps).

That said, their pastries are consistently delicious.

And it’s also a really nice spot for coffee or breakfast.

Croissantmeter: 🥐🥐🥐 /5

And you, what’s the best croissant you’ve ever had?



📍Monge
123 rue Monge 75005 Paris

📍Clichy
56 rue de Clichy 75009 Paris

📍Beaumarchais
28 boulevard Beaumarchais 75011 Paris

📍Oberkampf
41 rue Oberkampf 75011 Paris

📍République
180 rue du Temple 75003 Paris

📍Voltaire
130 rue de la Roquette 75011 Paris

📍Crozatier
2 rue Crozatier 75012 Paris

📍Dugommier
5 boulevard de Reuilly, 75012 Paris

📍Picpus
66 bld de picpus 75012 Paris

📍Gambetta
210 rue des Pyrénées 75020 Paris

📍Cambronne
7 Place Cambronne 75015 Paris

📍Lecourbe
110 rue Lecourbe, 75015 Paris

📍Jules Joffrin
4 rue du Poteau 75018 Paris

Merci Breese 😍

Want to learn French with me ?

Leave "oui" in the comments and I'll come back to you !

Merci Sergio.

Want to learn French with me ?

Leave "oui" in the comments and I'll come back to you !