Now comes the time after these months of practising your French in the comfort of your own place to hop onto a Eurostar train, find yourself in the streets of Paris for a weekend or even longer and experience the real thing... You can either join our little group for la Fête de la musique next June and you already know all about that or go later in the summer by yourself or with friends. Should you wish to prepare for this why not join one of the two courses at Madingley Hall in Cambridge, run by Francine about the very theme of Paris.The first weekend will take place on the 3rd, 4th and 5th of June: “Paris est à vous” and will dwell on the relationship between English people (famous or not past or present) and that includes you as well of course, and the French capital. The second one at an Intermediate level will take place early July (8th, 9th and 10th) and will present an exploration of Paris “on foot” and offer lots of ideas for a visit with a difference! Contact Madingley Hall for details.
And if you are not quite ready to pack your bag yet but are interested in the discovery of the “real” Paris then there remain but one piece of advice for you: the reading of the most thrilling series on the subject: “Around and About Paris” by Thirza Vallois. Thirza takes you by the hand literally and walks with you through narrow streets or large boulevards, across quaint little squares or majestic ones, over all the bridges there are, pointing out at everything there is to see, telling you stories out of History, mentioning names and anecdotes.
Whether History is your subject or not you will be transported and totally fascinated. Her books are now on line and she provides maps of “walks”. The paperback version is available on amazon and make sure to put it in your bag next to your passport and your ticket prior to your next visit!
