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Alliance Francaise Vancouver's Blog


In view of our growing community, Alliance Francaise Vancouver was faced with the need to open a new building capable of accommodating more members and offering a wide variety of educational, cultural and community activities and events. As we know much of you are impatiently waiting for the building to open very soon, let us give you an idea of the spaces you will be able to find there …


Looking for activities to do with your kids during the holiday break? With our printable activity book, you can keep your children busy while supporting their French learning!  
Inside our interactive worksheet, you will find some manual DIY, fun crosswords puzzle and coloring, a French recipe and  more!  
These activities are perfect for children between 5 and 9 years old. …


Our digital art exhibition V-Unframed, taking place at the Beaumont Studios from November 24-26th, 2023, offers a profound exploration of immersive artworks that push the boundaries of storytelling and empathy. Viewers can embark on a transformative journey through a selection of local and international immersive artworks that question and bring attention to crucial cultural and social issues. Learn more about some of them: …


Learning a new language as an adult can be a rewarding and enriching experience.  French, known for its elegance and cultural significance, is a fantastic choice. Whether you're planning a trip, seeking career opportunities, or simply want to expand your horizons, here's a comprehensive guide on how to learn French as an adult.  …


To help our students succeed in their DELF exams, we have created a series of articles that provide tips to think about and work on as part of the DELF A2 preparation for teenagers from Grade 8 to 12. …


In this article, we will be sharing some books recommended for children and teens who have an advanced level of French, commonly known as French level B2. Some of these books can be suitable for children following French immersion programs in British Columbia. We will go through a list of books by age group, and that are also available in our French media library.  …


As two of the world's most widely spoken languages, French and English share a lot of similarities in terms of vocabulary and grammar. However, there are also many instances where these languages can lead to confusion due to the concept of "false friends." False friends are words that look or sound similar in both languages but have different meanings. Just like some French expressions, false friends can cause confusion and miscommunication, particularly for language learners. When a word in one language is similar to a word in another language, it's easy to assume that they have the same meaning. However, this is not always the case. False friends are common between languages that have a shared history, such as French and English. French and English have been in contact for hundreds of years, and as a result, many words have entered each language from the other. Some of these words have changed meaning over time or developed different connotations, leading to the creation of false friends.In this article, we'll explore this phenomenon in more detail and provide five examples of false friends between French and English. …


As pioneers of the first virtual reality platform in francophone associations, Espace V, in today's article we would like to talk about the benefits of using these type of technologies for art exploration and for learning languages, like French.

Virtual reality has opened up new avenues for us to explore and experience different worlds that would have otherwise been impossible. The use of this technology has extended to the arts and language learning, and it is an excellent tool to explore and learn about new cultures, especially for those interested in French culture. …


Having previously discussed the best French series on Netflix, now it is time to share with you some of our recommendations of French films for teenagers. French cinema has a long history of producing some of the most thought-provoking and entertaining films in the world. From romantic comedies to thrillers and dramas, French cinema has something to offer for every age group. 

If you're a teenager and interested in watching some great French films, you've come to the right place. In this blog, we'll be discussing the top 5 French films that are perfect for teenagers. …


Spring break is just around the corner and the kids will get to enjoy two weeks of free time, a perfect time for them to start getting familiar with a new language, like French!  

We have created a printable beginner French worksheet for children aged 8 to 10  with exercises for them  learn new French words and phrases in a fun way! In this basic French worksheet, they will learn how to present themselves to others, learn the name of colours and new words with a crossword puzzle.  …


There are several aspects to learning a language, the first one is learning the proper base with the knowledge of language rules. The second is learning the context in which a language develops, meaning, the cultural notions proper to the place where it is spoken and that give way the origin of idiomatic expressions or slang. The latter is usually learned during interactions with language natives, through cultural events, or even by watching television or movies.  In today’s article we will share with you some French idiomatic expressions and their meaning so that next time you talk with a native, you can integrate it to your conversation. …


In this article, we will be discussing books that are intended for intermediate levels of French, commonly known as French level A2 and level B1. We will go through a list of books by age group, and that are also available in our French media library.  …


Now that the Christmas celebrations are over and the new year just started, many of us are considering resolutions to learn new skills and hobbies. If you're thinking about learning a new language, French is an excellent choice for a number of reasons.
In this article, we'll explore the practical and personal benefits of learning French, as well as the resources available in and around Vancouver to help you get started. By the end, you'll have a good understanding of why French should be your new year resolution. …


We are just a few weeks away from the holiday season, which also means that it is time to replay all the classic Christmas movies that we love. In today’s blog we continue to share with you Christmas traditions in France and today will share with you some classic French Christmas movies that we like and that are ideal for this festive season. . …


Every week, we welcome a group of people that are interested in presenting an official French language proficiency test for immigration purposes. As an official testing centre for TEF and TCF, we often get asked, what is the difference between the TEF and TCF?  

In this post we will be explaining that difference, and since we already spoke about the TEF, we will be covering the TCF in more detail. There are different types of TCF exams, depending on the immigration purposes; however, since we apply the TCF-Canada, we will be discussing the test for Canadian citizenship. …


How much time does it take for me to be completely fluent in French? This is one of the questions that we are often asked when people decide to register for one of our French courses.  In today’s article we will go through the different levels so that you understand what is considered a fluent French speaker, as well as, the factors that can help you learn French fast. …


Can you feel the cold? The weather has changed dramatically here in Vancouver and is heavily announcing the winter season and one of our favourite holidays, Christmas!  Previously, we had discussed the famous foods that are eaten for Christmas in France but today, we are going to share with you our top 10 French foods for the winter. We have selected a few of our favorite dishes from several francophone countries that will surely keep you warm this winter.  A word of caution, you might be hungry after reading! …


Who doesn’t enjoy music? As Victor Hugo once said, “Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.” In previous articles, we have explored French movies and television series, today we will share with our list of French singers and other French bands from francophone countries, including, of course, Canadian French musicians. …


It’s back to school time! Which means the beginning of a new school year. For some children, this can be challenging because they must switch from “vacation” mode to “school” mode. Some parents choose to have their children work on some academic exercises or, if they take French classes, the cahier des vacances, over the summer to avoid the summer slide. If you chose not to have your child review schoolwork during the vacations, we have created a French worksheet for Grade 1 children in French immersion to help them get back in school and refresh their French knowledge. …


Learning a new language can be challenging. It is known that children are natural language learners: their lack of inhibition and adaptability makes it easier for them to pick up sounds and words.  
As parents, we want to ensure the most successful outcome for our children, so supporting them in school is one of our primary concerns, but how can we help our children when we don’t speak French?  
In today’s article, we will share a few ideas to help you support them in their learning journey, even if your knowledge of French is limited.    …


To continue with our series of French series and tv show recommendations , we will be sharing a list of the best French teenage TV series that we have found on Netflix and YouTube so that teenagers can practice their listening skills and get familiar with conversations and words used between young people in France. …


Summer time is a time to travel and to discover delicious cuisine. On today’s article we will be talking about famous foods in France for you to try out the next time you plan a visit to that country.  

As a bonus, we will share with you a short recipe at the end for you to be able to prepare one of these dishes at home and enjoy a traditional French dish.  …


The Summer break is under way and even though it is time for kids to play and relax, a few minutes of French a day can really help them continue improving their French!

We have created a printable French exercise worksheet for children to learn new words and practice French in a fun day! In this basic French worksheet, they will be able to color pages of their favourite sea animals, learn new vocabulary with a crossword puzzle in French and explain or draw how they wish to spend their vacations. …


Learning a new language can seem like something challenging when you are an adult; however, several studies show that the learning of a foreign language may generate benefits for older individuals, such as enhancement of cognitive functioning.  In addition, learning a new language can represent new socializing opportunities when you are an adult, something that is more challenging for adults than children.

In this article, you will be able to discover and download a French book for beginners, exclusively made by Alliance Francaise Vancouver. …


Learning French or any new language can be challenging; however, there are times when we need to speed up the process because we have a trip coming up or because we saw an opportunity where French skills are needed. So, how long does it take to learn French?  …


American actor Milton Berle said that laughter is an instant vacation. With the summertime just around the corner and school vacations coming, we thought we would share with you a list of funny French jokes for kids that can be shared with them to have a good laugh.
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There are many common mistakes that might be evident to native speakers, but not so evident to French language learners.  If you are at beginner level French, one of this might be the use of c'est and il est.

In this article, we will explain the common rules with examples that will help you know when it is appropriate to use "il est" and "c'est in the French language. 

If …


In this article, we will be going over Netflix series and movies in French for kids. That way your children can practice their listening skills while being entertained! …


We sometimes encounter questions from parents who ask us how they can help their kids learn French outside of the classroom. Depending on the place where you live, it can sometimes be challenging to find the opportunities for them to use their French when it is one of your main languages.

In this article, we will provide you with a list of things you can do to help your kids learn French in a fun and immersive way. …


The TEF Canada test is a French-language skills test that is used for people interested in immigrating to Canada, for working or study permits, permanent residency applications, and/or Canadian citizenship applications. …


It is the Easter weekend, and in our article on Christmas traditions in France, we will explore what the Easter traditions are in France. As you might notice, most of these traditions are centered around food so we will be sharing some Easter food ideas with you!   …


It is National Poetry Month, a month where we celebrate writing, creativity, and verses. In this article we will share with you some simple French poems for kids for your children to work on their oral expression and increase their opportunities to learn new vocabulary.  …


In commemoration of International Children’s Day, we thought it would be great to write about the best French books for kids in 2022. Multiple studies show that reading can strengthen the brain and improve school performance through improved vocabulary, communication skills, prediction skills, and knowledge acquisition.  

Our librarian has selected French books for kids that can help children improve their French and can help boost their reading skills.  …


There are many online streaming services available or online libraries where you can access French films or series. One of those famous platforms is Netflix, in this article we will share will you our list of the best French series on Netflix for adults that are bingeworthy.

Take some time to relax, enjoy, and practice your French from home while watching French series! …


Spring break is just around the corner and children can take that time to practice their French or learn more French in one of our Spring Break Camps!

In this article we will be reminiscing about our childhood and will share with you our favourite French cartoons for kids.  Make better use of TV time and watch these cartoons with your child so that they can practice and listen to French at the same time. …


It's March 8th and today we commemorate International Women's Day, an occasion for us to reflect on the rights and the importance of the role of women in society. 
For this occasion, we've asked a few of our team members at Alliance Française Vancouver to share with us their thoughts on inspirational women in their lives. …


To help our students succeed in their DELF exams, we have created a series of articles that provide tips to think about and work on as part of the DELF A1 preparation for teenagers from Grade 8 to 12.

This article covers the DELF A1 level, specifically for teenagers. There is also a test for children called DELF Prim  which will be covered in another post.  

You will also be able to download a DELF A1 sample guide with exercises  to practice. …


In this article we are going to discuss how to prepare for the DELF B1 exam. As an official centre for DELF and DALF exams in Vancouver, we have the experience and know-how on how to succeed in your DELF B2 test. 

At the end of the article, you’ll be able to download a DELF B2 preparation guide  so you can practice at home.  …


There are common subjects that students tend to confuse when learning French. If you are at beginner level French, one of this might be the use of the past tenses passé composé and imparfait.

In this article, we will explain the common rules that will help clarify the differences between passé composé and imparfait. …


If you are looking into immigrating into Canada, you might be aware that one of the conditions to qualify is that you prove your English and/or French skills. Since it is a choice, some people select to pass the French test for Canadian immigration, also known as the TEF (Test d'Evaluation de Français) Canada. In this article we will give you the necessary information concerning the TEF Canada exam so you can know what to expect when taking the French test to immigrate to Canada. …


On today’s holiday blog series, we will be sharing with you the top 10 Christmas songs for kids in French to help kids practice and learn new words in French! 
We have even included some of these Christmas tracks in our Spotify list “Noel des enfants” so that your children can sing along to these tunes. 
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What would Christmas be without food? It would very probably be less exciting! What are some foods typically served for Christmas in France? Because it is Christmas, there are a lot of options for food. …


Christmas is huge in Paris, the streets are decorated, the shops are full of decorations. It is a really nice time to be in France! Let’s see how they celebrate Christmas in Paris, France! …


The holiday season is here, and we can’t wait to celebrate it with you! In our special blog edition of the Holidays in French, we’ll teach you Christmas words in French, such as, how to say Santa clause in French, Merry Christmas and other holiday expressions. …


Following our series of guides for DELF exams, in this article we are going to discuss how to prepare for the DELF B1 exam. As an official centre for DELF and DALF exams, we’ve got you covered! At the end of the article, you’ll be able to download a DELF B1 sample paper so you can practice at home.  …


If you have been taking French classes for a while, you know that several exams are available to prove your level of French. As the official center for DELF exam in Vancouver, we will give you a few tips on things to think about and work as part of the preparation for your DELF exam.   …


Learning a new language can be both exciting and challenging. Learning a language includes numerous benefits like brain development, knowledge of new cultures, social engagement, and business opportunities. There are also several ways to learn French online. Luckily, the Internet is a wealthy place for information and ideas; as French language experts, here are our suggestions on what are the best ways to learn French online …