It’s officially summer! FINALLY! Summer rhymes with vacation, the sea, relaxation, and travel. But can it also rhyme with learning French? If you’re wondering how to maintain French skills over the summer, you’ve come to the right place. This is a great time to get creative with language learning, so I’ll share my top 5 activities for improving your French this season.
1. Read "un roman de plage"
You + the beach + a good book = paradise!
You can go wrong with a good book on the beach or by a pool. In French, we even have an idiom to talk about the books we read at the beach : un roman de plage.
Why should you read these books to improve your French over the summer? Because they are short, easy to read and absorbing! No matter what your level in French is, there is a book for you! If you are beginner or haven’t experienced reading in French yet, I suggest you to read Lire en Français Facile or Lectures en Français Facile. I always recommend these specific collections because they rewrite French literature for French learners so the vocabulary suits the level, you can listen to the story and you can find quizzes to verify your comprehension.
2. Tell your summer thought a travel diary
Underrated summer activity to maintain French skills
I’ve always loved learning languages, and my Spanish teacher in middle school had great ideas for helping us progress. For example, after a school trip to Barcelona, she asked us to create « un carnet de voyage. » We had to write about our experience in Spanish, and the most creative travel diary won a gift from Barcelona. It was my first time doing a travel diary, and I looooooved it! I spent a lot of time drawing, searching for the perfect photos, making collages, and writing. I took the time to carefully construct my sentences, which helped me improve my Spanish skills so much.
During your vacation, collect everything (tickets, photos, bills, etc.) and spend 30 minutes each day writing about your day in French. You don’t have to dedicate hours to your diary; just 30 minutes will help you maintain French skills over the summer.
3. Do guided tours in your city
Maintain French skills without booking flight
Every city offers guided tours for tourists during the summer. It’s your chance to choose a topic you know nothing about and want to learn more about, or a topic you’re already interested in. We often don’t take the time to explore our own cities, so these « visites guidées » are a great way to learn more about where you live while improving your listening skills.
If you visit a museum, look for « brochures » in French. Written texts are easier to understand! Save them after your visit to put in your travel diary. It’s a double win!
Take your French to the next level
thanks to my workbook, with activities based on artworks such as movies, songs, and paintings. Immerse yourself in the French language and culture with more than 10 challenges! ✨
4. Take French classes
Invest your time to maintain French skills
The days are longer, so we have more time for ourselves. I love spending time relaxing and doing things I didn’t have time for during the rest of the year. I see summer as an opportunity to set new and healthy habits.
Have you been searching for ways to learn French? Do you want to, but don’t know where to start? I know how to help! I offer one-on-one strategic calls to discuss your French-learning experiences and how we can achieve your goals together. This call lasts 30 minutes. It’s totally free. So what are you waiting for?
5. Create something
Work on a creative project in French
I love creative hobbies: crafts, clay, embroidery, scrapbooking, and photography. If you’re like me and feel more inspired in the spring and summer, don’t hesitate to create something in French!
How can I do that?
- Search for French tutorials
- Describe your project to your teacher
- Watch DIY videos on YouTube…
I’ve personally created a Pinterest board for that specifically. I also love following @inesaki__ ‘s DIYs. They’re great, well-explained, and beautiful!
Vocabulaire lié à l'article
- un roman de plage = a book easy to read
- un carnet de voyage = a travel diary
- une visite guidée = a guided tour
- un(e) guide
- une brochure = a booklet
- les vacances (f.) = vacation
- partir en vacances = to go on vacation
- visiter un lieu = to visit
- rendre visite à quelqu'un = to visit someeone
- un contenu = a content
Et toi alors, quels sont tes projets pour cet été ? Dis-le moi en commentaires!
Crédit image : Albert Marquet – Les Sables d’Olonne plage
