Coffee Break French

We're back with the next episode of  La grande chasse au trésor de Coffee Break de 2025 , our virtual treasure hunt across Europe! Join us as we reveal clue number two which takes us one step closer to our final location. As we continue through this mini series we'll discover further clues to help you solve the mystery. Remember, you could be in with a chance of winning some great prizes! For...

Welcome to the first episode of  La grande chasse au trésor de Coffee Break de 2025 , our virtual treasure hunt across Europe!   Join us in this first episode as we reveal the initial clue. As you continue through this mini series you’ll discover further clues, solve the mystery and practise your French. For further details about how you can take part, click here . Hosted on Acast. See a...

New mini-series! Starting on Monday 20th October, join Mark and the Coffee Break French Team for a virtual treasure hunt across Europe, in which we'll discover clues, solve the mystery and practise our French. This is not just a language lesson – it's a competition! By taking part you could win some amazing prizes which will help you take your French to the next level. For everything you need to k...

We're back with a new episode, bringing you a little espresso lesson in between the main seasons of Coffee Break French. Today, Hélène will be tackling one of the most common conversation topics: la météo (the weather)!  From asking Quel temps fait-il ? to using colourful French expressions like il fait un temps de chien (the weather is terrible) and il pleut des cordes (it’s pouring), you’ll...

In this espresso-style episode, Hélène explores one of France’s most cherished traditions: les vendanges (the grape harvest).  You’ll learn how vineyards across Bordeaux, Bourgogne and Champagne come alive during this busy season, and we’ll take a closer look at les vendanges tardives (the late harvest) that creates some of the sweetest wines. Santé ! 🥂 📩 Want more French tips and cultural...

Join Max for a coffee break in which he explores five common French idioms featuring the word main (hand). You’ll discover what each expression means, hear examples in context, and learn how to use them naturally in your own conversations. By the end, you’ll be ready to recognise and use phrases like donner un coup de main and more with confidence. ✅ Subscribe to the Coffee Break French newslette...

Join Max for a coffee break in which he takes a closer look at lequel , laquelle , lesquels and lesquelles . Rather than a grammar-heavy lesson, this episode focuses on real examples to show you why each form is used, helping you understand them in context. You’ll also get a chance to practise along with Max so you can start using these words more confidently in your own French. ✅ Subscribe to th...

Join Max for a Coffee Break in which he explores the many meanings of the word 'tour' in French. You'll find out why it can be either masculine or feminine depending on the context. You’ll also hear lots of examples to help you tell the difference between le tour and la tour , as well as some set phrases with tips on how to use them naturally when speaking. You'll sound like a native speaker in no...

In this espresso episode, join Mark as he shares practical tips to help you make the most of the little moments in your day and turn them into powerful opportunities for language learning! 💪 Discover how his recent trip to Slovenia taught him how his small interactions can help you build confidence and momentum in your learning. You’ll also get a taste of exclusive resources from the Coffee Break...

Join Max for a coffee break in which he will explain how to make comparisons with nouns using plus de and moins de . You’ll learn how to form these structures, hear plenty of examples in context and pick up tips to make your comparisons sound natural and accurate.  By the end, you’ll feel confident saying things like plus de livres , moins de films , and much more. ✅ Access more content like...

Ready to improve your French skills with our short, espresso-like episode? Today, Hélène from the Coffee Break French team explains the difference between grâce à and à cause de . These two phrases both translate to 'because of', but with very different connotations. Learn how to use them correctly and avoid common mistakes in your conversations. 🗨️ ➡️ For more content like this and to receive reg...

Join Hélène from the Coffee Break French team for a coffee break, in which you'll have the chance to practise and improve your French over just 10 minutes. In this episode, she explores classic French proverbs like: la parole est d’argent, le silence est d’or and tout ce qui brille n’est pas or. She explains their meanings and how to use them in everyday conversation, helping you sound more like a...

Headed to a French-speaking country and planning a little shopping? 🛍️ Join Hélène for a coffee break, in which you'll have the chance to practise and improve your French in under 10 minutes. In this quick episode, Hélène teaches you how to say and ask for your shoe size in French and how to talk about different types of chaussures .👠👞 ➡️ To access more French content and to keep improving your...

Join Mark, the founder of Coffee Break Languages, for a coffee break, in which you'll hear tips and ideas to boost your language-learning journey in just a few minutes. In this episode, Mark shares five tips to make any trip your language classroom, even if travelling is not an option for you just now. So, if you're planning a trip to a French-speaking destination or want to get some tips for imme...

We're back with a new episode, bringing you a little espresso lesson in between the main seasons of Coffee Break French. In this mini-lesson, we’ll explore the fascinating origins of the beloved flaky and buttery French pastry 🥐. Believe it or not, the croissant’s history isn’t actually French! Hélène from the Coffee Break French team shares the intriguing story behind this cultural icon and brea...

Since we've recently finished Season 1 of Scenes from the Coffee Break French Café, here is a short mini-lesson to keep your French ticking over until we launch our next podcast series! In today's episode, we'll hear from Hélène from the Coffee Break French team. What can you expect from today's episode? We'll explore French vocabulary for talking about holidays and time off. ☀️ Whether you’re des...

It’s the big day in this final chapter of Scenes, the village festival has arrived! Chez Nico is at the heart of the action, bringing locals together for a day of fun, food, and festivities. This episode explores key language points, including se régaler and inoubliable . Join us for this final chapter of Scenes, a perfect way to celebrate your progress in French! Click here to access the premium...

In chapter 9 of Scenes, Jérôme considers a big career change, but he’s not sure if he’s up for the challenge. With help from friends, he prepares to apply for a new job, but will he go through with it? Mark and Hélène discuss useful vocabulary such as lettre de motivation , stressé , and postuler . Ne manquez pas ce nouvel épisode passionnant de Scenes ! Click here to access the premium course of...

In chapter 8 of Scenes, a surprise visit brings exciting news to the café as a familiar face shares their latest achievement. Meanwhile, Nico takes a moment to appreciate the unique encounters his café brings. In this episode, you’ll learn key expressions like se rendre compte , un rôle (dans un film) , and radieuse . Continuez à améliorer votre français avec ce nouveau chapitre de Scenes ! Click...

Love is in the air Chez Nico in chapter 7 of Scenes! A chance encounter on the café terrace leads to an unexpected romance, while Nico reflects on preparing for the busy summer ahead. Mark and Hélène highlight useful language points, including un clin d’œil and se douter de . Rejoignez-nous et écoutez cet épisode captivant de Scenes ! Click here to access the premium course of Scenes , which inclu...

As the summer heat rises in Chapter six of Scenes, an elderly customer suddenly feels unwell Chez Nico . While the regulars rush to help, a familiar face returns, sparking curiosity about her mysterious habits. This episode explores useful grammar and vocabulary, including se précipiter and se calmer . Ne manquez pas ce nouveau chapitre captivant de Scenes ! Click here to access the premium course...

In Chapter 5 of Scenes, the café is packed for its first karaoke night. Even the regulars take to the stage, some with more success than others! Meanwhile, a surprise reunion leads to an exciting announcement. This chapter introduces useful expressions like s’assurer que , marquer le coup , and the agreement of past participles with avoir . Ne ratez pas ça, écoutez dès maintenant ce dernier épisod...

In Chapter 4 of Scenes, we meet two of Chez Nico’s regulars, whose lively debate about a village event brings energy to the café. Will they ever se mettre d’accord ? Alongside the story, Mark and Hélène highlight key language points with interesting verbs like se chamailler . Continuez à améliorer votre français avec ce nouvel épisode captivant de Scenes ! Click here to access the premium course o...

Join Mark and Hélène as the story continues in Chapter 3 of Scenes! Bad weather causes trouble for Jérôme and his bar de plage , but his laid-back attitude keeps things under control. Meanwhile, the café fills up with weekend customers looking for shelter. This lesson introduces useful grammar and vocabulary including débarquer , and prendre l’eau . Allez écouter ce nouveau chapitre de Scenes , it...

Join Mark and Hélène for the second chapter in the engaging Scenes series! In this episode, the lively atmosphere at Chez Nico takes an exciting turn when Ségolène shares some big family news. Meanwhile, a customer faces a tricky language challenge with visiting tourists. This chapter introduces some useful vocabulary like maternité , renverser , and se débrouiller , all within a natural and immer...