In Real Life

As a French as a Foreign Language teacher –and ex-translator from English into French–, I like to keep track of local resources in terms of language learning opportunities. So here is a non-exhaustive list of language classes and conversation groups, which are free or almost free in the St.-Palais – Sauveterre – Salies-de-Béarn area. Most of them are hosted by the following Espaces de Vie Sociale:

I sometimes get requests that I cannot fulfill because they're not quite  what I do, which is French lessons to non native speakers –young adults and adults–, or because they just don’t fit in my timetable. I am myself a member of a French-English conversation group, which allows me to brush up on my English while trying to explain French tricky peculiarities in a relaxed atmosphere.

Most of the time, these classes are pro bono initiatives with very small or no fees, and will require you to become a member of the local association that hosts them. A nice way to see what's going on in the area, and become involved in other activities.

Langues (really) vivantes

First I started by gathering information about French and English conversation groups and classes. However, along the way, I also gleaned information about other languages and added them to my list. The more the merrier!  

Speaking of which... In the French school system, we use the term Langues Vivantes, which literally means “Living Languages”, to designate any language that is spoken nowadays across the globe, in contrast to Langue Mortes, which literally means “Dead Languages” i.e. languages that are no longer spoken, like Latin and Greek.

Online courses do thrive all over the Internet, I myself give video lessons when necessary. It is nice to remember that online learning is just one step in your journey towards speaking and understanding a new language and that whenever the opportunity arises, you should practice your new language in real life. That's what "living languages" are about, aren't they?

Conversation groups

What: French and English Conversation. All levels. Just turn up when you fancy going. Mixed crowd of native French and native English speakers. Épicerie Sans Fin Membership (10 €) + 1 € for the coffee.

Where: L’Épicerie Sans Fin, rue Léon Bérard, Sauveterre-de-Béarn.

When: Thursday mornings, 10 to 11 a.m.

More info: Cécile or Marie-Catherine from the Épicerie: 09 86 60 56 51 / contact@lepiceriesansfin.org

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What: French and English Conversation. Has just started, so no feedback yet! Amalia registration (10 €).

Where: Amalia, 5 rue Gambetta (top floor), 64120 Saint-Palais.

When: Saturday mornings, 10 to 11 a.m. (French) and 11 to 12 p.m. (English), every 2 weeks:  26/09 - 10/10 - 24/10 - 07/11 - 21/11 - 05/12 - 19/12

More info: Elena from Amalia: 07 86 48 58 54 / assoamalia@gmail.com

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What: French and English Conversation, not for beginners. Library subscription (12 €).

Where: Bibliothèque, 1 rue des Bains, 64270 Salies-de-Béarn.

When: Wednesday mornings 10 to 11:30 a.m.

More info: David: 09 61 58 95 67

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What: Bearnese Conversation. Épicerie Sans Fin membership (10 €).

Where: Épicerie Sans Fin, rue Léon Bérard, 64390 Sauveterre-de-Béarn.

When: Saturday mornings 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

More info: Cécile or Marie-Catherine from the Épicerie: 09 86 60 56 51 / contact@lepiceriesansfin.org

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What: Spanish conversation. 2 groups on Mondays (note: a learners’ class for beginners is in the pipeline). 2 € per lesson + Le Savoir Partagé membership (single 20 €, couple 30 €)/

Where: 2 Avenue Al Cartero, 64270 Salies-de-Béarn

When: The 2 groups are on Mondays at 2:30 and 4.

More info: Gwendoline: 07 83 16 40 97 – lesavoirpartageassociation@gmail.com

Language Classes

What: French learning “class”, even though it is not quite a “class” in the usual sense of the term –there is not a set class, but students and teachers work in pairs or very small groups according to their needs. A few books are available on the premises. All levels, illiterate students are welcome. No fees.

Where: Amalia, 5 rue Gambetta (top floor), 64120 Saint-Palais.

When: Monday and Thursday evenings, 6-7:30 p.m.

More info: Annie: 06 85 94 61 12

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What: French classes for non-native speakers. When possible, classes are created – a small group of beginners is currently running on Mondays. 2 € per lesson + Le Savoir Partagé membership (single 20 €, couple 30 €).

Where: 2 Avenue Al Cartero, 64270 Salies-de-Béarn

When: Days and times to be arranged with the association's pro bono French teacher. Currently, one beginners’ group on Mondays.

More info: Gwendoline: 07 83 16 40 97 – lesavoirpartageassociation@gmail.com

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What: B1-B2 English Class with a Pro bono American teacher. Beginners and advanced classes, as well as conversation classes may open depending on demand. 2 € per lesson + Le Savoir Partagé membership (single 20 €, couple 30 €).

Where: 2 Avenue Al Cartero, 64270 Salies-de-Béarn

When: B1-B2 class on Wednesday afternoons, 3 to 4 p.m.

More info: Gwendoline: 07 83 16 40 97 – lesavoirpartageassociation@gmail.com