Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Finding French Culture in Charlottesville: Stephan Warden








Stephan Warden is the first person I’ve interviewed for the Finding French Culture in Charlottesville blog series. I wanted to interview him because has been a fun person to interact with in my French class this semester, and I wanted to learn more about his background. His mother is French and his father is American, so I asked him about what it is like to be in France with an American background and the United States with a French background. He joked about how he wears darker clothes when in France, particularly in Paris, so he doesn’t appear like the standard American tourist. He mentioned how communication with his mother’s family in France can be difficult at times since they mainly only speak French, and sometimes there are some French slang words that he doesn’t understand. I asked him how he copes with moments like that, and he just smiled and replied that he normally just smiles, laughs, and keeps it going. When at UVA, Stephan embraces his French background as an important part of his identity. Stephan loves French literature and taking French classes as a way to maintain his French culture.

Posted by Itohan Omorodion
-AFC Stagaire  

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Finding French Culture in Charlottesville: Riya et la ville de Lyon






Riya Jadeja is a third year French and Psychology major who spent this past summer in the beautiful town of Lyon! 

For Riya, French culture means an exploration into the art world and years of glorious history. She equates French to the "poetry of nations" because the language is so rich with history and passion that many people can't help but indulge into. Her time in Lyon really opened her eyes to all the history and art that France had to offer

She hopes to go back to Lyon real soon but until then she will relive those days through all the pictures she took while she was there

Merci beaucoup Riya for sharing!

-Claudia Kuchler
Stagiare de Alliance Francaise de Charlottesville

Friday, December 4, 2015

Finding French Culture in Charlottesville: MarieBette

Salut tout le monde! 

This week's spotlight shines on our favorite European-style café, MarieBette! 


A restaurant and café, their breads, pastries, sandwiches & coffee are of a quality only matched en France, all made with locally sourced ingredients!

According to their website, they believe that the local bakery is the heart of the community and are proud to provide Charlottesville with the most basic of human needs—good bread and a place to gather and connect. 

One bite of a MarieBette croissant took me on a walk back down the Champs d'Élysées, with the Arche de Triomphe en face and the sounds of French all around.

Check out their menu here: http://www.mariebette.com/#european-inspired