A French Escape
Bonjour! Je m’appelle Chloé and I have always wanted to speak French and live a French lifestyle. I went to live the dream in Provence, and through various teaching jobs and friendships, I got to grips with the lingo. After 4 years I returned home and wanted to keep up my French, but couldn’t find a course that felt nurturing and people-focused over performance-focused. I wished for a slice of my French life and wanted to share the culture with others. How could I incorporate this into life back home?
I was looking for purpose, so I set off to Southbourne to sit, enjoy a coffee, and think. Whilst flicking through job sites and staring blankly into my coffee, someone on the next table suggested that I think of my two favourite things, put them together, and do that! Et Voila... Coffee Time French was born!
We began with just three students and four coffees around a table at Velo Domestique. Since then, we have taught hundreds of people in coffee shops, bars and online, from all over the globe, and put on many a French themed event such as wine tastings, pétanque parties, crêpes & cidre nights and Bastille soirées with my dear friend Marie at Ab Fab French.
What I discovered whilst learning French in France as a complete beginner is that I felt very vulnerable and, quite often, stupid. I didn’t have a safe place in which to make mistakes. So I decided that my courses would be held in relaxed, uplifting venues (not classrooms) with super supportive teachers who give you the opportunity and self-belief to speak out. The main aim at Coffee Time French is to build your confidence. “Strong and wrong!” I say to my students. “It’s good to make mistakes as you’ll actually learn and remember more!"
Just being given the space to have a go and step out into a new language is what CTF can offer. Our motto is: courage (bravery), exposition (exposure), répétition (repetition/practice). Each lesson and topic - we learn in themes - is based around this notion.
I believe that the space we learn in influences how we feel. If we feel good in a space, we’ll enjoy ourselves, and learn more. Southbourne is the perfect place to host with its vast array of cafes and bars. We currently learn at Velo Domestique and The Brewhouse & Kitchen, and I love these venues as it feels like a little holiday away just for an hour a week. We meet on Wednesdays to enjoy a coffee (AM classes) or a glass of wine (PM classes). We also meet online, which has remained popular after setting up courses during lockdown.
Coffee Time French is much more than worksheets, verb tables and homework. It’s a French learning community where we support, listen and learn from one another. People enjoy what we do, and they stay because not only do they learn French, they make special friendships.
In September, CTF launched our first immersion retreat days where you can be around the language and culture without having to travel across the English Channel. These days include coffee, croissants and chats with natives; yoga, lunch, and even wine tasting - all in French and suitable for any level.
With autumn comes ‘La Rentrée’ (back to school). Attention turns from summer fun to a new start. We’re going into our 9th year and I am as enthusiastic to teach and learn as the day I founded Coffee Time French with those two words! I don’t know who you were, but a big merci to you as I have found my passion and purpose.
Coffee Time French courses take place in cafés across Bournemouth and online. Visit coffeetimefrench.com to view Chloé's schedule.
