Ideally, learning French is a regular effort. But holidays, when we take a break, are prime time for forgetting.
If you cannot travel to France or a French-speaking country, here are 5 simple tips to keep up your level without even thinking about it.
Key takeaways
- Read the news in French 10 to 20 minutes a day to build vocabulary.
- Watch French films at the cinema or streaming to train your ear.
- Listen to French radio and songs to absorb the language effortlessly.
- Take a good French book to the beach, ideally a popular author.
- Keep a weekly lesson to maintain your spoken French.
5 tips to keep up your French during the holidays
These five habits cover reading, listening and speaking, without turning your holidays into revision.
| The tip | What it works on |
|---|---|
| Read the news in French | Vocabulary and current events, 10 to 20 min a day |
| Watch French films | Listening comprehension and the accent |
| Listen to the radio | Your ear and expressions, effortlessly |
| Read a book at the beach | Reading comprehension, for pleasure |
| Keep a weekly lesson | Speaking practice, wherever you are |
The 5 tips in detail
1. Read the news in French
Check French-language news sites: the major French newspapers are available on smartphone. Spending 10 to 20 minutes a day keeps you up to date and builds your vocabulary. You will soon be able to talk in French about what is happening in France and around the world.
2. Watch French films
French cinema is very rich and the best films are also released internationally. Check your local cinema listings, or look for a French film on a streaming service. It is excellent training for your ear and accent.
3. Listen to the radio
If you enjoy French songs, listen to the current hits on the radio, available online. Popular songs come back often: by hearing them repeatedly, you learn them without even realising it.
4. Buy a good French book for the beach
Going to the beach does not stop you from reading in French and enjoying a good book. Pick a popular contemporary author: if the book is a bestseller, chances are you will like it.
5. Keep a weekly lesson
Once your reading and listening are kept up, speaking remains. A 30-minute online French lesson, once or twice a week, is enough to keep your French active, whether you are at home or on holiday.
Tip: Turn on French subtitles (not in your own language) on films and series. You link the sound to the written word and progress twice as fast.
Take it further
To keep your French active even on holiday, book an online lesson with a native French teacher: 30 minutes a week is enough, and the first trial lesson is free.
Frequently asked questions
How do I avoid forgetting my French over the holidays?
Keep a light daily contact: read the news in French, watch films, listen to the radio, read a book, and keep a short weekly lesson for speaking.
How much time a day is enough?
10 to 20 minutes of reading the news is enough to maintain vocabulary. Add a 30-minute lesson once or twice a week for speaking.
Do films and radio really help?
Yes. They train your ear for the accent and expressions naturally, especially with French subtitles.
What book should I pick for the beach?
A popular contemporary author, ideally a bestseller: reading stays enjoyable and your reading comprehension improves effortlessly.
Can I take a lesson on holiday?
Yes. A 30-minute online lesson can be taken anywhere, at home or on holiday. The first trial lesson is free.
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