Course Description

This lively French course will improve your ability to deal with an array of everyday life situations in French. This level is for students who understand simple, straightforward information and can express themselves in familiar contexts and take part in an everyday conversation on simple, predictable topics.

Using interactive methods to ensure learner engagement and lasting progress, the course will help you develop your vocabulary, oral and written expression, comprehension, and pronunciation.

Geared for learners with an intermediate knowledge of French, the 90-minute class will be held in French, twice a week for a total of 3 hours per week.

About the Instructor

Audrey Charmont has a Masters in Marketing and Communications as well as a DAEFLE (French as a Foreign Language). She has years of French teaching experience in France and abroad.

Course Description

This course is designed for beginners, either for first-time learners or those who want to refresh their French at a basic level.

Throughout the course students will acquire the essential French skills (writing, speaking, pronunciation) needed to function in everyday-life situations.

Each class will take place in a lively and friendly atmosphere that encourages students' enjoyment and active participation. Along with  linguistic exercises, references to French culture and gastronomy will also be presented.

The course meets twice a week for 90 minutes (a total of 3 hrs/week) and is conducted in French. When necessary, supplementary explanations may be given in English.

About the instructor

Nathalie Allain is a native French speaker with a master’s degree in FLE (French as a foreign language) who is also fluent in English, German, and Japanese. To future students, she says: “In addition to textbooks, I like to make French come alive by using the language to discover the culture and history of Paris in one field trip each month.”

 

Course Description

This English Guided Discussion Group is open to people who have a strong intermediate or advanced level of English. Our group leaders suggest interesting topics and readings prior to each group discussion. If you enjoy reading, speaking, presenting, and engaging in diverse topic-centered discussions, this group is for you. In addition to learning and developing through guided conversation with other participants, you will also have the opportunity to get personalized constructive feedback. The group speaks only in English for one
hour.

Ce groupe de discussion guidée anglaise est ouvert aux personnes qui parlent anglais presque couramment (niveaux intermédiaire-avancé ou avancé). Nos animateurs proposent des sujets intéressants et des textes avant chaque groupe. Si vous appréciez la lecture, la communication, la présentation et la participation à des discussions
diverses, ce groupe est pour vous. En plus d’apprendre et se développer à travers des discussions guidées avec d'autres participants, vous aurez également la possibilité d'obtenir des
commentaires constructifs. Ce groupe de discussion guidée est un endroit idéal pour rencontrer d’autres passionnés de la langue anglais. Le groupe ne parle qu’anglais pendant une heure.

Note: A Zoom link will be provided the day before the
course begins. Be sure to check your email for it

Facilitators

The group will be led by several native English speakers of varying interests and backgrounds.

Course Description

This French Guided Discussion Group is open to people who have a strong intermediate or advanced level of French. Group leaders provide participants with engaging weekly readings on a wide range of topics prior to each dynamic and fast-paced seminar. If you enjoy reading, speaking, presenting, and engaging in varied, topic-centered discussions, this group is for you. In addition to learning through focused conversation with other participants, you will also have the opportunity to get personalized constructive feedback. The French Guided Discussion group speaks only in French for 90 minutes which gives participants an excellent space to practice.

About the Instructors

Brice Dardel and Brigitte Le Quere, both native French speakers with extensive experience leading discussions, alternate weekly sessions.

Course Description

This dynamic course will fine tune your abilities in an array of everyday life situations in French. Students at this level have the ability to express themselves on a range of topics. They are comfortable in most situations and have a strong vocabulary with few mistakes. Using interactive methods to ensure learner engagement and lasting progress, the course will facilitate your progress in vocabulary development, oral and written expression, comprehension, and pronunciation. Geared for learners with prior advanced-intermediate French, this course will be held in French once a week for 90 minutes.

About the Instructor

Audrey Charmont has a Masters in Marketing and Communications as well as a DAEFLE (French as a Foreign Language). She has French teaching experience in France and abroad.

Course Description

This dynamic course will fine tune your abilities in an array of everyday life situations in French. Students at this level have the ability to express themselves on a range of topics. They are comfortable in most situations and have a strong vocabulary with few mistakes. Using interactive methods to ensure learner engagement and lasting progress, the course will facilitate your progress in vocabulary development, oral and written expression, comprehension, and pronunciation. Geared for learners with prior advanced-intermediate French, this course will be held in French once a week for 90 minutes.

About the Instructor

Audrey Charmont has a Masters in Marketing and Communications as well as a DAEFLE (French as a Foreign Language). She has French teaching experience in France and abroad.

Friday In-Person French - English Conversation Group

Looking for a relaxed and welcoming place to practice and improve your French or English? WICE conversation groups allow you to practice your language skills in an easy, convivial atmosphere with native speakers.

The Friday group meets upstairs at the Le Nelsons, near Les Halles, from 15:00 - 16:30. Participants are divided into small groups of 5 - 6 people, and the conversations are 45 minutes in French and 45 minutes in English. The subjects are of  the group’s choosing. Though an intermediate level of English and French is expected, there is a wide range of abilities.

There is no need to register, just show up and look for the WICE tables upstairs.

Le Nelsons, 16 Rue Coquillière, 75001. Metro lines 1/4/7/11/14, RER A, B, D, and buses 74, 85

Participation is free with WICE membership.

Friday Online French - English Conversation Group

There is no better way to practice your foreign language than by conversing with native speakers, and WICE can help you do just that.

We meet online (Zoom) every Friday evening (Paris time). Participants are divided into small groups of 5-6 members. We converse 45 minutes in French and 45 minutes in English. Conversations are free-form and address topics of interest to the individual group members.

The group is open to WICE members at all language levels. However, to get the most out of the conversations, an intermediate level in both languages is helpful. 

Participation is free for WICE members.

To participate, contact Mike Franks at: mike.franks@wice-paris.org

Course Description

Discover and discuss masterpieces of American and British cinema in this class for intermediate and advanced English speakers. You’ll watch a film at home on streaming, or borrow the DVD from your local library, before a lively and engaging discussion in class. You’ll be assigned one scene to watch at least three times! Every month you’ll view a film from an influential director so you’ll come to know the stylistic hallmarks of favorite genres and filmmakers.

If you love the movies, this course is an enjoyable way to increase vocabulary, get comfortable with idiomatic expressions, improve your conversational skills, and deepen your understanding of American culture and cinema.

Winter trimester films:

Out of the Past (in French “La Griffe du Passé”) by Jacques TOURNEUR (1947) with Robert Mitchum (Jeff Bailey, also Jeff Markham), Jane Greer (Kathie Moffat), and Kirk Douglas (Whit Sterling). Out of the Past is an acclaimed American film noir, with a complex, fatalistic storyline, dark cinematography, and a classic femme fatale.  In 1991, the film was added to the United States National Film Registry of “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” films.

Five Fingers by Joseph L. MANKIECICZ (1952) (in French “l’affaire Cicéron”), with James Mason (Ulysses Diello / Cicero)and Danielle Darrieux (Countess Anna Staviska), is an American spy film noir. The film is based on the true story of a spy with the code name Cicero who spied for the Nazis during World War II while he was employed as a valet to the British ambassador to Turkey. 

Fat City by John HUSTON (1972) with Stacy Keach (Billy Tully), Jeff Bridges (Ernie Munger), and Susan Tyrrell (Oma Lee Greer, nominated for an Oscar—Academy Award— for Best Supporting Actress). The film follows a former champion boxer (Keach) who trains Ernie, and begins to develop a rivalry with the young fighter on the rise.

About the instructor

Ellen Feldman grew up in Philadelphia and currently lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She holds a Ph.D. in cinema studies from New York University and has taught film studies at the State University of New York, Geneseo campus, and Brooklyn College.

WRITING THE SHORT STORY II

          (Advanced Workshop)

DESCRIPTION

This eight-week online workshop goes beyond the basic elements of short story craft to investigate some of the subtler dimensions of fiction writing.  How do we know what to put in and what to leave out?  How do we invest small moments with meaning?  What makes a story glow with insight rather than sag with a message?  With the help of readings from masters such as Edith Pearlman, Lorrie Moore, Edward P. Jones, and Clarice Lispector, we’ll explore the ways a short story becomes a potent medium for evoking emotion and dramatizing complex human questions. 

By the time the course is over, you’ll have received supportive peer and instructor feedback on several small writing exercises and one full-length short story.  We will also discuss the process of submitting short stories for publication in literary magazines.

YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Noah Weisz has an M.F.A. in Fiction from the University of Texas at Austin and over a decade of experience teaching creative writing. A past winner of the F(r)iction Short Story Contest, the Katherine Paterson Prize, and the Sydney Taylor Manuscript Award, his short stories for children, teens, and adults have been widely published in literary magazines. Based in Paris, he regularly teaches creative writing to undergraduates at Sciences Po as well as to American study-abroad students through CEA CAPA.

A Midsummer Night's Dream" is one of William Shakespeare's most delightful comedies.

The story unfolds in the enchanted forest of Arden, inhabited by fairies just outside ancient Athens. The plot revolves around the romantic entanglements of four Athenian lovers whose passions are manipulated by the fairy king Oberon and his mischievous servant Puck. Amidst their escapades, a group of amateur actors rehearses a play for the Duke's wedding, leading to hilarious misunderstandings and magical transformations. With its intricate plot twists, sparkling wit, and timeless themes of love, illusion, and the transformative power of the imagination, "A Midsummer Night's Dream" remains a beloved masterpiece of Shakespearean comedy, captivating audiences with its charm and whimsy for centuries.

Roughly 12 characters.

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The general concept of WICE play readings is that people are given the script when they arrive, and then pull straws for roles. Attendees sit around a living room and simply read their parts with as much theatrical flourish as they care to give (but there are no expectations of real acting).

The reading will take place at a member's apartment in the Marais. The address, door code, and phone number will be sent in the two reminder emails.

Registration opens on 28 February 2025.

WICE member Valerie Helmbreck-Mascitti (knitting on the left) opens her lovely apartment in the Marais every Thursday afternoon to WICE members for an afternoon of needlework: knitting, crocheting, creweling, embroidery, etc..

Any and all WICE needle workers are welcome to attend. Bring your project, and if you're so inclined, something to nosh on (by no means necessary).

Valerie's apartment is conveniently located near the Arts et Metier metro stop (lines 3 and 11). For more information, send an email to wice@wice-paris.org.                

You have probably heard of the Wallace Fountains, but you may not know much about when and why they were installed in Paris.  This walk will take us by several fountains, and we will learn the fascinating history of Richard Wallace and his generous gifts to the city of Paris.  The walk will end near the Jardin des Plantes where we will see the only Wallace wall fountain still standing in Paris.  

Included in the booking fee you will receive a book with walking routes to find all the Wallace fountains in Paris.

Meet at the exit of Métro station Campo Formio, Line 5, Boulevard de l'Hôpital.

About the organizer: Lee Hubert has lived in Paris since the 1970s and is fascinated by the history of the city.  She is the official guide for the Wallace Fountains Society.  

The registration limit for this event has been reached. Please put your name on the waitlist and you will be notified if a space opens up. Registration for the April Café Littéraire book discussion opens on Saturday, 29 March.

Clara, a young hairdresser in a small town in Burgundy, lives a quiet and predictable life. Her days at Cindy Coiffure are filled with routine conversations, and her personal life feels similarly stagnant. One day, a customer leaves behind a copy of Swann’s Way by Marcel Proust. On a whim, Clara begins reading, unaware that this chance encounter with literature will change her outlook on life.

As she immerses herself in Proust’s world, Clara starts to see her own life differently—her relationships, her job, and the possibilities that lie beyond her small-town existence. The novel explores the transformative power of literature, showing how a single book can ignite self-reflection and inspire change. With humor and warmth, Clara Reads Proust is a celebration of unexpected discoveries and the way stories can reshape our lives.

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Originally published in 2022 in French as Clara lit Proust, the book was translated into English by Polly Mackintosh and released in May 2024.

The group will meet at the organizer's apartment on Île Saint Louis, and discuss the book in English. The  door code, telephone number, etc., will be sent in the reminder emails following registration.

Registration for the March meeting opens on 28 February 2025.

Join fellow WICE members for coffee on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday mornings  of the month (and occasionally the 5th Tuesday) at Les Editeurs with hosts Mary Bartlett and Hilary Kaiser. It's a great opportunity to hang out with fellow WICE members, make new friends, and enjoy those special experiences unique to Paris.

Open to all WICE members, but registration is required. This is a public restaurant, and anyone can go, but WICE reserves 10 seats together, and if you don't register you may not be able to sit with us.

Also, it is expected that all attendees will purchase at least one beverage or other item appropriate for sitting around a café.

Les Editeurs is located at 4 Carrefour de l'Odéon, 75006. It can be reached by metro lines 4 and 10 (Odéon), and busses 58, 87, and 89.

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Tuesday Online French - English Conversation Group

There is no better way to practice your foreign language than by conversing with native speakers, and WICE can help you do just that.

We meet online (Zoom) every Tuesday. Participants are divided into small groups of 5-6 members. We converse 45 minutes in French and 45 minutes in English. Conversations are free-form and address topics of interest to the individual group members.

The group is open to WICE members at all language levels. However, to get the most out of the conversations, an intermediate level in both languages is helpful. 

Participation is free for WICE members.

To participate, contact Mike Franks at: mike.franks@wice-paris.org

Tuesday In-Person French - English Conversation Group

Looking for a relaxed and welcoming place to practice and improve your French or English? WICE conversation groups allow you to practice your language skills in an easy, convivial atmosphere with native speakers.

The Tuesday group meets at the Maison Communale, 69 rue Violet , 75015 Paris from 15:00 - 16:30. Participants are divided into small groups of 5 - 6 people, and the conversations are 45 minutes in French and 45 minutes in English. The subjects are of  the group’s choosing. Though an intermediate level of English and French is expected, there is a wide range of abilities.

There is no need to register, but if you wish to participate in person in Tuesday's group, please contact Ellen Bryson at ellen.bryson@wice-paris.org.

After the conversation group finishes, participants often go the nearby Le Commerce Café, 80 rue du Commerce, for an hour or so of socializing.

Maison Communale, 69 rue Violet , 75015 Paris. Metro line 8 stop Commerce, and busses #42, #70, #88.

Participation is free with WICE membership.

SMALL MOMENTS, EPIC TALES: The Art of Growing Essays into Memoirs

Course Description:

Join a supportive community of international writers to learn how to transform your personal essays into compelling book-length memoirs.

In this intimate ten-week workshop, explore how small moments can blossom into powerful, full-length works by examining the way celebrated authors have successfully expanded their essays into memorable memoirs.

Also, using practical tools such as close reading, discussion, and workshopping your own work, learn to identify the universal themes in your personal narratives and develop them into longer works.

Administrative Notes:

This course is also open to nonmember participants at a slightly higher cost, but a 3-month WICE membership is included.

This class is on ZOOM.

About the Instructor: 

With degrees in journalism and creative writing, Jennifer Lauck is the New York Times and London Times bestselling writer of the memoirs Blackbird, Still Waters, Found and The Summer of ’72.

She has also published a series of interlocking essays in the collection titled Show Me the Way and has had essays published in several anthology collections, including Knitting Yarns. She teaches creative writing in the US and abroad.

• https://blackbirdstudiopdx.com/
• https://jenniferlauck.substack.com/

The registration limit for this event has been reached. Put your name of the waitlist and you will be contacted if a space opens.

The Avenue Montaigne in the 8th arrondissement is one of Paris's leading fashion streets. All the major fashion houses have shops along its length, from Dior and Balenciaga to Chanel, Givenchy and Dolce and Gabbana.

This walk will start at the Pont de l’Alma with an introduction to the history of high fashion in the district and the development of retail and social activity in the area starting under Napoleon. We will continue down Avenue Montaigne stopping and talking about the different designers’ whose shops dominate the street. We will have the opportunity to enter and look around some of them. This walk will interest anyone who loves fashion and the stories behind one of France's leading industries.

Please note this is not a fashion tour i.e. choosing outfits or accessories.

Meeting point: The ‘Diana Flame’ next to the Pont de l’Alma.

Métro station Alma-Marceau Line 9, Pont de l’Alma exit. 

RER C station Pont de l’Alma. Cross the river to the Right Bank.

Buses 42, 63, 72, 80, 92

About the walk leader: Anne Campbell-Crawford has lived in Paris for 16 years and has been a member of Wice for 10 years. Her interest in fashion started with her parents who talked about Chanel, Dior and the Bussac millionaire who bankrolled fashion in France during the period of these two famous designers. Later on, Anne worked as a model which furthered her interest in fashion as well as performing classical ballet and contemporary dance. Her other main interests are ballet and keeping healthy through exercise: she is a French-trained Pilates teacher.

Come enjoy a lively lunch with fellow WICE members. Catch up with old friends and meet new ones over a fun and leisurely meal in a charming café in the Latin Quarter.

You pay for what you eat and drink, no extra fees, but registration is required.

Served by metro line 10 (Sorbonne-Cluny), metro line 4 (Saint Michel), and busses 21, 27, 38, 63, 86, 87, and 96.

Free for WICE members! Come with us on a captivating journey where literature and history intertwine to offer a uniquely vivid perspective on France's past. You’ll plunge into a vibrant tapestry of pivotal events, cultural shifts, and influential figures…while falling under the spell of some of France’s best historical novelists.  And then the discussion begins!

Our meetings take place in French so you'll enhance your understanding of the past while simultaneously improving your French reading, comprehension, and speaking skills in a friendly convivial group.

Group facilitator: Claudia Oudet, French teacher, editor, and translator, will offer linguistic help and literary/historical insights.

We'll meet in person at Le Nelson's Café,

16 rue Coquillière, 75001 Paris

Métro : Lignes 1/4/7/11/14 RER A/B/D Châtelet Les Halles 
Bus : 74 – 85 : Louvre – Etienne Marcel / Bourse du commerce

Préparez-vous à discuter:

"Les Rois maudits, tome 1: Le Roi de fer" est le premier volume de la série historique de Maurice Druon, qui retrace les événements du XIVe siècle en France. Ce tome se concentre sur le règne de Philippe IV le Bel, un monarque impitoyable qui, pour renforcer son pouvoir, ordonne l'arrestation et l'exécution des Templiers. Avant de mourir sur le bûcher, le grand maître Jacques de Molay lance une malédiction sur le roi et ses héritiers, prédisant leur chute imminente. Cette série est reconnue pour sa richesse historique et ses intrigues complexes, offrant une immersion profonde dans les luttes de pouvoir de l'époque médiévale.

Come prepared to discuss:

“Les Rois maudits, tome 1: Le Roi de fer” is the first volume in Maurice Druon's historical series, retracing the events of 14th-century France. This volume focuses on the reign of Philip IV the Fair, a ruthless monarch who, to strengthen his power, ordered the arrest and execution of the Knights Templar. Before dying at the stake, Grand Master Jacques de Molay puts a curse on the king and his heirs, predicting their imminent downfall. The series is renowned for its rich history and complex plots, offering a deep immersion in the power struggles of the medieval era.

Friday In-Person French - English Conversation Group

Looking for a relaxed and welcoming place to practice and improve your French or English? WICE conversation groups allow you to practice your language skills in an easy, convivial atmosphere with native speakers.

The Friday group meets upstairs at the Le Nelsons, near Les Halles, from 15:00 - 16:30. Participants are divided into small groups of 5 - 6 people, and the conversations are 45 minutes in French and 45 minutes in English. The subjects are of  the group’s choosing. Though an intermediate level of English and French is expected, there is a wide range of abilities.

There is no need to register, just show up and look for the WICE tables upstairs.

Le Nelsons, 16 Rue Coquillière, 75001. Metro lines 1/4/7/11/14, RER A, B, D, and buses 74, 85

Participation is free with WICE membership.

Friday Online French - English Conversation Group

There is no better way to practice your foreign language than by conversing with native speakers, and WICE can help you do just that.

We meet online (Zoom) every Friday evening (Paris time). Participants are divided into small groups of 5-6 members. We converse 45 minutes in French and 45 minutes in English. Conversations are free-form and address topics of interest to the individual group members.

The group is open to WICE members at all language levels. However, to get the most out of the conversations, an intermediate level in both languages is helpful. 

Participation is free for WICE members.

To participate, contact Mike Franks at: mike.franks@wice-paris.org

Discover Stories Through Your Lens at the Iconic Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen

Join professional fine art photographer Juan Manuel Abellán for an immersive street photography workshop at one of Paris’s most vibrant and eclectic locations—the famous Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen. This unique setting offers endless inspiration, from intriguing characters and bustling alleyways to hidden treasures and vintage curiosities. Learn how to capture the essence of this dynamic market while honing your photography skills.

What to Expect:

• Theoretical session: Begin with a discussion on the art of street photography, including composition, lighting, and capturing candid moments.
• On-the-ground shooting experience: Explore the dynamic Marché aux Puces streets alongside Juan, learning how to approach and photograph the urban environment creatively and respectfully.
• Personalized feedback: Receive tailored tips and advice on your work as you refine your craft.
• Group discussion and reflection: End the day with a review of your photos, sharing insights with fellow participants over a cup of coffee.

____

The class begins with a brief photography lesson at a cozy café*, followed by a guided exploration of the area with photography assignments. The tutor will be available to answer all your questions throughout the session.

At the end we will have a friendly feedback session, where we will review and analyze your images, providing suggestions for improvement.

*Please note: Personal costs at the café are not covered.

Requirements:

- Suitable for photography and art lovers of all levels.
- Suitable for all kinds of digital cameras and smart phones.

About the Instructor

   Juan Manuel Abellán is a professional fine art photographer and photography tutor based in Paris since 2007. He graduated in Advertising and Visual Arts and holds a Master in Art, Philosophy and Aesthetics, specializing in Photography and Contemporary Art. He has worked with the agency Magnum Photo and exhibited his work in several exhibitions, including the Centre Georges Pompidou. Passionate about photography, Juan Manuel works as a freelance photographer specializing in portrait, reportage and fine art photography. He also leads photography adventure tours around the world.

www.juanmanuelabellan.com 

https://www.instagram.com/juanmanuelabellan/

Photo Credits

1. Kai Pilger

2. Juan Manuel Abellán

Course Description

This lively French course will improve your ability to deal with an array of everyday life situations in French. This level is for students who understand simple, straightforward information and can express themselves in familiar contexts and take part in an everyday conversation on simple, predictable topics.

Using interactive methods to ensure learner engagement and lasting progress, the course will help you develop your vocabulary, oral and written expression, comprehension, and pronunciation.

Geared for learners with an intermediate knowledge of French, the 90-minute class will be held in French, twice a week for a total of 3 hours per week.

Tuition reduced to reflect the many spring holidays. The class will not meet on the following dates: 21 April; 1, 8, 29 May; 9 June.
Contact Languages@wice-paris.org with any questions.

About the Instructor

Audrey Charmont has a Masters in Marketing and Communications as well as a DAEFLE (French as a Foreign Language). She has years of French teaching experience in France and abroad.

Course Description

This course is designed for beginners, either for first-time learners or those who want to refresh their French at a basic level.

Throughout the course students will acquire the essential French skills (writing, speaking, pronunciation) needed to function in everyday-life situations.

Each class will take place in a lively and friendly atmosphere that encourages students' enjoyment and active participation. Along with  linguistic exercises, references to French culture and gastronomy will also be presented.

The course meets twice a week for 90 minutes (a total of 3 hrs/week) and is conducted in French. When necessary, supplementary explanations may be given in English.

Tuition reduced to reflect the many spring holidays.
The class does not meet on French holidays: 21 April; 1, 8, 29 May; 9 June.
Contact Languages@wice-paris.org with any questions

About the instructor

Nathalie Allain is a native French speaker with a master’s degree in FLE (French as a foreign language) who is also fluent in English, German, and Japanese. To future students, she says: “In addition to textbooks, I like to make French come alive by using the language to discover the culture and history of Paris in one field trip each month.”

Tuition reduced to reflect the many spring holidays.
The class does not meet on French holidays: 21 April; 1, 8, 29 May; 9 June.
Contact Languages@wice-paris.org with any questions.