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Quote: Originally posted by Jayney-wayney on 06/7/2007

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I am off to Camping De La Touche for a week in September and my french is limited to 'o' level 25 years ago. I would like to be able to at least understand, and speak a little so does anyone have any ideas on how to 'brush up'?

Are there any free/very cheap learning packages out there?

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Quote: Originally posted by Jayney-wayney on 06/7/2007

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I am off to Camping De La Touche for a week in September and my french is limited to 'o' level 25 years ago. I would like to be able to at least understand, and speak a little so does anyone have any ideas on how to 'brush up'?

Are there any free/very cheap learning packages out there?

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Snap! I too did "o" level French 25 years ago. I bought a French phrase book last week to"refresh".  I can remember the basics but I reckon I'll panic if someones starts a conversation with me.

Paul

  Hiya, I to have the michel thomas coarse 8 cd's, fantastic way to learn he makes it real simple anyway if you take a look at demonoid you should be able to download from there as well as loads more, you could always try the podcasts from the bbc web site as well. marc

I feel the only way to learn a language properly is to spend time in that country and practise by listening and saying. Something you cant do on two weeks holiday. I've used tapes and books and can just basiclly get by but the problem arises when you ask for something and the reply comes in French. They speak so fast you can only try and pick out one or two words and try to work it out. But they do appreciate you having a go. At the caravan site try booking in in French. Ok so far. Then the receptionist replies in perfect English. End of conversation because you just reply in English. So with the best intentions the books do help a little but in reality you need to go into a bar and try to strike up a conversation, or listen to the talk in a supermarket queue. You need someone who doesn't speak English and then try out your French. One of the hardest parts of the language I found was trying to come to terms with the verbs. It's a minefield.

Au revoir et Bon Soir

harryb

There's a handy website where ya can brush up on umpteen lingos and it's free.

It's the BYKI website. (Before You Know It)

http://www.byki.com

It does it by flash cards, (have to have the sound on of course), and is excellent.

It's brill for brushing up lingos ya already know but I've also used it to learn a bit of  Swedish not being able to get me hands on a phrase book in time. Very helpful it is too. Trouble is, they keep sending me emails to let me know that updates are now available and I'm not likely to need me Swedish much around here!

You'll be surprised how it all comes flooding back to you when you get off the ferry in France though! I hadn't used my schoolgirl French since leaving school aged 17 until a trip when I was a student nurse aged 19 and then not again until we went as a family some 11 years later. But.....it all starts coming back to me the minute we're on the SeaFrance ferry

Btw....it's just dawned on me, that where you're going Camping De La Touche? I'm pretty sure that's run by Floydfan so ya won't need much Francais once you're ensconced methinks? Maybe just your basics about getting fuel and grub en route and....if you haven't got that European Sat Nav gismo, perhaps brush up on your finding and understanding directions Unless you're planning to do lots of sightseeing a courseMe, personally......I'd just be happy to get there, get pitched and slob out for the duration.

Hi , La Touche has been taken over by english owners,the onsite managers are Neil and Rachel,and my OH Steve and i still work here. The area here is very friendly,and as long as you make a small effort to speak french the locals will meet you half way.In fact we find alot of the french want to learn more english !!

Look forward to seeing you in September

  Helen

Hi Helen!

Hope you and Steve are well and enjoying the season? Have you still got that HUGE barmy dog? We keep meaning to come over and catch up, but time just marches on! Hope Neil & Rachel have settled in well? Give them our regards?

HC - NO! Camping de la Touche is owned by John & Roz Green now, and managed by Neil & Rachel and ably assisted by Steve & Helen. We own Le Chant d'Oiseau! On the opposite side of the Loire - Just to save any confusion!

Quote: Originally posted by Floydfan on 07/7/2007

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Hi Helen!

Hope you and Steve are well and enjoying the season? Have you still got that HUGE barmy dog? We keep meaning to come over and catch up, but time just marches on! Hope Neil & Rachel have settled in well? Give them our regards?

HC - NO! Camping de la Touche is owned by John & Roz Green now, and managed by Neil & Rachel and ably assisted by Steve & Helen. We own Le Chant d'Oiseau! On the opposite side of the Loire - Just to save any confusion!

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Knew it was some Brit or otherSorry Floyd

And sorry to Neil and Rachel too....humble pologies. Ya know I'm easily confuddled