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From boosting the brain to reducing pain, joining others in song can bring some wide-ranging benefits. It's that time of year when the air starts to tinkle with angelic voices – or ring with the occasional lusty hymn – as carol singers spread their own indomitable brand of festive joy. All that harking and heralding. It's joyful and triumphant. From the brain to the heart, singing has been found to bring a wide range of benefits to those who do it, particularly if they do it in groups. It can draw people closer together, prime our bodies to fight off disease and even suppress pain. So might it be worth raising your own voice in good cheer? Check-out the rest of the article published on BBC 🎤🎶 So join us for the Père Noël Karaoké - Christmas Sing Along Evening, Sunday, Dec. 14th, 2025, 5:30-7:30 pm Famous Dave's - Kietze, Reno NV

We are delighted to share that the Alliance Française Reno-Tahoe was featured on  2 Plus You Nevada , the popular KTVN lifestyle program hosted by Sarah Johns. The segment, highlighted our organization’s mission to promote French language and culture throughout the Reno-Tahoe region. During the interview , Josette Marsh, President of the Alliance Française Reno-Tahoe, and dedicated volunteer Christophe Duchateau, spoke with Sarah about the history of our chapter, its founding in the community, and the wide range of cultural and educational activities we offer. The conversation also touched on the diverse makeup of our membership—Francophones, Francophiles, students, and community members of all backgrounds who share an interest in French culture. To learn more about our programs, membership, and upcoming events, please visit our website. We hope you’ll tune in tomorrow to celebrate this wonderful moment for our community!

If there is one French ritual that instantly brings out smiles, nostalgia, and that unmistakable joie de vivre , it’s le goûter —France’s beloved late-afternoon treat. Somewhere between a snack and a mini-celebration, the goûter is woven into daily life, from bustling Parisian bakeries to sleepy village schoolyards. And yes… adults absolutely participate. They just pretend it’s “for the kids.” 🍞 What Is “Le Goûter”? In France, le goûter  happens at around 4 p.m. It ’s the sweet pause between a hearty French lunch (often at 12:30 or 1 p.m.) and a later dinner around 7:30 p.m. or even later. Originally designed for hungry schoolchildren, the goûter quickly became a cherished national moment: a bridge between the energy of the day and the calm of the evening. It’s never rushed.It ’s never eaten standing.It ’s a moment of pleasure  and a reminder that daily life deserves sweetness. 🍪 A Bite of Childhood—For Life Ask any French person, and their eyes will light up: the goûter is pure nostalgia.Typical childhood goûters include: Pain au chocolat  (the king of all goûters) Brioche  with a bar of milk chocolate tucked inside Tartine (baguette with butter and jam) Madeleines BN biscuits —the famous smiling cookie Chausson aux pommes  (flaky apple turnover) Compote  and a piece of fruit These simple pleasures follow French children from kindergarten… right into adulthood. 🥐 What Grown-Ups Won’t Admit Aloud While parents pretend the goûter is pour les enfants , you’ll find just as many adults enjoying: a mini-pastry, a square of dark chocolate, or a quiet coffee with something sweet on the side. In France, even office workers say: “Je prends une petite pause sucrée.” ( I’m taking a little sweet break. ) It’s basically goûter… but with plausible deniability. 🎨 What Makes It Culturally French? The goûter embodies several values that make French daily life so unique: ✨ 1. Slow Living No multitasking. No eating while driving.Just a moment to enjoy. 👨‍👩‍👧 2. Family Rhythm Children spill out of school and head straight to the bakery with parents or grandparents. ❤️ 3. Everyday Pleasure It’s small, simple, and accessible to everyone—like a tiny celebration in the middle of the day. 🥖 4. Community Walk into any French bakery at 4 p.m., and you’ll find a lively mix of kids, parents, teens, and neighbors. It’s France, condensed into a single moment. 🍫 Typical Goûter Menu Sweets: Pain au chocolat Croissant or brioche Crêpe with Nutella or sugar Madeleines Fruit tart slice Tartine beurre-confiture Drinks: Chocolat chaud Fruit juice Sirop à l’eau (grenadine or mint!) Tea or coffee for adults 🇺🇸  Why Americans Fall in Love with Le Goûter Here in the U.S.—and especially in RenoTahoe—we’re used to rushing from task to task. The French goûter offers something refreshing: A reminder to pause , to enjoy , and to savor life’s little moments . No guilt.No rush.Just joy. 🥐 Bring a Little Goûter to RenoTahoe Whether you’re in Reno or at Lake Tahoe with a view of the Sierra, go ahead and adopt this French ritual: Pick a pastry.Sit down for five minutes.Savor. Voilà — you’ve just lived a little slice of France.

At Alliance Française RenoTahoe, our members don’t just speak French, OUI! they live the French spirit of discovery, effort, and joie de vivre! This month, we celebrate two inspiring AF families whose passion for cycling carried them across continents - one through the incredible scenic trails of Reno, the other along a 1,500-km journey from southern France to Spain. Part 1 – 1,500 km Through France and Spain Starting in October, The Alliance Française de RenoTahoe's VP in charge of Events, Christophe, took off on an epic 1,500-kilometer bike journey starting in the south of France and crossing into Spain. Riding through historic villages, vineyards, and the Pyrenees foothills, he's experiencing the landscapes that inspired centuries of French writers and artists, and meeting amazing people. He will share lots of stories with us when he returns mid November! “ You discover places you’d never see otherwise. The rhythm of the road slows time, it’s pure freedom,”  he shared. His adventure is a reminder that exploring the world, whether near or far, connects us all through shared experiences and courage. You can check some of his links here as Christophe is still pedaling along! https://www.relive.com/view/vXvLEYkAr7O https://www.relive.com/view/vrqDXz2R7Lq https://www.relive.com/view/vdORz7ojkKO https://www.relive.com/view/vYvrzDj3oLv Part 2 – A Family Ride in Reno Board Member and Treasurer, Misha and his 15-year-old son, recently completed an exceptional 22-mile ride through Reno’s winding hills and breathtaking desert-to-mountain scenery. Check-out the size of the city of Reno in the background! Their shared adventure embodies the values we cherish: family connection, healthy living, and a touch of French endurance! “It was tough, but worth every mile ,” said Sage, smiling proudly beside his father, proof that the next generation of Reno-Tahoe Francophiles already understands le goût de l’effort et de la liberté. You can check out their parcours here: https://www.trailforks.com/ridelog/view/101749469/ Conclusion – The Road Ahead From Reno’s mountainous trails to the Mediterranean coast, these stories remind us that the French spirit is not bound by borders! Félicitations to both our AF Reno-Tahoe members for inspiring us with their determination and sense of adventure! Have a story to share? We’d love to feature more of our members’ achievements, whether a hike, recipe, or voyage that connects you to la culture française.

With summer over, kids back in school, adults returning to work,,,,, France slips into its "normal rhythm. It's more than routine, it's a cultural ritual! It's France’s Season of Renewal Every September, France pauses for la rentrée , the return from summer holidays to school, work, and daily life. More than just “back to school,” it’s a nationwide reset, carrying the optimism and fresh energy of new beginnings. Shops, TV channels, publishers, and cultural institutions all join in. Politics restarts with la rentrée politique , when leaders return from holiday to set agendas, this year with heightened stakes ahead of the presidential election  and a very crucial vote this Monday, Sept. 8, 2025 regarding the fate of the French government! La rentrée littéraire  floods bookstores with hundreds of new titles, as both acclaimed and debut authors compete for prestigious prizes like the Prix Goncourt and Prix Renaudot. Meanwhile, la rentrée médiatique  brings back familiar news anchors, new programs, and lifestyle voices encouraging fresh resolutions. Altogether, la rentrée is more than a calendar shift. It’s a cultural reset that reflects France’s devotion to education, literature, and civic life—an energizing moment when the whole country embraces renewal.

Did you know that a Reno native* was a three-time winner of the Tour de France? The Tour de France is much more than a cycling race—it's a cultural and historical phenomenon full of fascinating stories. We'll be sharing fun facts with you throughout the next month as the race runs from July 5 to July 27, 2025 . Here is the direct link to the official website. Historical Origins: The Tour de France was founded in 1903 by Henri Desgrange, a journalist and editor of the French sports newspaper L'Auto. The race's original purpose was to boost newspaper sales and attract readers. The first Tour de France was a six-stage race, with Maurice Garin winning the inaugural edition. Unique Features: The yellow jersey ("maillot jaune") was introduced in 1919 to easily identify the race leader. The Tour de France doesn't always start in France; it has started in various other European countries. The race is known for its long stages, often exceeding 100 miles in summer-time temperatures. Riders can consume a large amount of calories during the race, around 5,000-7,000 per day. The Alpe d'Huez is one of the most iconic mountain climbs in the Tour de France. The race attracts millions of spectators along the roadside that can sometimes create dangerous havocs. Surprising Facts: Riders in the early days of the Tour de France were often required to forage for food. Some riders in the past were known to use painkillers, alcohol, and even strychnine for performance enhancement. There have been several incidents where riders have died during the race, including Tom Simpson who died on Mont Ventoux in 1967. The Tour de France has been a symbol of French unity and resilience, particularly after World War II. The race has been known to start in Italy, as it did in 2024, with the first four stages taking place in Italy. * Reno native, Greg LeMond, won the Tour de France in 1986, 1989 and 1990.

Meet the People Behind the Alliance Française de RenoTahoe: Celebrating Our Community! We Couldn't Be Here Without Them! You may have heard or met Linda Ciampoli: but do you really know her! Her dreaming in French for the first time? Sailing in Arcachon or Honeymooning in France? In this post, we shine a spotlight on an inspiring member of our community. Linda Ciampoli has had a real love for the French language and culture since she was a junior in high school despite her parents forbidding her to take French because "it was not practical". The Start of a Love Affair with French 1/ Where, when, and how did you fall in love with the French language? I fell in love with the sound of the French langue in junior high school, but my parents wouldn’t let me take French because “it wasn’t practical.” When I got to UCLA, I took French 1 in my freshman year unbeknownst to my parents followed by French 2 and 3 in following years. When I had opportunity to go to Bordeaux, France for the Year Abroad Program, I begged them to let me go. Reluctantly, they capitulated, and my life was forever changed! Then 25 years later, I married my French husband! and translated his memoires, which became a bestselling book: Churchill's Secret Agent. 2/ What elements of French culture appeal to you the most? The cuisine is superb! And I love to pass pleasant hours over a meal while savoring new and different flavors, and participating in engaging conversation. I love the classic French music: the songs and voices of Charles Dumont, Edith Piaf, Charles Aznavour. The nuances of the language itself and its slang (I’argot). The countryside and villages and architectural beauty. Spending time getting to know the differences in culture as I visit France’s many regions. 3/ How would you encourage someone to learn how to speak French? *  Go live in France or in a French-speaking country for a period of time. If that is not possible right now, put it on your bucket list. *  Take conversational classes. *  Seek out French-speaking people and practice with them. *  Subscribe to TV5Monde. *  Watch movies in French. Above all, do not worry about making mistakes.  Everybody does. The goal is to communicate in another language. Just do the best you can and do not self-judge! 4/ What are the most memorable experiences you've had in France or in a French or francophone environment? -- Dreaming in French for the first time. -- Going sailing in Arcachon with my neighbors in Bordeaux, -- Visiting France on my honeymoon in 1991 with my late husband, Max and experiencing his astonishing reactions after not seeing his homeland for 44 years. -- Being surprised with a dinner cruise on the Seine by my cousin Réjane and her children -- Visiting Bretagne and the Châteaux of the Loire with my cousin Réjane -- Visiting Tahiti, Moorea, Huahine-Iti, Bora-Bora on a catamaran with French captain and cook, both from Bretagne -- This March, going skiing in Les Trois Vallées in the French Alps -- Meeting my partner David’s many relatives in France and serving as interpreter -- Staying with my French friends on their barge (péniche) on the Saone River Join us to meet inspiring individuals like Linda and embark on your own journey into the world of French language and culture. Let’s celebrate our passion for French together! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be part of this vibrant community. Learn more about our programs and events at the Alliance Française de RenoTahoe.

Why do Americans favor small talk while the French debate the meaning of life or democracy over dessert? Have you ever asked a simple “How was your weekend?” and received a full-blown existential monologue in return? Welcome to la table française , where conversation isn’t just talk—it’s an art form . At Alliance Française Reno-Tahoe, we love exploring the little cultural things that say a lot—like how Americans lean into light small talk while the French often dive straight into big, bold ideas. Here’s why. 🇺🇸 Small Talk: The American Social Glue In the U.S., chatting about the weather, weekend plans, or your dog’s new toy is perfectly normal—even expected. These quick, casual exchanges build instant comfort and friendliness. They’re brief, upbeat, and often don’t go anywhere deeper. But that’s the point: they’re about connection , not conclusions. 🇫🇷 Deep Dive: The French Intellectual Ritual Meanwhile in France, the conversation stakes are higher. You’re more likely to hear: “Don’t you think late-stage capitalism is eroding our moral fabric?”...vs. “Did you catch the game last night?” The French don’t avoid light topics—they just prefer something meaty . From Rousseau to café culture, France has long celebrated intellectual debate as a sign of wit, culture, and yes—respect. 🕰️ It’s in the History France Enlightenment-era salons were home to thinkers like Voltaire and Diderot. Descartes taught the French to structure arguments clearly ( thèse–antithèse–synthèse ). French education still rewards deep, critical thinking and debate. United States Frontier communities needed friendliness fast—small talk built trust. The Protestant work ethic emphasized practicality over philosophy. A culture of democratic informality means being “too intense” can feel… impolite. 🤝 So what happens when Americans and French folks chat? The secret rules of conversation in France are important to know how to interact with French people. The French might feel underwhelmed: “Why so shallow? Are Americans that uneducated?” The American, on the other hand might feel overwhelmed: “Why so serious? This is boring” Both are valid: one gets you through a quick chat at a local Café, the other gets you through a three-hour gourmet dinner in Bordeaux 😉. In France discussion is an art Wikipedia  has even dedicated a page to the art of conversation. Debating can cover all types of subjects from the most everyday life topics such as the usefulness of roundabouts, to societal subjects such as the acceptance or rejection of the covid19 vaccine, political subjects etc. The confrontation of ideas is part of the national identity, from the highest circles of power to the smallest villages in French regions.  Seen from abroad, these discussions- often long, animated, and passionate, are sometimes criticized for being nothing but rhetorical demonstrations without practical applications.  💡 Bridging the Gap Here’s the good news: you don’t have to pick one. 🇺🇸 If you’re American in a French conversation, don’t be afraid to have an opinion (but be ready to defend it). 🇫🇷 If you’re French in an American setting, embrace small talk , and use it to open the door.

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"Bonjour" is incredibly important in France. The French take greetings seriously. Whether entering a shop or meeting a friend, always start with a “Bonjour, Monsieur/Madame” during the day or “Bonsoir” in the evening. This small act sets a respectful tone. In social settings, it is customary to greet women first, especially when it comes to la bise (cheek kissing). Depending on the region, you may exchange two, three, or even four cheek kisses. If you’re unsure, follow the other person’s lead. Pro Tips: Greet people in elevators when entering ( Bonjour/Bonsoir ) and leaving ( Au revoir ). Let locals initiate la bise . It's the standard, polite greeting, signifying respect and acknowledging someone's presence, even in daily casual situations such as walking into the Boulangerie, post office, even crossing people in your neighborhood or in your hotel. Failing to say "bonjour" can be perceived as rude, dismissive, or even a sign of bad upbringing. It's a fundamental part of French social etiquette and a key to positive interactions. Here's why it's so important: Politeness and Respect: Saying "bonjour" demonstrates courtesy and acknowledges the other person. Social Integration: It's a way of showing you're making an effort to fit in and understand French customs. Neglecting to say "bonjour" can be seen as rude and can hinder interactions. Sets the Tone: It initiates a positive and respectful tone for the conversation that follows. It's used in various contexts, from greeting shopkeepers to entering a store or even an elevator. So when you think that French people are "rude", think about this: Did you say Bonjour? And if you add "Madame or Monsieur", you're certain to get a smile and a Bonjour Madame, Monsieur in return.