Coffee Break French

On Track is our new series: a five-day race across Europe by train. Two teams of Coffee Break language experts, ten cities in four countries, and language challenges at every stop. Team Green is Francesca, from Coffee Break Italian, and Pablo, from Coffee Break Spanish. Team Blue is Max, from Coffee Break French, and Thomas, from Coffee Break German.

The series itself is on the Coffee Break Languages YouTube channel, starting on Sunday 1st November at 5pm UK time. That's where to watch the race.

Alongside it, here on Coffee Break French, there's...

We're back with a special bonus episode of the Great Coffee Break Treasure Hunt 2026! Join us for a detailed explanation of this year's Treasure Hunt clues. Sit back, relax and enjoy listening to this episode on your next coffee break. ☕️

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We have reached the last clue of our virtual treasure hunt - La grande chasse au trésor de Coffee Break de 2026 - which will lead us to the final location! Test your French and detective skills as we reveal everything you need to know to determine the last destination. Remember to submit your entry form listing the location from each episode to be in with a chance of winning a prize.

Click here to locate the entry form and for further details about the competition.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for m...

It's time for the third clue of La grande chasse au trésor de Coffee Break de 2026, our virtual treasure hunt across Europe! Using the interesting facts we share, can you work out where checkpoint number three is? In case you missed it - everyone who correctly identifies the four mystery locations will win a free month's subscription to Coffee Break French TV during September, as well as being entered into a prize draw to win lifetime access to our entire collection of French courses!

Don't miss out on this exciting adventure, click here for more d...

We're back with the next episode of La grande chasse au trésor de Coffee Break de 2026, our virtual treasure hunt across Europe! Join us as we reveal clue number two which takes us one step closer to our final location. As we continue through this mini series we'll discover further clues to help you solve the mystery. Remember, you could be in with a chance of winning some great prizes!

For further details about how you can take part in the treasure hunt and enter the competition, click here. 

Hosted on Acast. See aca...

Welcome to the first episode of La grande chasse au trésor de Coffee Break de 2026, our virtual treasure hunt across Europe! Join us in this first episode as we reveal the initial clue. As you continue through this mini series you’ll discover further clues, solve the mystery and practise your French.

For further details about Clue 1 how you can take part, click here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Four mystery cities. Four cryptic clues. One week to work out where we're going.

The Great Coffee Break Treasure Hunt is back for 2026, and everything happens here: https://coffeebreaklanguages.com/treasurehunt

Each clue is a short poem describing a European city without ever naming it. Every clue is written from scratch in French, Italian, German and Spanish by the team who teach it, so it rhymes and reads properly in each one. Watch in whichever language you're learning.

WHEN THE CLUES GO LIVE (all 1pm UK)

Clue 1: Monday 24...

Some French expressions make no sense at all if you take them word for word. In this episode, Max turns seven of them into a guessing game: he gives you the idiom and its literal translation, then you work out what it really means before he tells you. Expect mustard, cabbages and a hair in the hand, and by the end you'll have seven expressions that French speakers genuinely use.

➡️ Click here to watch the video version of this episode.

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In this episode, Max looks at five everyday meanings of the French verb 'passer':

It's a small word that does a lot of work, and knowing its different uses will help your French sound much more natural.

➡️ Click here to watch the video version of this episode.

➡️ To receive regular free mini-lessons like this straight to your inbox, visit: https://coffeebreaklanguages.kit.com/newsletter

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French is full of idioms that are borrowed from the animal world, and once you know them you'll start hearing them everywhere. In this episode, Max walks you through seven of the most common ones, from "avoir le cafard" to "se jeter dans la gueule du loup", with the literal meaning, the real meaning, and an example for each.

➡️ Click here to watch the video version of this episode.

➡️ Get free mini-lessons and language tips every week by signing up to our newsletter: https://coffeebreaklanguages.kit.com/newsletter

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In this quick quiz, Max tests you on 15 French words that look just like English but don't always mean what you'd expect. You get a few seconds to decide whether each one is a true friend or a false friend, then Max reveals what it really means, from assister à and éventuellement to sensible and librairie. There are a few bonus tricky words along the way too, so play along and see how many you can get right.

➡️ Click here to watch the video version of this episode.

➡️ To receive regular free mini-lessons like this strai...

Max takes you into the world of the French apéro, one of the most enjoyable social rituals in the French-speaking world. You'll find out what an apéro involves, when it happens and how it can even replace dinner, along with the food, the drinks and the all-important phrase "on prend un apéro ?". Which would you choose: an apéro or a full dinner?

➡️ Click here to watch the video version of this episode.

➡️ To receive regular free mini-lessons like this straight to your inbox, visit: https://coffeebreaklanguages.kit.com/newsletter

Hosted...

In this episode, Max takes one small but very useful French verb, 'mettre', and shows you five different ways it's used in everyday French. You'll hear clear examples for each meaning, including the handy way 'mettre' talks about how long something takes. By the end, you'll spot it everywhere and feel ready to use it yourself.

➡️ Click here to watch the video version of this episode.

➡️ To receive regular free mini-lessons like this straight to your inbox, visit: https://coffeebreaklanguages.kit.com/newsletter

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There are three main ways to ask a question in French, and the one you choose depends on how formal you want to sound. In this episode, Max walks you through rising intonation, est-ce que and inversion, and shows you how to combine each one with question words like où, quand and comment. By the end, you'll be ready to ask just about anything in French!

➡️ Click here to watch the video version of this episode.

➡️ To receive regular free mini-lessons like this straight to your inbox, visit: https://coffeebreaklanguages.kit.com/newsletter

Ho...

Max walks you through five essential uses of "prendre", one of the most flexible verbs in French. You'll see why French uses "prendre" for ordering food and drinks, for catching transport, for illness ("j'ai pris froid"), for the very French structure "prendre quelqu'un pour quelqu'un", and for talking about duration. Which meaning surprised you the most?

➡️ Click here to watch the video version of this episode.

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Max breaks down five everyday English phrases that work completely differently in French, from "I miss you" and "I'm cold" to "it makes sense". Along the way, he explains why word-for-word translation leads learners astray and shows you the more natural French alternatives. Which of these have you been getting wrong?

➡️ Click here to watch the video version of this episode.

➡️ Want more tips like these delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free newsletter: https://coffeebreaklanguages.kit.com/newsletter

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Max breaks down seven essential French words and expressions you'll hear every day in France but probably never learned in a textbook. You'll hear them in context, explore real-life examples, and understand the subtle nuances behind each one. Which one will you start using straight away?

➡️ Click here to watch the video version of this episode.

➡️ Get free mini-lessons and language tips every week by signing up to our newsletter: https://coffeebreaklanguages.kit.com/newsletter

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Welcome back to Chez Nico - our charming French café, where the aroma of fresh coffee lingers, conversations flow, and life unfolds around every table. In this immersive series, we follow a compelling story set in a local café and help you build your language skills naturally through storytelling. 

The café is at the heart of another unforgettable event and this day will be remembered by everyone.
Dans ce dixième chapitre, Bastien et Tanguy célèbrent leur PACS et les amis lèvent leurs verres à l’amour et à l’avenir. Des décisions importantes sont prises et de...

Welcome back to Chez Nico - our charming French café, where the aroma of fresh coffee lingers, conversations flow, and life unfolds around every table. In this immersive series, we follow a compelling story set in a local café and help you build your language skills naturally through storytelling. 

Sometimes joy and worry mix together and emotions run high Chez Nico.
Dans ce neuvième chapitre, Aurore doit prendre une décision importante pour sa carrière et Fifi se demande ce que l’avenir leur réserve. Pendant ce temps, Romain apporte une nouvelle qui mérite d’êt...

Welcome back to Chez Nico - our charming French café, where the aroma of fresh coffee lingers, conversations flow, and life unfolds around every table. In this immersive series, we follow a compelling story set in a local café and help you build your language skills naturally through storytelling. 

The café regulars never miss an opportunity for a friendly comment and today there is something new to talk about.
Dans ce huitième chapitre, Jérôme commence sa tournée de facteur et raconte ses premières impressions. Jacques et Dominique réfléchissent à l’hiver qui approc...

Welcome back to Chez Nico - our charming French café, where the aroma of fresh coffee lingers, conversations flow, and life unfolds around every table. In this immersive series, we follow a compelling story set in a local café and help you build your language skills naturally through storytelling. 

Some mornings start better than others and today is full of good surprises.
Dans ce septième chapitre, Ségolène et Jérôme reçoivent de très bonnes nouvelles qui vont changer leur été. Il est temps de sortir le champagne !


Installez-vous a...

Welcome back to Chez Nico - our charming French café, where the aroma of fresh coffee lingers, conversations flow, and life unfolds around every table. In this immersive series, we follow a compelling story set in a local café and help you build your language skills naturally through storytelling. 

Today the café is full of concern when one of the regulars faces a sudden worry. Dans ce sixième chapitre, Monique cherche désespérément son chien tandis que les amis du café s’organisent pour l’aider. Retrouveront-ils Milou à temps ?
There’s only one way to find out!<...

Welcome back to Chez Nico - our charming French café, where the aroma of fresh coffee lingers, conversations flow, and life unfolds around every table. In this immersive series, we follow a compelling story set in a local café and help you build your language skills naturally through storytelling. 

There is a lot happening Chez Nico today, with exciting news and more customers than expected. Dans ce cinquième chapitre, Romain raconte comment s’est passé son entretien tandis qu’Aurore se prépare à travailler davantage au café. Les choses se bousculent mais Nico garde le sourire.

Welcome back to Chez Nico - our charming French café, where the aroma of fresh coffee lingers, conversations flow, and life unfolds around every table. In this immersive series, you’ll follow a compelling story set in a local café and build your language skills naturally through storytelling. 

Even when the weather is grey, Chez Nico stays warm and welcoming.

Dans ce quatrième chapitre, les clients bravent la pluie et de nouvelles amitiés se créent autour de crêpes et de gaufres. Mais tout le monde n’est pas de bonne humeu...

Welcome back to Chez Nico - our charming French café, where the aroma of fresh coffee lingers, conversations flow, and life unfolds around every table. In this immersive series, you’ll follow a compelling story set in a local café and build your language skills naturally through storytelling. 

Between special visitors and a very popular event, there is never a dull moment Chez Nico.

Dans ce troisième chapitre, le village se vide pour un spectacle aérien impressionnant. Pendant ce temps, Bastien et Tanguy finalisent les préparatifs pour leur grande journée.

Welcome back to Chez Nico - our charming French café, where the aroma of fresh coffee lingers, conversations flow, and life unfolds around every table. In this immersive series, we follow a compelling story set in a local café and help you build your language skills naturally through storytelling.

Some days are more emotional than others and today Nico lends an ear to a friend who is feeling down.

​

​Dans ce deuxième chapitre, Ségolène se confie sur ce qui la préoccupe tandis que Jacques et Dominique doivent faire face à un...

Welcome back to Season 2 of Scenes from the Coffee Break French Café!

If you joined us in Season 1 then you will already be familiar with Chez Nico - our charming French café, where the aroma of fresh coffee lingers, conversations flow, and life unfolds around every table. In this immersive series, you’ll follow a compelling story set in a local café and build your language skills naturally through storytelling.

We're back with a second series, where life Chez Nico is full of surprises! In this first chapter, one of the regulars has some ve...

Join us for a new mini Coffee Break French lesson in between seasons as we dive into one of the most delicious parts of the festive season: the French Christmas Eve dinner! 🎄🍽️

In this episode, you’ll hear about some of the traditional dishes enjoyed at Max’s family table on le réveillon de Noël: from oysters and snails to turkey, red wine, cheese, and of course the classic chocolate Yule log. 🍷🧀🍫

➡️ Want more French insights like this? Subscribe to the Coffee Break French newsletter and get regular content straight to your inbox!

We’re back with another Coffee Break French espresso lesson, and this time we’re taking a stroll through one of the most atmospheric parts of the season: les marchés de Noël! 🎄

In this episode, you’ll discover what you’re likely to find at Christmas markets across France, from the smell of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine to sweet crêpes and waffles, and the cosy stalls selling wooden toys, winter hats, scarves and gloves. 

It’s the perfect episode for getting into the holiday spirit while improving your French.

✨ To rece...

We’re back with a new mini Coffee Break French lesson, and this time we're exploring a charming tradition that marks the start of the festive season in parts of Europe! 🎄✨

In this episode, you’ll learn all about what happens on le 6 décembre in the North and East of France, as well as in Switzerland, Belgium and Luxembourg. It’s a lovely cultural insight and a great opportunity to pick up festive French vocabulary along the way! 

➡️ Want more bite-sized French lessons? Subscribe to the Coffee Break French newsletter and get new content strai...

Join Mark and Max for this special episode of Coffee Break French, where we're talking about something a bit different.

We receive emails and messages all the time asking us "where should I start?", so we thought we'd answer that in this episode. We share details about how Coffee Break French first started back in 2007 - and all of the French resources we have released since then.

We hope you enjoy hearing about the history of Coffee Break, with a few secrets revealed along the way!

The links mentioned at...

Join Max for a coffee break in which he will guide you through one tricky point of French pronunciation: the difference between h muet (silent h) and h aspiré (aspirated h). 🤔

You’ll learn how words like l’homme (the man) link smoothly thanks to a silent h, while words like le héros 🦸 (the hero) create a pause because of the aspirated h. With clear examples and simple explanations, this lesson will help you recognise the difference and sound more natural when speaking French.

✅Subscribe to the Coffee Break French newsletter for more content l...

We're back with a special bonus episode of the Great Coffee Break Treasure Hunt! Join us for a detailed explanation of this year's Treasure Hunt clues. Sit back, relax and enjoy listening to this episode on your next coffee break. ☕️

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We have reached the last clue of our virtual treasure hunt - La grande chasse au trésor de Coffee Break de 2025 - which will lead us to the final location! Test your French and detective skills as we reveal everything you need to know to determine the last destination. Remember to submit your entry form listing the location from each episode to be in with a chance of winning a prize.

Click here to locate the entry form and for further details about the competition.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for m...

It's time for the third clue of La grande chasse au trésor de Coffee Break de 2025, our virtual treasure hunt across Europe! Using the interesting facts we share, can you work out where checkpoint number three is? In case you missed it - everyone who correctly identifies the four mystery locations will win a free month's subscription to the Coffee Break Club, as well as being entered into a prize draw to win lifetime access to our entire collection of French courses!

Don't miss out on this exciting adventure, click here for more details.

We're back with the next episode of La grande chasse au trésor de Coffee Break de 2025, our virtual treasure hunt across Europe! Join us as we reveal clue number two which takes us one step closer to our final location. As we continue through this mini series we'll discover further clues to help you solve the mystery. Remember, you could be in with a chance of winning some great prizes!

For further details about how you can take part in the treasure hunt and enter the competition, click here. 

Hosted on Acast. See aca...

Welcome to the first episode of La grande chasse au trésor de Coffee Break de 2025, our virtual treasure hunt across Europe! Join us in this first episode as we reveal the initial clue. As you continue through this mini series you’ll discover further clues, solve the mystery and practise your French.

For further details about how you can take part, click here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New mini-series!

Starting on Monday 20th October, join Mark and the Coffee Break French Team for a virtual treasure hunt across Europe, in which we'll discover clues, solve the mystery and practise our French.

This is not just a language lesson – it's a competition! By taking part you could win some amazing prizes which will help you take your French to the next level. For everything you need to know about this mini series and how to take part in the competition, click here. 

We hope you enjoy la grande cha...

We're back with a new episode, bringing you a little espresso lesson in between the main seasons of Coffee Break French. Today, Hélène will be tackling one of the most common conversation topics: la météo (the weather)! 

From asking Quel temps fait-il ? to using colourful French expressions like il fait un temps de chien (the weather is terrible) and il pleut des cordes (it’s pouring), you’ll learn useful vocabulary and idioms to describe everything from chilly days to heavy rain. ❄️☔

➡️ To receive regular free mini-lessons like this straight to your in...

In this espresso-style episode, Hélène explores one of France’s most cherished traditions: les vendanges (the grape harvest). 

You’ll learn how vineyards across Bordeaux, Bourgogne and Champagne come alive during this busy season, and we’ll take a closer look at les vendanges tardives (the late harvest) that creates some of the sweetest wines. Santé ! 🥂

📩 Want more French tips and cultural insights delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for the Coffee Break French newsletter.

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