As part of this workshop, we’ll explore tastes and flavors in a truly distinctive way: each tasting will guide us through landscapes, historical moments, and cultural creations in literature and visual arts. The sessions are designed to welcome French speakers of all levels. We’ll read and digest wonderful texts together, which will be explained, discussed, and translated when needed. Special attention will be given to vocabulary for describing flavors, especially through a methodical reading of some iconic menus.

This workshop is especially designed for those eager to explore synesthetic dimensions — or simply curious to uncover which words nestle within which tastes, and vice versa. Through a curated series of wine and cheese tastings, we will forge connections with literary and cultural works at large. From these explorations, we’ll cultivate and deepen our linguistic abilities, guided by the core belief that the only way to preserve and enrich taste is through language — French, in particular.

Fromage de chèvre frais → Champagne blanc de blancs
Brie de Meaux → Champagne brut
Coulommiers → Bourgogne aligoté
Brie de Melun → Coteaux du Loing rouge
The Table as a Political Instrument A symbol of power in general—and of soft power in particular—an exquisite table never fails to impress its audience. In such a setting, a host who spares no effort can reach remarkable heights. Mercier in Tableaux de Paris (1781) Having first noted that only poor vineyards surround Paris, Mercier observes the excellence of certain Parisian cellars—unfortunately inaccessible to artists, who have attics instead of cellars. He laments that the wealthy—nobles and bourgeois alike—will never truly appreciate these wines, a faculty reserved for artists alone. This idea is echoed at the same time by Beaumarchais, in Figaro’s famous monologue: “What have you done to deserve so much? You took the trouble to be born, and nothing more…” One could already feel the French Revolution approaching. A few years later, Robespierre would compose a poem entitled The Empty Cup.

The session shall cover the climate and terroir specificities of the region.

Great group and L'Alliance NY representative. I now feel like I can navigate through France and communicate most of what I need to say and hear. I could not recommend this program more!

Great group and L’Alliance NY representative. I now feel like I can navigate through France and communicate most of what I need to say and hear. I could not recommend this program more!

The opportunity to converse about interesting topics. I wouldn’t change anything.

Soha is the best! I love our group of students and she really knows how to teach grammar and makes it fun… I can visibly see our class improve each session.

Everything. Above all, the teacher, the skill level of student participants, the dialogue and the instructional expertise. I wouldn’t change anything.

I enjoy the focus on getting the students actually speaking in class. Other materials are presented in the homework, so it doesn’t take away from the time in class where more active participation occurs. I wouldn’t change anything.

How easy it is for conversational interchange among all the students. The group is small enough and not intimidating, so that everyone gets his or her chance to talk.

I liked the interaction with my peers, the skits we have to prepare in class, the readings we have to do out loud, the compositions we have do at home, and the teacher’s sense of humor.

What I liked most about the class is that it’s very inclusive, so nobody feels left out… Estele makes it fun and interactive.

The emphasis on speaking helped with my confidence.

The kinship with the other students.