French conversation group welcomes all levels in Paris

Members of the Français à Paris conversation group gather at the Paris branch of the County of Brant Public Library, where participants of all skill levels can practice their French in a welcoming environment. Pictured from left are group leader Macarena Rojas, Carol McKeown, Phil Regier, Sandy Stevens and Margaret Herczeg, with Andrew Jones in front.

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

Parlez-vous français? Whether the answer is oui, un peu or not yet, a local conversation group is offering residents a chance to practise their French in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

Français à Paris meets at the Paris branch of the County of Brant Public Library, bringing together people interested in improving their French through conversation, activities and shared learning.

The group was founded by Jillian Bourgault in October 2024 as a way for people in the community to come together and practise the language. Bourgault led the gatherings while living in Paris, with the library providing space for the meetings.

Macarena Rojas joined Français à Paris when it first began. At the time, she was learning French herself and wanted more opportunities to hear the language regularly and become comfortable using it.

Since June, Rojas has taken over leadership of the group.

Originally from Chile, Rojas has lived in Canada for eight years and speaks Spanish and English. After two years of intensive study, she is now also fluent in French.

The group welcomes everyone, from those just beginning to learn the language to more experienced French speakers looking for an opportunity to keep their conversation skills sharp.

“Our goal is to create a welcoming space where people can practice, learn from one another, and gain confidence using the language,” Rojas said.

Meetings are designed to be informal and engaging, with different activities helping to get the conversation flowing.

Recently, participants watched a documentary about a region of France and discussed it afterward. Rojas said the group hopes to continue experimenting with activities and topics that encourage conversation while introducing participants to different aspects of French language and culture.

For beginners, simply being surrounded by the language can also be valuable. Rojas knows that from experience, after all it was one of the reasons she first joined the group while learning French herself.

Français à Paris meets on the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon at the Paris branch of the County of Brant Public Library.

There is no requirement to be fluent, or even close. Anyone interested in learning, practising or simply becoming more comfortable hearing and speaking French is welcome to join.

More information is available through the County of Brant Public Library's online calendar at brantlibrary.ca/calendar or by calling 519-442-2433 ext. 631.