The Francophile Tag

I was recently tagged by Maria and Jalen from the Francofile to do this tag all about France and French language and culture! I’ll link their video here in case you want to check out their original video!

Introduce yourself

I’m Camden, a twenty-something American living in France teaching English! When I’m not in the classroom or blogging you can find me traveling, cycling, reading or watching YouTube, or doing something creative like watercolor painting!

I’m also a big foodie with a passion for nutrition. I love going to the farmers’ market and discovering local fruits and veggies of the season. I’ve been a vegetarian since I was 16 and also enjoy vegan cuisine. Wanting food that was veg-friendly, healthy, and that tastes good, I learned to love cooking for myself. Even though I don’t post on there frequently, I also have a second Youtube channel and Instagram dedicated to vegan food and recipes!

Check out this video I made about eating Vegan in France when I was doing TAPIF!

How did you discover French language and culture?

I had an interest in France and French culture ever since I was in elementary school. I knew I had French origins because my last name is French and my ancestors came from there. There was also a teach yourself French workbook that my dad had given me on my bookshelf when I was younger. I don’t really remember reading it that much, put its presence probably helped pique my interest in French later on in life. The Madeline children’s book series was also one of my favorites as a kid!

Francophile Tag — I was president of the French Honor Society my Senior Year of High School!

How long have you studied French and what is your level of fluency?

I started learning French in 8th grade at the age of 13. Instead of choosing Spanish like most everyone else, I chose French! I had French roots and wanted to visit Paris one day to see the fashion and eat all kinds of pastries!

Studying abroad in Paris during the Summer of 2015

I continued all throughout high school and eventually ended up majoring in it in college and later getting a Master’s in French! I am “fluent” in French as you would say. After studying the language for 10 + years and living in France, my level is quite advanced! Officially, my CECRL level is C1 according to the TCF (test de connaissance du français) I took last year.

Have you ever lived in or visited France or any francophone countries?

I am currently living in the South France! I’m working at a university here as a lectrice d’anglais, but before that I lived in Paris for my Master’s program and in the East of France as a TAPIF assistante.

Me in my current home of Perpignan, France

I visited France for the first time when I was 13! Through a Friend of my mom, we were able to organize an informal exchange with a French girl. She came and stayed with my family in the US for 3 weeks, then I went to France with her for 3 weeks! Then the next time I went to France, I was 19 and did a 6-week study abroad program in Paris through my university.

Since living in France, I have also traveled to Brussels, Belgium! I haven’t had the opportunity to visit any other Francophone countries yet, but I would love to visit Canada or Martinique!

What’s your favorite French food/drink?

One of the reasons why I chose to study French probably had to do with French food! I’m a big sweet tooth so I love all the French pastries and viennoiseries! Croissants, Tarte aux framboises, and Paris-Brest are some of my favorites!

Kouginettes, a buttery Breton Specialty!

Right now, it’s Summer in the South of France, so my favorite French drink at the moment is Rosé! I’m surrounded by vineyards, so it only makes sense to consume the local specialties!

What’s your favorite region of France?

One of the reasons why I love France are all the different regions so it’s hard to pick just one! Although I love Paris, Île-de-France is not my favorite region. Alsace is also a region I adore, but my favorite part of France would have to be the South! Okay, technically there are many regions within the South of France, but it’s so hard to choose!

I’m currently living in Languedoc-Roussillon area (now administratively part of Occitanie) and I’m discovering so much about the region with each little day trip I go on. My favorite part of the South would have to be Provence though! The lavender fields and charming little villages in this beloved part of France have captured my heart! Maybe one day I’ll quit teaching, move to Provence and spend my days painting and making lavender soap…

What’s your favorite french word?

Soleil! Soleil [sɔlɛj] means sun. It’s such a fun word to say because of the semi-vowel [j]. I also enjoy the sunshine, even though I sunburn easily. One other reason I like this word could because I’m a Leo, which is a sun sign!

Which is better: French cities or French countryside?

This is such a hard choice! I absolutely love cities like Paris and Toulouse, but I also love the countryside. Cities in France are so beautiful and have charming architecture. I also love being able to sit at a terrace at a café and enjoy the moment. The countryside is also magical from the fields, mountains, seaside, and more!I think for daily life I prefer living in the city, but for weekends and vacations I prefer the countryside.

On a scale of 1-10, how much of a francophile are you?

I would have to say 9! I love France and French ( I majored in it in school, I wanted to become a French teacher, I moved to France, and now I run a French related blog/Youtube channel), but I have other interests! I also don’t want to put myself in a box and define myself only as a francophile. I’d like to learn other languages and pursue other passions, which is why I’m not giving myself a 10!