Bonjour à tous et à toutes !
Last month the newsletter was late and this month it is early so apologies for the repetitive reminders.

Reminder : Bastille Day Celebrations

Reminder : Soirée Quiz 2026  le 14 juillet

Date: Tuesday 14^th July 2026  (Actually on Bastille Day this year !)
Venue: Wesley Church, 100 13^th Ave, Tauranga
Quiz Start Time: 7pm
Cost: $20 per person
Bring: Yourself, your friends, your partners, in fact anyone who wants to have fun, stretch their mind in hexagonal directions, and discover what they know about all things French. We will provide supper, some spot prizes and some entertainment.
Format: Tables of 4-6 people (not necessarily pre-arranged). Questions are about France, French things, Francophone countries and Franco-NZ links. Questions are in both French and English, so no French language knowledge and no dictionaries are required. No laptops or other digital devices please.
Lots of multiple-choice questions plus some that require answers. For example:

1: Who was the French President before Macron ? a) De Gaulle  b)  Sarkozy   c) Hollande ?
2: Which of the following regions do you MOST associate with white wine?  a) Bordeaux  b) Alsace  c)  Burgundy ?
3: What is the connection between the Astrolabe Reef and the street in Welcome Bay called D’Urville Way ?

Book Now : Numbers may be limited this year.  Phone 578 9416 or email shelley@lovefrench.nz by 12^th July

Petanque Open Doubles Challenge  – Theme: Bastille Day

Date: Saturday 18^th July 2026
Venue: Mount
Start Time: 10.30am registration for 11.00am start
Cost: $10 per person – pay cash or IB on the day – Hot soup and bun included. Bring cash for $2 raffles.
There will be 4 x 50 minute randomly drawn games.  All ages and abilities welcome.
Single entries welcomed – partner will be arranged. Bring your friends.
Bring your own boules if you have them, but there will be plenty available if you don’t.
Entries to Bruce dbinglis1@gmail.com or 022 309 9143 by Thursday 16^th July would assist with planning.

Sport of a More Vigourous Nature  – à regarder

It could be more than une nuit blanche pour les amateurs de sport français. It could be a 24 hour plus marathon watch. 4^th of July is the happening day in time zones around the world from Philadelphia to Barcelona to Christchurch.

Le Rugby

I have been told that Rugby is more than a sport – it’s a tradition of passion, camaraderie and shared moments. So, over to you. France v New Zealand is the match to watch at the new stadium in Christchurch on 4^th July, 7pm-11pm. This will be the first test of the year for the All Blacks. If you want to parler rugby and need some help, look what AI has come up with https://www.frenchwithshelley.co.nz/parlez-vous-rugby/  No guarantees re accuracy (or results).

Le Tour de France 2026

À l’attention des adeptes de la petite reine (aka un vélo). The 113^th edition of the Tour de France starts on Saturday 4^th July in Barcelona. It will finish 3,320,7 km later in Paris on Sunday 26^th July. There will be 21 stages in total: 7 flat, 4 hilly, and 8 mountainous—featuring 5 summit finishes at Gavarnie-Gèdre, Plateau de Solaison, Orcières-Merlette, and Alpe d’Huez (twice)—plus one team time trial and one individual time trial. There will be two rest days.
You might spot the two New Zealanders who are taking part – George Bennett is on his 6^th Tour de France and as he is the current NZ Road Champion, he’ll be wearing the white silver-fern jersey. Aaron Gates is the 20^th NZ rider in history to start the tour. He is a multi-world champion and Olympic star transitioning to the Grand Tour.

If you want to know absolutely everything about the Tour de France, why the winner wears a yellow jersey, for example, then watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7wPa1Hl5ZA&feature=emb_title
But there is something for you if you are more of a foodie and want to cheese wheel you way around. https://www.frenchwithshelley.co.nz/tour-de-france-accords-fromage/

As you can see from the map, no stages in Brittany this year. I wonder why.

Et la Coupe du monde de football continue…

La Coupe du monde de football is in full swing.  Since June 11^th, the 48 hopeful national teams (including NZ) have been whittling down. There are 8 left. France, one of the favourites, is among them but will need to beat Paraguay on – you guessed it – 4^th July, to reach the quarter finals.   Allez les bleus !

French Classes start up again from 20^th July  2026

If you have not already done so, please let me know if you will be continuing/returning/starting so groups can be organized. Proposed class times and levels will be on the website www.frenchwithshelley.co.nz.  From 10^th July. Phone or email if you have any particular queries.
However, don’t forget, language learning is a great Alzheimer retardant and, if you don’t use it, you lose it.
Plus, follow Charlemagne’s advice and find your second soul.
“Avoir une autre langue, c’est posséder une deuxième âme.” 
(To have another language is to possess a second soul.)   – Charlemagne

À l’écran …. Attention cinéphiles : On the big screen In July

Return of Festival Films

Date: From now…
Venue: Luxe Cinema Tauranga and Papamoa
If you missed the The Richest Woman in the World, you are in luck. It is the first of the French festival films to return and is on now.  Colours of Time will be on from July 23^rd. There will be others to follow. If we spot a movie to watch, we pop it here. https://www.frenchwithshelley.co.nz/at-the-movies-this-week/

Tauranga Film Society: French Film Joy House (Les félins)

Date: Wednesday 8^th July 2025
Venue: Luxe Cinema Tauranga
Time: 6pm
This stylish ’60s neo-noir psychological thriller stars Alain Delon and Jane Fonda in a tale of a conman hiding out in a Gothic Riviera mansion with two mysterious beauties.
DIRECTOR: René Clément.  In French with English subtitles
Trailer : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwLHRW83BqA&t=6s
For full details  https://www.nzfilmsociety.org.nz/tauranga.html0

French Film Eiffel (2021)

Date : Sunday 19^th July
Venue: The Arts Junction, Katikati
Time: 6pm
This a romantic drama in French with English subtitles. Having just finished his work on the Statue of Liberty, Gustave Eiffel was at the height of his career. The French government wanted him to create something spectacular for the 1889 Universal Exposition in Paris, but Eiffel was only interested in the metro project. Everything changed the day he met his childhood sweetheart again. Their forbidden relationship inspired him to change the Paris skyline forever.
Trailer : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-gAL0_e2E4&t=6s

NZ International Film Festival

Date : Thursday 27^th August – Wednesday 9^th September
Venue: Luxe Cinema Tauranga
Time: 6pm
There are 6 French movies on the programme plus 2 animated films great for children.
More details later.

Au petit écran – on the Small Screen

DVDs to Lend Out

I have approximately 120 French DVDs that anyone who is still able to view DVDs is most welcome to borrow. There are comedies and dramas, recent and older films, famous actors and less famous. All are subtitled in English. Let me know if you don’t have, but would like, the catalogue and then make your choice.
shelley@lovefrench.nz  or ph 07 578 9416.  No charge.

TVNZ On Demand :
People are talking about the 4 part Voltaire in love, Ben and The Paris Murders , among others, in French with English subtitles :    https://www.tvnz.co.nz/categories

TV5 Monde Plus:
Watch movies, series, documentaries, short films etc – opt into subtitles if you wish.
https://www.tv5mondeplus.com/
BUT they also have a free Langue Française section with videos, articles, games and learning exercises https://langue-francaise.tv5monde.com/

Netflix :

Always lots to choose from.

Library Movie Streaming :

All you need is a Tauranga City library card and the internet and you will be able to access over a thousand films and documentaries via Beamafilm, or classical music, concerts, ballets ,documentaries, artist portraits and education programmes via Medici TV.  All access is free.
For more info: https://library.tauranga.govt.nz/digital-library/streaming
PS: The library also has real books and, in particular, a French novel section.

Bread making Classes

Small group classes. Create your own small group and choose a date. You will be making baguettes, brioche & other breads. Separate class for sourdough baking. Weekday or Saturday groups, usually 9am – 1-1.30pm. Morning tea and lunch provided. Class fees are all donated to Parkinson’s Research.
Fabulous mornings & great bread says everyone who has ever done a class.
NB: You will definitely be making BREAD Baguettes, not chop stick baguettes ,nor a wizard’s wand baguette magique, nor a music conductor’s baguette.

Contact Barbara bbfitz2@icloud.com  or phone 027 548 6961

Ateliers Peinture avec Audrey: Painting Workshops for All Ages

* Art School Holiday Programme

With a focus on painting, drawing, and mixed-media techniques, your child will enhance their skills in a nurturing environment. Audrey guides them through step-by-step processes while encouraging their unique style to shine.
90 minutes of pure fun catering specifically to children and teenagers aged 6 and above.
When: Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays 4pm-5.30pm
Cost: Each session is $35/person. 

* French + Art in the Afternoons

Audrey is proposing afternoon workshops for Francophiles. Explore and develop your artistic side and your language skills at the same time. Listen to French, use French, experience French in a practical hands-on situation with a French artist tutor.
When : Fridays  1.30pm – 3.30pm
Cost : $50 per person per session
All materials are included with nibbles and soft drinks. Contact Audrey to book in.

* Monthly Friday Evening Workshops

For an evening of creativity and fun, Audrey Dubois has the following up-coming Friday evening 6pm-9pm workshops. Explore your artistic side and create a beautiful tableau. No prior experience required. All materials are supplied.
Le 17 juillet, Watercolour $70
Le 21 aout, Acrylic $70
Le 18 septembre, Watercolour $70
Le 16 octobre, Acrylic with markers $80
Le 20 novembre, Sketching & watercolour $70
Contact Audrey Audrey.duboisnz@gmail.com or ph 022 502 1671
Website: https://www.week-end-a-la-mer.com/

French Café Meetup Omokoroa

Monday, 3 August at 10:30 am at the Omokoroa Coffee Club.
Join him for a friendly chat in French. It’s a relaxed, informal gathering over a drink — perfect for practising and socialising, no matter your level of French.
Contact Stephane stephanes@mortgagelab.co.nz  or ph 022 477 3809

U3A – L’Université du troisième âge

The University of the 3^rd Age began in Toulouse in France in 1973. The Third Age became the European term for retirement; the First and Second Ages being childhood and working life. The French system used the university buildings and its lecturers. However, it is now an international organisation dedicated to lifelong learning. Their purpose is” to encourage members to listen, learn, contribute and participate in discussions and excursions on a wide range of new topics. It is this mutual learning principle, forming a learning cooperative, which marks the U3A movement today”.
U3A Tauranga has over 70 interest groups including three French groups that meet regularly in our area :
French Conversation 3 : https://u3atauranga.org.nz/french-conversation-3/
French Conversation 1 : https://u3atauranga.org.nz/french-conversation-1/
French Conversation Katikati : https://u3atauranga.org.nz/french-conversation-katikati/

New Caledonia French Immersion Trip 16^th– 25^th October 2026

Alliance Française Auckland is organising this trip which promises
“10 days of French language, culture and unforgettable experiences !”
Still time to book in. Enrolment deadline for the trip is 24^th July 2026
All the details are here : https://www.alliance-francaise.co.nz/immersion-trips/new-caledonia-trip/
Go speak it for real !

AND, in case you missed it last month..  !

July has seen the birth of the Association Française Tauranga !
A group of Francophones and Francophiles, yours truly included, have got together with the aim of establishing an Alliance Française in our city. However, before this can happen, a nonprofit Association must exist and prove its worth.  This process has begun. Some of you may have spotted the association logo at the film festival.  Some of you may even have filled in a survey telling us what French linked activities and events you would like to take part in.  Merci beaucoup. There have been suggestions & requests for regular French films (NB August 10th might just be the date for the launch of a French Cine Club TBC), food & drink events, French classes, pétanque, dancing, books, music, cooking classes, talks in English about French history, art etc plus social events and celebrations in general.  We will do our best. A website is well on its way : aftauranga.nz.
Pop in and have a look and register your interest.  On vous attend.

Walk and Talk en français 

There are two groups you can join

Walk & Talk in French Mount

Join us for a relaxed Walk & Talk en français!
Friday mornings : Next walk 24th July  9:15am
Meet outside Zone Café, Owens Place (near Bayfair)
We’ll enjoy a gentle 20–25 minute walk to explore the Bayfair Reserve Wetland Restoration Project, followed by an optional coffee and morning tea at Zone Café.
If the weather is stormy, we’ll skip the walk and meet straight for coffee instead.
Feel free to let Elodie know – 02102790696.
All levels welcome – come along for fresh air, good conversation, and a touch of French!

Walk & Talk in French
Bethlehem – “Les Pas Pressé

Join us for a relaxed Walk & Talk en français!
1^st Monday of the month at 9am – starting July 6th  2026
Meet us by the Carmichael Reserve Car Park
We’ll enjoy a gentle walk for approximately 1 hour around Carmichael reserve. This will be followed by an optional coffee/tea or morning tea at one of the Bethlehem Centre coffee shops.
The walk will be cancelled in case of rain or storm. No dogs please.
Contact Françoise on 0274 627 549 or at francoiselahausse426@gmail.com.

Les Bonnes Adresses autour de chez nous !
Francophones are everywhere…

Grab a café, or something more consistent, in one of our visibly French-linked establishments on the Fête Nationale, Tuesday 14^th July. Other Francophones offer other services.  You’ll find them all at  https://www.frenchwithshelley.co.nz/category/links/    If you know of anyone missing, let me know.

Two new francophones to add :

English/French Interpreter and Translator

My name is Françoise. I am an English/French Interpreter and Translator. A few years ago, I became a member of the International Association of Conference Interpreters (AIIC), and I have recently been accepted by the New-Zealand Society for Translators and Interpreters (NZSTI). If you need interpretation or translation services, do not hesitate to contact me.
Phone : 027 462 7549   Email : francoiselahausse426@gmail.com

Mortgage Advisor

My name is Stephane. As your local mortgage advisor, I am offering free consultations in the Tauranga area, available in English or French. Whether you are a homeowner, first-time buyer, investor, or just curious, bring any questions on your mind. How much can I borrow? Is my bank offering me a fair deal? My fixed term is ending. What’s my best option? How can I pay off my mortgage faster? Could I use the equity in my home to fund my projects? Is my KiwiSaver still suitable for me?  Let’s have a coffee chat.
Phone :  022 477 3809  Email : stephanes@mortgagelab.co.nz

Celebrate à la française & Les journées internationales

These pop up on the website https://www.frenchwithshelley.co.nz/category/days/ as the weeks/months pass by.

Bastille Day July 14 :

The big one this month is of course July 14^th.  The English call it Bastille Day, but the French don’t.  Janine from The Good Life France explains the reason for this better than I could in a podcast about everything concerning Bastille Day. You can find it here. https://thegoodlifefrance.com/bastille-day-in-a-podcast/

Other days :

Just questions the curious will find the answer to.
When we think snakes, we think Australia, but how many native species of snake are there in France ?
What is a une cousinade ?
What was the name of “la première bombe an-atomique” ?

Tous les jours : Every day is Wordle Day – not yet officially a World Day but getting close.
You can try it in French on https://wordlegame.org/fr

La musique du mois

Have a listen to Vibra Flow singing “je suis comme je suis“ – it was Reggae day on le premier juillet.
What is Dalida singing about here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlGE1yyyH8w ?

The Tauranga Tree in Paris

You may already be on that European holiday, or it is fast approaching. So just a reminder (yes, another one) that, if you are passing through/staying in Paris on your travels, do stop and say bonjour to our tree in the Tuileries Gardens. Then send us your pic of ‘the tree and me’. We love to see how it’s growing !

Here’s how to find it :

Starting at the end of the garden with the hexagon (on the left on the map), head up the Grande Allée.  The Tauranga Tree is the fourth tree on the right after the Allée de Cataglione.

Whether you are juilletiste, aoûtien or septembriste , it’s going to be hot.  If current temperatures are anything to go by, you may need to add a new word to your vocabulary. « Une canicule » is a heat wave and « une canicule n’est pas un canular » (A heat wave is no joke). The Red Alert days began in June, with temperatures in the over 30s.  Good luck and be careful, to those on cycling tours. Best wishes for “des vacances fantastiques” to those already abroad, and to those about to depart.
Bon voyage ! Enjoy your travels ! Travel safe.

 And lastly

If you are looking to widen your range of learning activities, check out the www.letslearn.co.nz site and have a great life of learning.