Most different regions within a country has its own accent and speaks its own colloquialisms and dialect. In France, French is the official and most widely spoken language, but Alsatian, Arabic and Breton are other languages are also spoken regularly.

In the province of Provence-Alps-Cote d’Azur in the south of France contemporary citizens preserve a distinct regional character and maintain their own language. As well as speaking French, approximately thirty per cent of locals in the Provence-Alps-Cote d’Azur region speak a romance language, known as Occitan.

Occitan comprises of many dialects taken from different areas of south-central France, including Languedoc, Limousin, Auvergnat and Gascon.

Inaugurated by the Romans, this Latin-derived language was less influenced by Germanic dialects than it was in the north of France, and despite being increasingly influenced by French; the structure of Occitan is closer to Spanish. It was not until the 1300s when Occitan began to wane from being the most commonly spoken language in the region of Provence-Alps-Cote d’Azur.

Although today French is the most widely spoken language in the south of France and one that regular visitors to the country are eager to learn. It goes without saying that one’s experience of a country would be made significantly more enjoyable if one could understand and speak the local language.

And where could be a more authentic, pleasurable and atmospheric place to learn French than in the city of Nice on the Cote d’Azur?

‘Franglish’ is an English/French language exchange course that takes place every week at various venues across Nice. Approximately 30 people attend the course each week, of all ages and abilities.

Students listen to a mixer which is then followed by a series of 14-minute one-to-one conversations – seven in French and seven in English – that gives students the chance to speak English and French with multiple French/English speakers.

Not only is the Franglish course a great way to practise foreign language skills, but it is also a fantastic place to meet new people and experience the many impressive sights of Nice.

If you happen to be in Nice – lucky you – and want to sign up for the Franglish course visit franglish.eu.

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