Bonjour! Moi, c'est Alex.
I am so glad you are here and I will guide you through every step of your French journey.There is nothing that I love more than sharing my language and culture.I always make myself available to anyone.
Reach out and say Bonjour!
Je suis Bordelaise, but I have been calling Melbourne home for over 20 years during which I have helped hundreds of students finessing their French.
I have run French programmes in kindergartens, head offices and after-schools all over Melbourne as well as tutored in private homes.
The French Hack is the result of all these years, realising that most students have the same issues, and need a safe environment to learn, mentoring as well as tutoring.
The majority of students have all the info but do not feel guided in using them to create their best possible work.
I speak to students using clear words and simple examples that demystify the language in order to have them work smarter, not harder.
I relentlessly find new ways to make learning French fun and love hosting little gatherings for Melbourne’s Francophiles.
When I’m not teaching, I am either planning my next holiday, reading a book or two, or rummaging through my favourite op-shops!
Say Bonjour!
Q and A
Do you feel more Australian or French?
That’s a tough one! Here in Australia, even after 26 years, which is more than half my life, people find me super French. But when I am back in France, I realise how much I have changed. I would say I am now a proud Frozie!
Where is your favorite place to go on holiday?
I absolutely adore discovering new places all the time. I, of course, love going to France to get my French fix of everything – food, shopping, and family, but many other places such as (anywhere in) Italy and Bali have stolen a piece of my heart and I keep going back there with the same enthusiasm.
What is your idea of a perfect day?
Sleeping in, or as we say in French “la grasse matinee’ is always a treat. I would follow it with a yoga class and would then take my book to the beach where I’d stay until sunset.
Who is your celebrity crush?
I don’t know if we can use the word crush, but seeing Bradley Copper speaking French is pretty special!
What was your best subject in school?
English was my favourite and best subject. All I wanted to do was to speak fluently. I used to learn Madonna and A-ha songs by heart, translate them (we didn’t have internet back then…) and use these new words and expressions in my essays.
Coffee or tea?
Coffee coffee coffee!! I don’t mind a cup of herbal tea in the afternoon but gimme all the coffee. I am very lucky to be living in Melbourne, without a doubt the coffee capital of the world!
Do you eat French food every day?
No, not at all. I am a little embarrassed to say that I find classic French fares such as Boeuf Bourguignon etc. far too rich, and prefer simple and light meals that are mostly vegetable-based. Except for cake, nothing beats a French dessert like crème caramel or something as simple as crêpes or a fruit tart. A thing I love more than anything though is dunking a biscuit in my coffee!
How about clothes and fashion?
That’s a bit embarrassing...I have a lot of shoes, sneakers, jumpers, shirts, and scarves. Yes, I adore wearing different outfits! I am a self-confessed op-shop freak. You would not believe the gems I have found in various op-shops around Melbourne! I often mix op-shop finds with classic items. I love brands like Soeur, APC and Karl Marc John that I always visit when I’m in France. Here in Melbourne, I like to pop in at Bellite in Camberwell and say bonjour to my friend Anabela who imports gorgeous items from Europe. One thing though, growing up in Bordeaux in the 70s and 80s where navy blue was king, I cannot to this day mix navy and black!
How about some French beauty tips?
Oh ok…well, I never wore make-up until I was in my 30s as I thought I looked a little tired…all the time!
I now have a very solid and steady relationship with the Mecca beauty store! I do keep it simple though, I simply cannot be bothered taking the time to go through a crazy ritual. I love, love, love oils. I wash my face with either The Mecca nourishing cleansing oil or the Shiseido Perfect cleansing oil.
I then moisturize; I love Drunk Elephant and wear a CC cream or light foundation from Ilya with a bit of blush and that’s about it. For my eyes, I am a huge fan of the By Terry Ombre Blackstar Cream Eyeshadow. I do not really use mascara or wear lipstick, I like a gloss and I don’t really do my hair…ever.
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