French ~ Evening and Day

Reminder: Advanced registration and payment is required.

Classes are listed below. For Fall 2021, all French classes will be taught live and interactive online using Zoom.


French: Beginner, Part 1 ~ Evening
This class is for people who are new to French. The emphasis will be on practical conversation to facilitate basic interactions if you travel to a French speaking country. Students should obtain Communication Progressive du Francais - niveau debutant complet (yellow cover). Instructor Francoise Lampe is a native of France and returns to her homeland frequently. She has taught many French classes to adults.

8 Sessions (12 hours) $ 160 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $ 131)
Thur., 9/23, 30; 10/7, 14, 21, 28; 11/4, 18 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.; live online using Zoom. No class 11/11.


French: Beginner, Part 2 continued ~ Evening
This class is for people who had some exposure to French but need refreshing. The emphasis is on basic communication, grammar and pronunciation. Students should obtain Communication Progressive du Francais - niveau debutant 2e edition (blue cover). Instructor Francoise Lampe is a native of France and returns to her homeland frequently. She has taught many French classes to adults.

8 Sessions (12 hours) $ 160 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $ 131)
Mon., 9/20, 27; 10/4, 18, 25; 11/1, 8, 15 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.; live online using Zoom.

8 Sessions (12 hours) $ 160 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $ 131)
Mon., 11/22, 29; 12/6, 13; 1/10, 24, 31; 2/7 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.; live online using Zoom.


French: Intermediate, Part 2 Continued ~ Evening
This class is for those who have completed French Beginner Part 4 or have had some exposure to French. In addition to speaking and comprehension, the course will also stress basic grammar, reading and writing. Students should obtain Communication Progressive du Francais - Niveau Intermediare auteur Claire Miquel. Instructor Francoise Lampe is a native of France and returns to her homeland frequently. She has taught many French classes to adults.

8 Sessions (12 hours) $ 160 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $ 131)
Tue., 11/23, 30; 12/7, 14; 1/11, 18, 25 and 2/1 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.; live online using Zoom.


European History


The Perils of Power - 150 Years of the French Monarchy
After the tumultuous violence of civil war that destroyed the Valois dynasty, the French looked forward to peace under the popular and gifted new king, Henry IV. But it was not to be. Henry’s reign was cut short. His son, Louis XIII, was content to leave most of the work to his minister, the wily Cardinal Richelieu, amid swirling intrigue and conspiracies. Louis XIV, survived rebellion to establish a dazzling court and image of absolute power, but at great cost to himself and the state. The Sun King defined monarchy and left his mark on all aspects of French and European life. And then Louis XV squandered it all through lethargy and extravagance! It is perhaps his relationship with the glittering Madame de Pompadour that left the greatest mark. Power comes at a cost and is maintained at a cost! This class will explore the reigns of four very different kings and their legacies for France. Instructor Nancy Maxwell's bio is below.

4 Sessions $ 76 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $ 62)
Mon., 11/8, 15, 22 and 29 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Zoom.


Why Learn a Foreign Language? in Person? or Online with active Instruction and Participation?

Step away from a rote computer program and into live, active learning of a foreign language. Absorb news as heard in another country. Visit another country to see the sites, converse, eat, and enjoy the culture. Use original genealogical sources.


Click here to view several French and German History and Genealogy classes.