France is the world's top tourist destination (60 million tourists yearly). In France there is always something to explore - from the Gothic cathedrals of the north to the Romanesque churches of the centre and west, the chateaux of the Loire, the Roman monuments of the south, the ruined castles of the English and the Cathars and the Dordogne's prehistoric cave-paintings.



So what are the best ways to learn French? Learning French in the traditional way, through classes or structured lessons, can often become drab and repetitive. It might be at times like this you feel like you need a break or you need something to make learning French a bit more fun. You can learn by listening to tapes and there are some excellent online courses.

Learning French doesn't have to be hard. The first step you need to take is to learn French words. You will be amazed at the many similarities there are between English and French. All you need are a handful of words and some key phrases and you will be able to have your first French conversation in no time. I have complied a list of useful everyday words and phrases that will help get you started.

Learn French Words 1: Basic greetings - how to say hello and goodbye any time time during the day

Good morning - Bonjour

Good Evening - Bonsoir

See you later - A plus tard

Hello - Salut

Goodbye - Au revoir

Learn French Words 2: Useful everyday words 1 - these basic words and phrases will help you in everyday situations

Thank you - Merci

Please - S'il vous plait

Excuse me - Excusez moi

You're welcome - De rien

I would like - Je voudrais

Learn French Words 3: Useful everyday words 2 - these more advanced words and phrases will help you in any situation

I don't speak French - Je ne parle pas fran?ais

Yes - Non

No - Oui

Do you speak English? - Parlez-vous anglais?

Where is...? - O? est?

How much does this cost - C'est combien?

What time is it? - Quelle heure est-il?

Could You Repeat That Please? - Pouvez-vous r'p'ter cela, s'il vous plait?

I Don't Understand - Je ne comprends pas

I Speak Very Little French - Je parle tr's peu fran?ais

Practice reading, writing, comprehension and pronunciation by playing games. Again your trusty friend the Internet can help you find all sorts of games to play. Most will be simple like hangman, crosswords or battleships but they can still help you to learn vocab and perfect your writing skills. Some games are more complex. Games can help you learn and be fun at the same time. In most cases the aim of the game is to make you forget you are learning.

Everybody needs a break from formal learning from time to time. The best way to do this is to take the learning out of the classroom and into something you like or enjoy. In this way the learning will flow naturally and not become a chore.