Film, music, art, literature… France has all of it and more! Just in time for the holidays, we’ve compiled a gift guide so you can give the best that French culture has to offer–whether you’re shopping for a film buff, music aficionado, art connoisseur or language nerd.
By Alaina Schwartz
SUBSCRIPTION TO THE CRITERION CHANNEL
Photo: Criterion
The Criterion Collection has a massive library of some of the most important films of all time, with an especially impressive collection of foreign films. Their streaming service, The Criterion Channel gives users exclusive access to the works of iconic French directors of decades past–Varda, Truffaut, Cocteau, Godard–as well as new curated film collections every month. If your loved one still isn’t ready to part with their DVD player, take them through the aisles of Vidéothèque in LA–a paradise for indie film lovers with an amazing French selection!
- 1-year Criterion Subscription: $99.99
ALBERTINE MEMBERSHIP
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Albertine is NYC’s ultimate destination for French literature. Their selection of French books–from classics to translated works and contemporary novels–is unmatched. For the bookworm with the ever-growing personal library, we recommend Albertine’s amazing membership program. Members receive a 10% discount on all books throughout the entire year, and a tote bag! Not local to NYC? No problem! Albertine will ship their books anywhere in the US.
- Albertine Membership: $55
BOOKS IN EASY FRENCH BY FRANCE DUBIN
Photo: France Dubin
For the one who wants to dip their toes into French literature, we love the Merde trilogy by France Dubin (especially the title, which literally translates to “shit”). The trilogy is written in easy French with English translations and grammar exercises, and follows Helen, an American woman whose journey to learning French inspires a dream of traveling to Paris.
- The Merde Trilogy: $29.99
TICKETS TO THE METROPOLITAN OPERA
Photo: The Metropolitan Opera
When it comes to the opera, Georges Bizet’s Carmen is one of the first titles that comes to mind. The original debuted in Paris in 1875, but this rendition by The Metropolitan Opera and its word-class performers will thrust the story into the modern world for the 2023-2024 season. The production debuts on New Year’s Eve, making it perfect for a sparkly night out in NYC during the holiday season–get tickets here! We also recommend tickets to Charles Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette to experience a more romantic portrayal of Shakespeare’s tragedy en français.
- Met Opera Tickets: Starting at $37
MANET/DEGAS EXHIBIT AT THE MET
Photo: The Metropolitan Museum
The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s permanent collection already has a number of incredible paintings from some of France’s most famous artists, but to really impress the art lover in your life, take them to see Manet/Degas. This exhibition examines the careers of painters Édouard Manet and Edgar Degas in parallel, and their complicated personal relationship. In a transatlantic collaboration with two giants in the museum world–the Musées d’Orsay and de l’Orangerie–The Met has brought Paris right to NYC! For contemporary art, we recommend the Zürcher Gallery in NYC, and Perrotin in NYC and LA.
- General Admission ticket: $30
REDISCOVERING FRENCH FILM
Phooto: Rediscovering French Film at the MoMA
For the “serious” film lover, we recommend Rediscovering French Film, a series of essays on French film history, published in conjunction with MoMA’s two-part retrospective of the same name. From 1981 to 1983, screenings of over 200 French films were held, featuring the works of major French directors, along with some who were lesser-known to the American audience.
- Rediscovering French Film book: $16
IMMERSIVE TRIP TO FRANCE
The best way to learn a language is through its culture, so why not go directly to the source? Treat a world traveler to a trip to France where they’ll have the opportunity to study the language and dive head first into the local culture. For an experience that’s completely customizable, we love Livin’ French, hosted by French-American teacher (and friend of Coucou!) Anne-Marie in her gîte in Burgundy, only an hour from Lyon! You’ll learn French, meet new people, enjoy amazing wine and home-cooked food and discover life in the region. Check out more Coucou-approved experiences here.
- Livin’ French All-Inclusive stay: 520€ per day/person
ESSENTIAL PARIS: THE COUCOU GUIDE
Photo: Coucou French Classes
Essential Paris is the ultimate travel companion for those navigating the City of Lights for the very first time. From Parisian institutions to hidden gems, find out the city’s best sights to see, museums to visit, restaurants to check out and more. For the holiday season, Essential Paris will be bundled with our Paris for Foodies and Paris by Night guides.
- Coucou Paris Guide Bundle: $40
COUCOU FLASHCARDS
Photo: Coucou Flashcards
If you know a francophile who’s always wanted to learn the language, give the gift of French! Our interactive and hand-illustrated Flashcards will introduce learners of all levels to over 320 vocabulary words, adjectives and verbs, and they’re on sale right now! A gift card for French classes is another great way to get them started on their language-learning journey.
- Coucou Flashcards:
$55$44
