Learn French your way with a TakeLessons expert

Milwaukee offers a wide range of inspiration for learning the French language. From attending film festivals, to participating in local cultural events, to sampling the best French cuisine in the city, there are lots of ways to stay inspired as you take French lessons in Milwaukee!

1. Bastille Days Festival Milwaukee hosts the annual Bastille Days festival, which is one of the largest French-themed festivals in the country. It is held in Cathedral Square Park in mid-July. The free, four-day event features live music, other live entertainment, food and drink demonstrations, a bustling marketplace, and French and Cajun cuisine. One of the highlights of the festival is an iconic 43-foot Eiffel Tower replica, which has light shows on the hour. (http://www.easttown.com/events/bastille-days/)

2. UWM Annual Festival of Films in French The University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee (UWM) hosts an annual French film festival in February. Founded in 1998, the festival presents more than a dozen French language films with English subtitles each year. From silent films with musical accompaniment, to matinee features for children, to contemporary environmental features, there is something for everyone at the UWM French film festival. (http://uwm.edu/french-film-festival/)

3. The Alliance Française of Milwaukee The Alliance Française is the world's largest network of French language and cultural centers. They have locations across the globe that are focused on promoting French language and culture to spur relationships between people of varying nationalities, races, and ethnicities. If you're looking to take French lessons in Milwaukee, this is a great place to supplement your studies, where you can connect with fellow French language enthusiasts.

The Alliance Française also offers cultural events and a resource center. They host a wide range of cultural activities for kids and adults that portray a full perspective of modern French life, including movie screenings, craft nights, and sporting events. For example, they might offer a showing of a French film, including a pre-film discussion and post-film reception. The Alliance also offers Pétanque Happy Hour on the third Tuesday of each month. You can play pétanque or indoor Bocce ball or simply watch others play and then join the group for refreshments at the InterContinental Hotel. (http://www.afmilwaukee.org/)

4. Chez Jacques Of course, one of the best ways to learn about a new culture is by dining at an authentic restaurant! Chez Jacques will be at the top of your list. As the only authentic French restaurant in the city, owner Jacques Chaumet and his staff are proud to serve class French cuisine. The restaurant uses a number of Chaumet's family recipes to prepare a variety of hearty French dishes. You'll experience a taste of France in a way you didn't know to be possible in the heart of the Midwest.

You can dine at Chez Jacques for brunch, lunch, or dinner. The menu includes small plate appetizers, mouth-watering gourmet plates, and large plate entrees. Order a few dishes to share with a group or get a large plate of the one French meal that you never seem to get tired of eating. While you're at Chez Jacques, make sure to check out the outdoor mural that depicts Chaumet's story of traveling from Le Puy-en-Velay, France to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (http://chezjacques.com/)

As you start to attend French language and cultural events, you'll begin to meet people who also share an interest in and passion for all things French. These connections will help you find more opportunities to explore French language and culture, including French lessons in Milwaukee. Don't be afraid to reach out to other attendees at local French happenings so that you can learn more about French resources in the area.