Today's French lesson for travelers is the first of four parts. Today you'll learn how to request a table and how to address your server. Later we'll cover menu details, how to order and special requests. Our instructor, Camille Chevalier-Karfis, is French and she teaches French as it is spoken today.

Subscribers, please find a direct link to this story in your January 8th newsletter. Not yet subscribed? It's free and every issue includes a story released first to subscribers—subscribe today at our home page to receive future issues! Today's story features a personal look at Paris past for memories shared by Parisphiles.

A few weeks ago BonjourParis publisher Karen Fawcett listed reasons why she misses Paris. Today she reports what her French neighbors and friends say they miss when away from France.

Subscribers—free and premium—were sent a direct link to access this story in our January 22nd newsletter. Not yet subscribed? It's free and subscribers get stories first—subscribe today at our home page to receive future issues. Problem? Please write to bparticles @ gmail.com .

Many travelers enjoy shopping at a French market. You need not speak French but it helps to know a few polite greetings and common questions. Walk the market listening and watching for the outgoing vendors—they're the best candidates for having some fun with you as you at least attempt to practice today's French lesson by Camille Chevalier-Karfis.

Mulled wine is a delicious addition to your holiday gatherings. This traditional drink is most closely identified with Alsace, home of the Strasbourg “Marché de Noël,” the most famous Christmas market in Europe. And for New Year's Eve? A refreshing tea-infused Champagne sparkler. Diana Castelnuovo-Tedesco shares recipes from Le Palais des Thés of Paris.

Saint Nicolas de Myre is the patron saint of Lorraine, France, and his arrival is celebrated in private homes, of course, and in a community festival held early in December. Today's French lesson by Camille Chevalier-Karfis presents a dialogue you may encounter when traveling in France. For the complete vocabulary, don't miss the link within to the first part of this two-part lesson.

Would you like to learn some new conversational French or refresh your French language skills? Camille Chevalier-Karfis has taught modern French for nearly 20 years and she's written two French lessons for beginners or readers with some French language skills. This lesson focuses on Christmas dinner; watch for the second lesson later this week.

Treasured holiday traditions become more dear to expats and travelers far from home and family, especially during the Thanksgiving holiday. Karen Fawcett reminisces about celebrating Thanksgiving holidays in France and shares some tips for those seeking to attend or prepare a traditional Thanksgiving dinner in Paris.