# Ordering coffee on Paris terraces

**Language:** French  
**CEFR Level:** A1  

> Master French cafe culture by listening to Clément and Émilie's conversation about ordering coffee on Parisian terraces. It may feel challenging at first, but by the end of this course you will be able to fully understand and participate.

**Setting:** Clément and Émilie are old friends meeting up on a bustling sidewalk terrace in Paris's Marais district while visiting the capital for a national food trade show. They spend their afternoons hopping from one iconic café terrace to another, sharing tips on navigating the fast-paced Parisian service.

## Lessons

### 1. Choosing where to have coffee

Clément and Émilie look for a place to sit down for a drink, and Émilie suggests grabbing a table on the terrace.

### 2. Discussing local café customs

Émilie and Clément compare their usual coffee-ordering habits with the unique service style of a Parisian terrace.

### 3. Asking about French coffee options

Clément asks Émilie what she wants to drink and gets curious when she orders a mysterious "café noisette."

### 4. Ordering your preferred coffee

After Émilie explains what a "café noisette" is, Clément decides to order an "allongé" for himself.

### 5. Ordering drinks at a café

With a little encouragement from Émilie, Clément successfully orders an allongé and a noisette when the waiter arrives.

### 6. Describing café seating options

Clément explains that cafés back home do not have terraces, leading Émilie to ask if customers only use the counter.

### 7. Comparing dining habits

Clément describes how people back home eat quickly while standing, which Émilie contrasts with the relaxed pace of French terrace culture.

### 8. Expressing likes and preferences

Clément shares his appreciation for the calm terrace atmosphere, and Émilie agrees, noting her love for people-watching.

### 9. Asking about drink prices

Clément asks about the price of a coffee in Paris, and Émilie estimates the cost, finding it quite reasonable.

### 10. Comparing prices in different places

Clément compares the price of coffee in Lille to Paris, while Émilie notes that Paris is always more expensive.

### 11. Deciding where to go next

Clément asks where they should head next, and Émilie suggests finding another outdoor terrace nearby.

### 12. Offering to pay the bill

Émilie wants to have another coffee and continue people-watching, and Clément agrees on the condition that he pays this time.

### 13. Insisting on paying the bill

Émilie insists on treating Clément today, while Clément agrees on the condition that he gets to pay next time.

### 14. Sealing a deal

Émilie accepts Clément's proposal for their next café visit and suggests they finish up their coffees.