After installing the software, the user can choose from a range of basic situations--in the hotel, at the station and so on--and watch a video role-play. There is the option of listening with the full French text and English translation, with the French only or without any supporting text. There is also comprehensive grammatical support that excerpts elements from some of the role-plays and points up various grammatical rules arising from them.

While perfectly adequate, Everyday French is aimed at the beginner to intermediate level and not, as the promotional blurb claims, at "experienced French speakers". In truth, it's probably best for business travellers or holiday-makers. It's a shame that much of the package seems quite dated. For example, it still refers to the Franc rather than the Euro. The situations strongly recall the 1980s and the grammatical section--with its talk of "partitive articles" and "interrogative adverbs" (and without too much supporting text)--is uncomfortably reminiscent of language learning from the old school.

This package does the job but those wanting a bit more fun or something slightly more contemporary might also have a look at programmes run by Berlitz, Mindscape and Auralog. --Toby Green