Who am I?

  • Hey! I'm Hugo!

    I was born and raised in the picturesque village of Bormes-les-Mimosas on the French Riviera. Later, I moved to Paris, where I studied French and English literatures, philosophy and epistemology, and human geography at the Lycée Henri-IV and Sorbonne University, before continuing in fine arts at the École des Beaux-Arts de Paris.

    I lived in New York City for many years and now call Los Angeles home, where I’m currently pursuing a PhD in French and Francophone Studies at UCLA.

    My background in the liberal arts and fine arts has shaped how I see the world—I can’t imagine life without the emotions and insights that books and ideas bring. I created The French Book Club to share my passion for literature, and to make the French language feel alive, accessible, and full of joy.

After five years of teaching French in New York City, I began focusing more specifically on courses in French and Francophone literature. I discovered that this approach offered my students something unique: through adapted texts and the joy of reading, they could engage with the language in a deeper, more personal way.

I strive to create a collaborative environment where students share insights through analysis and conversation. Literature, in this context, becomes more than just a tool for learning French—it opens the door to new perspectives, cultural encounters, and lasting connections to the Francophone world.

Curious about a class? Not sure if it’s the right level for you? Just want to say hello? I’d love to hear from you—use the form below to get in touch.