Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Aldo takes us to a very special house on 23 Rue Beauregard in Paris. In that house lived a shady character, Catherine Deshayes, who was responsible for the murder of thousands of infants. She and 36 others were burned at the stake by Louis XIV.
Difficulty: Adv-Intermediate
France
Marion takes us along Paris's Canal Saint Martin, which is part of a waterway network that measures one hundred thirty kilometers long. In their heyday, the Parisian canals were the main means of transportation of goods and materials, and even drinking water! Nowadays, historic buildings, restaurants, and concert halls are the main attractions along the canals.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Just in time for Bastille Day, Nelly explains the history of "La Marseillaise," the French national anthem, including how it got its name.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Nelly explains in detail the meaning of the most famous verses of the French national anthem, "La Marseillaise."
Difficulty: Beginner
France
This video is all about the people of France, from the ancient Franks and Gauls to the present-day population, which currently numbers over sixty-six million inhabitants.
Difficulty: Beginner
France
It's been said that Paris is the most romantic city in the world. In this video, you will discover the origin of the word "romantic" and learn about the romanticism movement, which originated not from France as one might expect, but from England and Germany and later took hold in France.
Difficulty: Beginner
France
This video takes an in-depth look at the curious French idiom mener une vie de bâton de chaise (to lead a chair-pole life). Though the life of a chair pole might not seem very interesting, the history behind the idiom certainly is!
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
In this episode you will learn how Paris officially became the capital in the sixth century under the reign of Clovis. Paris was not built in a day, and in many respects, Paris is still being built today as many significant events, past and present, are still defining the history of the city.
Difficulty: Beginner
France
Patricia discusses the galette des rois (kings' cake), a classic holiday delicacy associated with the festival of Epiphany. A small figurine is placed inside the cake, and whoever finds it in his or her slice is crowned "king" or "queen" for the day.
Difficulty: Beginner
France
Patricia explains in detail the tradition of the galette des rois (kings' cake), which predates Christianity. The tradition is linked to a Roman pagan celebration called Saturnalia, during which a lucky slave was crowned "king" for the day.
Difficulty: Beginner
France
In this video on Nice, Patricia explains the history of the city, its Italian heritage, and its typically French atmosphere.
Difficulty: Beginner
France
Nice's Jetée-Promenade is the site of a former casino by that name. Built on pilings over the sea, the original building was once a thriving casino attracting many tourists, especially British tourists who flocked to the Riviera.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Patricia takes a close look at some old French laws that are still on the books but no longer enforced. For example, it's technically forbidden to name one's pig "Napoleon."
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Patricia has unearthed some very interesting, obscure French laws. For example: "Any woman wishing to dress like a man must request permission from the police department." Thankfully, no one obeys these antiquated laws!
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Gérard will introduce you to Antibes, a beautiful city founded by the Phocaeans in the 400s BC. The Phocaeans were replaced by the Romans, who were replaced by the Christians. Nowadays Antibes has grown to become the third-largest city in the Alpes-Maritimes department.
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