Difficulty: Advanced
Canada, France
In part seven of this series on Quebec, Olivier focuses on something that is dear to the hearts of many Québécois: the majestic Saint Lawrence River. He also explores their relationship with money and the way they conduct business. Olivier asks whether it's easier to do business in Quebec or in France. Quebec, it seems, offers more opportunities for companies, with fewer regulations and restrictions, while France remains a very productive country despite the thirty-five-hour workweek.
Difficulty: Adv-Intermediate
Canada, France
In part 8 of Le Québec parle aux Français, Olivier discusses the cost of maintaining a high standard of living. Is France living beyond its means? Heavy taxation and full employment would go some way toward balancing the national budget and covering the cost of welfare programs.
Difficulty: Advanced
Canada, France
Quebec may never answer the vexing question: Should Quebec remain part of Canada or not? While opinions are divided, Quebecois don't necessarily show the same passion as the French when debating hot issues.
Difficulty: Advanced
Canada, France
Quebec's current relationship with France is complex. French politicians tend to tread carefully regarding Quebec's sovereignty. For many years France adopted a policy of "neither indifference nor interference," a more neutral stance somewhere between a hands-off policy (which could be seen as complete abandonment) and an overly intrusive relationship. Sarkozy moved away from that policy, but his successor Hollande revived it.
Difficulty: Advanced
Canada, France
Oliver concludes this eleven-part series with a visit to Fort Chambry, where French and British armies fought over new Canadian territories. How did this affect the present? Olivier leaves us to draw our own conclusions and assures us that he is fond of the Québécois as much as they are fond of him. He shares his final impressions of Quebec in a lovely song at the end.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
This video from Le Monde explores the popular and scientific views of astrology. After a brief description of how birth charts are created, the video asks whether astrology "works" at all.
Difficulty: Adv-Intermediate
France
Will the French have to dine on cod liver or other such delicacies during this coronavirus pandemic? Can the food industry cope with the extra demand in supermarkets? Watch this video to find out.
Difficulty: Beginner
France
A group has designed a new tool to bring sex education into the digital age. It’s “Neutros”: an informative and fun online video game designed to teach young people about sexuality, contraception, and other adolescent issues.
Difficulty: Adv-Intermediate
France
Youssef Ben Amar is a rapper and political activist who is running for office in the fourth legislative district of the Sarthe department. He shares his views and urges people to take an interest in politics, which he believes is something that all people do every day.
Difficulty: Adv-Intermediate
France
Workers for the power company in the city of Lille aren’t happy and want management to know it. So they sabotaged the grid, cutting off power to thousands of businesses and residences. Despite the inconvenience, the mayor, and even many residents, support the workers.
Difficulty: Adv-Intermediate
France
Though we reported that some of the residents of Lille support the power workers and their blackout strikes, it turns out that not all of them do. Office workers shout from balconies to give the strikers a piece of their minds, and the workers respond in kind.
Difficulty: Adv-Intermediate
France
Cannabis use amongst French youth has more than doubled in the past ten years, and some parents are blaming it for their children’s erratic behavior. Specialists say that even moderate daily use can have detrimental effects on schoolwork.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
As a gift to journalists looking for a tongue-in-cheek story, French schools have banned kissing. Students ask, “Where’s the harm?”
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Newcomers Kader Belarbi and Loumia Hiridjee are bringing fresh blood and talent to the French cultural and commercial landscape.
Difficulty: Adv-Intermediate
France
Public transport has not always been easy for those who use wheelchairs, but the SNCF (French National Railway Company) has been making changes that make for a much more pleasant trip.
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