Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Olivier takes us to the Malicorne castle for the last episode of "Mon Village" (My Village). The castle has been owned by the same family since the 1800s and boasts a magnificent marble stairway as well as beautiful floor marquetry. It's often used to host events during festivals.
Difficulty: Advanced
Canada
In the first episode of this documentary on Quebec, a young Frenchman shares his impressions on Canada. As the interviewees in the film demonstrate, the Quebecois have conflicting attitudes toward the French—some see them as "snobs," while others see them as just "polite."
Difficulty: Advanced
Canada
In the second episode of Le Québec parle aux Français, we learn more about the complex relationship between the French and the Quebecois throughout history. We also learn about the evolution of the French language in Quebec—according to a former Prime Minister of Quebec, the province even "spoke French before France"!
Difficulty: Advanced
Canada
The situation of the French language in Quebec is controversial and complex. Montreal was an English-speaking city until 1920, and it wasn't until the passage of Law 101 in 1977 that French became the official language of Quebec. According to some of the interviewees in this video, Québécois French is in a precarious position once again, with municipal signage and corporate names in Montreal reverting to English, as well as shopkeepers who refuse to speak French.
Difficulty: Advanced
Canada, France
One might think that the push to remove anglicisms from the French language would be stronger in France, but the larger movement to "purify" French is actually happening in Quebec. Many Québécois worry that the French language is endangered in Canada, and the Quebec government has taken measures to preserve it by inventing new words instead of borrowing from English. That's why an email is still un email in France, but un courriel in Quebec.
Difficulty: Advanced
Canada, France
French Canada is a cultural mosaic that is still exploring its identity. Some French Canadians feel more American than French, while others feel more of an allegiance to their French roots. Somehow, a Quebecois nation is emerging out of all this, but not without some growing pains.
Difficulty: Advanced
Canada, France
In part 6 of Le Québec parle aux Français, the interviewees compare and contrast the immigrant situation in France and Quebec. France, being a smaller country, creates additional pressure for immigrants, while in Quebec, immigrants do rather well. Later, Olivier treats us to a little song he wrote himself.
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: Adv-Intermediate
France
You say flammekueche, I say tarte flambée! But no matter the moniker, we can certainly agree on one thing: this Alsatian specialty is a gustatory delight!
Difficulty: Beginner
France
The Carnival of Nice is famous around the world for its colorful parade of floats covered in flowers. You can even participate in a "battle" of flowers that are grown in abundance in the region.
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.
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