Difficulty: Intermediate
France
In the first episode of "Mon Village" (My Village), Olivier takes us to Malicorne, a small town of two thousand inhabitants where exciting and innovative events happen all the time. You'll meet the enthusiastic mayor extraordinaire of Malicorne who can tread on water! Be sure to catch the very last caption to find out how it's done.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Olivier takes us inside Malicorne's "Espace Faïence" (Earthenware Space), where permanent exhibits can be found as well as temporary ones like the current animal display. Set up like a treasure hunt, this exhibit is very popular with children.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
The little town of Malicorne has so much to offer for all ages and all preferences. You can take a dip in the pool, visit the Earthenware Space for a little shopping, take a boat ride on the Sarthe river, or go to the night market. After all this, you may want to chill at the local open-air café for a while...
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
We continue our visit to Malicorne with Olivier, who speaks with Dominique Bourneuf, the owner of the Petite Auberge (Little Inn) restaurant and president of the artistic trades association. Besides the many art and crafts events organized in Malicorne, there's also a world record event planned for April.
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: Intermediate
France
Meet the various artists in residence at number 39 Saint-Pavin Street in Le Mans. The city-sponsored studio space is a great opportunity for artists to grow in their art and exchange with others.
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
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
Tarte flambée is a specialty of the Alsace region of France that resembles a pizza. Typically made with crème fraîche, onions, and bacon, the traditional tarte flambée has also undergone many variations. Flam’s, a restaurant franchise based in Strasbourg, has dedicated itself to perfecting this Alsatian delicacy.
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!
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