Difficulty: Intermediate
France
The Canard Enchaîné (Chained Duck) recently celebrated its 100-year anniversary. The independent satirical newspaper, known for its shocking headlines, survived many controversies and even censorship. It still has an avid fanbase today.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Meet Jacques Guillaume, electric razor repairman extraordinaire. He's been fixing razors since 1962 in his tiny Paris workshop, and quite successfully at that. He's had many famous customers over the years, from interim president Alain Poher to actor Eddie Constantine.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Lionel discusses the French Academy's latest spelling reform, which includes such modifications as removing the i in oignon (onion) and the circumflex in coût (cost). There's been a fair amount of backlash against the reform, though the changes are only recommended, not mandatory.
Difficulty: Adv-Intermediate
France
A very unpopular labor law caused Parisians to protest near the Bastille before it was passed in 2015. President François Hollande invoked Article 49-3 of the Constitution to force this law through. The protests continued after the law was successfully enacted in 2016. For more information, you can visit the Nuit Debout and Convergence des Luttes websites.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Lionel takes us to the friendly Butte aux Cailles neighborhood in Paris. Its village-like atmosphere is a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the capital. The Butte aux Cailles was formerly part of the small town of Gentilly before being attached to the city of Paris.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France Parisian
Lionel goes to the Louvre Pyramid, which was commissioned by former President François Mitterrand and designed by the architect I.M. Pei. Located in the Cour Napoléon (Napoleon Courtyard), the pyramid is one of the most famous selfie sites in the world.
Difficulty: Beginner
France
In her song "Nos secrets" (Our Secrets), pop singer Louane Emera laments a relationship that is fading like "a bouquet of maybes." It's a melancholy and philosophical song about coming to terms with a broken relationship.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Louane Emera (aka Anne Peichert), semi-finalist in the French talent competition "The Voice," released her second single "Avenir" (Future), which topped the official French Singles Chart in March 2015. She sings about overcoming a breakup and sends a hopeful message: although "it's all over," she still has a future.
Difficulty: Beginner
France
In this melancholy piano ballad, Louane Emera confesses her doubts and fears to her late mother. "Everything will start again in the spring," she sings, "except indelible loves."
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Louane Emera sings "Jour Un" (Day One), in which she reminisces about the heady days of new love. Sadly, it's not long before she discovers that love is a fleeting emotion as she finds herself alone, having been replaced by another. Amidst the heartache, she consoles herself by saying that "day one" will always be remembered.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Louane added a beautiful touch to Francis Cabrel's 1979 hit "Je l'aime à mourir" (I Love Her to Death) during the French Song Festival in 2015.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Louane Emera sings On était beau (We Were Beautiful), a song about the breakup of a relationship. Everything reminds her of her lover, and she can't get him out of her mind.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Lunatic Age is a four-member group from France’s Montpellier, a band that makes rock and roll “as though every song could be the last.” The song “À quoi bon?” deals with the heavy subjects of alcoholism and child abuse.
Difficulty: Adv-Intermediate
France
Lauren shows us around the Croix-Rousse neighborhood in Lyon, famous for its traboules, a series of passageways located below the buildings. The neighborhood is a favorite spot for artists and families alike.
Difficulty: Adv-Intermediate
France
Lauren continues her tour of Lyon's Croix-Rousse neighborhood, a favorite haunt of artists and students who go there to live, work, and shop. The neighborhood also maintains its heritage as a center for craftsmen.
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