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
In this episode, Daniel Benchimol introduces us to Paris's Asian District and its many fountains, gardens, and fruit markets. In an interesting twist of globalization, the neighborhood also features Paris's only pagoda-style McDonald's.
Difficulty: Adv-Intermediate
France
The Micro-Trottoirs team tackles a big question in this episode: "Do you believe in life after death?" People share their beliefs on the matter. One person remarked, "As the famous French humorist Pierre Desproges would say, 'if God existed, we'd have to file a lawsuit against him!'"
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: Intermediate
France
In "Je suis Charlie" (I Am Charlie), Fabien Marsaud a.k.a. Grand Corps Malade commemorates the victims of the devastating attack on the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo. As the slam poet notes, "I prefer to pick up a pen because tonight I am Charlie."
Difficulty: Adv-Intermediate
Belgium
Singer-songwriter Stromae walks us through his personal creative process and the many choices he has to make to create his beautiful songs, such as the one you will hear in the background called "Papaoutai" (Dad, Where Are You?). Knowing what goes into the complex process of making music only deepens our appreciation of his work.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Cortés sets out to conquer Mexico with his four hundred men, sixteen horses, and seven cannons. He is joined later by native forces, the Totonac warriors.
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: Intermediate
France
Tension is building between the Aztecs and the Spaniards, not to mention within Cortés's own ranks. Despite this, the conquistador rallies his troops to conquer Mexico.
Difficulty: Adv-Intermediate
France
In "Inch'Allah" (Arabic for "if God wills" or "God willing"), French slam poet Grand Corps Malade and Algerian singer Reda Taliani team up to promote a message of love and acceptance of people of all cultures and colors. In the video, two people are lucky enough to have the song performed at their wedding!
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Cortés exchanges gifts with the Aztec Emperor, Montezuma. An excellent diplomatic move on both sides!
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
The Micro-Trottoir team asks people on the street what it means to age well. For most of them, aging well is staying healthy and being young at heart, not to mention having no wrinkles!
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Cortés is negotiating with the friendly natives of Mexico with the help of his interpreter, who had been shipwrecked in a previous expedition and speaks Mayan. They are offered a young woman slave, Malintzin, who speaks Mayan and Aztec.
Difficulty: Adv-Intermediate
Canada, France
Corneille reflects on his fifteen-year career as a hip hop variety singer. Born in Germany but raised in Rwanda and now residing in Canada, Corneille absorbed various musical influences, which resulted in an eclectic and interesting mix of genres that he will explain in this video. You will also hear short music clips, one of which is from his latest album Entre nord et sud [Between North and South].
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
November 18, 1518... Cortés, the ambitious adventurer, sets out to discover and conquer the unknown empire of Mexico at daybreak before Velasquez has a chance to stop him.
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