Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Patrice and Sophie discuss Anne Hidalgo's contribution to the city of Paris. As mayor, she is a controversial figure best known for banning cars from the banks of the Seine. Many Parisians either love her or hate her.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Sophie and Patrice discuss the retirement reforms in France and the mass protests opposing them. They also explain the role of President Macron in this controversial situation.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Sophie and Patrice discuss the legislative elections in June 2022. The left-wing parties have reunited for the first time since the Popular Front in 1936. How long will they be able to set aside their differences to form a solid and lasting coalition?
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Patrice and Sophie discuss the recent coup that took place in Mali. As always, people suffer in the hands of the army and the oppressors.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
In May 2020, France entered its deconfinement phase. While the French people are no longer expected to obtain written permission for leaving their homes, they still have to exercise caution and wear masks in most public places.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
In this video, from the beginning of May 2020, Lionel talks about the various deconfinement measures taking place in France. The country has been gradually reopening throughout the month of May.
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
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: Intermediate
France
While the Rio Olympic Games were taking place, the Paris Mayor's Office installed a beach volleyball court complete with real sand in front of the city hall building. Parisians relished the opportunity to practice a sport that is not readily available in the heart of the city.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Lionel gives us the latest updates on France's Nuit Debout protest movement. Though the movement is no longer centered around Paris's Place de la République, it's still gaining traction online.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
In the wake of the recent tragedy on the Promenade des Anglais, Nice remains a beautiful and diverse city. In this video, Patricia talks about what makes the city such a great place to live and visit.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
A terrible tragedy struck Nice on what should have been a celebration of Bastille Day, France's national holiday. A driver crashed his truck into a crowd of people who came to watch the fireworks on the famous Promenade des Anglais. The city is in mourning, but the people of Nice are determined not to be defeated by this tragedy.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Lionel L introduces a new social phenomenon called "Nuit Debout" ("Up All Night" or "Rise Up Night"). It's a protest movement born from a general discontent regarding politics, labor laws, and other issues. At 6 p.m. every day, people take to the streets of Paris to discuss ideas and air their grievances. The movement is gathering momentum in other cities and countries as well.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
According to Lionel, we hear far too much about Charlie Hebdo and not enough about Le Canard Enchaîné, which is about to celebrate its centenary in 2016. This quality satirical newspaper is in a similar vein to Charlie Hebdo. Both papers even shared the same cartoonist, Cabu, who sadly did not survive the January attack on Charlie Hebdo. Le Canard Enchaîné was no stranger to extremist threats either.
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