Difficulty:
Beginner
France
Lionel tells us about the second lockdown this year in France. It's slightly different from the first one in that schools are now open.
Difficulty:
Beginner
France
Lionel describes the latest measures taken by the French government regarding the COVID pandemic. A curfew has been enforced in major cities in an effort to contain the virus.
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:
Beginner
France
Lionel talks about how the French people are doing after a month of confinement. He misses his hairdresser...
Difficulty:
Beginner
France
Lionel talks about life under quarantine in France. All group activities are forbidden, and you can only go outside to walk your dog, go to the pharmacy, or shop for basic necessities.
Difficulty:
Adv-Intermediate
France
We live in tumultuous times, but Patrice and Sophie are optimistic, excited even, about the changes that are happening around the world. They're referring specifically to the yellow vests movement (les gilets jaunes), a populist movement that began in France in 2018.
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:
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
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:
Beginner
France
Lionel concludes his series on Nuit Debout. The protest movement, expressing discontent with politics in general, is spreading. Lawyers have joined the fight, and the attitudes of the media and politicians toward the movement are slowly shifting.
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