Difficulty: Intermediate
France
In this first part of his tour of Rambouillet, Daniel shows us the town's beautiful castle and its surrounding forest, islands, and gardens. Do you know what a "quincunx" in a garden is? If not, you'll find out in this video.
Difficulty: Advanced
Canada, France
In part seven of this series on Quebec, Olivier focuses on something that is dear to the hearts of many Québécois: the majestic Saint Lawrence River. He also explores their relationship with money and the way they conduct business. Olivier asks whether it's easier to do business in Quebec or in France. Quebec, it seems, offers more opportunities for companies, with fewer regulations and restrictions, while France remains a very productive country despite the thirty-five-hour workweek.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Joanna will show you around a lovely little boutique called La Torréfaction du Faubourg (Faubourg Coffee Roasting House). The owner is proud to say that she roasts her own coffee—to perfection, no doubt. You'll have to use your imagination to experience the boutique's lovely aromas!
Difficulty: Beginner
France
In this third episode on the medieval town of Senlis, Daniel Benchimol introduces us to the Venery Museum or hunting museum. The museum displays not only traditional uniforms of the Spahis but also the special architecture, painting, music, and art linked to the "venery" activities.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Daniel Benchimol continues his tour of the medieval town of Senlis with a look inside the Notre-Dame Cathedral, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful examples of Gothic architecture in France. The cathedral contains a magnificent organ and a plaque commemorating the British soldiers who died in France during World War I.
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: Intermediate
France
In this episode, Daniel Benchimol takes us to the little Gallo-Roman city of Senlis, forty kilometers away from Paris. There, we can discover its fish and vegetable market, its church, and its art and archeology museum.
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: Intermediate
France
Marion takes us to Parc de la Villette, one of the largest parks in Paris. If you want something more than just a nature walk, you won't be disappointed here! Quirky modern structures and unique perspectives will catch your attention, and the Geode and the Museum of Science and Technology will help satisfy your intellectual curiosity.
Difficulty: Beginner
France
In this episode, Daniel Benchimol introduces La Buttes aux Cailles, a neighborhood in the thirteenth arrondissement in Paris. He will tell you all about the origins of the street, its free spring water fountain, and its artsy walls decorated with stencils.
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: Intermediate
France
Regular bus riders from the Essonne, a suburb south of Paris, share their views on public transport. It appears that some people behave badly on buses and in the subway, which can give tourists a bad impression. So the next time you catch a bus, don't forget to give up your seat for the elderly!
Difficulty: Beginner
France
The Place des Vosges, located in Paris's Marais neighborhood, is a gorgeous square with a rich history. Formerly the royal square of Henry the Fourth, the area was also the home of two of France's most renowned literary figures, the Marquise de Sévigné and Pierre Beaumarchais.
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: Intermediate
France
Marion, our guide, takes us to Place de la Bastille (Bastille Square), where the old Bastille fortress was stormed during the French Revolution. The guillotine was installed on the square for a very short time, but was nevertheless the site of a whopping 75 executions. Nowadays, the square hosts some much less sinister events, such as the Bastille Day (French national holiday) celebrations and the annual Gay Pride Parade.
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