Difficulty:
Beginner
France
Lionel and Sara reflect on how the traditional two-day Fête de l'Humanité (Humanity Festival) has changed over the years. Originally organized by the Communist newspaper L'Humanité, the festival is an occasion for the various factions of the French left to put aside their differences and come together.
Difficulty:
Newbie
France
Sara shows off to Lionel the leather handbag she just made to remind her of her recent trip to New York. Can you guess what the shape of the bag will be?
Difficulty:
Intermediate
France
Is it acceptable to tell white lies to smooth things over, like Sara, or is it better to tell the truth at the risk of offending someone, like Lionel? Is it any wonder Lionel never gets invited back for dinner?
Difficulty:
Beginner
France
Are you more like Lionel, who is always on time, or like Sara, who is always late? Listen to their conversation as they reflect on the psychology behind such two different behaviors.
Difficulty:
Beginner
France
Sara and Lionel wonder why French people are often seen as arrogant. Do French people actually mind or do they unconsciously cultivate this image?
Difficulty:
Beginner
France
Do you agree with Sara and Lionel that friendship is not what it used to be? Has social networking and texting changed the way we connect to each other? Do we favor quantity over quality? And do you make a distinction between les copains and les amis?
Difficulty:
Beginner
France
Does the color red remind you of beautiful architecture? In this video, Lionel asks Sara what various colors evoke for her. See if you feel the same way.
Difficulty:
Beginner
France
Sara continues to talk about the relationship between colors and emotions. She has an interesting theory about why admiring the greenery feels so good.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
France
You can get away from it all just an hour away from Paris by visiting Sandra's alternative accommodation in Arbonne-la-Forêt. You can choose between a tree house or a cottage in the heart of the forest and enjoy the wildlife. There's no public lighting, so the animals won't be disturbed.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
France
Samuel Gassmann is an artisan who makes unconventional cufflinks of all different types: he has one set representing the "totality of time," and another inspired by the Happy Families card game. Be sure to stop by his new store the next time you're in Paris!
Difficulty:
Intermediate
France
At the Eco Habitat salon, Olivier Brunet from the "Terres Cuites de Courboissy" (Courboissy Terracotta) tile factory explains how they make floor tiles that are both eco-friendly and pleasing to the eye. One of their clients even had his floor tiles made to look three dimensional!
Difficulty:
Adv-Intermediate
France
How would you like to learn to make your very own ochre paint? Jean-Michel and Stéphane will share their recipe, which is not unlike crêpe batter. While the paint may not be fit for human consumption, it's non-toxic and extremely durable.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
France
In this video, a representative at an ecology trade show presents some innovative building materials that are eco-friendly and will allow you to save some money on your energy bills. These materials are made out of gypsum cellulose and are used for insulation.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
France
A Primacalc representative introduces a revolutionary eco-friendly device that softens hard water. The device can be installed by a savvy handyman or a plumber.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
France
Our eco-friendly home show representative explains the benefits of cellulose wadding versus fiberglass, two insulation materials commonly used in houses.
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