Difficulty: Intermediate
France
It is common knowledge that French people love their wine, but did you know that France is only the second largest wine consumer in the world, just behind China? As you will see in the video, winegrowers from the Savoie region put a lot of love and passion into winemaking. It's very often a family affair passed on from generation to generation. Long may it continue... and remember—enjoy your wine in moderation!
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
After the farm visit, it's time for our angora rabbit and goat breeder to show us around her boutique, where you can stock up on fluffy angora wool sweaters and super light and warm socks to help you enjoy the winter in comfort.
Difficulty: Beginner
France
You can count on Lionel to give you a fun and thorough introduction to numbers in French! From counting the thirteen ducks on the lake to explaining how the higher numbers are constructed, Lionel will tell you all you need to know to become an expert at French numbers.
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.
Difficulty: Advanced
Canada
In the second episode of Le Québec parle aux Français, we learn more about the complex relationship between the French and the Quebecois throughout history. We also learn about the evolution of the French language in Quebec—according to a former Prime Minister of Quebec, the province even "spoke French before France"!
Difficulty: Advanced
Canada
In the first episode of this documentary on Quebec, a young Frenchman shares his impressions on Canada. As the interviewees in the film demonstrate, the Quebecois have conflicting attitudes toward the French—some see them as "snobs," while others see them as just "polite."
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
In the second episode of Ferme de la Croix de Pierre, the goat breeder gets all warm and cuddly with one of her baby goats, which become like plush toys when bottle-fed. She'll teach you all you need to know about caring for these adorable animals.
Difficulty: Beginner
France
A former bobsled champion created an ice chapel in Leysin, Switzerland. As you might expect, this unusual place of worship is only available during the cold winter months. If you're interested in visiting, make sure to do it before it melts away!
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
In this video, Lucette teaches us how to make some delicious, homemade apricot jam. She also skillfully recites an apricot-related tongue-twister!
Difficulty: Beginner
France
Daniel Benchimol walks us through a fun neighborhood in Paris: Le Marais. It's a great place to visit, with the Beaubourg Museum (also known as the Georges Pompidou Museum) and distinctive medieval streets.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Lionel takes us to an Alsace flea market and unearths some shopping gems: old vintage postcards painted by a student of Picasso, a set of tires, a few saucepans, and a makeup kit that he buys for his four-and-a-half-year-old daughter, or so he claims...
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
Have you ever wondered where the wool from your luxurious angora sweater comes from? At the Ferme de la Croix, a lovely lady breeds angora rabbits and goats on her farm. She explains the shearing process and how she cares for her pets. We learn that one rabbit can yield forty balls of angora wool every hundred days. That's a lot of sweaters!
Difficulty: Advanced
Canada
Meet Geneviève Morissette, a singer-songwriter from Montreal whose smart lyrics and beautiful compositions make her stand out on stage.
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: Advanced
France
Meet the members of IAM, a very popular French rap group originating from Marseille. They discuss their successful career and their latest album, Arts Martiens (Martian Arts).
Difficulty: Beginner
France
Daniel Benchimol walks us through the "Coulée Verte," a peaceful passageway that cuts through Paris's twelfth arrondissement and offers a nice break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Along the Coulée Verte, you'll find a lot of green spaces, some art galleries and craft workshops, and even a nifty sundial!
Difficulty: Beginner
France
Lionel and Chantal introduce a new verb, "faire du barbecue" (to barbecue), for barbecuing and verb conjugating novices. Lionel knows how to cook two birds with one grill, so to speak. Note that the verb "faire" ("to do" or "to make") is used for just about any situation in French.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Whether you're a scholar, a budding writer, or just a casual beach reader, you'll find a lot to learn in Manon and Clémentine's lesson on book-related vocabulary. Using one of the most renowned works of French literature, In Search of Lost Time, as a guide, our two friends also recite their own poem on the future of the book. Happy reading!
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Our eco-friendly home show representative explains the benefits of cellulose wadding versus fiberglass, two insulation materials commonly used in houses.
Difficulty: Beginner
France
The square around Paris's city hall, the Hôtel de Ville, is much more than a purely bureaucratic area. It features one of the city's most renowned department stores, the BHV, and even turns into an ice-skating rink in the winter.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
For New Year's Eve, come join the mountain people of the Savoie region at the O’Communailles restaurant where good local food is being served with a twist in a convivial atmosphere. Then watch the happy locals dance the night away.
Are you sure you want to delete this comment? You will not be able to recover it.