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
Lionel takes us in front of the European Parliament building in Strasbourg, where important decisions are made. You can't miss it, with its forty-seven flags representing each member country of the European Council.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Join Daniel Benchimol on his tour of the quaint town of Fourqueux. There, you will find a magnificent house where Victor Hugo, the famous French poet and writer, once stayed. Adding to the historic atmosphere, old road markers and vintage hand-painted advertising signs are a great reminder of a colorful past.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Lionel concludes his discussion of train rides in France at the Rémilly station. Built in 1851, the station now has a special significance for film lovers.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
We continue our series on train travel in the Moselle region, where we'll accompany Lionel on a short train ride from Faulquemont to Rémilly. Many commuters travel to and from work by train each day, some even to Germany, which is just a few miles across the border.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
If you wish to travel in France by train, you will find Lionel's video very useful. He will teach you the necessary vocabulary for buying a train ticket from a ticket machine. Happy travels!
Difficulty: Intermediate
Senegal
Cristina talks about Senegal, where she comes from. This French-speaking country has close ties with France and is well worth a visit. It has a mild climate and a beautiful coast. And you might like to try the local cuisine, such as chicken yassa.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Lionel visits a vineyard in Bruley near Toul. In this video, the wine grower Isabelle explains the advantages of high vines versus low ones. The high vines are easier to maintain.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
In this episode you will learn how Paris officially became the capital in the sixth century under the reign of Clovis. Paris was not built in a day, and in many respects, Paris is still being built today as many significant events, past and present, are still defining the history of the city.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Lionel visits a winery in the Lorraine region, which was full of vineyards in Roman times. Only a fraction of those vineyards remain today. This particular winery produces a wine called "Gris de Toul" (Toul Gray) due to the grayish color of the grapes during the fermentation process.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Meet Jacques Guillaume, electric razor repairman extraordinaire. He's been fixing razors since 1962 in his tiny Paris workshop, and quite successfully at that. He's had many famous customers over the years, from interim president Alain Poher to actor Eddie Constantine.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Astrid gives us a detailed description of the Toul Cathedral, its history, and its special features. Though its gargoyles may look scary, they serve a special purpose: draining rainwater off the roof. A light and sound show takes place every year, highlighting the gargoyles and the cathedral's amazing architecture.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Still in Toul, Lionel takes a closer look at the Saint-Étienne Cathedral in Toul. Its construction started in the thirteen hundreds and was completed around 1495.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
In this video you will hear a fable by Jean de La Fontaine, the most famous fable writer in French literature. "Le Chêne et le Roseau" (The Oak and the Reed) is a lesson in humility. The humble reed belies an inner strength that the oak does not possess. The oak's unbending nature proves to be its downfall.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Every year, a portion of Paris turns into a miniature beach where people of all ages can play games and bask in the sun.
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