Still in the Lindre-Basse region, Jean-Pierre explains the fish breeding process to Lionel. They also enjoy the beautiful sight of storks building their nests during mating season.

Patricia is in a dark mood.... Learn some expressions using the word noir (dark, black) and express your dark feelings in French!

In the second installment on French expressions not to be taken literally, Patricia discusses the phrase se faire l'avocat du diable (to play devil's advocate).

Lionel and his cousin Jean-Pierre continue their visit to the Lindre-Basse area with its amazing natural surroundings. The ponds teem with fish and birds for a while before being drained and then used for cultivation, which in turn will enrich the soil after they're refilled.

Some expressions are not be taken literally, as they would not make a lot of sense. For example, vider son sac—literally, "to empty one's bag"—actually means something entirely different. Find out the real meaning of vider son sac and its origin in this video!

Lionel is in Toul, twenty-seven kilometers from Nancy in the northeast of France. This small medieval town has a pretty riverside port and a magnificent Gothic cathedral called Cathédrale Saint-Étienne. Don't miss Lionel's signature pun at the end of this video!

Lionel and Jean-Pierre talk about fish farming in the pond of Lindre-Basse. This practice dates back to the Middle Ages with an order of soldier-monks called the Knights Templar.

Daniel takes us to Montmorency, a historic town in the Paris region that dates all the way back to the ninth century. Among many other attractions, the town features a public garden dedicated to Lucie Aubrac, one of the most famous figures of the French Resistance during World War II.

Lionel and Jean-Pierre try to find their bearings along the Lindre pond. Luckily they have a compass! Jean-Pierre will teach you how to use a compass and explain the difference between true north and magnetic north.

Discover Chambourcy with Daniel Benchimol. Chambourcy is a small town on the outskirts of Paris that is full of charming surprises. An interesting garden called Le Désert de Retz will take you back through time with eclectic constructions reminiscent of extinct civilizations.

Lionel and his cousin Jean-Pierre visit a nature park in the Saulnois region with some interesting wildlife. Storks are a major attraction in the region. Unlike other storks, these storks don't migrate, but stay year-round.

Lionel takes us to the European Parliament gardens, where statues of colorful saxophones representing different countries are scattered around the grounds for the enjoyment of visitors.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.