Advanced Lessons

This time, our lesson focuses on the situation in Mali. In our role-play, Brendan asks Simone to shed some light on the reasons for the military intervention of France in one of its former colonies. An advanced lesson this time, mostly in French.

Europe is in crisis. The euro, too, is going through a turbulent phase. Are those who predict the end of the 'European project' simply being pessimistic? Let's hear a discussion on the matter.

The economic situation in Greece has slipped off the front pages of newspapers… for the moment. However, Greece's problems and those of Portugal, Ireland, Italy and Spain are largely responsible for recent instability in the Euro zone. In this lesson, we hear a conversation in response to the question: "Que se passe-t-il donc en Grèce?"

La crise financière a dominé la rentrée 2008. Les marchés ont vraiment été chahutés en ce mois de septembre. Certains jours, une psychose de ‘fin du monde’ régnait en bourse. Les grandes banques centrales ont dû injecter des milliards de dollars dans des banques privées pour les sauver de la faillite. Comment a-t-on pu en arriver là? Tant de questions… mais aucune réponse définitive.

The Tour de France is the world’s premier cycling race. It traces a route – ‘la Grande Boucle’ – through France and certain stages – des ‘étapes’ – are sometimes organised in neighbouring countries. In this Advanced lesson, lesson 113, let’s discuss a sports event that captivates cycling enthusiasts everywhere during the month of July each year.

Le sujet que nous abordons aujourd’hui avec Xavier nous a été suggéré par une de nos auditrices australiennes, Maureen. Cette année, Maureen – fatiguée de la vie urbaine – a décidé de délaisser Paris pour aller passer ses vacances en province, en Dordogne, plus précisément. Découvrons ensemble ce magnifique département, l’un des plus visités de France, après Paris et l’Île-de-France.

"La Môme" was released into French cinemas recently. It is the story of France's best known singer – the artist who made 'Non, je ne regrette rien' an expression familiar to everyone. In this advanced lesson, let's discuss the film that brought French actress, Marion Cotillard, the highest accolade at the Oscars for her role as Édith Piaf.

Local and regional elections are about to take place in France. It's all a little complicated, in fact. In this lesson - an advanced lesson completely in French! - let's study at least some of the vocabulary and expressions which will shed a little light on all things political...