LanguaTalk Slow French: Learn French With Gaëlle | French podcast for A2-B1

 In this episode, Gaelle focuses on what happened to an iconic French building: the cathedral Notre Dame of Paris. In 2019 a terrible fire destroyed its roof and spire and a mad bet was then taken: the cathedral would rise again in all its glory in 5 years. So learn about this incredible reconstruction work that was made possible thanks to the generosity of people worldwide, the incredible work of...

In this episode, Gaelle explores “Dry January” in France. This recent British tradition of completely cutting alcohol consumption during the first month of the year has found its way across the Channel and is trying to settle in France. But why does the French government refuse to officially support this initiative? And anyway, in a country famous for its many wines, champagnes and beers, could su...

 In this episode, Gaelle talks about Alsace, a region in the East of France, alongside the German border. In true seasonal spirit, you will discover the magical atmosphere of the Christmas markets. The one in Strasbourg being the oldest and biggest in France. However, this episode doesn’t stay festive all the way, and you will get a little history lesson. Alsace has always been a coveted area betw...

In this episode, Gaelle talks about the situation in Martinique, a French island in the Caribbean, which is facing violent turmoil because of the high cost of living. You will realise the scale of the problem and understand where it originates, going deep into colonial times. Check out Langua, a cutting-edge AI platform to help you become fluent in French: https://languatalk.com/french-AI-chat?via...

In this episode, Gaelle talks about a French movie, released in May 2024, which captivated audiences across France. What sets this movie apart is its daring and moving topic: mental disabilities. Through this comedy and the paralympics games, 2024 was a turning point in French society to talk about disabilities and to maybe finally make some real changes to become truly inclusive and accessible. C...

In this episode, Gaelle interviews Laurène, a French teacher who has been in a Union all her professional life. Together they talk about the major historical social achievements in France and what it means nowadays to be part of a Union. You will learn the French word for “strike”, so important in French culture. Check out Langua, a cutting-edge AI platform to help you become fluent in French: htt...

In this episode, Gaelle tries to help you a little bit with a tough grammatical topic: the subjunctive tense. You will hear a lot of common sentences, used every day by French people that require this tense. This episode is not designed to fully explain the subjunctive, but to give you the opportunity to work your auditory memory and get used to the tense. Check out Langua, a cutting-edge AI platf...

In this episode, Gaelle presents the biography of a historical figure: the first President of Senegal, a former colony of France. This man, Leopold Sédar Senghor - often called the President Poet - had some very close bonds with France, and was a true lover of the French language. Check out Langua, a cutting-edge AI platform to help you become fluent in French: https://languatalk.com/french-AI-cha...

In this episode, Gaelle explores the reality of having a gluten free diet in a country famous for its bread and pastries. Who is concerned? Is it just for show? A new fashion that will soon disappear? Is it easy to shop for gluten free alternatives? And what about restaurants and bakeries? You will find all the answers in this episode. Check out Langua, a cutting-edge AI platform to help you becom...

In this episode, Gaelle explains the current political crisis that is shaking France. It all started with the rise of the far right at the European elections and the consequences are deep and still unpredictable. Even if politics is not your strong suit, Gaelle did her best to make this difficult topic accessible and understandable. So challenge yourself and dive right into France's unique pol...

In this episode, Gaelle interviews Simon to talk about an international puppet festival that takes place every two years in Charlevilles-Mézières, a city in the North-East of France. You will be surprised to discover that this small city hosts 2 major cultural events. Check out Langua, a cutting-edge AI platform to help you become fluent in French: https://languatalk.com/french-AI-chat?via=gaelle...

In this episode, Gaelle interviews Monique to explore the city of Poitiers. Located in the North West of France, the city is now famous for its universities and amusement park, Futuroscope. But it has a glorious medieval past, still visible in its streets and monuments. Thanks to Monique, you will embark on a historical journey and be left wanting to go and see for yourselves. Check out Langua, a...

In this episode, Gaelle interviews Margaux to discover the city of Rouen. Famous for its link with the tragic fall of Jeanne d’Arc in the 15th century, Rouen is a beautiful city in the North Ouest of France, only 1h30 away from Paris, and one that deserves to be visited if you get the chance. Margaux will tell you about the history of the city as well as the culinary specialties of Normandy, and s...

In this episode, Gaelle explains why you can sometimes say “la semaine prochaine” or “la prochaine semaine”. The adjectives “prochain” and “dernier” are trickier than others as they can be placed either before or after the noun and it will change their meaning. So if this subtlety is unclear to you, come and listen! Check out Langua, a cutting-edge AI platform to help you become fluent in French:...

In this episode, Gaelle interviews Yoann, to talk about the Olympic games that are going to take place in Paris at the end of July 2024. Yoann lives in the North of Paris, where most of the building sites are located and he tells us how, for the past 2 years, everyone in and around Paris has been affected by the preparations for the major event. Behind the excitement and the glamor, you will see t...

In this episode, Gaelle touches a deep and difficult subject that agitates French society: the end of life and the right to die. Also known as assisted suicide or euthanasia, this topic is currently being debated in Parliament, with the prospect of a new law at the end of the year. You will understand the arguments on both sides, and the associated moral questions. Check out Langua, a cutting-edge...

In this episode, Gaelle dives into history to tell you the story of one of the most iconic French landmarks: the castle of Versailles. You will understand the intricate link between the castle and king Louis. You will hear how it survived the French revolution and was later on saved from decrepitude by an American philanthropist.  And to finish, Gaelle will give you some useful tips if you are pla...

This episode is the second part of the interview with Dimitri, a Greek citizen living and working in France, who explains to Gaelle the different steps to buy a property in France. We recommend listening to the first part before diving into this one. Warning: this episode is more challenging than usual because of the sound quality of Gaelle’s recording and Dimitri’s slight accent. Check out Langua...

In this episode, Gaelle interviews Dimitri, a Greek citizen living and working in France, who recently bought a house near Paris. Through this conversation, Dimitri explains the different steps you need to go through to become a homeowner in France. And you will see that it’s no picnic in the park! Warning: this episode is more challenging than usual because of the sound quality of Gaelle’s record...

In this episode, Gaelle explains the more subtle ways to translate the adverbs “assez” and “bien”. Commonly understood as “enough” and “well”, they in fact have more meanings than that, which can sometimes lead to confusion. Listen to this episode to understand what French people mean when they say “elle a l’air assez sympa” or “il a bien raison”. Check out Langua, a cutting-edge AI platform to he...

In this episode, Gaelle reveals a silent but important crisis in the world of French wines. If famous bottles of Chateau-Margaux are ever so expensive, the same story is not true of the more ordinary Bordeaux wines, which have been struggling to sell in recent years. You will understand why this crisis is hitting a lot of winegrowers hard and what solutions have been put in place. Check out Langua...

In this episode, Gaelle talks about the woman behind the world famous champagne, Veuve Clicquot. The first woman to ever be at the head of a champagne company, in the XIXème century where men largely dominated, she is an inspirational figure. With this episode you will discover her incredible story and how her legacy is still alive nowadays. Check out Langua, a cutting-edge AI platform to help you...

In this episode, Gaelle explains the importance of the Agricultural Show that takes place every year at the end of February near Paris. In the context of the farmers crisis this year, this event was especially important for the political world. With her explanations, you will understand where this tradition originated and why the French president always spends a day there, between a glass of wine...

In this episode, Gaelle explains how to pronounce the little word “plus” - which annoyingly can be pronounced 3 different ways: [plu], [pluS] or [pluZ]. You probably won’t be able to say it correctly straight away, but at least you will know the rules behind it. NEW: Check out Langua, our groundbreaking platform to help you become fluent in French: https://languatalk.com/langua/podcasts?language=f...

In this episode, Gaelle talks about two traditions typical of February and March: Mardi-Gras and Carnaval. She explains where they originate from, how they were celebrated back in the days and what is left from those traditions nowadays. It all started from a journey down memory lane for Gaelle, when blurry flashbacks of her childhood came rushing back. NEW: Check out Langua, our cutting-edge soft...