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  1. 211: Les rénovations se paient cher … à moins que l’on ne les fasse soi-même!2023/10/31

    This time, our lesson relates to a DIY job that frightens off a lot people, that is, laying tiles. Let’s start with a dialogue.
  2. 210: ‘Que penses-tu de chatGPT? Faut-il en avoir peur?’2023/06/08

    Since the launch of chatGPT in November 2022, everyone is talking about it. Some are in awe of its potential while others go so far as to say that it represents an existential threat. Let’s talk about this technological evolution in this lesson.
  3. 209 : Vers une société sans argent liquide2022/10/08

    It seems we are inexorably headed towards a cashless society. It is not uncommon now for some retailers to even refuse cash payments. What are the consequences of this development? Let’s talk about it.
  4. 208 : ‘Les garçons ne pleurent pas’2022/08/01

    In this lesson, we will hear Bertrand’s thoughts on a book he has just finished reading. But we are going to discover that the book’s title isn’t really true.
  5. 207: J'ai eu le covid.2022/07/16

    People were starting to feel invincible. After over two year’s of covid, they were saying to themselves: ‘it’s over – we can get back to normality’. But covid is still circulating. Let’s start with a conversation.
  6. 206: De retour au bureau - à temps partiel2022/03/05

    After nearly two years, we are seeing a gradual return to the workplace. Working from home – travailler de sa maison – has presented both advantages and disadvantages.
  7. 205: Le monde appartient à ceux qui se lèvent tôt!2021/12/17

    Some people are early-risers while others are night owls. In this lesson, we discuss an adage which makes the bold claim that people who fall into the first category are at an advantage.
  8. 204: Prendre - un verbe polyvalent2021/07/24

    One of our Beginner listeners asked about the English verb ‘to get’ which made us think about prendre . ‘Get’ is just one of the many meanings of this multipurpose French verb, depending on the context.
  9. 203: L'indice de réparabilité - un petit pas dans la bonne direction2021/03/10

    This lesson centres on an interesting initiative which should see manufacturers pull up their socks when it comes to environmentally-friendly products. Let's start with a conversation!
  10. 202: Ça pousse, ton jardin?!2020/08/27

    One of our listeners asked that we would prepare a lesson with some gardening vocabulary and that’s what we did, over WhatsApp! We have lots of interesting vocabulary to learn – let’s start with a conversation.
  11. 201: La covid-19 - une crise inédite2020/06/02

    Our conversation this time is about something which has been central to our lives around the world since the beginning of the year. We are speaking, of course, about the coronavirus pandemic. Let's get started with a conversation.
  12. 200: La crise des opioïdes2019/10/23

    The subject of this - our 200th lesson! - is the opioids crisis in the U.S. which has reached quite shocking proportions. But how did it come to this? Let’s start with a conversation.
  13. 199: ‘Les décroissants’, c’est qui?2019/07/20

    Our conversation this time focuses on people who are referred to as ‘les décroissants’. But who exactly are ‘les décroissants’? To find out, let’s start with a conversation.
  14. 198: Je viens chercher mon fils!2019/04/19

    One of our listeners was taking up a position as a teacher in a pre-school in France and asked if we would put together some expressions and vocabulary that might be used in a dialogue between the teacher and a parent. Let’s consider one such conversation.
  15. 197: Quand l’Afrique a gagné la Coupe du Monde2019/03/12

    Our lesson this time goes back to a joke made by chat-show host Trevor Noah last summer, following the World cup. The only thing is, some people didn’t find his joke funny at all, not least the French ambassador in Washington. So what was it all about, again? Let’s start, as usual, with a conversation to put things in context.
  16. 196: Le Président Macron réinstaurera le Service national2019/02/28

    Our conversation this time focuses on President Macron's plan to reintroduce national service in France. Some people are wondering if he is the right man to decide on such matters, given that he himself is the first French president not to have done military service.
  17. 195: La présidence Trump approche des élections de mi-mandat2018/07/27

    The Trump presidency is nearing the mid-term elections in November. Mr Trump – arguably more than any other American president – has polarised opinions. Let’s talk about the first half of his mandate and what has being going on in recent weeks.
  18. 194: France: la réforme de l'accès à l'université2018/06/25

    Traditionally, French high school graduates have been guaranteed public university places, regardless of the grades achieved in their baccalauréat. This, however, has resulted in very high drop-out rates. It is hoped that, from 2018, proposed reforms will result in a more efficient means of access to university. Let’s talk about all this. C’est parti!
  19. 193: "Que penses-tu du Brexit?"2018/04/04

    Britain’s vote to withdraw from the European Union was widely controversial and continues to be so. Brexit – from a French perspective – is at the centre of our conversation this time.
  20. 192: Le transfer de Neymar : comment expliquer une telle outrance ?2017/12/22

    The transfer of Brazilian footballer, Neymar, smashed all records in terms of the colossal sums of money involved. Are such sporting investments really justified? Let’s talk about that.
  21. 191: “Je vais m’offrir un téléphone basique”2017/12/02

    Our lesson this time was inspired by a recent article entitled “Have smartphones destroyed a generation?” A provocative title indeed, but one that got us thinking. C’est parti!
  22. 190: Le phénomène Macron ... en marche!2017/07/11

    Our lesson this time - for Advanced learners – focuses on the stunning rise to the French presidency of the youthful Emmanuel Macron at just 39 years of age. How, exactly, did he manage to pull off such a victory? Let’s discuss.
  23. 189: Comment parler d’un accident de la route?2017/06/26

    A listener wondered if we could do a lesson on the basis of a traffic accident. So that’s what we’ve done : we’ve simulated a discussion on the basis of a minor accident that did actually occur recently at our end. Let’s start with a conversation: then we’ll look closely at the vocabulary.
  24. 188: Le retrait des États-Unis de l’Accord de Paris sur le changement climatique2017/06/15

    The withdrawal of the U.S. from the Paris Accord on climate change caused consternation worldwide, not least as almost all countries signed up to its terms in 2016. Let’s talk about the decision of the U.S. administration to withdraw. We’ll discover how to make use of a whole range of interesting vocabulary. C’est parti!
  25. 187: Un diplôme universitaire, cela en vaut-il la peine?2017/04/21

    In some countries, particularly the U.S., a university education has become so expensive that some wonder if it is even worth going to college at all, any more. Let’s start with a conversation. Then we’ll come back and look more closely at some key vocabulary.
  26. 186: "Est-ce que tu regardes quelque chose d'intéressant à la télé?"2016/12/21

    It’s holiday season, a time of year when we might discuss a film or TV series we’ve seen. That’s the subject of our conversation this time. First, let’s talk about a French production called ‘Spiral’.
  27. 185: Les récifs coralliens menacés de disparition2016/11/04

    The coral reefs of the world’s oceans are in mortal danger but, as is often the case with environmental concerns, few people seem to appreciate that the dangers are imminent. That is the focus of our lesson this time.
  28. 184: Les tablettes tactiles en classe: un 'canular' coûteux?2016/10/25

    Digital tablets in the classroom were recently described as a 60 billion dollar hoax. Despite these strong words, it seems we’re on an inexorable drive to place a screen in front of every child in the classroom. But to whose benefit ? That’s the subject of our conversation in this lesson.
  29. 183: La Norvège : 'un pays de cocagne'2016/10/06

    This lesson is inspired by our having heard about Norway in Michael Moore’s latest satirical documentary. Now, no country is perfect but Norway certainly seems to have a lot going for it. Let’s start with a conversation.
  30. 182: Les centres d’appel: ‘les ateliers de misère du 21e siècle’?2016/07/29
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  31. 181: ‘Tu’ or ‘vous’?2016/07/21

    A listener asked about ‘tu’ and ‘vous’. In English, we simply use the pronoun ‘you’ but, in French, things are more complicated. In this conversation, we talk about when to use ‘tu’ and ‘vous’… and how to ‘make the switch’ between the two when our relationships have evolved over time. Let’s listen.
  32. 180: ‘Tu as l’air stressé aujourd’hui!…’2016/06/24

    A listener asked said he had recently been in France and had heard a few slang words used frequently. In this lesson, our dialogue makes use of a variety of slang words, some of which are very common. Let’s listen.
  33. 179: "La Loi travail: une réforme controversée"2016/06/17

    This time, our lesson centres on the social tensions in France, arising from the proposed introduction of new work laws. The main protagonists are, on the one hand, the CGT - a very powerful union - and, on the other, the government which insists that there is no alternative to the new measures it is proposing.
  34. 178: "Mohammed Ali: une personnalité exceptionnelle"2016/06/10

    He was the world’s most famous boxer. But, to many, he represented much more than a particular sport. In this lesson, let’s talk about Mohammed Ali.
  35. 177: "Que penses-tu d'AirBnB? Est-ce sérieux?"2016/06/03
    Info (Show/Hide)
  36. 176: "Sur le chemin de l'école", un documentaire émouvant2015/12/19

    What exactly does the word ‘education’ mean to you ? Sur le chemin de l’école is a provocative and inspiring documentary from Pascal Plisson. It depicts vividly the insatiable thirst for learning of children in some of the world’s most remote corners. Let’s listen to a dialogue.
  37. 175: "Have you heard about these 'superfoods'?"2015/08/10

    This Advanced lesson (all in French) arises from a recent documentary relating to so-called 'superfoods'. Do humble foods like broccoli and quinoa deserve such an impressive label? Let's hear a conversation about them. C'est parti!
  38. 174: "C'est un peu trop, là, quand même!"2015/08/07

    Several listeners have asked about the expression 'quand même'. In fact, it is extremely common in French and has a wide variety of meanings. A minor change in intonation can sometimes alter its meaning. Let's hear this expression used in various situations.
  39. 173: "Les migrants en Méditerranée, y a-t-il une solution?"2015/06/16

    This Advanced lesson focuses on the plight of migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean, from North Africa to the European mainland, often with disastrous consequences.
  40. 172: "J'ai vu un excellent film il y a quelques jours"2015/04/10

    "Still Alice", the story of a university professor afflicted with early-onset Alzheimer's disease, won an Oscar for Julianne Moore in the starring role. This film is the focus of our attention in this Advanced lesson, entirely in French. If you've been making progress with our Intermediate lessons, this lesson is for you.
  41. 171: "Les attentats terroristes de Paris soulèvent une foule de questions"2015/03/11

    The attacks on the Charlie Hebdo headquarters raised many questions. How far does freedom of speech go? Can we simply say whatever we like, whenever we wish? Let's hear a conversation, to start...
  42. 170: "Faire du ski?... Allons-y, en piste!" (part II)2015/01/02

    This second part of our two-part lesson focuses on other skiing activities including 'snowboarding' and, of course, the very important social aspect of a skiing trip. Let's listen.
  43. 169: "Faire du ski?... Allons-y, en piste!" (part I)2014/12/26

    One of our listeners asked for a lesson that would include skiing-related vocabulary. In this two-part lesson, Bertrand plays the role of an experienced skiier while I'm a beginner. I'll soon be joining my friend, Damien for a week in the Alps. Let's listen...
  44. 168: "Bonjour, pouvons-nous nous installer à une table, s'il vous plaît?"2014/11/16

    In this lesson, we take a look at some essential tourist vocabulary that just about everybody needs on a holiday to France. Our conversation is a typical one where a family arrives on the terrasse of a café. It’s very warm and everybody is thirsty. Let’s see how the conversation unfolds with the waitress…
  45. 167: "As-tu suivi les événements récents en Ukraine?"2014/07/18

    Little did we know when we were preparing this lesson in recent days that the situation in Ukraine would become even more fragile with the shooting down of a civilian airliner. Bertrand gives his views on why the impasse with Russia is so volatile. Let's listen first; then we'll look closely at the key vocabulary...
  46. 166: "C'est confirmé... t'es atteint d'APC!"2014/06/06

    The focus of our lesson this time is something which could be described as a modern-day disorder, afflicting a huge number of people. We're not talking about a physical disorder, per se... more of a social one. Béatrix and I are having a coffee but Béatrix is getting frustrated at my inattention. Let's listen...
  47. 165: "Hier, j'ai assisté à un concert éblouissant!"2014/05/23

    Our lesson this time focuses on a concert Béatrix attended, a classical concert. Bertrand wonders what makes the difference between a concerto on the one hand and a symphony on the other. Béatrix gives him a very basic music lesson. Let's listen. Then we'll come back and take a closer look at the key vocabulary.
  48. 164: "As-tu vu 'Dallas Buyers' Club'?"2014/05/14

    Our lesson this time centres around a film called "Dallas Buyers' Club", the story of a Texan cowboy who contracted AIDS at a time when most people had not yet heard of the disease. Let's listen. Then we'll take a closer look at the key vocabulary.
  49. 163. "Nelson Mandela: comment se fait-il que l'on parle autant de lui?"2014/02/22

    If ever the term 'great statesman' were relevant, it could surely be attributed to Nelson Mandela. In our conversation this time, Bertrand puts some questions to Béatrix to discover why, exactly, Mandela became such an icon. Let's listen.
  50. 162: "As-tu entendu parler des ouvriers népalais au Qatar?"2014/01/24


    Our conversation this time focuses on working conditions as Qatar develops its infrastructure for the football World Cup in 2022. The tournament is some years away but the controversies surrounding the plight of workers is current, and real. Let’s listen to a conversation between Béatrix and Rémy.
  51. 161: "Are you following the Snowden affair?"2013/08/03

    Just recently, Edward Snowden was living a normal life. Now, however, he is a hunted man with a future that is very uncertain. Once he revealed that U.S. authorities were monitoring the daily communications of ordinary citizens, his life effectively changed forever. In this lesson, Zoë and Jules discuss the Snowden affair. Let's listen.
  52. 160: "What do you think of the lottery?"2013/07/06

    Florida was home to a recent winner of the Powerball jackpot of around 400 million dollars. As always, there was a media frenzy. In this lesson, Lucien and Zara discuss lotteries in general. Zara thinks they’re scandalous. Lucien, on the other hand, thinks that Zara needs to lighten up. Let’s listen...
  53. 159: "Are you on Twitter?"2013/05/11

    Today, several hundred million people around the world are ‘tweeting’. In this lesson, let’s hear a conversation between Bertrand and Amandine. Bertrand is a regular Twitter user, but Amandine is not. Let’s listen...
  54. 158: France at war in Mali2013/04/05

    This lesson, which we recorded some time ago, focuses on the situation in Mali. In our role-play, Brendan asks Simone to shed some light on the military intervention of France in one of its former colonies. Let's listen. Then we'll come back and discuss some key vocabulary.
  55. 157: "Tell me what's wrong..."2013/01/15

    One of our listeners, a doctor working in a French-speaking community in New York, suggested that we devote a lesson to a dialogue between a doctor and a patient. That's the subject of this lesson. The patient, Mr Gauthier, has just come into the doctor's clinic, which is where the conversation takes place...
  56. 156: "Would you please stop texting?!"2012/06/28

    More than a few people seem to suffer from the modern-day 'affliction' of almost constant texting. That's the topic of conversation in this lesson. Alain and Thérèse are out for dinner but they have not yet said a word to each other. Let's listen.
  57. 155: Mahler... interrupted!2012/05/25

    We've all been there, in an auditorium, a church, a meeting where a phone has gone off. But few interruptions are as dramatic as a recent one in New York. Let's hear what happened, exactly.
  58. 154: The presidential elections2012/04/22

    Two men are at the forefront of the race to become the next president of the French republic. As is the case with all political battles, things often take an ugly twist on the campaign trail. Let’s find out more.
  59. 153: "What are your thoughts on the Facebook flotation?"2012/02/13
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  60. 152: "The situation has changed on the Korean peninsula..."2012/02/01

    The situation on the Korean Peninsula changed dramatically in December 2011 with the death of Kim Jong Il. Our conversation in this lesson focuses on the harsh communist regime of North Korea, long dominated by the 'personality cult' of its 'Dear Leader'.
  61. 151: "What are your thoughts on the monarchy?"2011/10/13

    The very existence of the monarchy is something which arouses strong feelings. Some think it is an institution to be cherished, others think it is an absurdity. Arnaud, sees it from two points of view. Against the backdrop of the recent marriage of William and Kate, let's listen to a role-play, quite a long one this time, between Arnaud and Yasmin...
  62. 150: "Do you know the Château of Versailles?"2011/05/06

    Paris boasts some wonderful sites for visitors but, surely, the Château of Versailles is the jewel in its crown. Even for visitors who don't get to see inside the castle, the majestic gardens won't disappoint. Let's hear a conversation - quite a long one this time - between Philippe and Céline. Céline has just returned from a trip to Paris...
  63. 149: "Do you have information on the computer classes in town?"2011/04/22

    In this era of information technology, we’ll need to know some basic internet-related expressions. Those will be the basis of this Beginner lesson. Let’s first listen to a short role-play between Jeanne and Gérard. Jeanne is looking for some information.
  64. 148: "Is this the end of the 'European Project'?"2011/01/20

    Europe is in crisis. The euro, too, is going through a turbulent phase. But are those who are predicting the end of the "European Project" simply being pessimistic? Let's analyse a discussion on the matter. C'est parti!
  65. 147: Pronunciation: another look at the French alphabet2010/12/29

    This lesson takes another look at the alphabet, and concentrates especially on the distinction between the letters 'E' and 'I', as well as between 'G' and 'J'. There's a particular focus, too, on the 'u' sound in French which often poses problems for learners. This lesson complements Lesson 5, which we prepared a good while back. Let's get started!
  66. 146: "It's really cold this morning!"2010/12/14

    Though the spring is still a long way off, we’ve already had some very cold weather in Europe. In this lesson – lesson 146 – let’s talk about cold weather, icy roads … and a way of guarding against a fall on treacherous footpaths. To get started, let’s listen to Caroline and Alain.
  67. 145: "Did you hear about the boys who survived in the Pacific?"2010/12/03

    What an incredibly uplifting story it was to hear about the three boys rescued in the south Pacific. In case you didn’t hear about them, let’s listen to Gabriel and Énora discussing them. We'll make use of a range of powerful vocabulary and expressions, including 'De quoi s'agit-il?', 'atteindre', 'se dérouler', 'davantage', 'maigrir', and more. Let's get started...
  68. 144: "Do you know that President Sarkozy is on Facebook?"2010/11/30
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  69. 143: "What do you think about the expulsion of the Roma from France?"2010/09/21
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  70. 142: "Have you heard about the trapped miners?"2010/09/13

    Our lesson, this time, centres on an event that captured everyone's attention - the situation regarding the trapped miners in Chile. Let's begin with a converstation between Olivier and Béatrix. We'll meet the expressions 'tenir le coup', 'mettre tout en oeuvre', 'faire venir [quelqu'un] sur place' and 'éviter que'. C'est parti!
  71. 141: "What's happening, then, in Greece?"2010/06/09

    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?"
  72. 140: "What do you think of the situation in the Gulf of Mexico?"2010/05/19

    The subject of this lesson - lesson 140 - is the oil spill which occurred in the Gulf of Mexico. President Obama is adamant that B.P. will resolve the problem and pick up the bill. Nonetheless, it represents another environmental disaster. Let’s hear a conversation on the subject. We will pick up a lot of useful vocabulary, not least of which is the expression 'une nappe de pétrole'.
  73. 139: "Google is one of the great successes of the last ten years... what do you think?"2010/05/02

    In this lesson, lesson 139, we are talking about the phenomenon that is Google. But people have mixed feelings about this commercial entity that has become synonymous with searching for information on the Internet. Is it a monopolistic monster we should be wary of, or is Google we something we should all be grateful for? Let’s hear the views of Pascale and Raphaël.
  74. 138: "I'd like to send money to a friend who lives in Toulouse..."2010/03/20

    In this lesson, our task is to find out how to transfer money to someone elsewhere in France. The Post Office can help us with this task but there are different options available. Let’s study some of the key vocabulary. Let’s begin with a role-play between the customer and the counter clerk.
  75. 137: Back to Europe after 10 years in the U.S.2010/03/08

    In this lesson, lesson 137, Paul and Julie are talking about Julie's friend, Anne, who has moved back to Europe having lived for a decade in the U.S. We examine the verb "vivre" again and we practise using the expressions "s'adapter bien à", "s'habituer à", "faire défaut" and "avoir tôt fait de". Let's get started!...
  76. 136: "How did it come to happen that Haïti is 'the poorest country in the western hemisphere'?"2010/02/05

    The subject of this lesson, lesson 136, is Haïti. Not, in fact, the dreadful tragedy which befell the country in the form of an earthquake, but the reasons why Haïti continues to be such an impoverished country. The dialogue is a rather long one this time, between Arnaud and Élodie. It is a lesson which makes extensive use of the passé simple. Let's get started.
  77. 135: "I'm going to be late"2009/12/12
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  78. 134: "Have you heard of Valentina Lisitsa?"2009/12/04
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  79. 133: "What are your thoughts on the Polanski affair?"2009/10/07

    In this lesson, lesson 133, we hear a discussion between Sonia and Frédéric about the Polanski affair. His recent arrest in Zurich was an outrage to some and long overdue to others. Discover useful words and expressions, including "clore", "extrader", "sidérer", "s'en ficher de", "faire chanter" and "écoeurer".
  80. 132: "I've picked up a virus!"2009/09/24

    In recent weeks, just about every news bulletin has had a mention of swine flu. To pick up some relevant vocabulary, in this lesson, lesson 132, we’ll hear a role-play where Céline tells us how she picked up a virus. We'll discover some useful expressions, including: "Il me suffisait de…", "être assis", "envoyer des postillons", "un toubib", "tousser", and more.
  81. 131: "I went to a great concert last night!"2009/08/16

    In this lesson, lesson 131, we’ll discover how to talk about a concert we’ve been to. In this case, it’s a rock concert. Let’s get started with a role-play between Lucie and Étienne. We'll practice using a range of expressions: 'mettre des boules Quiès', 'se moquer de', 'déchirer', 'arriver à [faire quelque chose]', 'tenir le coup', 'bourdonner', and more. C'est parti!
  82. 130: "'The King of Pop' has died, aged 50"2009/06/26

    The world of pop music lost one of its most famous exponents in Michael Jackson. His passing was a shock, not least because he was only fifty. In this lesson, let’s talk about some of the things that made Jackson a larger-than-life figure... We’ll start with a role-play.
  83. 129: "I've never heard such absurdities!"2009/06/12

    In this lesson, lesson 129, we hear a role-play between Sandrine and Yann. They are discussing an article by a journalist who has made some rather unflattering comments about the French on an English website. Though the comments may have been tongue-in-cheek, neither Sandrine nor Yann finds the comments amusing. Let’s hear their thoughts...
  84. 128: "I'd like to open a bank account, please..."2009/05/30

    One of our listeners asked that we would do a lesson on opening a bank account. That’s the topic of conversation in this lesson, lesson 128. In fact, opening an account is not so straightforward and sometimes even necessitates an appointment. In any case, let’s study some of the vocabulary and expressions we’ll need. Let’s listen to a role-play between the customer and the bank teller.
  85. 127: "Did you hear about the 'portraits' of Mr Cowen?"2009/04/21

    Though this lesson, lesson 127, has an Irish flavour, our dialogue relates to a quirky story which hit the headlines worldwide… at the expense of the Irish Prime Minister. Let’s listen to a role-play between Xavier and Amélie. We'll discover some very interesting expressions including 'être nu comme un ver', 'être culotté' and 'faire jaser les commères'. C'est parti!
  86. 126: Looking for an apartment...2009/04/04

    One or our listeners asked that we would do a lesson on renting an apartment. It’s an activity which, as one might expect, has its own specific vocabulary. In this lesson, lesson 126, let’s see if we can shed some light. We’ll hear a role-play between the 'agent immobilier' and Jérôme who is eager to find his own place in the Paris region...
  87. 125: Lance Armstrong: the return!...2009/03/20

    A new sporting chapter has opened for Lance Armstrong, 7-time winner of the Tour de France. This year, after 3 years of retirement, he plans a return to the world’s greatest cycling race. Surely it is a chapter which can only result in frustration for the American. In this lesson, lesson 125, let’s hear a conversation between Solène and Xavier about the controversial sportsman.
  88. 124: "Did you hear about Stéphane? He is going to be made redundant..."2009/02/16

    As a consequence of the global financial crisis, unemployment is at the top of the agenda. Being made redundant is one of the themes of this lesson, lesson 124. We'll make use of the verbs 'licencier' and 'délocaliser', we'll examine the expressions 'd'autant plus', 'avoir le cafard' and 'mourir à petit feu' and, finally, we'll learn about a curious place called 'Pétaouchnok'!
  89. 123: "I'd like to have these trousers cleaned, please..."2009/02/01

    One of our listeners asked that we would do a lesson focusing on a trip to the local dry-cleaner’s. That’s the topic of conversation in this lesson, lesson 123. We'll discover lots of useful expressions and several versatile verbs, including 'détacher', 'enlever', 's'allumer', 's'éteindre'... and more. C'est parti!
  90. 122: "Watch out for flying shoes, Mr President!"2008/12/28
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  91. 121: "Your car is ready to be collected..."2008/12/05
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  92. 120: "I'd like to book my car in for a service, please..."2008/11/21

    This lesson – lesson 120 – is a short one. We simply want to make an appointment to book our car into the local garage for a service. Let’s hear a role-play. We'll learn the terms for 'car service' and 'additional costs', we'll make use of the verbs 'convenir à', 'apporter' and 'amener', and finally, we'll pick up a term which French has borrowed from Italian. Allons-y!
  93. 119: "I'd like to have a puncture repaired..."2008/11/14

    In this lesson, lesson 119, we need to have a specific service carried out, that is, to have a puncture repaired. But the expressions used could just as easily apply to a variety of services. Let’s begin with a role-play between Marie and a mechanic.
  94. 118: "Let's call a taxi!"2008/10/16

    In this lesson - lesson 118 - we’ll deal with a common situation - calling for a taxi - not such an easy task when you can’t see the other person’s gestures and so on, over the phone. Let’s discover what vocabulary we’ll need. We’ll start with a role-play where Xavier makes that call...
  95. 117: The financial crisis: "how did it come to this?"2008/10/08

    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.
  96. 116: "Go and tidy your room!"2008/09/25

    One of our listeners, Corrine, asked that we would do a lesson on phrases a mum might need around the home with her children. So, in this lesson, let’s deal with that. This time, Xavier, will play the role of a grumpy teenager while Amélie will be the mum! Though the vocabulary is commonly used around the home, many of the expressions are quite tricky.
  97. 115: Plane travel and airport security2008/09/10
    Info (Show/Hide)
  98. 114: Shopping for clothes2008/08/23

    One of our listeners asked for a lesson which would help when buying clothes. In this Beginner lesson – lesson 114 – that will be the topic conversation. We'll discover how to ask for a garment one size larger or smaller, how to ask if we may try something on, how to say something suits or not, and more. Let’s start with a role-play between a shop assistant and a customer. Allons-y!
  99. 113: Getting to know more about the Tour de France2008/08/15

    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.
  100. 112: Large numbers and dates2008/07/28

    One of our listeners in the U.S. asked if we would create a lesson focusing on larger numbers, for example those found in dates, and so on. That’s the subject of this lesson, lesson 112. We’ll start with a role-play where Sylvie tells us about the region in which she lives.
  101. 111: "What about the Irish who voted 'No' to the Lisbon Treaty?"2008/07/02

    In this lesson, lesson 111, we discuss the rejection of the Lisbon Treaty by Irish voters. An event which dominated current affairs in Europe recently. This very complicated document, aimed at facilitating the functioning of the EU, will not come into force - at least not for now. So then, what next for Europe ?
  102. 110: "The race to the White House has truly begun!"2008/06/25

    The real race to the White House has begun, after a gruelling campaign for the Democrats. For now Hillary Clinton is out of the picture, leaving Barack Obama and John McCain to slug it out. In this lesson, lesson 110, let’s discover some vocabulary which will help us discuss what’s been happening in recent weeks. We’ll start with a role-play between Émilien and Léa...
  103. 109: "The price of oil is going through the roof!"2008/06/18

    In this lesson, lesson 109, our conversation centres on oil and, more significantly, the spiralling price of oil. Let's discover some of the vocabulary we'll need in order to talk about prices that are going through the roof, investors, yield, alternative sources of energy, speculating, and more.
  104. 108: How to say 'my', 'your', 'his', 'her'...2008/06/13

    In this Beginner lesson, lesson 108, we talk about possessive adjectives, that is, words like ‘my’, ‘your’ and ‘his’ in English. We'll discover that, like regular adjectives, possessive adjectives also must agree in number and gender with the nouns they qualify. Let's go ahead and see how they work.
  105. 107: "Were you watching Roland Garros?"2008/06/07

    Kaleema, one of our listeners in the U.S. asked if we would talk a little about tennis and Roland Garros. That’s the topic for today’s lesson. We’re coming to the end of the 2008 tournament : let’s see what vocabulary and expressions would be useful to discuss what's been happening.
  106. 106: "Do you know the Dordogne?"2008/06/06

    The subject we will deal with in this lesson was suggested to us by Maureen, one of our listeners in Australia. This year, Maureen will forsake city life for a holiday in the countryside, in the Dordogne, to be precise. Let's discover this magnificent 'département' which is one of the most visited in France after Paris and the Île de France.
  107. 105: "I have such backache!..."2008/05/29

    In this lesson we talk about a common physical condition which effects so many people : back pain. We’ll learn how to describe the pain and we’ll talk about the possible solutions to this problem. Should we visit our GP or our physiotherapist ? Let’s find out.
  108. 104: "Let's buy costume jewelry for the fancy dress!"2008/05/23

    In this lesson, lesson 104, we'll discover the vocabulary required to go on a shopping trip for inexpensive jewelry. Sophie wants to buy jewelry which will go with her outfit. Let's hear how her conversation with Jean unravels. The conversation begins at the shopping centre. Jean is starting out on the shopping trip, too, but he may not stand the pace for long...
  109. 103: In the kitchen garden...2008/05/14

    This lesson is in response to an idea from Brian living in the Hautes-Alpes who was taking some time out from working in his kitchen garden and wanted to know how to talk about vegetables, manure, compost and more… He also mentioned food shortages and high food prices. This is the subject of today’s lesson – lesson 103. Let’s get started with a role play between Jérôme and Sabrina.
  110. 102: "Let's count!" [Part III]2008/05/12

    Lessons 93 and 96 dealt with numbers from 1 - 20 and 21 - 69, respectively. This beginner lesson will take us from 70 to 100, and beyond. We will then know virtually everything we need when dealing with numbers generally.
  111. 101: Complaining about poor service in a restaurant2008/05/02
  112. 100: "It's our anniversary..."2008/04/21
  113. 99: "Marion Cotillard as Édith Piaf in 'La Môme': did you enjoy her interpretation?"2008/04/14
  114. 98: "Have you been following the situation in Zimbabwe?"2008/04/08
  115. 97: "What about the Olympics in Beijing?"2008/03/31
  116. 96: "Let's count!" [part II]2008/03/21
  117. 95: "'Les Cantonales', 'Les Régionales', tell me more?"2008/03/09
  118. 94: "Hey, Xavier, you've been working out!"2008/03/05
  119. 93: "Let's count!"2008/02/23
  120. 92: "Did you hear about the Société Générale Scandal?"2008/02/08
  121. 91: A job interview2008/01/31
  122. 90: "How do I get to the Post Office?"2008/01/25
  123. 89: "What is your opinion of these 'Miss France' competitions?"2008/01/14
  124. 88: "Did you see? The towns are all decorated!"2007/12/29
  125. 87: "What a fine dog! What breed is he?"2007/12/17
  126. 86: Helping look after a friend's child2007/12/08
  127. 85: Strikes yet again?!2007/12/01
  128. 84: "Am I speaking to the plumber?" [Part II]2007/11/21
  129. 83: "Am I speaking to the plumber?" [Part I]2007/11/10
  130. 82: "Have you heard about the Jammie Thomas affair?"2007/10/30
  131. 81: A walk in the forest2007/10/17
  132. 80: "Do you know about the new French number plates?"2007/10/09
  133. 79: "Would you like a coffee?"2007/09/28
  134. 78: "It's sad that Pavarotti has passed away, don't you think?"2007/09/20
  135. 77: "Do you mind if I smoke?"2007/09/08
  136. 76: "That guy has a bit of a (personal) problem..."2007/09/01
  137. 75: The holidays are over!2007/08/24
  138. 74: 'Vélib'... it's fantastic!2007/08/17
  139. 73: "What did you do for the environment today?" [Part II]2007/08/10
  140. 72: "What did you do for the environment today?" [Part I]2007/08/01
  141. 71: "I had to do overtime..."2007/07/27
  142. 70: "Is there a special ticket I can buy?"2007/07/17
  143. 69: "I'd like to hire a car" [Part II]2007/07/13
  144. 68: "I'd like to hire a car" [Part I]2007/06/28
  145. 67: "You never stop complaining!"2007/06/23
  146. 66: "How are you?..."2007/06/21
  147. 65: "I'm as stiff as a board today!"2007/06/13
  148. 64: "I gave blood today!"2007/05/30
  149. 63: "Do you know anyone who can help me with electrical work?"2007/05/25
  150. 62: "Do you know anyone who can help me create a website?"2007/05/21
  151. 61: "What've you been up to this last month?!"2007/05/16
  152. 60: "How is your course going?"2007/05/08
  153. 59: "I saw something interesting on TV last night..."2007/04/29
  154. 58: "So, who do you think will make it to the Oval Office?"2007/04/26
  155. 57: "Have you been following the political situation in the U.S.?"2007/04/20
  156. 56: "What are your thoughts on the situation in Iraq?"2007/04/17
  157. 55: "I think my dog may have eaten poison..."2007/04/10
  158. 54: At the dentist's [Part II]2007/03/30
  159. 53: At The Dentist's [Part I]2007/03/29
  160. 52: "I'd like to make an appointment to see the dentist..."2007/03/25
  161. 51: "I'd like to reserve a table for four, please..."2007/03/17
  162. 50: "I'd like to hire a pair of ski-boots, please..."2007/03/09
  163. 49: "There's a problem in my hotel room..."2007/02/28
  164. 48: "I'd like to book a room for this evening, please..."2007/02/26
  165. 47: The elections are approaching!2007/02/23
  166. 46: "What did you do for your winter vacation?"2007/02/17
  167. 45: "Hello, and welcome to La Maternelle des Marguerites!"2007/02/09
  168. 44: "I had a narrow escape this morning!..."2007/01/30
  169. 43: "Damn! I've broken it..."2007/01/25
  170. 42: "I'm starving! When can we sit at the table?!"2007/01/23
  171. 41: "I didn't know Paul was religious, did you?"2007/01/18
  172. 40: "How am I going to explain it to him?"2007/01/10
  173. 39: "I can't find my keys!"2006/12/30
  174. 38: "My meeting has been cancelled!"2006/12/26
  175. 37: "Could you lend me some money?"2006/12/19
  176. 36: "I'd like to buy phone credit, please..."2006/12/17
  177. 35: "Have you met Léa recently? She's put on weight!"2006/12/07
  178. 34: "That fragrance is nice, don't you think?"2006/11/28
  179. 33: "Excuse me... would you have the time?"2006/11/24
  180. 32: "How are things going for your new colleague?"2006/11/17
  181. 31: "Tell me about your hometown..."2006/11/08
  182. 30: "White, Red or Rosé?"2006/10/31
  183. 29: "It's been a long time!... What have you been up to?!"2006/10/29
  184. 28: "Do you have the internet at home?"2006/10/25
  185. 27: "Wow! Your hair looks great!"2006/10/19
  186. 26: "Could you do me a favour?"2006/10/11
  187. Learn French by Podcast: Announcement2006/10/06
  188. 25: "Is this a vegetarian dish?"2006/10/05
  189. 24: "Excuse me... Is this seat taken?"2006/09/26
  190. 23: "Sorry, I can't make it tonight..."2006/09/19
  191. 22: "How was your holiday?" [Part II]2006/09/12
  192. 21: "How was your holiday?" [Part I]2006/09/04
  193. 20: "I need something for these mosquito bites!"2006/08/24
  194. 19: "My cell phone isn't working. I'd like to have it repaired, please..."2006/08/17
  195. 18: "A return ticket to Toulouse, please..."2006/08/10
  196. 17: "She's not here right now - would you like to leave a message?"2006/08/04
  197. 16: "Is it ok if I take your photo?"2006/07/29
  198. 15: "May I have one of those, please?"2006/07/25
  199. 14: "Let's cook!"2006/07/20
  200. 13: A visit to the doctor2006/07/14
  201. 12: "I've got a hangover!"2006/07/11
  202. 11: Talking about the weather2006/07/09
  203. 10: Discussing a movie you've seen2006/07/05
  204. 9: Discussing a sports event2006/07/03
  205. 8: Making a suggestion2006/06/29
  206. 7: Talking about the future2006/06/27
  207. 6: Discussing your interests2006/06/23
  208. 5: A look at the alphabet!2006/06/22
  209. 4: Problem at the airport!2006/06/20
  210. 3: Talking about work2006/06/15
  211. 2: Discussing family2006/06/13
  212. 1: Introducing yourself2006/06/13
Learn French by Podcast
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