French is spoken in communities around the world, each with its own history, culture, and relationship with the language.
This series explores the Francophone world through articles about language, places, traditions, history, and everyday life.
Articles in English. Articles en français. French versions are written for approximately B1+ learners.
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Learn French through cheese
Discover how cheese is made in France while learning French vocabulary for milk, aging, rinds, and different types of cheese.
English · Français
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Bœuf bourguignon (English)
Discover bœuf bourguignon, a traditional Burgundy dish made with beef, red wine, and vegetables.
English · Français
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How Saint-Jacques got their name
Discover where the name coquille Saint-Jacques comes from and its connection to pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago.
English · Français
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Senegalese cuisine
Discover Senegalese cuisine, its spices, its history, and traditional dishes such as ceebu jën, yassa, and mafé.
English · Français
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The fleur-de-lis
Discover why the fleur-de-lis became one of the most recognizable symbols of the French monarchy.
English · Français
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La galette des rois (English)
Discover the tradition of the galette des rois, from the hidden fève to the crown worn by the king or queen.
English · Français
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Poutine: from regional dish to Québec icon
Poutine is Québec's iconic dish of fries, cheese curds, and gravy, and how it went from roadside snack to cultural symbol.
English · Français
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Réunion: a Francophone island in the Indian Ocean
Réunion is a French island in the Indian Ocean where French shares everyday life with Réunion Creole, and African, Indian, Chinese, and European cultures meet.
English · Français
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Why is the French flag blue, white, and red?
Discover the origin of the blue, white, and red of the French flag.
English · Français
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Why French is spoken around the world
Learn how French spread around the world and why Francophone communities have different cultures and identities.
English · Français
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Why are the Montreal Canadiens called the Habs?
Discover the origin of the Montreal Canadiens' Habs nickname and its connection to the history of Quebec.
English · Français
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Valençay: the French pyramid of mold
Discover Valençay, a French goat cheese shaped like a pyramid, covered in mold, with a taste of cellar and mushroom.
English · Français