Land of French, land of snow, what else do you not know about Canada and in particular, that bit of it that is Quebec? If you come from France, you learn of the Great Separation that almost was, the New France Quebec could have become, that there are bears and cabins in the woods, and great, peaceful expanses of wilderness. As a US citizen, I know almost nothing of the very European metropolis that is Montreal.
Today's guest brings us the music, literature, film, sports, and fine cuisine of this sliver of heaven in the north. Charles André Marchand, a gifted author, sports radio host at 91,9 Sports, journalist, interpreter, actor, and more, kindly agreed to sit down and chat with Thierry and me, and we discovered just how cool (how French for Thierry, how French AND North American for me) is the land of Quebec, and how much one life can contain. All three of us being fervent fans of being outdoors for ice-skating, skiing, and walks in the winter woods, we also connect over the weather. Join us for a rollicking walk through the quartiers of Montreal, football, history, and culture.
Books by Charles André Marchand, first, his latest work of fiction, Arcade et Gail, Volume One, Les Amours Impossibles, and Volume Two, co-authored with Katherine Girard. I cannot wait to read these, a copy has been sent to me...merci!
His latest non-fiction works are two volumes of Pégre QC, a history of the underworld of Quebec which was simply fascinating, the most fast-paced non-fiction I have read in ages. These are in French, as are his earlier works, but if you are looking for a good audiobook to slow down and listen to, Pègre Quebec is a great choice.
Canadian music suggestions from today: Harmonium, Charles le Bois, Plume Latraverse, Fiori Seguin. The quartier of Montreal known also as N.D.G. for No Damn Good, is Notre-Dame-de-Grâce.
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Check out our lessons for families: French with kids. We help you create the space, time, and connections that bring French alive chez you, away from a screen. Delivered online, to be used face to face. Don't wait: speak today, the way that makes speaking another language as natural and useful as your native tongue. You are already having a blast with French with Kids? Chouette! Add in one of the following to bring your couple into full French communication too. Fill your ears, your vocal cords, and your life with French!
French at Home: a Conversation Be prepared for your next trip, do not wait one more day to "be ready". Now is the time: learn and practice request and response together and unplugged. Course for those who perhaps spoke French once upon a time and need to refresh and reinvent the language.
For beginners: French at Home: a Debut We walk you through it, request and response, short, to the point, and always relevant, building confidence, vocabulary, and the thrill of another language.
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Angela's blog on France, language learning, travel, and everyday adventures: http://www.ahomeschoolstory.com/
