Season 2, Episode 2

In episode 2, Satie and Liam join Alexa to discuss the Paris Catacombs, while putting their knowledge of B1 level French to the test.

Join us on this journey where we practise our French listening skills, enhance our vocabulary and enrich our French cultural knowledge in fun, casual discussions!

If you're enjoying these podcasts and want more learning material, why not try out my amazing Complete French Course? You can get 15% using the code ALEXAPOD15 just from being a podcast listener!

Objectifs

1. to improve your listening skills & general comprehension
2. to build vocabulary and develop sentence construction
3. to learn unusual facts about France

Niveau

B1 - niveau seuil (intermediate)

Transcription du texte

À la fin du XVIIIe siècle, Paris a un gros problème : les cimetières sont trop pleins et cela commence à poser de gros soucis d'hygiène pour les habitants de la ville. Une solution insolite est trouvée : utiliser d'anciennes carrières souterraines situées dans le 14e arrondissement. Entre 1786 et 1788, les autorités y transportent des millions d'ossements. On estime que les restes de plus de 6 millions de personnes y sont conservés, dont ceux de personnalités telles que Charles Perrault, Robespierre et Danton, mais aussi François Rabelais.

Question 1. Quel est le gros problème de Paris au XVIIIe siècle ?

Question 2. Combien d'ossements trouve-t-on dans les catacombes ?

Notes

Numbers and dates can be tricky for French learners. I cover this topic in Lessons 01, 02 and 03 of my Complete French Course, on https://learnfrenchwithalexa.com.

Réponses

Question 1. Les cimetières sont trop pleins

Question 2. Des millions.

Traduction

At the end of the 18th century, Paris faced a major problem: the cemeteries were overflowing, and this was beginning to pose serious health concerns for the city’s residents. An unusual solution was found: to use old underground quarries located in the 14th arrondissement. Between 1786 and 1788, the authorities transported millions of bones there. It is estimated that the remains of more than 6 million people are preserved there, including those of notable figures such as Charles Perrault, Robespierre, and Danton, as well as François Rabelais.

Question 1. What was the biggest problem facing Paris in the 18th century? Cemeteries were overflowing.

Question 2. How many remains are there in the catacombs? Millions.