NARRATOR: 'Marseilles is France's second largest city. Sitting right on the Mediterranean, it's a busy port that's full of history and different cultures. And it's very 21st century too! Some people are lucky enough to live right in the heart of it all, le centre de Marseille.'
TOM: Je m'appelle Tom. J'habite dans un appartement, dans le centre de Marseille.
NARRATOR: 'On the edge of the city, there are enormous estates, like "la Castellane". People living here come from all kinds of backgrounds and there's always something going on.'
DAROUSSY: Bonjour, je m'appelle Daroussy, et j'habite à la Castellane.
NARRATOR: 'The villages around Marseilles have been swallowed up by the city, but people in Château-Gombert have hung on to their traditions.'
ANGÉLIQUE: Je m'appelle Angélique, et j'habite à Château-Gombert, dans une maison.
NARRATOR: 'Being by the sea is the best thing about Marseilles. La plage du Prado is a huge leisure beach, great for sunbathing and beach games.'
JULES: Je m'appelle Jules, et j'aime beaucoup jouer à la plage du Prado.
NARRATOR: 'Fancy going to an island? Les îles du Frioul are just off the coast, brilliant for fishing.'
SAMI: Bonjour. Je m'appelle Sami, et j'aime pêcher aux îles du Frioul.
NARRATOR: 'If you're the energetic type, there's plenty to explore in les Calanques, an area that's full of rocks, cliffs and wildlife.'
CHILDREN: Nous, on aime se promener dans les Calanques.
NARRATOR: Bienvenue à Marseille.
Video summary
An introduction to Marseilles showing its position on the map of France.
This clip also introduces children living in the city and in a community on the outskirts.
Leisure activities available in the area are presented.
This clip comes from BBC2 series, Being French.
Teacher Notes
- Pupils could be given a map of France and try to guess where Marseilles is located, using the information given in the clip.
- This could be made into a game, where guesses are taken and whoever is closest to the actual location wins a prize.
- Pupils could compare the weather and landscape in Marseilles with that of their own local area. Are there any features of the landscape and wildlife which can only be seen in Marseilles? Similarly, what kind of plants, animals and landscapes would pupils only see in Britain?
This video is relevant for teaching French at KS2 in England and Wales, KS2 in Northern Ireland and second level in Scotland.
A fishing trip in France. video
A father and son go on a fishing trip in Marseilles and les îles du Frioul. They go to the market and show different types of fish on offer. They also buy tickets to cross by ferry.
Going to primary school in France
A day at a primary school in Marseilles, including lessons and games. Children express opinions about their favourite lessons, playtime with games, their favourite books in the library, and lessons in the computer suite.
Going shopping in France. video
A boy called Tom sorts out his toys and clothes, and takes them to the local second-hand market or vide-grenier to sell.
Sports activities in France. video
A description of the annual Jours de Sport weekend event in Marseilles with activities such as skipping, rushball, American football and Tai Chi. Children express their opinions on the activities.
A school trip by the seaside near Marseilles. video
A group of children living in Marseilles and the surrounding communities are on a school trip to les Calanques and explore the flora and fauna. It includes rules to protect the environment.
A summer concert in France. video
A summer concert takes place in la Castellane in Marseilles, celebrating cultural diversity. The video introduces two children and their coach ahead of their performances for a talent competition.
