Baie de Cannes
Note: Click on the phrases in blue to hear them pronounced by our French eTutor, Sev.
In May, summer is already in the air. Often, le temps est au beau fixe (the weather is beautiful and stable), and les gens commencent à porter des vêtements plus légers et à passer plus de temps dehors (people start wearing lighter clothes and spending more time outside).
In the South of France where the weather is already warm, two major events occur each year: Le Festival de Cannes and Le Grand Prix de Monaco:
Palme d'or de Cannes
Since 1946, Le Festival de Cannes se déroule durant la deuxième quinzaine de Mai chaque année (takes place during the second two weeks/fortnight of May each year). In 2014 (May 14 to 25), Because of its sunny, seaside location, its glamour, as well as the often controversial choices of its jury, the festival has become le plus médiatisé au monde (with the most media coverage). Its most important awards are le Prix du Jury, le Grand Prix and la récompense suprême (ultimate award; lit. reward), la Palme d’or.
Le Grand Prix de Monaco (May 22-25, 2014) is a Formule 1 (Formula One) motor race. C’est l’une des courses automobiles les plus prestigieuses au monde (It’s one of the most prestigious car races in the world). Because it features des virages serrés (tight turns) in the streets of Monaco, it is considered the most difficult despite the relative low speeds.
Circuit de Monaco
In Paris, Roland Garros (also Les Internationaux de France or Tournoi de Roland-Garros and called The French Open in the US) May 25-June 8, 2014) is arguably, like the Cannes Festival, les championnats de tennis (the tennis championships) with the most media coverage. Named after the French aviator Roland Garros, it began in Paris in 1928 and is notable for being the largest and most important courts en terre battue (clay court; lit. court made of beaten earth).
Expressions about money in Portuguese
