International Francophonie Day is a time to celebrate the richness and diversity of French-speaking cultures around the world.
It’s more than just a language—it’s a shared history, a vibrant artistic heritage, and a gateway to unique perspectives from every continent! Francophonie culture has also brought us timeless classics, contemporary gems, and cultural masterpieces that represent our diverse and vibrant world.
To mark the occasion, we asked our staff for their top French books, movies, music, and more. Whether you're a lifelong Francophone or just beginning to explore the rich tapestry of French-speaking cultures, we hope you'll find something here to inspire and delight you!
From France
- L’histoire de Souleymane (2023, Paris) –This drama follows a young Guinean immigrant in Paris as he navigates life as a bicycle courier while preparing—in French—for a high-stakes asylum interview. Through themes of migration, identity, and resilience, the film shows how the French language can be both a barrier and a key to new opportunities. An eye-opening story that will spark meaningful discussions in your classroom!
- Le Comte de Monte-Cristo (2024, Marseille & Paris) – A fresh take on a well-known classic, perfect for International Francophonie Day! This recent adaptation of the iconic revenge story, with Pierre Niney leading the charge, offers a thrilling alternative to reading the book. With plenty of twists and suspense, it’s sure to keep your students hooked from start to finish!
- La Belle Verte (1996, Paris) – This comedy is all about ecology, nonconformity, and overconsumption, but in a super fun and light way. It’s got a great message and will definitely get your students thinking.
- Nos jours heureux (2006, Marthon & Charente) – This is a hilarious summer camp movie that's chaotic and packed with quirky moments and laughs. It offers a fun glimpse into the world of wild kids and overworked counselors—perfect for bringing a lighthearted vibe to your classroom!
- Un truc en plus (2024, Malleval-en-Vercors & Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes) – This feel-good movie is the perfect balance between humour and raising awareness about disabilities. It’s an excellent choice if you're looking to inspire students while also providing an opportunity to discuss important social issues.
- La Grande Séduction (2003, Québec) – This one’s a lot of fun! It’s a charming comedy set in a small Québec village where the locals go all out to attract a doctor. It’s full of Québécois humour, and the funny characters and situations will keep your students laughing while they get a great taste of local culture and language.
- Nos Belles-Sœurs (2024, Montréal) – A musical version of Michel Tremblay’s iconic play, which is a staple in the Québécois curriculum. It offers a fun and empowering look at the lives of 1960s Montréal housewives. It’s relatable, and is a great way to explore the joual dialect, often associated with the working-class of Québec.
- Kuessipan (2019, Uashat-Maliotenam) – This is a really beautiful film if you wish to offer your students a glimpse into life in northern Québec. It follows two young Innu women and their dreams for a better life, while showing the strength, culture, and tight-knit community of Indigenous people up north.
- Monsieur Lazhar (2011, Montréal) – This incredible drama is about a teacher with a mysterious past who helps his students work through grief. It tackles tough topics, so it’s best for older teens. It’s definitely a powerful, emotional film that will spark some deep conversations.
- Mommy (2014, Montréal) – Directed by the renowned Xavier Dolan, this visually bold and intense film explores the complicated relationship between a mother and her son. Fast-paced and filled with familiar Québécois slang, it will challenge your students' listening skills—but it's absolutely worth it for its authenticity.
- Incendies (2010, Montréal) – This one packs a punch. It's a drama about war, family secrets, and the search for truth. The mix of Québec and Middle Eastern French makes it a great way for students to hear different accents and regional expressions. Best for high school students, as it deals with heavy themes.
- C.R.A.Z.Y. (2005, Québec) – A staple of Québec cinema, this coming-of-age classic is from Jean-Marc Vallée, the acclaimed director behind Dallas Buyers Club and Big Little Lies. Blending humour and drama, it explores identity, family, and love, all set to a fantastic soundtrack that perfectly captures the era. Nearly 20 years later, it remains a favourite among Québécois and a great way for students to experience Québec culture.
- Les Rose (2009, Montréal) – This documentary provides an insightful look at the FLQ (Front de libération du Québec) and its role in the October Crisis of 1970, a pivotal moment in Québec’s fight for independence. Through the story of the Rose family, it sheds light on how this turbulent period shaped Québec’s political identity and ongoing quest for sovereignty. A great way to explore a crucial chapter in Québec's past.
Francophone Music to Listen To
Pop, Electro & French Variety
- Angèle (Brussels, Belgium) – One of the biggest pop stars in the Francophone world, and for good reason! Her songs are super catchy, mixing humour with deeper topics. She’s also collaborated with top French rappers like Orelsan and her brother, Roméo Elvis—both worth a listen as well.
- L’Impératrice (Paris, France) – Electro-pop that’s smooth, funky, and just perfect for any classroom playlist. It’s great for background music or getting into a focused mood!
- Zaho de Sagazan (Saint-Nazaire, France) – If you haven’t heard Zaho yet, now’s the time. Her deep voice and poetic lyrics will win over your students instantly. One of our favourite tunes is called La symphonie des éclairs and Les dormantes.
- Bon Entendeur (Paris, France) – This group takes classic French songs and gives them an electro makeover. It’s a cool way to introduce students to the classics with a modern twist!
- Zaz (Tours, France) – If you want your students to hear something full of energy, Zaz’s tracks like, On ira is fantastic. Her style is a distinctive mix of chanson française, jazz, soul, and pop, with a raw, soulful voice that’s instantly recognizable.
- Jean Leloup (Québec, Québec) – The ultimate Québec rock poet! Jean Leloup’s music is full of passion, introspection, and a bit of rebellious spirit. His music has transcended generations here in Québec, making him a true icon in the local music scene.
- Les Cowboys Fringants (Repentigny, Québec) – A legendary band that has captured the heart of Québec with songs about politics, friendship, and the environment. Their music is both deeply moving and perfect for a singalong! Our suggestions are: Les étoiles filantes, Marine marchande and Le Gars d'la compagnie.
- Beau Dommage (Montréal, Québec) – A classic Québec band that’s been entertaining for decades with songs like La complainte du phoque en Alaska. A must for any francophone playlist.
- Harmonium (Montréal, Québec) – Harmonium’s sound is timeless and a perfect way to introduce your students to the heart of Québec’s musical heritage. One of their top hits, Si doucement, is a great place to start!
- Céline Dion (Charlemagne, Québec) – The queen of Québec and one of the most iconic voices in the world, Céline Dion has touched generations with her blend of pop and beautiful French ballads. Her powerful voice is unmistakable, and songs like Pour que tu m’aimes encore and J'irai où tu iras are essential for anyone exploring French-language music. Céline is a true national treasure, with an influence on Québec culture that’s undeniable.
- Les Sœurs Boulay (Gaspésie, Québec) – This sister duo from the beautiful region of Gaspésie brings a mix of lightness, depth, and beautiful harmonies. Their music captures the spirit of the rugged, picturesque landscape they come from, combining folk and contemporary sounds.
- P’tit Béliveau (Baie-Sainte-Marie, Québec) – This folk-country artist blends folk, country, and rock with a distinctive sound that celebrates Acadian culture. Like other artists who sing in Chiac and honour these traditions, his music helps preserve the cultural identity of Francophones in Canada's Maritimes.
- Klô Pelgag (Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, Québec) – If your students are into creative, theatrical music, Klô is a must-know artist. Her unique sound blends poetic lyrics, whimsical orchestrations, and bold artistic vision, making her one of Québec’s most distinctive contemporary musicians.
- Les Colocs (Montréal, Québec) – A defining band of the 1990s in Québec, mixing folk, blues, and social commentary with energetic rhythms and heartfelt lyrics that still resonate today.
- Le Vent du Nord (Saint-Antoine-sur-Richelieu, Québec) – One of the best traditional bands from Québec, known for their captivating folk music. Their sound blends instruments like the fiddle, accordion, bouzouki, and guitar, bringing Québec’s rich musical heritage to audiences worldwide.
Rap & Hip-Hop
- IAM (Marseille, France) – If there’s one group that wears its Marseille roots with pride, it’s IAM. A cornerstone of French rap, their music blends poetic lyricism with sharp social insight, tackling identity, justice, and cultural heritage. Their influence reaches far beyond France, resonating strongly in Montréal and across the francophone world.
- Imposs (Originally from Haiti, now in Montréal) – A founding member of the popular Québec rap group Muzion, Imposs is a master storyteller and poetic genius. His music delves into themes of self-discovery and resilience, maintaining a reflective tone without heavy profanity. He’s known for bringing the best beats to get you dancing and for working with the new generation of rappers in Montréal, helping shine the spotlight on up-and-coming talent.
- Boogat (Originally from Québec, now in Mexico City) – A genre-blending artist who fuses hip-hop with Latin rhythms, Boogat’s music dives into themes of migration, identity, and cultural belonging. He’s collaborated with artists like Marie-Mai and Radio Radio, and—fun fact—he was once a Tour Director for our Québec groups! We couldn’t be prouder to share his music with you.
- Samian (Anishinaabe Nation, Canada) – A powerful Indigenous rapper, Samian mixes French and Anishinaabemowin in his lyrics, using music to speak on identity, language preservation, and social justice. His work is a must-listen for anyone wanting to better understand the connection between Indigenous and francophone cultures in Canada.
Instagram Accounts for French Learners
- @quebecois.quebec.french (Québec) – This Québécois creator makes it a mission to speak slowly and clearly, helping followers understand the accent, slang, and expressions used in everyday Québec French. A great way to get comfortable with how French is really spoken here!
- @etymocurieux (France) – Sébastien Grimaud makes etymology fun, breaking down the origins of French words and expressions with humour and clarity. Ever wondered why EAU is pronounced "Ô"? The answer is on his IG page!
- @ma_prof_de_francais (Québec) – This Québec-based French teacher has a knack for breaking down grammar, tricky expressions, and language hacks in a way that just makes sense. A fun and engaging way to better understand the Québécois language and Québécois people in general.
- @artefr (France) – ARTE’s official account shares engaging short documentaries, cultural insights, and fascinating stories—great for advanced learners interested in real-world topics
French Books to Read
- Le Petit Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (Lyon, France) – A true classic of French literature, Le Petit Prince follows a young prince as he travels from planet to planet, meeting
unique and memorable characters along the way. The story explores themes of love, loss, and seeing the world with the open heart of a child. Fun fact: the 2016 film adaptation was largely created in Montréal, giving this timeless tale a fresh and visually stunning new take. - La version qui n’intéresse personne by Emmanuelle Pierrot (Québec, Québec) – We loved this book as it captures the raw experience of starting over. Sacha and Tom leave their past behind to begin a new life in Dawson City, a town with a notable Québécois community out in the Yukon Territory. The blend of Québécois French and English offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s unique cultural mix.
- Ce que je sais de toi by Éric Chacour (Montréal, Québec) – This beautifully written novel explores themes of exile and identity as it takes readers to 1980s Cairo, offering a deep and sensitive portrayal of a young man’s journey to understand his roots and place in the world.
- Les trois lieux by Sylvie Desrosiers (Valleyfield, Québec) – This book is about a young boy who heads up to Northern Canada to find his father, but what starts as a simple journey turns into a deeper adventure about discovering who he really is. A truly touching read!
- Les Portes de Québec by Jean-Pierre Charland (Québec, Québec) – This historical fiction series takes you into 19th-century Québec City, following a family through the political, commercial, and social challenges of the time. The story evolves across multiple volumes, each one exploring a different era. It starts with the family’s journey through the 19th century and continues into the 20th century, offering a rich portrayal of Québec's transformation and the shifting dynamics of both the family and society.
- Là où je me terre by Caroline Dawson (Originally from Chile, now in Montréal, Québec) – This personal story follows Caroline Dawson’s immigration journey from Chile to Montréal, and her struggles to find her place in a new country at a young age. Set in Hochelaga and Montréal-Nord, known to be rough neighbourhoods of Montreal at that time, the novel explores the challenges of adapting to a new life and discovering one’s identity.
Francophone Authors to Discover
- Patrick Sénécal (Drummondville, Québec) – Known for his gripping and thrilling stories, Patrick Sénécal has made a name for himself in the world of horror literature. Madame Wendham and Sept comme setteur are unique in that they offer horror experiences for children and young adult readers, an area not often explored in francophone literature.
With his signature suspense and dark storytelling, Sénécal is a standout in the genre. - Boucar Diouf (Originally from Senegal, now in Rimouski, Québec) – A biologist, oceanographer, comedian, and writer, Boucar Diouf brings a one-of-a-kind perspective to Québec literature. Diouf bridges cultural gaps while sharing his profound connection to the St. Lawrence River and its natural wonders. His books offer a deep dive into the world of nature, culture, and identity, all told with his signature wit and warmth.
- Anaïs Barbeau-Lavalette (Montréal, Québec) – A writer celebrated for her sensitive and socially engaged storytelling, Anaïs Barbeau-Lavalette delves into themes of history, heritage, and human connection. Her books offer a deep, emotional exploration of the complexities of identity and society, making her an important voice in contemporary francophone literature.
- Naomi Fontaine (Uashat, Québec) – Naomi Fontaine’s books offer powerful, minimalist stories that provide a profound glimpse into the lives and experiences of the Innu people, giving readers an intimate view of the challenges and resilience of her community.
- Élise Gravel (Montréal, Québec) – Known for her fresh and creative approach to children’s literature, Élise Gravel combines humour, intelligence, and originality in her books. Not only does she craft engaging stories, but she also designs the entire aesthetic of her works, adding a distinctive visual charm to her storytelling.
- Hélène Rioux (Montréal, Québec) – Hélène Rioux’s works span various genres, from poetry and short stories to novels, covering themes of travel, politics, and deeply personal narratives. Her writing captures both historical and emotional depth, offering a unique look at Québec’s literary landscape. Fun fact: Hélène Rioux's granddaughter works with us at Jumpstreet, which is why we hold her works especially close to our hearts.
- Virginie DeChamplain (Québec, Québec) – Virginie DeChamplain’s books explore themes of identity, family, and survival in a way that really sticks with you. Her novels, like Les Falaises – which takes a heartfelt look at legacy from the Gaspé Peninsula to Iceland – and Avant de brûler, a gripping post-apocalyptic story, are fantastic reads.
Francophone Podcasts to Explore
- Les Pires Moments de l’Histoire (Québec) – Hosted by comedian Charles Beauchesne, this podcast blends humour with fascinating historical facts. The hosts manage to make even the darkest moments of history both educational and entertaining, offering a light-hearted take on important events. Produced by URBANIA, a well-known media outlet from Québec, this podcast is just one of many great shows worth a listen.
- Dérives (Québec) – Hosted by Le Pharmachien (Olivier Bernard), known for his popular TV show Les aventures du Pharmachien, this podcast explores the world of extreme beliefs. Each season delves into real-life stories of people seeking health, spirituality, or personal growth, and how they became influenced by unconventional ideas. It offers a balanced and insightful perspective, perfect for sparking discussions in class.
Hopefully you enjoyed our staff picks for International Francophonie Day! Whether you discovered a new favourite artist, found a podcast that speaks to you, or added a must-read book to your list, we’re thrilled to share our love for Francophonie culture with you.
We value our relationship with our French-speaking educators and your dedication to teaching students not just a language, but a culture. Be sure to check out our Language Educator Toolbox to find language learning resources for teachers and students, and browse our tours to Québec and tours to France for new opportunities to bring learning to life.
Bonne Journée internationale de la francophonie!
