At home, you can laze around on your couch but also take time to discover new activities. We've already given you a few ideas on how best to cope with this period of confinement. In addition to these ideas, there are a number of other applications that can be used to clear the mind: visits to museums, sports lessons, travel... Your phone will become your best ally! To help you find your way through the multitude of applications available, we've selected the smartest ones!
Google Art and Culture, for aesthetes 2.0
The Google Art and Culture application will delight all those who are looking forward to visiting a museum again! This application is a real treasure trove: in total, more than 2,000 cultural establishments in 80 countries are opening their doors virtually. Google Arts and Culture also offers other tools such as Art Transfer, which allows users to take a photo and transform it into a work of art, or Art Selfie, which allows users to discover the portrait that most closely resembles them among all the works listed.
See also our article on museums to visit virtually.
Roundme, traveling 360°
An application that allows you to view 360° landscape photos, very useful to escape in times of confinement! You will need to be equipped with an iOS smartphone headset to start the trip. If you don't know where to go, the application will offer you a selection of its best shots. Otherwise, a search bar is available to type in the name of your favourite destination. And when you travel again, you'll be able to post content too!
¿Ablo, hablas español?
Feeling a little lonely during those long days at home? Ablo allows you to meet people from all over the world, certainly in the same situation as you are in at the moment, since confinement affects many countries. Thanks to the real-time translation of messages and video calls made via the application, the language barrier is no longer a problem. Voted "best 2019 application" by Google, Ablo allows you to travel while confined!
Netflix Party, for a TV party
Netflix breaks connection records in this time of containment. If you're hooked on the shows, why not throw a binge-watching party with friends? All you need to do is install the Netflix Party Chrome extension. It will synchronize the playback for everyone and open a useful chat window for debriefing between episodes! So, is it La Casa de papel or Orange is the new black?
BigOven recipes and Meal Planner, culinary journey
Let's stay at home and have fun in the kitchen! The BigOven recipes and Meal Planner application is ideal for travelling on your plate. There are more than 500,000 recipes from all over the world. You will then be able to share your creations and be inspired by those of your friends. Very practical in this time of confinement, an option even allows you to insert three ingredients from your cupboards so that you can always find a recipe you can make with the leftovers!
Duolingo, the language that hangs in the air
Free, educational and fun, Duolingo has everything to make you love modern languages! Already well known, this application offers English, Spanish, German, Portuguese or Italian courses thanks to small lessons adapted to the level of the learner (a starting test is proposed). To stay motivated, rewards unlock new levels, just like a video game. Finally, thanks to the microphone on your phone, you will also practice your oral expression: a real plus for your next trip!
Smiile, solidarity around the corner
To combat isolation during this period when the watchword is to stay at home, an application like Smiile is very useful. This social network between neighbours (all you have to do is fill in your address), will allow you to get in touch and offer your services to the most vulnerable people in your neighbourhood. Do your neighbour's shopping on the fifth floor, print your neighbour's exit certificate... A very practical self-help service
Houseparty
Videoconferencing applications are a huge success in these times of containment. For your festive evenings, family reunions or happy hours, Houseparty allows you to stay in touch with your loved ones and participate in several video sessions at the same time. So you can go from a call with your parents to an evening with friends in just one click. Convenient!
Petit BamBou, the Zen application
This is a very useful application in these stressful times. Petit Bambou is the No. 1 meditation application in France. It offers a complete program of 820 sessions, including a free discovery tour, organized by theme (stress management, sleep aid ...). A simple and effective method that you can easily integrate into your daily routine, to live more serenely!
Activiti, sport for all
Activiti is the free sports application labeled by the Ministry of Sports. Set up during a collaboration between My Coach and the Côte d'Azur University, Activiti has worked hard to be launched earlier than expected and to compensate for the lack of physical activity of many during the confinement. This application has the advantage of offering sessions for everyone: seniors, pregnant women or children will find adapted content. A real godsend!
