France, officially known as the French Republic, is a sovereign state in Western Europe. The Republic also spans several territories overseas. The European area of France borders Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, Spain and Andorra. France is often referred to as l’Hexagon (The Hexagon) due to its shape.

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CULTURE OF FRANCE
The lifestyle and culture of France is completely unique and was formed
by time, geographic location, politics, wars, major historical events and more.
Both domestic and international groups have merged and created a culture based
upon traditions that are a combination of new and ancient, foreign, exotic, quaint
and homespun. French people have an attitude of live and let live, have fun and
stay relaxed but learn and do as much as possible.
Picture 1. France
Younger generations of French people are rather unconcerned with
judging the lifestyles of others, whereas older French people are involved in
preserving the traditional Catholic life of yesteryear. Older generations prefer to
always speak French and fully expect visitors to speak enough French to survive
while on vacation. Younger generations enjoy showing off their knowledge of the
English language and are almost always willing to playfully flirt with foreigners
on vacation.
One of the funnest aspects of taking a vacation in France is flirting with
the locals. They do not care if their flirting is romantic or not, but it is a way for
them to communicate in a fun and friendly way. It does not matter if the person
they flirt with is nine or 99, if they are breathing, they are fair game.The French
are very light-hearted and love to make people laugh. Take their communications
with kindness and enjoy the extra attention.

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1. Languages
French is dominant language of the country’s 66 milion resident, but there
are a number of variants based on region. French, the official language, is the first
language of 88 percent of the population, according to the BBC. French is the
second most widely learning foreign language in the world, with almost 120
milion student, according to the French Minister of Foreign Affairs and
International Development. About 3 percent of the population speaks German
dialects and there is a small group Flemish speakers in the northeast, according to
the BBC. Arabic is the third-largest minority language. Those living ner the
border of Italy may speak Italian as a second language, and basque is spoken by
people living along the French-Spanis border. Other dialects and language include
Catalan, Breton (the celtic language), Occitan dialects and languages from the
former French colonies, including Kable and Antillean Creole.
2. Religion
Catholicism is the predominant religion of France. In a survey by the
French Institute of Public Opinion (IFOP), 64 percent of the population (about
41,6 milion people) identified themselves as Roman Catholic. According to a
2010 survey by the Pew Research Center, 7,5 percent (4,7 milion people) are
muslim. Pew estimated that the Jewish population was 310.10; there were 280.000
Buddhists and 30.000 Hindus. Nearly 18 milion people practiced folk religions
“other” religions or no religions (unaffiliated).
3. Values
The French take immense great pride in their nation and government and
are typically offended by any negative comments about their country. Visitors,
particulary Americans, often interpret their attitude toward foreigners as rude.
The expression “chauvinism” meaning an attitude that members of your own
gender are always better than those of the opposite sex, or a belief that your
country, race, etc. France around 1851, according to the Meriam-Webster
Dictionary. While women are playing a greather role in family life and bussines,
many still see it as a male-dominated culture.

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The French embody romance and passion, and there is an open attitude
toward sex outside of marriage, according to a study by France’s National
Research Agency on AIDS. Even the country’s top politicians have been known
to carry out extramarital affairs without making an effort to conceal them. As a
reflection of the country’s seculer nature, about half of children are born to
unmarried couples. “From around the 16th
century, in Europe, culture became a
term for the cultivation of the mind, the intellect, knowledge, leraning, creative
faculties and acceptable ways of behaving” said de Rossi. The French embrace
style and sophistication and take pridein the fact that even their public spaces
strike a regal tone. The French believe in egalite, which means equality, and is
part of the country’s motto “ Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite”. Many say they place a
higher importance on equality than liberty and faternity, the other two words in
the motto.
4. French Foods and Markets
The French are known for having amazing cuisine, some of which are
specialties and others are staples of the common French diet. Baguettes, cheese
and wine are extremely popular staple foods that are now an integral part of the
quintessential French experience. Bringing these three simple food items into a
home kitchen is a great way to experience French cuisine without traveling.
French specialty foods include seafood and fish soups, duck dishes, cassoulet, foie
gras, pate, escargots, sardines, truffles, capers, couscous, champagne, olives, etc.
Picture 2. Cassoulet

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Picture 3. Champagne
Breakfast in France is simple and consists of bread, butter and jam with a
bowl of café au lait or cappuccino. Special holiday breakfasts might include
croissants and bits of chocolate. Rarely, meat, eggs or sugary donuts are eaten for
breakfast.
Picture 4. Breakfast in France
Lunch, which was once the main meal of the day, is evolving in modern
times to something a little faster and easier. Hamburgers, ham and cheese pockets
or sandwiches made with baguettes are staples now.
Picture 5. School lunch in france

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Supper is elaborate when time permits, and many courses may be served
for special occasions. Dinner is eaten late in the evening and is usually consumed
with wine. Those who still take their midday meals in traditional fashion eat
lighter evening meals, which may consist of simple salads, quiche or sandwiches.
Hot, open-faced sandwiches are also common.
Picture 6. A traditional French dish is coq au vin — chicken in Burgundy wine,
lardons (small strips or cubes of pork fat), button mushrooms, onions and garlic.
Grocery shopping is different in France than in many other countries.
Canned produce and other dry goods are normally purchased from a grocer while
fresh produce is bought at farmers markets, which are often open air markets held
at least once per week. It is not uncommon for the French to shop for fresh foods,
such as breads and vegetables, at farmers markets on a daily basis. Produce
bought at these markets is seasonal and locally grown. Sometimes it is even
possible to speak with the growers themselves about their produce.
Women often do shopping at the farmers markets. Unlike in America, it is
absolutely unacceptable to go to markets without makeup, decent clothing and
hair finished. If this routine is not completed, expect gossip. The locals know the
best stalls and best farmers, but they will often dicker over prices despite knowing
the produce is fantastic. Farmers markets usually operate between the hours of
8AM and 1PM. Those who miss out on the market are welcome to visit the farms
of producers to purchase fresh vegetables.

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5. French Fashions
Paris is known as the home to many high-end fashion houses, such as
Dior, Hermes, Louis Vuitton and Chanel. Many French people dress in a
sophisticated, professional and fashionable style, but it is not overly fussy. Typical
outfits include nice dresses, suits, long coats, scarves and berets.
French fashion designs are popular throughout the world, whether it is an
A line skirt, a silk scarf or a sleek suit. France is home to some of the worlds most
impressive and powerful couture designers, including Chanel.
France’s love affair with high fashion, or la mode, dates back to the reign
of King Louis XIV. At that time luxury goods industries came under the control
of the throne. Though free enterprise was greatly damaged, fashion thrived.
During this era, the French court became the arbiter of taste and style throughout
Europe.
Fashion design waned with economic depression, but never completely
left the public consciousness. Between 1860 and 1960 France renewed its
dominance of the couture or haute couture industry by establishing the great
couturier houses and the press. Newspapers worked hard to popularize fashion
designs created by these houses while under the control of the throne. Vogue
Magazine was founded in 1892 and quickly took society by storm. Since that
time, French fashions have been a constant presence at fashion shows and in
stores worldwide.
Fashion students who take courses in fashion drawing are actually learning
skills that were first developed by French fashion designers. Clean lines, slim
figures and simple clothes are the hallmark of French fashion design. Couture
handbags from France are extremely well made and are comprised of the best
possible materials. The craftsmanship and sleek appearance of French couture are
unmistakable to the trained eye.

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Picture 7. Fashion in France
Picture 8. Hermes
6. French art
Art is everywhere in France — particularly in Paris and other major cities
— and Gothic, Romanesque Rococo and Neoclassic influences can be seen in
many churches and other public buildings.

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Many of history’s most renowned artists, including Claude Monet, Edgar
Degas, and Camille Pissarro, sought inspiration in Paris, and they gave rise to the
Impressionism movement.
The Louvre Museum in Paris is among the world’s largest museums and is
home to many famous works of art, including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo.
7. Popular Things to do in France
Mushroom hunting is popular throughout Europe, but especially so in
France. It is highly advisable to get the permission of landowners before foraging
on their lands for mushrooms. However, there are public mushroom hunting
grounds belonging to the government where hunters can go without permission.
The western and southern regions of the country are best for mushroom picking.
Other hobbies include attending public events, visiting museums and
going to cinemas. Going to the movies is an integral part of living in France and is
an activity that people of all ages partake in regularly. The Cannes Film Festival is
one of the worlds finest celebrations of film and artistry. While this is the largest
cinematic festival, there are many others held throughout the country year-round.
Public events, such as carnivals, fairs and festivals celebrate the unique
French culture and are very popular nationwide. Some of these include the Tour
de France, International Garden Festival, Avignon Festival, Jazz a Juan, Festival
d’Automne à Paris, Wine Harvest Festivals, Dijon International and Gastronomic
Fair, Christmas Markets, the first and second Christmas Days and so much more.
The French love to be entertained and take every opportunity to enjoy publically
held celebrations.

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Picture 9. Tour de France
Though not enjoyed by all French citizens, football, or soccer to
Americans, is a highly popular sport. FIFA soccer games are played at major
stadiums in the largest French cities, but there are ample opportunities to see other
soccer leagues play in smaller towns. Nearly everyone plays football in France, as
it is a required sport in most schools. Street soccer is learned at a very young age,
and people of both genders and all ages play in the streets. Never suggest that
American football is better than French football while on vacation without
expecting a hearty and heated debate.
8. The Influence of French Culture Abroad
The popularity of French culture abroad is directly reflected by the
perceived economic conditions, political climate and military strength of the
nation at any current time. During times of strong economic growth, French
fashions will influence designers globally. Magazines will run advertisements
touting the latest French fashions and cosmetics companies will add French words
to their products to make them appear to be more exclusive and luxurious.
The same is true with cuisine. During times when France is in the news
often or the economy is doing well, French dishes can be found at many
restaurants abroad. Cooking schools will pop up offering to teach students native
French cooking skills and foreigners sign up for these courses in droves.

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9. French Family Life
Before World War II traditional French families had extended and nuclear
families living under one roof. This lifestyle was traditionally Catholic and very
family centered. Elders were highly respected members of the family, and in
many ways ruled households. Nursing homes were a rarity, and were only for
those who required end of life care. They were a last resort. However, the world
wars brought about profound changes in France. Loyalties divided families and
nearly every family lost members to the war. No one was left unaffected. Famine,
the Holocaust and economic depressions tore families apart in France just as they
did everywhere else. These events shook the country to its very core.
Those were dark times and the effects are still felt today. People are less
religious and less afraid to stray from tradition. These days, French society pushes
for equality in religion, gender, employment and other aspects of life. This freer
way of thinking has allowed society to change quickly. Families are more
respectful of the political opinions of younger generations and all citizens
understand that the future of the country hinges on the success of younger
generations. Elders are still very respected, but young people are more appreciated
now.
These days it is very rare for couples to have parents live with them, and
elders are more often going into nursing homes rather than having the
responsibility of elder care laid at the kids feet. Women are better educated and
are a vital part of the work place. Working conditions have improved and women
have a lot of power inside and outside of the home. However, the focus of the
family has changed, and the separation of the family is of major concern to older
generations. It has been a national talking point for decades, though no one
expects society to go back to what it was before the World Wars.

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10. The French Experience
The French experience afforded by a vacation to the country is completely
different than a trip anywhere else in the world. Between the laid-back approach
to communications, the superb cuisine, the incredible shopping and all of the
publically accessible activities, this is a vacation that is fun, exciting and
completely unforgettable.
Before leaving home, it is a very good idea to take a French language
course. If planning a trip to Northern France, this is especially true. Not many
English speakers can be found and traversing the countryside could be difficult. A
quick course in French can help travelers prepare for their trip, ease the travel
process and open up doors to an amalgam of new and fun experiences.