The love of fine things, a taste for good food, an appetite for enjoyment…The ingredients of the French spirit are infinitely complex. Urban energy, a creative élan, fine cuisine…some concepts are vital and deserve explanation.
Heritage
and Creativity
From past to present and from classicism to modernity, France is a tapestry of influences…Built over the centuries, its exceptional artistic heritage is just one reason for the pride the French take in their country. The sober elegance of Roman Churches, the fine carving on Gothic cathedrals, the riches of Renaissance private mansions and the marvels that fill museums-all these are all assets they treasure, as proved by the plans for illuminating monuments in Metz, Bordeaux and elsewhere. But that doesn't mean the French are exclusively devoted to the worship of old stones.
France loves to keep history alive, but also values creativity and renewal: witness the contemporary buildings in every city, standing harmoniously beside the vestiges of the past -sometimes even blending in with them (take the Opera de Lyon restored by the architect Jean Nouvel); or museums of modern art (at Saint Etienne for insurance) which rival each other in inventiveness; or sleek glass and metal buildings in which older buildings opposite are reflected (take the Carre d'art in Nimes, which serves as a mirror to the Roman Maison Carree)…From the vestiges of the past to contemporary creativity, heritage flourishes in every city in France
Shopping
Since time immemorial, the finest chests of drawers can be found in local
brocantes, the best fruits and vegetables at Sunday Markets, and the most
fragrant regional wines at small cavistes…but even just a few years
ago, if you were looking for the latest garb or the cutprice coat of your
dreams, you had to go to Paris. No longer: from the biggest names in haute
couture - such as Chanel, Dior, Givenchy, Lacroix and Saint Laurent -
to trendy young designers who have made France their chosen base, fashion
is present everywhere. Every city centre has its shopping quarter, its
pretty shops and expert craftsmen with unmissable specialities…Music
lovers will find what they seek without difficulty, while lovers of fine
books will be able to rummage to their heart's content in the many bookshops.
And the same applies to accessories, jewellery and furniture…To find
what you're looking for or indulge in a spot of window shopping, you just
have to explore the pedestrian precincts: just follow your nose. And if
your sense of direction ever fails you, just enquire at the Tourist Office,
in your hotel or ask a passer-by…They will all be delighted to share
their favourite addresses with you.
The city goes green
Every city has its stones, its pavements and bustle. But in France, the
City is synonymous with green spaces, leisure and relaxation…Walking
through a park planted with hundred year old trees, stretching out in
cool grass on the banks of a lake, jogging along a lake , jogging along
a restored canal, exploring a cycle circuit, playing a scratch game of
football…in the heart of the city, it's all possible! As time goes
on, more parks, gardens, and games terraces earn their place in the cities,
providing welcome havens of relaxation as well as a different take on
the urban environment. Breathe deep you're in a French city!
Good Eating
The reputation of French gastronomy is assured: the French are past masters
of the art of fine eating. They alone hold the recipe for melt-in-the-mouth
blanquette and the nimble touch which transforms a fillet of pikeperch
with creamy lemon butter sauce into a true work of art. Norman cream,
Provencal aioli, southwestern foie gras, Alsatian choucroute, Loire Valley
cheeses, Breton crepes…every region has its own sphere of excellence.
But what's their secret? Well, the quality of the recipes, naturally,
but not only that. The key to French cuisine lies in the masterful technique
and, quite simply, the appetite for good things. Choosing produce, selecting
the best vegetables, the tenderest meats spending the time to prepare
them, season them, taking care over presentation, choosing the most suitable
wine…every stage counts, every moment has its special pleasures,
all building up to the final apotheosis: the meal. Whatever the region,
whatever the local specialities, wherever you go, you'll find this passion
for craftsmanship cultivated by every French chef.
By day and night
Even just a few decades back, a large number of provincial cities had
rather sleepy reputations - an idea which certainly no longer applies.
When it comes to festivities and spectacles, French cities buzz with events,
performances and festivities of every kind. Every city has its summer
festival or temporary exhibitions, fireworks and popular balls, carnival
or unusual fairs, spectacular light shows or student parties…By day
and by night, these cities hum with amusements which provide endless fun
for all involved. However, if chance dictates that your stay doesn't coincide
with any of these events, take the opportunity to discover the monuments
in a new light: when evening falls, they are lit up and look more magnificent
than ever-just one aspect of festive France!
Contributed by
Maison de la France
Tel: 33 0 1 42 96 70 00
Reproduced by kind permission of Studying Abroad Magazine
