The British often imagine they understand France and the French. There's a long history of big and small animosities between the two nations and France is physically the closest country to us, so of course we know all about French life. But even with all the stereotypically detracting remarks you hear about the French, their country remains the most visited in the world. And the British continue to move there to live out their French dream.
So, what is French life famous (or infamous) for?
Few dispute the fact that French restaurants are excellent. French cuisine is endlessly copied throughout the world, and the French language is often used for menus and cooking terms. Although we often associate the French with "haute cuisine", the day to day home cooking and standard cheap restaurant lunches are another cause for pride. Choice of ingredients and cooking methods interest the French public; choosing a restaurant or a dish in a restaurant can be a matter for heated argument. Food is important and it's this importance that will keep French cuisine at its high standard.
Taking a real lunch break does seem to be good for you. In France there are fewer people with weight problems than in many other countries and there is some evidence to show that say this is due to having proper meals but with smaller portions. We can all benefit when we visit France and eat the "menu du jour".
Perhaps the most famous symbol of French life has been the French loaf. The term "French bread" is usually taken to mean the traditional baguette, but there's a huge variety of shapes, sizes and ingredients available. Even going into a boulangerie to buy a baguette, you'll find that there are a great many other long thin loaves which you might have thought were baguettes! Each of these has its own name (which might vary slightly from area to area). The traditional baguette goes stale within a few hours whereas a growing number of other breads, such as multi-cereal, wholemeal and so on, keep longer and this may be why they are gradually gaining in popularity with younger generations.
With that bread we will sometimes eat cheese, of which there are over four hundred types in France. So I think that some parts of well-known derogatory epithets should be taken as complimentary! There are few people who don't enjoy at least one of the varieties.
French wine is not only an important export item, but is also a normal part of French social and family life. Visiting the vineyard areas of France is very interesting and many producers offer tours and explanations about the growth and processing of grapes. They may also offer tastings and sales! Most French people have some degree of interest in wine and the exact bottles to be used at Christmas, New Year and at family celebrations can be the subject of long debate.
Having considered food and drink as very important aspects of French life, we can't forget their production. Although agriculture and fishing involve relatively small parts of the French workforce, they do have a larger political influence. Animosity is often expressed by British press and citizens towards French farmers (and air traffic controllers!).
So what else is typical of French life in this land of wonderful food and drink with its assertive farmers and unfriendly officials?
Cinema is a very well regarded art form so that school children are taken to films from an early age and there are frequent magazine and television discussions on the subject. New films are shown even in remote areas, often in a Salle de Ftes by the local film society. Similarly, libraries in villages may be run by volunteers. The availability of the arts is regarded as important and voluntary work is vital to keep these going.
French designers are also world famous and Paris fashion shows are televised all over the world; we consider French people to be sophisticated dressers.
So, a complicated country and people, but visitors from all over the world readily embrace the French life when given the chance as tourists. - 31515
So, what is French life famous (or infamous) for?
Few dispute the fact that French restaurants are excellent. French cuisine is endlessly copied throughout the world, and the French language is often used for menus and cooking terms. Although we often associate the French with "haute cuisine", the day to day home cooking and standard cheap restaurant lunches are another cause for pride. Choice of ingredients and cooking methods interest the French public; choosing a restaurant or a dish in a restaurant can be a matter for heated argument. Food is important and it's this importance that will keep French cuisine at its high standard.
Taking a real lunch break does seem to be good for you. In France there are fewer people with weight problems than in many other countries and there is some evidence to show that say this is due to having proper meals but with smaller portions. We can all benefit when we visit France and eat the "menu du jour".
Perhaps the most famous symbol of French life has been the French loaf. The term "French bread" is usually taken to mean the traditional baguette, but there's a huge variety of shapes, sizes and ingredients available. Even going into a boulangerie to buy a baguette, you'll find that there are a great many other long thin loaves which you might have thought were baguettes! Each of these has its own name (which might vary slightly from area to area). The traditional baguette goes stale within a few hours whereas a growing number of other breads, such as multi-cereal, wholemeal and so on, keep longer and this may be why they are gradually gaining in popularity with younger generations.
With that bread we will sometimes eat cheese, of which there are over four hundred types in France. So I think that some parts of well-known derogatory epithets should be taken as complimentary! There are few people who don't enjoy at least one of the varieties.
French wine is not only an important export item, but is also a normal part of French social and family life. Visiting the vineyard areas of France is very interesting and many producers offer tours and explanations about the growth and processing of grapes. They may also offer tastings and sales! Most French people have some degree of interest in wine and the exact bottles to be used at Christmas, New Year and at family celebrations can be the subject of long debate.
Having considered food and drink as very important aspects of French life, we can't forget their production. Although agriculture and fishing involve relatively small parts of the French workforce, they do have a larger political influence. Animosity is often expressed by British press and citizens towards French farmers (and air traffic controllers!).
So what else is typical of French life in this land of wonderful food and drink with its assertive farmers and unfriendly officials?
Cinema is a very well regarded art form so that school children are taken to films from an early age and there are frequent magazine and television discussions on the subject. New films are shown even in remote areas, often in a Salle de Ftes by the local film society. Similarly, libraries in villages may be run by volunteers. The availability of the arts is regarded as important and voluntary work is vital to keep these going.
French designers are also world famous and Paris fashion shows are televised all over the world; we consider French people to be sophisticated dressers.
So, a complicated country and people, but visitors from all over the world readily embrace the French life when given the chance as tourists. - 31515
About the Author:
French Life and the joys of living in France have been the subject of many articles, books and even television programmes. For a real taste of Living in France take a look at Amanda Lawrence's new blog at www.frenchvie.com. Lots of real life stories and anecdotes from the Quercy. It takes you right there - you'll never want to leave. Don't forget to register for her free newsletter.
