France France

Music: Yann Tiersen, Music: Yann Tiersen, Amelie (film) Amelie (film)

Often referred to as L’Hexagone due to it’s shape CapitalCapital-Paris. -Paris. Major citiesMajor cities-Marseille, Lyon, -Marseille, Lyon,

Toulouse, Strasbourg, Nice, Rennes, Lille, Bordeaux. Toulouse, Strasbourg, Nice, Rennes, Lille, Bordeaux. District of Paris region is often referred to District of Paris region is often referred to Île-de-Île-de-

France France and was renamed as the isle of France France is divided into 27 administrative regions, 22 France is divided into 27 administrative regions, 22

are in are in metropolitan France and 5 overseas which are: French Guiana in S.America Guadeloupe in N.America (the Caribbean) Martinique in N.America (Caribbean) Réunion in Africa (the Indian Ocean) Mayotte in Africa (the Indian Ocean) The French Republic is a unitary semi-

presidential republic with strong democratic traditions

Francois Hollande – PresidentFrancois Hollande – President Jean Marc Ayrualt – Prime MinisterJean Marc Ayrualt – Prime Minister Per capita GDP : $34,077 Per capita GDP : $34,077 Eiffel Tower, Paris- Most romantic in the world Eiffel Tower, Paris- Most romantic in the world Louvre, Paris- Most visited museum in the world. Louvre, Paris- Most visited museum in the world. French Riviera or French Riviera or Côte d'AzurCôte d'Azur (South western (South western

France)– leading destination in France after Parisian France)– leading destination in France after Parisian region, with well defined coastline and beaches, golf region, with well defined coastline and beaches, golf courses, restaurants, yachts fleet.courses, restaurants, yachts fleet.

TGV TGV Train à Grande VitesseTrain à Grande Vitesse –fastest train with a –fastest train with a record of 574.8km/hrrecord of 574.8km/hr

  French government has followed the principle French government has followed the principle of of laïcitélaïcité

La Francophonie- govt organisation to - govt organisation to promote French and connect Francophones promote French and connect Francophones (french speakers) (french speakers)

France is famous for its artistsFrance is famous for its artists

PARIS !“Capital of the arts,” “the city of lights,” “one of the most beautiful cities in the world,” to name but a few! Paris is worldwide famous for its enormous cultural wealth that it owes not only to its fascinating history but also to its age-long heritage. When considering the city’s monuments, museums, buildings, libraries, or famous residents, visitors are transported through time and space…

ArchitectureArchitecture Gothic or French style Gothic or French style

spread over all of Europe to spread over all of Europe to build cathedrals. Most build cathedrals. Most popular. Notre Damepopular. Notre Dame

Gustave Eiffel-designerGustave Eiffel-designer Tallest in ParisTallest in Paris Public considered it an Public considered it an

eyesore while it was being eyesore while it was being builtbuilt

City planned to tear it down City planned to tear it down after Eiffel’s permit ended after Eiffel’s permit ended in 1909 but stayed as it in 1909 but stayed as it helped in communicationhelped in communication

When looking at it from the top of the Arc de Triomphe, you will understand why the spot is called“étoile” or “star spot”. Indeed twelve avenues all converge towards the arc. The Monument inmemory of the Great Army was ordered by Napoleon. Many soldiers have been honoured and thebody of an anonymous soldier who served during WWI is actually buried there. A flame isconstantly lit in memory of all those who died at war.

Mona LisaMona Lisa Painted by Leonardo da Painted by Leonardo da

Vinci, ItalianVinci, Italian Also known as La Also known as La

JacondeJaconde Property of the Louvre Property of the Louvre

Museum, Paris.Museum, Paris.

Some interesting Some interesting facts about facts about

FranceFrance Wine is free with most meals (including lunch) but you Wine is free with most meals (including lunch) but you have to pay for milk for your coffee.have to pay for milk for your coffee.

Public toilets usually have no toilet seat, and you have Public toilets usually have no toilet seat, and you have to pay to get in!to pay to get in!

More tourists visit France each year than any other More tourists visit France each year than any other country in the world, with 67 million annual tourist country in the world, with 67 million annual tourist arrivals (more than the country's population). arrivals (more than the country's population).

There are almost as many motorcycles, There are almost as many motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds as cars.scooters, and mopeds as cars. France produces over 500 types of cheese!France produces over 500 types of cheese! Beer is considered a luxury drink and saved only for Beer is considered a luxury drink and saved only for

special occasions. Wine is essentially everywhere, often special occasions. Wine is essentially everywhere, often free.free.

1212

Tourism: 6% of the country's income Tourism: 6% of the country's income 4% from French tourists4% from French tourists 2% from foreign tourists 2% from foreign tourists

The most popular destination in the The most popular destination in the worldworld

Rank Country International tourist arrivals

1 France 79.22 millions

2 United States 57.94 millions

3 Spain 57.19 millions

4 China 53.05 millions

5 Italy 42.73 millions

CinemaCinema

Auguste and Louis Lumière (known as Auguste and Louis Lumière (known as the Lumiere Brothers) created one of the the Lumiere Brothers) created one of the earliest films. earliest films.

  Cannes Festival -the most important and Cannes Festival -the most important and famous film festivals in the world famous film festivals in the world

American Hollywood however is now American Hollywood however is now dominant in the film industry even in Francedominant in the film industry even in France

FashionFashion Modern haute couture Modern haute couture

originated in Franceoriginated in France Chanel, Dior, Chanel, Dior,

and Givenchy – great and Givenchy – great couture housescouture houses

  Yves Saint Laurent Yves Saint Laurent famous for  prêt-à-porter famous for  prêt-à-porter (ready to wear)(ready to wear)

  Christian Lacroix other Christian Lacroix other famous french names famous french names

GastronomyGastronomy Finest in the world Finest in the world Cassoulet (stew or casserole) in the Cassoulet (stew or casserole) in the

Southwest, Choucroute (cabbage with Southwest, Choucroute (cabbage with meat) in Alsace, Quiche(pastry cut pie meat) in Alsace, Quiche(pastry cut pie with cheese, meat and veg) in the Lorraine with cheese, meat and veg) in the Lorraine region, Beef bourguignon in region, Beef bourguignon in the Bourgogne- regionalthe Bourgogne- regional

  France's most renowned products France's most renowned products are wines, including are wines, including Champagne, Bordeaux, Bourgogne, and Champagne, Bordeaux, Bourgogne, and Beaujolais as well as a large variety of Beaujolais as well as a large variety of different cheeses, such as Camembert different cheeses, such as Camembert (cows milk), Roquefort (blue cheese, (cows milk), Roquefort (blue cheese, sheeps milk) and Brie(cows milk very sheeps milk) and Brie(cows milk very soft). There are more than 400 different soft). There are more than 400 different varieties varieties

Foie gras- delicacy- gastronomical Foie gras- delicacy- gastronomical heritage- duck’s or goose liverheritage- duck’s or goose liver

SportsSports Popular- Football, judo Popular- Football, judo

and tennisand tennis Football and rugby team Football and rugby team

nicknamed as Les Bleux nicknamed as Les Bleux (colour of jersey) (colour of jersey)

Tour de France- most Tour de France- most famous bicylce race in famous bicylce race in the worldthe world

The The Palace of VersaillesPalace of Versailles In French it is the In French it is the Château de VersaillesChâteau de Versailles.. When the château was built, Versailles was a country village; today, When the château was built, Versailles was a country village; today,

however, it is a wealthy suburb of Paris. The court of Versailles was the however, it is a wealthy suburb of Paris. The court of Versailles was the center of political power in France from 1682, when Louis XIV moved center of political power in France from 1682, when Louis XIV moved from Paris, until the royal family was forced to return to the capital in from Paris, until the royal family was forced to return to the capital in October 1789 after the beginning of the French Revolution. Versailles is October 1789 after the beginning of the French Revolution. Versailles is therefore famous not only as a building, but as a symbol of the system therefore famous not only as a building, but as a symbol of the system of absolute monarchy of the of absolute monarchy of the Ancien RégimeAncien Régime..

Palace of FontainebleauPalace of Fontainebleau

The The Palace of FontainebleauPalace of Fontainebleau, located 55 km from the centre , located 55 km from the centre of Paris, is one of the largest French royal châteaux. The palace as it of Paris, is one of the largest French royal châteaux. The palace as it is today is the work of many French monarchs. Fonatinebleau forest is today is the work of many French monarchs. Fonatinebleau forest is now home to many endangered species of Europe.is now home to many endangered species of Europe.

The château is now home to the Écoles d'Art Américaines, a school The château is now home to the Écoles d'Art Américaines, a school of art, architecture, and music for students from the United States. of art, architecture, and music for students from the United States. The school was founded by General Pershing when his men were The school was founded by General Pershing when his men were stationed there during the First World War.stationed there during the First World War.

Disneyland ParisDisneyland Paris

Disneyland ParisDisneyland Paris, originally , originally Euro Disney ResortEuro Disney Resort, is an entertainment resort , is an entertainment resort in Marne-la-Vallée, a new town located 32 km (20 mi) east of the centre of in Marne-la-Vallée, a new town located 32 km (20 mi) east of the centre of Paris and is the most visited attraction in all of France and Europe.Paris and is the most visited attraction in all of France and Europe.

  It is owned and operated by Euro Disney S.C.AIt is owned and operated by Euro Disney S.C.A The resort covers 4,800 acres (19 kmThe resort covers 4,800 acres (19 km22) and encompasses two theme parks, several ) and encompasses two theme parks, several

resort hotels, a shopping, dining, and entertainment complex, and a golf course, in resort hotels, a shopping, dining, and entertainment complex, and a golf course, in addition to several additional recreational and entertainment venues. addition to several additional recreational and entertainment venues. 

Disneyland Park is the original theme park of the complex, opening with the Disneyland Park is the original theme park of the complex, opening with the resort on 12 April 1992. A second theme park, Walt Disney Studio Park opened resort on 12 April 1992. A second theme park, Walt Disney Studio Park opened in 2002.in 2002.

The resort is the second Disney park to open outside the United States, The resort is the second Disney park to open outside the United States, following Tokyo Disney Resort.following Tokyo Disney Resort.

The LouvreThe Louvre The LouvreThe Louvre is one of the world's largest museums and a  is one of the world's largest museums and a

historic monument.historic monument. The museum is housed in the Louvre Palace (The museum is housed in the Louvre Palace (Palais du Palais du

LouvreLouvre), originally built as a fortress in the late 12th century ), originally built as a fortress in the late 12th century under Philip II.under Philip II.

The museum opened on 10 August 1793 with an exhibition of The museum opened on 10 August 1793 with an exhibition of 537 paintings, the majority of the works being royal and 537 paintings, the majority of the works being royal and confiscated church property. Because of structural problems confiscated church property. Because of structural problems with the building, the museum was closed in 1796 until 1801. with the building, the museum was closed in 1796 until 1801.

The collection was increased under Napoleon and the museum The collection was increased under Napoleon and the museum renamed the renamed the Musée NapoléonMusée Napoléon. .

After the defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo, many works seized After the defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo, many works seized by his armies were returned to their original owners. by his armies were returned to their original owners.

Holdings have grown steadily through donations and gifts Holdings have grown steadily through donations and gifts since the Third Republic. As of 2008, the collection is divided since the Third Republic. As of 2008, the collection is divided among eight curatorial departments: Egyptian among eight curatorial departments: Egyptian Antiquities; Near Eastern Antiquities, Greek, Etruscan, Antiquities; Near Eastern Antiquities, Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities; Islamic Art; Sculpture; Decorative and Roman Antiquities; Islamic Art; Sculpture; Decorative ArtsArts; Paintings; Prints and Drawings.; Paintings; Prints and Drawings.

Musée d'OrsayMusée d'Orsay The The Musée d'OrsayMusée d'Orsay is a museum in Paris, on the left bank of the Seine. is a museum in Paris, on the left bank of the Seine. It is housed in the former Gare d'Orsay , a Beaux-Arts railway station built It is housed in the former Gare d'Orsay , a Beaux-Arts railway station built

between 1898 and 1900. between 1898 and 1900. The museum holds mainly French art dating from 1848 to 1915, including The museum holds mainly French art dating from 1848 to 1915, including

paintings, sculptures, furniture, and photography.paintings, sculptures, furniture, and photography. It houses the largest collection of impressionist and post-It houses the largest collection of impressionist and post-

impressionist masterpieces in the world, by painters impressionist masterpieces in the world, by painters including Monet, Renoir, Sisley, Van Gogh. Many of these works were held at including Monet, Renoir, Sisley, Van Gogh. Many of these works were held at the Galerie nationale du Jeu de Paume prior to the museum's opening in 1986.the Galerie nationale du Jeu de Paume prior to the museum's opening in 1986.

Notre Dame de ParisNotre Dame de Paris Notre-Dame de ParisNotre-Dame de Paris also known as  also known as Notre-Dame Notre-Dame

CathedralCathedral..   The cathedral is widely considered to be one of the finest The cathedral is widely considered to be one of the finest

examples of French Gothic architecture and among the examples of French Gothic architecture and among the largest and most well-known church buildings in the world. largest and most well-known church buildings in the world. The naturalism of its sculptures and stained glass are in The naturalism of its sculptures and stained glass are in contrast with earlier Romanesque architecture.contrast with earlier Romanesque architecture.

Notre-Dame is the parish that contains the Notre-Dame is the parish that contains the cathedracathedra, or , or official chair, of the archbishop of Paris, official chair, of the archbishop of Paris, currently Cardinal André Vingt-Trois.currently Cardinal André Vingt-Trois.

  The cathedral treasury is notable for its relics Crown of The cathedral treasury is notable for its relics Crown of Thorns, a fragment of the True Cross, and one of the Holy Thorns, a fragment of the True Cross, and one of the Holy Nails.Nails.

In the 1790s, Notre-Dame suffered damage during the In the 1790s, Notre-Dame suffered damage during the radical phase of the French Revolution. An radical phase of the French Revolution. An extensive restoration was later taken place.extensive restoration was later taken place.

Champs-ÉlyséesChamps-Élysées

The The Avenue des Champs-ÉlyséesAvenue des Champs-Élysées is a street in Paris.  is a street in Paris. With its cinemas, cafés, luxury specialty shops and clipped horse-chestnut trees, the With its cinemas, cafés, luxury specialty shops and clipped horse-chestnut trees, the

Champs-Élysées is arguably one of the world's most famous streets, and is one of Champs-Élysées is arguably one of the world's most famous streets, and is one of the most expensive strips of real estate in the world.the most expensive strips of real estate in the world.

  Several French monuments are also on the street, including the Arc de Several French monuments are also on the street, including the Arc de Triomphe and the Place de la Concorde. Triomphe and the Place de la Concorde.

The name is French for Elysian Fields, the place of the blessed dead in Greek The name is French for Elysian Fields, the place of the blessed dead in Greek mythology. mythology.

Centre Georges PompidouCentre Georges Pompidou Centre Georges PompidouCentre Georges Pompidou is a complex of Paris.  is a complex of Paris. It was designed in the style of high-tech architecture.It was designed in the style of high-tech architecture. It houses the Bibliothèque publique d'information, a vast public library, the Musée It houses the Bibliothèque publique d'information, a vast public library, the Musée

National d'Art Moderne which is the largest museum for modern art in Europe, National d'Art Moderne which is the largest museum for modern art in Europe, and IRCAM, a centre for music and acoustic research.and IRCAM, a centre for music and acoustic research.

It is named after Georges Pompidou, the President of France from 1969 to 1974 It is named after Georges Pompidou, the President of France from 1969 to 1974 who commissioned the building. The Centre Pompidou has had over 150 million who commissioned the building. The Centre Pompidou has had over 150 million visitors since 1977.visitors since 1977.

The sculpture, The sculpture, HorizontalHorizontal by Alexander Calder, a free-standing mobile that is  by Alexander Calder, a free-standing mobile that is twenty-five feet high, was placed permanently in front of the Centre Pompidou by twenty-five feet high, was placed permanently in front of the Centre Pompidou by the architect of the building, Renzo Piano.the architect of the building, Renzo Piano.

La grand arche de la DefenseLa grand arche de la Defense La Grande Arche de la DéfenseLa Grande Arche de la Défense a monument and  a monument and

building in the business district of building in the business district of La DéfenseLa Défense  in   in Paris.Paris.

The two sides of the The two sides of the ArcheArche house government offices.  house government offices. The roof section was an exhibition centre, housing The roof section was an exhibition centre, housing the Musée de l'Informatique (Computing Museum). the Musée de l'Informatique (Computing Museum). The vertical structure visible in the photograph is the The vertical structure visible in the photograph is the lift scaffolding. Views of Paris are to be had from the lift scaffolding. Views of Paris are to be had from the lifts taking visitors to the roof.lifts taking visitors to the roof.

After a non-injury accident in the elevators in April After a non-injury accident in the elevators in April 2010, the Department of Ecology, owner of the roof of 2010, the Department of Ecology, owner of the roof of the Grande Arche, decided to permanently close the the Grande Arche, decided to permanently close the computer museum, restaurant, and viewing deck. computer museum, restaurant, and viewing deck. Access to the roof is still possible via the elevators in Access to the roof is still possible via the elevators in the north and south walls, but they are closed to the the north and south walls, but they are closed to the publicpublic

The Obelisk at the Place de la The Obelisk at the Place de la ConcordeConcorde

The The Luxor ObeliskLuxor Obelisk  is a 23 metre (75 ft) high   is a 23 metre (75 ft) high Egyptian obelisk standing at the center of the Place de la Egyptian obelisk standing at the center of the Place de la Concorde. It was originally located at the entrance Concorde. It was originally located at the entrance to Luxor Temple, in Egypt.to Luxor Temple, in Egypt.

Two 3,300-year-old twin obelisks once marked the Two 3,300-year-old twin obelisks once marked the entrance to the Luxor Temple. Muhammad Ali Pasha, entrance to the Luxor Temple. Muhammad Ali Pasha, Kingof Egypt, offered the two obelisks to France as a gift Kingof Egypt, offered the two obelisks to France as a gift in 1829.in 1829.

The first obelisk arrived in Paris on December 21, 1833. The first obelisk arrived in Paris on December 21, 1833. Three years later, on October 25, 1836, King Louis-Three years later, on October 25, 1836, King Louis-Philippe of France had it placed in the center of Place de Philippe of France had it placed in the center of Place de la Concorde.la Concorde.

Channel TunnelChannel Tunnel The The Channel TunnelChannel Tunnel is a 50.5-kilometre (31.4 mi) the United  is a 50.5-kilometre (31.4 mi) the United

Kingdom with France runs beneath the English Channel at the Strait of Dover. Kingdom with France runs beneath the English Channel at the Strait of Dover. At its lowest point, it is 75 m (250 ft) deep.At its lowest point, it is 75 m (250 ft) deep. At 37.9 kilometres (23.5 mi), the tunnel At 37.9 kilometres (23.5 mi), the tunnel

has the longest undersea portion of any tunnel in the worldhas the longest undersea portion of any tunnel in the world The tunnel carries high-speed Eurostar passenger trains, Eurotunnel Shuttle roll-The tunnel carries high-speed Eurostar passenger trains, Eurotunnel Shuttle roll-

on/roll-off vehicle transport—the largest in the world—and international rail freight on/roll-off vehicle transport—the largest in the world—and international rail freight trains.trains.

Ideas for a cross-Channel fixed link appeared as early as 1802,but British political Ideas for a cross-Channel fixed link appeared as early as 1802,but British political and press pressure over compromised national security stalled attempts to construct and press pressure over compromised national security stalled attempts to construct a tunnel. The eventual successful project, organised by Eurotunnel, began a tunnel. The eventual successful project, organised by Eurotunnel, began construction in 1988 and opened in 1994. At £4.650 billion, the project came in construction in 1988 and opened in 1994. At £4.650 billion, the project came in 80% over its predicted budget. Since its construction, the tunnel has faced several 80% over its predicted budget. Since its construction, the tunnel has faced several problems. Fires have disrupted operation of the tunnel.problems. Fires have disrupted operation of the tunnel.

Mont St. Michel Mont St. Michel

Mont Saint-MichelMont Saint-Michel in Normandy, France. It is located approximately one kilometre (0.6  in Normandy, France. It is located approximately one kilometre (0.6 miles) off the country's northwestern coast, at the mouth of the Couesnon River near. miles) off the country's northwestern coast, at the mouth of the Couesnon River near. 247 acres (100 ha) in size, the island has a population of 44 (2009).247 acres (100 ha) in size, the island has a population of 44 (2009).[1]

The island has held strategic fortifications since ancient times, and since the eighth The island has held strategic fortifications since ancient times, and since the eighth century AD has been the seat of the monastery from which it draws its name. century AD has been the seat of the monastery from which it draws its name.

The structural composition of the town exemplifies the feudal society that constructed it. The structural composition of the town exemplifies the feudal society that constructed it. On top God, the abbey and monastery, below this the Great halls, then stores and On top God, the abbey and monastery, below this the Great halls, then stores and housing, and at the bottom, outside the walls, fishermen and farmers' housing.housing, and at the bottom, outside the walls, fishermen and farmers' housing.

One of France's most recognisable landmarks, Mont Saint-Michel and its bay are part of One of France's most recognisable landmarks, Mont Saint-Michel and its bay are part of the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sitesthe UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites and more than 3 million people visit it each and more than 3 million people visit it each year.year.