Culture and Romance in France
Paris is often said to be one of the most romantic as well as beautiful cities in the world, and it is hard to argue.
Stroll in the morning by the Seine, spend an afternoon window shopping on the Champs-Elysee or watch the moon rise behind the Eiffel tower, and it is impossible not to feel the thrill of romance.
Tango by the Seine (©malias)
No less romantic are the small towns of Bordeaux or the Loire, the chic beaches of the Riviera or the often overlooked valleys and lakes around the foothills of the Alps.
Lifestyle & Culture
For centuries France has been a centre of culture, making major contributions to the worlds of music, literature, art, theatre and cinema and of course architecture, with the latter evident everywhere you go in the beauty of its buildings, large and small.
The French combine a relaxed and civilised approach to life with great interest in fashion and appearances. They are known for their innate style, their almost formal politeness and for their ability to engage in seeming endless philosophical discussion.
French cities are notable for their many small speciality shops, family run restaurants and old long established businesses. Although there are chain stores and malls they do not dominate the towns and cities as they do in other places.
Many French families who live in cities have a second home in a rural area and the exodus from urban centres each weekend, and especially during the month of August when hardly any Parisians remain in Paris, can test even the excellent French road and rail systems.
France still sees itself as an agricultural country, although agriculture is much less economically important than in the past, and its farmers are a powerful and vocal political force.
Language
Proud of their language, preserving it from the encroachment of English is a major preoccupation and while English is widely spoken in tourist areas, it is much appreciated if visitors at least try to use a little French.