France
Content
69 Fun Facts About France
69 facts is back! This ti me featuring the lovely country of France, because well, who can resist a country that creates superior wine, beautiful art and genetically blessed people? I think 69 facts is quite fitting. After all, who doesn’t love the French? (when they are not driving, of course). 1. There is a Victor Hugo street in every town in France. 2. It’s illegal to name a pig Napoleon in France. 3. Charles VIII had six toes on one foot and hid this fact by wearing and promoting square toe shoes. 4. The guillotine was the official method of execution during the French Revolution. It was invented by a surgeon named Dr. Guillotin. 5. France produces over 400 types of cheese! Language: 6. French is the official language of many countries including: Switzerland, Canada, Ivory Coast, Luxembourg, Monaco, Congo and Niger. 7. The word “salut” means both “hello” and “goodbye” 8. French was the official language of England for over 300 years. 9. It’s the mother tongue of 75 million people worldwide. 10. It’s the second most commonly taught foreign language, after English. 11. It’s the official language of the United Nations. 12. It’s the only language (along with English) that’s taught in every country in the world. 13. Crayola is a French word that means “oily chalk” 14. At the time of the French Revolution, 75% of French
citizens didn’t speak French as a mother tongue. 15. Non-French celebrities who speak French include: Jodie Foster, Johnny Depp, Diane Kruger, Elton John, Ewan Mcgregor, Halle Berry, Jackie O, Madonna, Mick Jagger, and John Travolta. 16. 34% of the French can speak English. 17. Between 6-11 million Americans speak French. 18. Mont-Blanc is the highest peak in Europe 19. The heir to the French throne was called Le Dauphin, which also means “dolphin.” 20. The French eat snails, frog’s legs and horsemeat. 21. In 1386, a pig was hung in France for the murder of a child. Love and Romance
22. The number of times the French kiss each other as a form of greeting varies depending on region. In Corsica, the number of kisses can be as many as 5! (If you have a hot first date, you now know where to go) 23. According to a 2003 survey, the French have the most sex in a year (unsurprisingly!) 24. It’s illegal to kiss on railways in France (oops). 25. “French kiss” is a term by the English as a slur on the French culture which was thought to be overly concerned with sex. 26. In France, it’s called a tongue kiss or soul kiss. 27. French men have the lowest level of obesity in the EU, and women are second after Denmark.
28. The French have one of the highest life expectancies in the EU (I think there’s a strong correlation of this fact to #23) 29. First Lady Carla Bruni has been known to have a string of relationships with famous men including Eric Clapton, Mick Jagger and Donald Trump. Travel, Culture, and Innovations 30. Coco Chanel’s real name was Gabrielle Bonheur. 31. France has the highest number of ski resorts.
32. The French had an early version of the internet called Minitel, where as long as 1984, they could pay bills and shop at home using the Minitel service. 33. France is the most visited country in the world with 75 million tourists yearly. 34. The first department store was founded by Aristide Boucicaut in 1838l 35. France has wont he most Nobel Prizes for Literature than any other country in the world, and the second most in mathematics. 36. France created the first universal declaration of human rights in 1789. 37. France ruled the second largest colonial empire in the world controlling 8.6% of the world’s land. 38. Famous French inventions include: the hot air balloon, the submarine, and the parachute. 39. In 2004, the French produced 56.6. million hectoliters of
wine. 40. French liquers include: Grand Marnier, Triple Sec, Cognac, Armagnac, Pastis and Cointreau. The French Revolution 41. The storming of the Bastille was more of a symbolic act. During that day, there were only 7 prisoners and 4 of them were there because of check forging. 42. “Let them eat cake” was a statement falsely associated with Marie Antoinette as it was created ten years before she was born. 43. The guillotin was last used in 1977. 44. It was during this time that the French invented the metric system. 45. More than 15,000 people were beheaded at the guillotine. 46. Louis XVI assisted in perfecting the guillotine. Paris, the city of love
47. 20% of the French live in the Parisian region. 48. Nicknamed “city of lights,” lights actually refers to the number of intellectuals who live there. 49. Jim Morrisson and Oscar Wilde were buried in the Paris cemetery called Pere Lachaise. 50. The Eiffel Tower is painted every 7 years. 51. The Eiffel tower was originally intended to be dismantled and sold as scrap after its construction. 52. There are more Bretons (From Britanny) in Paris than in
Britanny. 53. The oldest bridge in Paris is called Pont Neuf (new bridge). 54. The most visited attraction in Paris isn’t the Eiffel Tower (5.5 million), or the Louvre (5 million), but Disneyland Paris at 13 million people. Misc 55. French film production is second in the world. 56. Napoleon was 5’6. 57. French toast and french fries aren’t French inventions. 58. The croissant was actually invented in Austria. 59. The ministry of health once tried to promote milk as the national drink of France (ha!) 60. France is about the same size as Texas, with twice the population of California. 61. France is home to 28 UNESCO World Heritage sites. 62. There are about 2 new cook books that are published everyday in France. 63. Drugstores in France usually have a neon green cross on the door57. French toast and french fries aren’t French inventions. 64. If you cross your glass with someone else when toasting, you will receive 7 years of bad sex. 65. Grasse, France is known as the Perfume Capital of the World. 66. About 20& of French territory lies outside Europe. 67. Wearing a white wedding dress is a French tradition which began in 1499. 68. France was originally named Lutetia. 69. It’s against the law to take pictures of police officers and police vehicles.
France: France is one of the most romantic countries in the world. It provides so many
beautiful places and landmarks that known by people from around the world.it has a beautifull culture and education system. capital of france is paris.
page 2
flag of french
famous buildings
#1. Eiffel Tower
It is the most famous building of france, it is located in the heart city of Paris. With the height 320 meters, it becomes the tallest structure in Paris. #2. Arch de Triomphe
Another famous monument which is located in Paris is the Arc de Triomphe. This historic monument was built between 1806 and 1836 and dedicated for people who fought for the country.
Inside the Arch, the visitors can find a small museum that interesting to see. So, don’t miss this historic monument.
#3. Mont St-Michel
Mont St-Michel is a famous island located in Normandy. The visitors can enjoy the beauty of this medieval building as well as the beautiful views around the island #
4. Notre-Dame de Paris
photo credit: Sebastian Bergmann Notre-Dame de Paris is one of the most famous churches in the world. This church is located in the Île de la Cité, Paris and considered to be one of the best Gothic French architectures. #5. The Pantheon
The Pantheon is a neo classical building located in Paris.
france festivals
1.Christmas Traditions
Christmas in France is a time for the whole family to be together. On Christmas Eve, the whole family go to midnight mass, then everyone stays up to eat a huge meal in celebration of le réveillon. Réveillon means “waking up”, so the celebration represents the spiritual awakening brought by Christ’s birth.
2.La Fête des Rois
The “Festival of Kings” is celebrated on January 6th – the day when the three kings came to worship the baby Jesus. A large, flat cake called Gallette des Rois is eaten on this day. Traditionally, there will be a coin or small ornament hidden in the cake. Whoever gets this in his or her piece of cake is king for a day.
3.lemon festival:
Since the 1930s the town of Menton, France, has celebrated its annual Lemon Festival for three weeks beginning in late January or February. Festival organizers expect about 300,000 people to visit the town during the festival in order to enjoy the parades—featuring larger-than-life-sized figurines made entirely of citrus fruit, a specialty of the region—and other activities. Performances of local folk music and dance also take place during the festival. In addition, visitors may stroll by scenes from famous stories reconstructed out of citrus fruits and displayed in one of the city's parks. The Lemon Festival coincides with another important local event, the Orchid Festival. Those who attend this exhibit of orchid specimens may also sample regional foods and view the work of local artists.
Victory in Europe Day (V-E Day or VE Day)
May 8th celebrates the liberation of territories and countries occupied by Germany at the end of the second world war. I know it's an official holiday in France and in Czech Republic.
Armistice Day in France
Armistice Day (Armistice de la Première Guerre mondiale) in France remembers those who died or were injured in World War I and other wars. It is generally a solemn occasion.
famous perfume in france
Famous French Food
Hopefully you have heard of some of these famous French food specialties already. After all they would not deserve to be called famous if they were known only to people in the Hexagon. (That is what French people sometimes call their country - see how it is sort of six sided?) These dishes and recipes are presented to you in the order which you might eat them during a four course meal. So consider this a huge banquet of some of France's most popular foods and be sure to leave room for some famous French desserts. Along the way you will find photos and links to some of the recipes on Easy French Food. They have all been tested bythe chef (that would be me), and are purposefully simple so that you can get to the good part - enjoying your food!
L'ap�ritif - Famous Appetizers
Tapenade and olives This is served before you sit down for the meal. Along with your flute de champagne or kir (a popular before dinner drink made form cr�me de cassis and white wine), have a nibble on:
Goug�res - These are bite sized cheese puffs made from choux pastry. Rillettes - Variously made from chopped fish, pork, or other meats that have been slowly cooked and seasoned, these are served spread on pieces of toast. Tapenade - A puree of black or green olives, capers, and olive oil that is used as a spread.
L'entr�e - Famous Starters
Foie gras served with spice bread Now you are at the table. Remember that according to French etiquette you should keep your hands
in sight at all times. So no folding them in your lap. Baguette - A long skinny loaf of French bread that is served with the entr�e and will stay on the table until dessert. No French meal is complete without it. France runs on baguettes!
Cuisses de Grenouille - Despite the myth of the French love for frogs' legs, they really are not number one on the menu and are only occasionally part of a meal. Escargots - Another famous French food that is not nearly so popular as has been rumored, but yes, the French do eat snails. Foie Gras - This is the very fatty liver of a goose or duck that has been force fed rich grains. Enjoyed with plain toast or as part of another dish. Quenelles - These are sort of like a dumpling, but log shaped. Made from flour, milk, eggs and many times various meats or fish. Ratatouille - A mix of sauteed vegetables, including eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, bell peppers and onions. Salade Ni�oise - This salad is so substantial that it can be enjoyed as a main dish. Recipes vary, but typically include tuna, tomatoes, bell peppers, and anchovies along with lots of olive oil. Truffes - These famous black mushrooms are so expensive and so tasty, that they are typically used in small quantities to accent another food.
Les Plats Principaux - Famous Main Dishes
Raclette Time to dig in to the main course. You have a lot of choices when it comes to famous French food.
Andouillette - A sausage made from chitterlings (that is a cute word for pig intestines). Blanquette de Veau - Veal that is cooked with carrots and onions and then served with a white, cream sauce. Boeuf Bourguignon - Beef cooked in red Burgundy wine, usually with mushrooms and carrots. Boudin Blanc - A white sausage typically made from pork, milk, onions and seasonings. Bouillabaisse - A richly flavored seafood stew made with olive oil and many different kinds of freshly caught fish. Brandade - Cod fish is pureed, seasoned, and maybe mixed with milk or potatoes, then baked to make this casserole. Cassoulet - A very hearty slow cooked dish of white beans and various meats, maybe duck confit or sausage. Choucroute Garnie - You may know this as sauerkraut. Cabbage is fermented for several weeks, then cooked with sausages, meats and potatoes. Confit de Canard - Duck confit is made by cooking the duck in a big pot of duck fat. The result is incredibly moist and flavorful.
Coq au Vin - A famous food that is simply chicken (it used to be a rooster) that is marinated and cooked in wine. Fondue - Famous fondue Savoyarde is a big pot of melted cheese. Served with bread, potatoes, apples, and other things good for dipping. Moules Frites - Mussels and French fries are a popular dish in Bretagne (Brittany). Pot au Feu - Slow boiled beef and vegetables. Raclette - Slices of cheese are melted at the table on a special dish and served, like a fondue, with bread and other things. Steak Frites - Steak and French fries are said to come from the north, and possibly Belgium. You can order this famous food just about anywhere in France. Tartiflette - A hearty dish of potatoes, bacon, white wine and reblochon cheese.
Le Fromage - Famous Cheese
Roquefort Cheese
Oh, you thought you were ready for dessert? No, first you must have some cheese. And with something like 500 different kinds of French cheese, you have quite a choice. Here are just a few of the more popular.
Brie - This famous French food is perhaps even more popular outside of France. It is named after the area in which it is produced, not far outside of Paris. Camembert - Along with the baguette, one of the most popular foods in France. Roquefort - A strong tasting blue cheese? Not only is this one of France's most famous cheeses, it is also one of the oldest.
Les Desserts - Famous Desserts
Chocolate �clair
Everyone's favorite part, right?
Clafoutis - These are simple baked custards that include different fruits. The most popular version is made with cherries. Mousse au chocolat - Chocolate mousse. Everyone knows thisfamous French food, don't they? Cr�me br�l�e - A cream dessert that is topped with hard caramelized sugar. Eclairs and Profiteroles - These are treats made from choux pastry, a special sort of dough made with lots of eggs, flour, water and butter. An �clair is log shaped, filled with pastry cream and usually topped with chocolate. A profiterole is round and typically filled with ice cream. Mille feuilles - Several layers of puff pastry, typically filled with pastry cream. You might know these as Napol�ons. Tarte Normande - France is not short on famous apple tarts. This one typically includes a little shot of Calvados, an apple brandy made in Normandy. Tarte Tatin - An upside down apple tart that was supposedly first made by the legendary Tatin sisters. Go from famous French food to French Foods. Or get started making your own with one of these Easy French Recipes.
More Famous French Food
Madeleine teacakes
Here are a few things that are definitely on the Famous French Food List but do not fit in with our four course dinner.
Crepes - Thin pancakes that are filled with both sweet and savory fillings. A special crepe, called a galette, is made from buckwheat flour. Croissants - Made from buttery layered pastry, these are typically eaten for breakfast. The French tend to save them for a treat on Sunday morning. Madeleines - These are sweet tea cakes that are shaped like a scallop shell, made famous by the author Proust. Please do not think this is an exhaustive list of famous French food. There are so many wonderful dishes from all around France that it would be impossible to limit ourselves. If you love French food and want to learn more, that is what this website is all about. So, please have a good
look around.
sports
The French "national" sport is football (soccer). The mostwatched sports in France are football (soccer), rugby , basketball, cycling, sailing and tennis. France is notable for holding (and winning) the football World Cup in 1998, for holding the annual cycling race Tour de France,
and the tennis Grand Slam tournament Roland Garros, or the French Open. Sport is encouraged in school, and local sports clubs receive financial support from the local governments. The modern Olympics were invented in France, in 1894.
The Education System in France
American University of Paris
FRENCH EDUCATION • Primary education – Ages 3-11 • Secondary education – Ages 11-18 • Higher education – 18+
Politics in France
5 Republics & 2 Empires • First Republic was ended (1803) by Napoleon’s First Empire • Second Republic was ended (1851) by Napoleon III’s Second Empire • Third Republic was ended (1940) by German occupation • Fourth Republic (1946 - 1958)
Legislature
• Power of parliament was restricted by the 1958 Constitution of the Fifth Republic • Two houses – National Assembly: 577 – Senate : 321
69 facts is back! This ti me featuring the lovely country of France, because well, who can resist a country that creates superior wine, beautiful art and genetically blessed people? I think 69 facts is quite fitting. After all, who doesn’t love the French? (when they are not driving, of course). 1. There is a Victor Hugo street in every town in France. 2. It’s illegal to name a pig Napoleon in France. 3. Charles VIII had six toes on one foot and hid this fact by wearing and promoting square toe shoes. 4. The guillotine was the official method of execution during the French Revolution. It was invented by a surgeon named Dr. Guillotin. 5. France produces over 400 types of cheese! Language: 6. French is the official language of many countries including: Switzerland, Canada, Ivory Coast, Luxembourg, Monaco, Congo and Niger. 7. The word “salut” means both “hello” and “goodbye” 8. French was the official language of England for over 300 years. 9. It’s the mother tongue of 75 million people worldwide. 10. It’s the second most commonly taught foreign language, after English. 11. It’s the official language of the United Nations. 12. It’s the only language (along with English) that’s taught in every country in the world. 13. Crayola is a French word that means “oily chalk” 14. At the time of the French Revolution, 75% of French
citizens didn’t speak French as a mother tongue. 15. Non-French celebrities who speak French include: Jodie Foster, Johnny Depp, Diane Kruger, Elton John, Ewan Mcgregor, Halle Berry, Jackie O, Madonna, Mick Jagger, and John Travolta. 16. 34% of the French can speak English. 17. Between 6-11 million Americans speak French. 18. Mont-Blanc is the highest peak in Europe 19. The heir to the French throne was called Le Dauphin, which also means “dolphin.” 20. The French eat snails, frog’s legs and horsemeat. 21. In 1386, a pig was hung in France for the murder of a child. Love and Romance
22. The number of times the French kiss each other as a form of greeting varies depending on region. In Corsica, the number of kisses can be as many as 5! (If you have a hot first date, you now know where to go) 23. According to a 2003 survey, the French have the most sex in a year (unsurprisingly!) 24. It’s illegal to kiss on railways in France (oops). 25. “French kiss” is a term by the English as a slur on the French culture which was thought to be overly concerned with sex. 26. In France, it’s called a tongue kiss or soul kiss. 27. French men have the lowest level of obesity in the EU, and women are second after Denmark.
28. The French have one of the highest life expectancies in the EU (I think there’s a strong correlation of this fact to #23) 29. First Lady Carla Bruni has been known to have a string of relationships with famous men including Eric Clapton, Mick Jagger and Donald Trump. Travel, Culture, and Innovations 30. Coco Chanel’s real name was Gabrielle Bonheur. 31. France has the highest number of ski resorts.
32. The French had an early version of the internet called Minitel, where as long as 1984, they could pay bills and shop at home using the Minitel service. 33. France is the most visited country in the world with 75 million tourists yearly. 34. The first department store was founded by Aristide Boucicaut in 1838l 35. France has wont he most Nobel Prizes for Literature than any other country in the world, and the second most in mathematics. 36. France created the first universal declaration of human rights in 1789. 37. France ruled the second largest colonial empire in the world controlling 8.6% of the world’s land. 38. Famous French inventions include: the hot air balloon, the submarine, and the parachute. 39. In 2004, the French produced 56.6. million hectoliters of
wine. 40. French liquers include: Grand Marnier, Triple Sec, Cognac, Armagnac, Pastis and Cointreau. The French Revolution 41. The storming of the Bastille was more of a symbolic act. During that day, there were only 7 prisoners and 4 of them were there because of check forging. 42. “Let them eat cake” was a statement falsely associated with Marie Antoinette as it was created ten years before she was born. 43. The guillotin was last used in 1977. 44. It was during this time that the French invented the metric system. 45. More than 15,000 people were beheaded at the guillotine. 46. Louis XVI assisted in perfecting the guillotine. Paris, the city of love
47. 20% of the French live in the Parisian region. 48. Nicknamed “city of lights,” lights actually refers to the number of intellectuals who live there. 49. Jim Morrisson and Oscar Wilde were buried in the Paris cemetery called Pere Lachaise. 50. The Eiffel Tower is painted every 7 years. 51. The Eiffel tower was originally intended to be dismantled and sold as scrap after its construction. 52. There are more Bretons (From Britanny) in Paris than in
Britanny. 53. The oldest bridge in Paris is called Pont Neuf (new bridge). 54. The most visited attraction in Paris isn’t the Eiffel Tower (5.5 million), or the Louvre (5 million), but Disneyland Paris at 13 million people. Misc 55. French film production is second in the world. 56. Napoleon was 5’6. 57. French toast and french fries aren’t French inventions. 58. The croissant was actually invented in Austria. 59. The ministry of health once tried to promote milk as the national drink of France (ha!) 60. France is about the same size as Texas, with twice the population of California. 61. France is home to 28 UNESCO World Heritage sites. 62. There are about 2 new cook books that are published everyday in France. 63. Drugstores in France usually have a neon green cross on the door57. French toast and french fries aren’t French inventions. 64. If you cross your glass with someone else when toasting, you will receive 7 years of bad sex. 65. Grasse, France is known as the Perfume Capital of the World. 66. About 20& of French territory lies outside Europe. 67. Wearing a white wedding dress is a French tradition which began in 1499. 68. France was originally named Lutetia. 69. It’s against the law to take pictures of police officers and police vehicles.
France: France is one of the most romantic countries in the world. It provides so many
beautiful places and landmarks that known by people from around the world.it has a beautifull culture and education system. capital of france is paris.
page 2
flag of french
famous buildings
#1. Eiffel Tower
It is the most famous building of france, it is located in the heart city of Paris. With the height 320 meters, it becomes the tallest structure in Paris. #2. Arch de Triomphe
Another famous monument which is located in Paris is the Arc de Triomphe. This historic monument was built between 1806 and 1836 and dedicated for people who fought for the country.
Inside the Arch, the visitors can find a small museum that interesting to see. So, don’t miss this historic monument.
#3. Mont St-Michel
Mont St-Michel is a famous island located in Normandy. The visitors can enjoy the beauty of this medieval building as well as the beautiful views around the island #
4. Notre-Dame de Paris
photo credit: Sebastian Bergmann Notre-Dame de Paris is one of the most famous churches in the world. This church is located in the Île de la Cité, Paris and considered to be one of the best Gothic French architectures. #5. The Pantheon
The Pantheon is a neo classical building located in Paris.
france festivals
1.Christmas Traditions
Christmas in France is a time for the whole family to be together. On Christmas Eve, the whole family go to midnight mass, then everyone stays up to eat a huge meal in celebration of le réveillon. Réveillon means “waking up”, so the celebration represents the spiritual awakening brought by Christ’s birth.
2.La Fête des Rois
The “Festival of Kings” is celebrated on January 6th – the day when the three kings came to worship the baby Jesus. A large, flat cake called Gallette des Rois is eaten on this day. Traditionally, there will be a coin or small ornament hidden in the cake. Whoever gets this in his or her piece of cake is king for a day.
3.lemon festival:
Since the 1930s the town of Menton, France, has celebrated its annual Lemon Festival for three weeks beginning in late January or February. Festival organizers expect about 300,000 people to visit the town during the festival in order to enjoy the parades—featuring larger-than-life-sized figurines made entirely of citrus fruit, a specialty of the region—and other activities. Performances of local folk music and dance also take place during the festival. In addition, visitors may stroll by scenes from famous stories reconstructed out of citrus fruits and displayed in one of the city's parks. The Lemon Festival coincides with another important local event, the Orchid Festival. Those who attend this exhibit of orchid specimens may also sample regional foods and view the work of local artists.
Victory in Europe Day (V-E Day or VE Day)
May 8th celebrates the liberation of territories and countries occupied by Germany at the end of the second world war. I know it's an official holiday in France and in Czech Republic.
Armistice Day in France
Armistice Day (Armistice de la Première Guerre mondiale) in France remembers those who died or were injured in World War I and other wars. It is generally a solemn occasion.
famous perfume in france
Famous French Food
Hopefully you have heard of some of these famous French food specialties already. After all they would not deserve to be called famous if they were known only to people in the Hexagon. (That is what French people sometimes call their country - see how it is sort of six sided?) These dishes and recipes are presented to you in the order which you might eat them during a four course meal. So consider this a huge banquet of some of France's most popular foods and be sure to leave room for some famous French desserts. Along the way you will find photos and links to some of the recipes on Easy French Food. They have all been tested bythe chef (that would be me), and are purposefully simple so that you can get to the good part - enjoying your food!
L'ap�ritif - Famous Appetizers
Tapenade and olives This is served before you sit down for the meal. Along with your flute de champagne or kir (a popular before dinner drink made form cr�me de cassis and white wine), have a nibble on:
Goug�res - These are bite sized cheese puffs made from choux pastry. Rillettes - Variously made from chopped fish, pork, or other meats that have been slowly cooked and seasoned, these are served spread on pieces of toast. Tapenade - A puree of black or green olives, capers, and olive oil that is used as a spread.
L'entr�e - Famous Starters
Foie gras served with spice bread Now you are at the table. Remember that according to French etiquette you should keep your hands
in sight at all times. So no folding them in your lap. Baguette - A long skinny loaf of French bread that is served with the entr�e and will stay on the table until dessert. No French meal is complete without it. France runs on baguettes!
Cuisses de Grenouille - Despite the myth of the French love for frogs' legs, they really are not number one on the menu and are only occasionally part of a meal. Escargots - Another famous French food that is not nearly so popular as has been rumored, but yes, the French do eat snails. Foie Gras - This is the very fatty liver of a goose or duck that has been force fed rich grains. Enjoyed with plain toast or as part of another dish. Quenelles - These are sort of like a dumpling, but log shaped. Made from flour, milk, eggs and many times various meats or fish. Ratatouille - A mix of sauteed vegetables, including eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, bell peppers and onions. Salade Ni�oise - This salad is so substantial that it can be enjoyed as a main dish. Recipes vary, but typically include tuna, tomatoes, bell peppers, and anchovies along with lots of olive oil. Truffes - These famous black mushrooms are so expensive and so tasty, that they are typically used in small quantities to accent another food.
Les Plats Principaux - Famous Main Dishes
Raclette Time to dig in to the main course. You have a lot of choices when it comes to famous French food.
Andouillette - A sausage made from chitterlings (that is a cute word for pig intestines). Blanquette de Veau - Veal that is cooked with carrots and onions and then served with a white, cream sauce. Boeuf Bourguignon - Beef cooked in red Burgundy wine, usually with mushrooms and carrots. Boudin Blanc - A white sausage typically made from pork, milk, onions and seasonings. Bouillabaisse - A richly flavored seafood stew made with olive oil and many different kinds of freshly caught fish. Brandade - Cod fish is pureed, seasoned, and maybe mixed with milk or potatoes, then baked to make this casserole. Cassoulet - A very hearty slow cooked dish of white beans and various meats, maybe duck confit or sausage. Choucroute Garnie - You may know this as sauerkraut. Cabbage is fermented for several weeks, then cooked with sausages, meats and potatoes. Confit de Canard - Duck confit is made by cooking the duck in a big pot of duck fat. The result is incredibly moist and flavorful.
Coq au Vin - A famous food that is simply chicken (it used to be a rooster) that is marinated and cooked in wine. Fondue - Famous fondue Savoyarde is a big pot of melted cheese. Served with bread, potatoes, apples, and other things good for dipping. Moules Frites - Mussels and French fries are a popular dish in Bretagne (Brittany). Pot au Feu - Slow boiled beef and vegetables. Raclette - Slices of cheese are melted at the table on a special dish and served, like a fondue, with bread and other things. Steak Frites - Steak and French fries are said to come from the north, and possibly Belgium. You can order this famous food just about anywhere in France. Tartiflette - A hearty dish of potatoes, bacon, white wine and reblochon cheese.
Le Fromage - Famous Cheese
Roquefort Cheese
Oh, you thought you were ready for dessert? No, first you must have some cheese. And with something like 500 different kinds of French cheese, you have quite a choice. Here are just a few of the more popular.
Brie - This famous French food is perhaps even more popular outside of France. It is named after the area in which it is produced, not far outside of Paris. Camembert - Along with the baguette, one of the most popular foods in France. Roquefort - A strong tasting blue cheese? Not only is this one of France's most famous cheeses, it is also one of the oldest.
Les Desserts - Famous Desserts
Chocolate �clair
Everyone's favorite part, right?
Clafoutis - These are simple baked custards that include different fruits. The most popular version is made with cherries. Mousse au chocolat - Chocolate mousse. Everyone knows thisfamous French food, don't they? Cr�me br�l�e - A cream dessert that is topped with hard caramelized sugar. Eclairs and Profiteroles - These are treats made from choux pastry, a special sort of dough made with lots of eggs, flour, water and butter. An �clair is log shaped, filled with pastry cream and usually topped with chocolate. A profiterole is round and typically filled with ice cream. Mille feuilles - Several layers of puff pastry, typically filled with pastry cream. You might know these as Napol�ons. Tarte Normande - France is not short on famous apple tarts. This one typically includes a little shot of Calvados, an apple brandy made in Normandy. Tarte Tatin - An upside down apple tart that was supposedly first made by the legendary Tatin sisters. Go from famous French food to French Foods. Or get started making your own with one of these Easy French Recipes.
More Famous French Food
Madeleine teacakes
Here are a few things that are definitely on the Famous French Food List but do not fit in with our four course dinner.
Crepes - Thin pancakes that are filled with both sweet and savory fillings. A special crepe, called a galette, is made from buckwheat flour. Croissants - Made from buttery layered pastry, these are typically eaten for breakfast. The French tend to save them for a treat on Sunday morning. Madeleines - These are sweet tea cakes that are shaped like a scallop shell, made famous by the author Proust. Please do not think this is an exhaustive list of famous French food. There are so many wonderful dishes from all around France that it would be impossible to limit ourselves. If you love French food and want to learn more, that is what this website is all about. So, please have a good
look around.
sports
The French "national" sport is football (soccer). The mostwatched sports in France are football (soccer), rugby , basketball, cycling, sailing and tennis. France is notable for holding (and winning) the football World Cup in 1998, for holding the annual cycling race Tour de France,
and the tennis Grand Slam tournament Roland Garros, or the French Open. Sport is encouraged in school, and local sports clubs receive financial support from the local governments. The modern Olympics were invented in France, in 1894.
The Education System in France
American University of Paris
FRENCH EDUCATION • Primary education – Ages 3-11 • Secondary education – Ages 11-18 • Higher education – 18+
Politics in France
5 Republics & 2 Empires • First Republic was ended (1803) by Napoleon’s First Empire • Second Republic was ended (1851) by Napoleon III’s Second Empire • Third Republic was ended (1940) by German occupation • Fourth Republic (1946 - 1958)
Legislature
• Power of parliament was restricted by the 1958 Constitution of the Fifth Republic • Two houses – National Assembly: 577 – Senate : 321
