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Something
in the air...
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
http://www.franceguide.com/prehome.asp
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