Cultural Immersion: Paris (France)

▪ The country (France)

France flag - Read more

France, in Western Europe, encompasses medieval and port cities, tranquil villages, mountains and Mediterranean beaches. Paris, its capital, is known worldwide for its couture fashion houses, classical art museums including the Louvre and monuments like the Eiffel Tower. The country is also renowned for its sophisticated cuisine and its wines. Lascaux’s ancient cave drawings, Lyon’s Roman theater and the immense Palace of Versailles are testaments to its long history.

France map

Paris

Paris, France's capital, is a major European city and a global center for art, fashion, gastronomy and culture. Its picturesque 19th-century cityscape is crisscrossed by wide boulevards and the River Seine. 

▪ Tourist spots

▪ Louvre

Famous Louvre is also one of main symbols of Paris. A former royal palace, starting from 1793 Louvre has been turned into a world-famous museum. It has gained an international fame, and one of main reasons for such a success is great works of art, including "Mona Lisa" and "Venus de Milo", that are exhibited here. (Read more)

▪ Tuileries

The Tuileries Gardens are located in the immediate vicinity of the Louvre. This is a perfect place for slow walks. In the XVII century, Colbert ordered garden architect Andre Le Notre to make a beautiful park. The garden looks today just the way it looked during those days.  (Read more)

▪ Eiffel Tower

iffel Tower built for the World Exhibition in Paris in 1889, has already become a symbol of not only the capital of France, but also, perhaps, the whole country. Visitors are welcome to enjoy spectacular views of Paris from the top of the tower, at a height of 307 meters. (Read more)

▪ Arc de Triomphe

The opposite part of the Champs-Elysees ends at the Arc de Triomphe, the construction of which was started in 1806 by order of Napoleon. This way Napoleon wanted to honor the victorious French army. (Read more)

Source: http://www.orangesmile.com/travelguide/paris/index.htm

▪ Avenue des Champs-Élysées

The Avenue des Champs-Élysées was meant to be a place of the blessed and a resting place of gods in Greek mythology. The name stems from the fact that this whole area was originally field and market gardens with farmers selling their goods to the local Paris markets. The Champs-Elysées is famous for its prestigious establishments such as Maison Ladurée and upscale designer boutiques like Tiffany & Co. (Read more)

▪ Phanteon

 Modeled after the Pantheon in Rome, the Phanteon was originally a church dedicated to St. Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris and her relics. The place was rebuilt in the neoclassical style by King Louis XV to thank God for his recovery. (Read more)

▪ Cuisine

French cuisine consists of the cooking traditions and practices from France. In the 14th century Guillaume Tirel, a court chef known as "Taillevent", wrote Le Viandier, one of the earliest recipe collections of medieval France. During that time, French cuisine was heavily influenced by Italiancuisine.

▪ Soupe à l'oignon 

This is a traditional French soup made of onions and beef stock, usually served with croutons and cheese on top. Its origins can be traced back to Roman times. However, its current version originated in the 18th century. The remarkable taste of the soup is due to the caramelisation of the onions. (Read more)

▪ Flamiche

Flamiche means cake in Flemish and it originates from Northern France, near the border with Belgium. It is a pie crust filled with cheese and vegetables. The stuffing in the classic recipe is made of leeks. However, there is also a pizza-like version of the Flamiche which is without the top crust of the pie. (Read more)

▪ Chocolate souffle

A delicious dessert not to be missed! The crispy chocolate crust with a soft creamy chocolate filling make this sweet delight different than anything you will ever taste. (Read more)

▪ Wine

France is the place to find the most suitable wine for every palate - from white to rose, and red to champagne. You can drink French wine with your meal, with cheese or while sitting and enjoying the sun at a café. This drink can make you warm in the cold or enrich the taste of the exquisite French cuisine.  (Read more)

Source:http://www.expatica.com/fr/insider-views/Top-10-French-foods-with-recipes_106720.html

▪ Macaron

Macaron One of the most famous desserts in France is the elegant macaron, made of two round meringue based cookie shells, held together by a soft filling, such as buttercream or ganache. Very fine almond powder, egg whites and sugar are combined with mastery, to create an initial crisp and airy experience. (Read more)

▪ Iles Flottante

Simple but tasty, Ile flottante is basically made from whipped egg whites, sugar, vanilla extract and simply floating creme anglaise. Sometimes it can be served with some almonds or coconut on top. (Read more)

▪ Pastis

Pastis is a strong licorice liquor very popular in the southern parts of France. Is normally diluted with water before drinking, but ofter neat pastis is served together with a jug of water for the drinker to blend together according to preference. (Read more)

▪ Habits

Parisians have always been distinguished by gallantry and enthusiasm. They are very generous and trusting. At the same time, many tourists notice such features of local people as cunning and calculation. 

Locals do not treat the Americans the best way possible, so visitors are recommended to learn at least a bit of French before the ride. If residents see a traveler who tries to communicate using their native language, they instantly start respecting this person and are ready to help.

Paris is famous for its colorful celebrations and folk festivals. Various interesting events take place here on New Year's Eve and Christmas. 

June 21 is the day of a prominent music holiday - this event is heavily anticipated by music lovers from different countries of the world. All day long the squares of the city are turned into concert venues, on which are performed free concerts. During the festival you can hear the music of different styles, from classical to contemporary electronic music and rock. 

Bastille Day is a no less interesting holiday, which is celebrated annually on July 14. The first mention of this celebration belongs to 1789. A beautiful military parade is a mandatory attribute of the modern celebration. During this day numerous music and theater performances take place on the streets of Paris. The holiday is finished by grandiose fireworks. 

▪ Cost of living

Paris is one of the most expensives cities in the world, the city is surounded by good food, culture and great places to visit. Butit comes at a cost. Housing will be the largest monthly cost in Paris, due to the city’s strict zoning regulations that limit building heights in order to maintain Paris’ historic ambience. (Read more)

▪ Climate

The average weather in Paris is temperate year-round. The best time to visit the city is from mid-May to mid-September, in particular from mid_May to late June, when the days are long and the nature is in bloom and there is a low risk of excessive heat. (Read more)

▪ Famous Personalities

      

           Napoleon Bonaparte                          Louis Vuitton                                Brigitte Bardot

        Military Leader, Emperor                   Fashion Designer                    Animal Rights activist,                                                                                                                               Pin-Up, Actress, Model 

                                                                                                                      

▪ Music

The music of France reflects a diverse array of styles. In the field of classical music, France has produced a number of prominent romantic composers, while folk and popular music have seen the rise of the chanson and cabaret style. The earliest known sound recording device in the world, the phonautograph, was patented in France by Édouard-Léon Scott de Martinville in 1857. France is also the 5th largest market by value in the world, and its music industry has produced many internationally renowned artists, especially in the nouvelle chanson and electronic music.

▪ Extra