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Francophone Spotlight: France
Bonne Année ! Welcome back to our Francophone Spotlight segment. We took a short break, but now we’re back to travel together around the world as we learn more about the immensely diverse Francophone diaspora. To kick-off this year’s series, we’re heading to France! From the snowy Alps mountains to the glistening blue Mediterranean Sea in the Côte d'Azur; from the breathtaking lavender fields of Provence to the endlessly vibrant capital city of Paris, France has it all. Continue reading to find out more about the country that so many within our EB community call home.
Eiffel Tower: The Eiffel Tower, one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, was initially built as the entrance arch for the 1889 World's Fair, held in Paris to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. It was initially criticized by some of France's leading artists and intellectuals for its design.
French Cuisine: France is renowned for its exquisite cuisine. French gastronomy has been recognized by UNESCO as a 'world intangible heritage.' Classic dishes like baguettes, croissants, escargot (snails), coq au vin, and ratatouille all have their roots in French culinary traditions.
Mona Lisa Mystery: The Mona Lisa, housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris, is one of the most famous paintings in the world. What adds to its mystique is the subject's elusive smile. Leonardo da Vinci began painting it in 1503, and it's believed to be a portrait of Lisa Gherardini, the wife of Florentine merchant Francesco del Giocondo.
French Language: French is the official language of 29 countries and is spoken by over 220 million people worldwide. It's also one of the official languages of many international organizations, including the United Nations.
Bastille Day: Bastille Day, celebrated on July 14th, marks the French National Day and commemorates the Storming of the Bastille in 1789, a key event in the French Revolution. It is celebrated with various events, including a military parade on the Champs-Élysées.
World's Most Visited Country: France consistently ranks as the most-visited country in the world. Tourists flock to iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and the Palace of Versailles, as well as to the beautiful French countryside and coastal areas.
French Riviera: The French Riviera, or Côte d'Azur, is famous for its glamorous beaches and upscale resorts. It has been a playground for the rich and famous for many years, attracting celebrities and artists from around the world.
Inventions: France has a history of notable inventions. Some examples include the hot air balloon, the Braille system, the stethoscope, and the modern bicycle.
Fashion Capital: Paris is often regarded as the fashion capital of the world. It is home to many famous fashion houses and hosts the prestigious Paris Fashion Week.
Lavender Fields: The Provence region of France is famous for its vibrant lavender fields, which bloom in the summer. The sight of endless purple fields is not only visually stunning but also contributes to the production of lavender oil.
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