Joyeux Noël! – French Christmas customs
Discover the enchanting Christmas traditions of France, from exchanging gifts on the 24th to savoring a luxurious Christmas Eve dinner and enjoying the sweet Galette des Rois.
The Citroen DS: The French Car That Saved a President’s Life
Charles de Gaulle, the president of France from 1958 to 1965, narrowly escaped an OAS assassination attempt in 1962, thanks to the resilient Citroen DS.
“Napoleon” Review: The Emperor Puts the Crown of France on his head once more
The film “Napoleon” features dynamic battle scenes and strong romantic moments, but lacks depth in portraying the historical context and Napoleon’s military career. Runtime feels slow.
“Gallomania” – France and Russia’s enduring cultural link
In the 1700s, Russia, particularly under Empress Elizaveta I, embraced French culture, language, and architecture, marking French as a symbol of status. Despite some negative implications such as social separation, this French influence has endured, shaping Russia’s cultural identity.
Bon Appétit – How Russia managed to influence fine dining in France and the rest of the world
Renowned French chef, Georges Escoffier highlighted two dining styles: “Service à la française,” where all food is served at once, and “Service à la russe,” where courses are served individually by waiters. While the latter was initially resisted in France, it eventually became widely accepted and is now the predominant style in Western dining.
The French in Flight – The Story of Louis Blériot
Louis Blériot, an adventurous Frenchman with a stellar moustache, remarkably crossed the English Channel in a monoplane without a compass in 1909. He won a competition, became a celebrity, and started successful aviation schools in England. He’s a major aviation figure, and his feats shouldn’t be forgotten.
“Je t’aime” – Why are the French so associated with romance?
The worldwide romantic image of France, particularly Paris, perpetuated by Hollywood since the 1930s, has played a significant role in the nation’s tourist trade. This image, based on the country’s affection for deep thought and love, its historical literature, and its timeless architecture, has created a uniquely charming and enduring appeal.
Figures of French Feminism – Simone de Beauvoir
Simone de Beauvoir’s influence on modern feminism derived from her examination of gender roles and emphasis on women’s personal experiences during the male-dominated 1940s-70s. Through her groundbreaking work, “The Second Sex”, de Beauvoir explored femininity as a societal construct, fostering the recognition of womanhood beyond biological processes and societal expectations, while actively promoting autonomy, fulfilling…
Lights, camera… The French World of Cinema
With stunning visuals, incredible scores, A-list actors, cinema today makes up a huge part of our lives. Did you know it was the French who came up with the idea though? Allow me to take you on a short but reel-ly good journey through the history of cinema, a little-known French invention.
Brioche – the Bread of Royalty
Marie Antoinette’s famed “let them eat cake” line, allegedly referring to brioche, is a misquote attributed to her after her execution. Brioche was a luxury food beyond the reach of starving peasants, underlining the aristocracy’s disconnection from their subjects. Today, brioche’s global popularity is linked with its evolution into Viennoiserie, including French national treasure -…
Round the Bend – The Story of the Croissant
Croissants, now a French staple, actually originated from Austria’s Viennese baking. Converted to French style in 1915, they’re now iconic in global cafe culture.
“Skip the small talk”: The French Art of Navigating Social Life
A friend once told me, “French people seem to avoid small talk.” But it’s all about context and privacy. Like 80-year-old Jean-Marie may wonder why a stranger is asking about his day. Busy city folks have work on their minds, not chit-chat. And don’t expect a store customer to discuss their purchases, it’s their business.…
“Hell is other people” – Jean-Paul Sartre: The Perpetual English Misunderstanding of French People
People often stereotype the French as rude, but it’s more about cultural differences. In France, work and personal life are distinct, and privacy is valued. Small talk and seemingly meaningless interactions aren’t the norm. If you’re seeking a substantial interaction, opt for social settings. So, don’t misjudge that grumpy waiter, he’s just doing his job.
More Than Paris 