2. Often referred to as L’Hexagone due to it’s shape
CapitalCapital-Paris.-Paris. Major citiesMajor cities-Marseille, Lyon,-Marseille, Lyon,
Toulouse, Strasbourg, Nice, Rennes, Lille, Bordeaux.Toulouse, Strasbourg, Nice, Rennes, Lille, Bordeaux.
District of Paris region is often referred toDistrict of Paris region is often referred to Île-de-Île-de-
FranceFrance and was renamed as the isle of France
France is divided into 27 administrative regions, 22France is divided into 27 administrative regions, 22
are inare in metropolitan France and 5 overseas which are:
French Guiana in S.America
Guadeloupe in N.America (the Caribbean)
Martinique in N.America (Caribbean)
Réunion in Africa (the Indian Ocean)
Mayotte in Africa (the Indian Ocean)
The French Republic is a unitary semi-
presidential republic with strong democratic
traditions
3. Francois Hollande – PresidentFrancois Hollande – President
Jean Marc Ayrualt – Prime MinisterJean Marc Ayrualt – Prime Minister
Per capita GDP : $34,077Per capita GDP : $34,077
Eiffel Tower, Paris- Most romantic in the worldEiffel Tower, Paris- Most romantic in the world
Louvre, Paris- Most visited museum in the world.Louvre, Paris- Most visited museum in the world.
French Riviera orFrench Riviera or Côte d'AzurCôte d'Azur (South western(South western
France)– leading destination in France after ParisianFrance)– leading destination in France after Parisian
region, with well defined coastline and beaches, golfregion, with well defined coastline and beaches, golf
courses, restaurants, yachts fleet.courses, restaurants, yachts fleet.
TGVTGV Train à Grande VitesseTrain à Grande Vitesse –fastest train with a–fastest train with a
record of 574.8km/hrrecord of 574.8km/hr
4.
5. French government has followed the principleFrench government has followed the principle
ofof laïcitélaïcité
La Francophonie- govt organisation to- govt organisation to
promote French and connect Francophonespromote French and connect Francophones
(french speakers)(french speakers)
France is famous for its artistsFrance is famous for its artists
6.
7. PARIS !
“Capital of the arts,” “the city of lights,” “one of the most
beautiful cities in the world,” to name but a few! Paris is worldwide famous
for its enormous cultural wealth that it owes not only to its fascinating
history but also to its age-long heritage. When considering the city’s
monuments, museums, buildings, libraries, or famous residents, visitors are
transported through time and space…
8. ArchitectureArchitecture
Gothic or French styleGothic or French style
spread over all of Europe tospread over all of Europe to
build cathedrals. Mostbuild cathedrals. Most
popular. Notre Damepopular. Notre Dame
Gustave Eiffel-designerGustave Eiffel-designer
Tallest in ParisTallest in Paris
Public considered it anPublic considered it an
eyesore while it was beingeyesore while it was being
builtbuilt
City planned to tear it downCity planned to tear it down
after Eiffel’s permit endedafter Eiffel’s permit ended
in 1909 but stayed as itin 1909 but stayed as it
helped in communicationhelped in communication
9.
10. When looking at it from the top of the Arc de
Triomphe, you will understand why the spot
is called
“étoile” or “star spot”. Indeed twelve
avenues all converge towards the arc. The
Monument in
memory of the Great Army was ordered by
Napoleon. Many soldiers have been
honoured and the
body of an anonymous soldier who served
during WWI is actually buried there. A
flame is
constantly lit in memory of all those who
died at war.
11. Mona LisaMona Lisa
Painted by Leonardo daPainted by Leonardo da
Vinci, ItalianVinci, Italian
Also known as LaAlso known as La
JacondeJaconde
Property of the LouvreProperty of the Louvre
Museum, Paris.Museum, Paris.
12. Some interesting facts aboutSome interesting facts about
FranceFrance Wine is free with most meals (including lunch) but youWine is free with most meals (including lunch) but you
have to pay for milk for your coffee.have to pay for milk for your coffee.
Public toilets usually have no toilet seat, and you havePublic toilets usually have no toilet seat, and you have
to pay to get in!to pay to get in!
More tourists visit France each year than any otherMore tourists visit France each year than any other
country in the world, with 67 million annual touristcountry in the world, with 67 million annual tourist
arrivals (more than the country's population).arrivals (more than the country's population).
There are almost as many motorcycles,There are almost as many motorcycles,
scooters, and mopeds as cars.scooters, and mopeds as cars.
France produces over 500 types of cheese!France produces over 500 types of cheese!
Beer is considered a luxury drink and saved only forBeer is considered a luxury drink and saved only for
special occasions. Wine is essentially everywhere,special occasions. Wine is essentially everywhere,
often free.often free. 1212
13. Tourism: 6% of the country's incomeTourism: 6% of the country's income
4% from French tourists4% from French tourists
2% from foreign tourists2% from foreign tourists
The most popular destination in theThe most popular destination in the
worldworld
Rank Country International tourist arrivals
1 France 79.22 millions
2 United States 57.94 millions
3 Spain 57.19 millions
4 China 53.05 millions
5 Italy 42.73 millions
14.
15.
16. CinemaCinema
Auguste and Louis Lumière (known asAuguste and Louis Lumière (known as
the Lumiere Brothers) created one of thethe Lumiere Brothers) created one of the
earliest films.earliest films.
Cannes Festival -the most important andCannes Festival -the most important and
famous film festivals in the worldfamous film festivals in the world
American Hollywood however is nowAmerican Hollywood however is now
dominant in the film industry even in Francedominant in the film industry even in France
17. FashionFashion
Modern haute coutureModern haute couture
originated in Franceoriginated in France
Chanel, Dior,Chanel, Dior,
and Givenchy – greatand Givenchy – great
couture housescouture houses
Yves Saint LaurentYves Saint Laurent
famous for prêt-à-porterfamous for prêt-à-porter
(ready to wear)(ready to wear)
Christian Lacroix otherChristian Lacroix other
famous french namesfamous french names
18. GastronomyGastronomy
Finest in the worldFinest in the world
Cassoulet (stew or casserole) in theCassoulet (stew or casserole) in the
Southwest, Choucroute (cabbage withSouthwest, Choucroute (cabbage with
meat) in Alsace, Quiche(pastry cut piemeat) in Alsace, Quiche(pastry cut pie
with cheese, meat and veg) in the Lorrainewith cheese, meat and veg) in the Lorraine
region, Beef bourguignon inregion, Beef bourguignon in
the Bourgogne- regionalthe Bourgogne- regional
France's most renowned productsFrance's most renowned products
are wines, includingare wines, including
Champagne, Bordeaux, Bourgogne, andChampagne, Bordeaux, Bourgogne, and
Beaujolais as well as a large variety ofBeaujolais as well as a large variety of
different cheeses, such as Camembertdifferent cheeses, such as Camembert
(cows milk), Roquefort (blue cheese,(cows milk), Roquefort (blue cheese,
sheeps milk) and Brie(cows milk verysheeps milk) and Brie(cows milk very
soft). There are more than 400 differentsoft). There are more than 400 different
varietiesvarieties
Foie gras- delicacy- gastronomicalFoie gras- delicacy- gastronomical
heritage- duck’s or goose liverheritage- duck’s or goose liver
19. SportsSports
Popular- Football, judoPopular- Football, judo
and tennisand tennis
Football and rugby teamFootball and rugby team
nicknamed as Les Bleuxnicknamed as Les Bleux
(colour of jersey)(colour of jersey)
Tour de France- mostTour de France- most
famous bicylce race infamous bicylce race in
the worldthe world
20. TheThe Palace of VersaillesPalace of Versailles
In French it is theIn French it is the Château de VersaillesChâteau de Versailles..
When the château was built, Versailles was a country village; today,When the château was built, Versailles was a country village; today,
however, it is a wealthy suburb of Paris. The court of Versailles was thehowever, it is a wealthy suburb of Paris. The court of Versailles was the
center of political power in France from 1682, when Louis XIV movedcenter of political power in France from 1682, when Louis XIV moved
from Paris, until the royal family was forced to return to the capital infrom Paris, until the royal family was forced to return to the capital in
October 1789 after the beginning of the French Revolution. Versailles isOctober 1789 after the beginning of the French Revolution. Versailles is
therefore famous not only as a building, but as a symbol of the systemtherefore famous not only as a building, but as a symbol of the system
of absolute monarchy of theof absolute monarchy of the Ancien RégimeAncien Régime..
21. Palace of FontainebleauPalace of Fontainebleau
TheThe Palace of FontainebleauPalace of Fontainebleau, located 55 km from the centre, located 55 km from the centre
of Paris, is one of the largest French royal châteaux. The palace as itof Paris, is one of the largest French royal châteaux. The palace as it
is today is the work of many French monarchs. Fonatinebleau forestis today is the work of many French monarchs. Fonatinebleau forest
is now home to many endangered species of Europe.is now home to many endangered species of Europe.
The château is now home to the Écoles d'Art Américaines, a school ofThe château is now home to the Écoles d'Art Américaines, a school of
art, architecture, and music for students from the United States. Theart, architecture, and music for students from the United States. The
school was founded by General Pershing when his men wereschool was founded by General Pershing when his men were
stationed there during the First World War.stationed there during the First World War.
22. Disneyland ParisDisneyland Paris
Disneyland ParisDisneyland Paris, originally, originally Euro Disney ResortEuro Disney Resort, is an, is an
entertainment resort in Marne-la-Vallée, a new town located 32 km (20 mi)entertainment resort in Marne-la-Vallée, a new town located 32 km (20 mi)
east of the centre of Paris and is the most visited attraction in all of Franceeast of the centre of Paris and is the most visited attraction in all of France
and Europe.and Europe.
It is owned and operated by Euro Disney S.C.AIt is owned and operated by Euro Disney S.C.A
The resort covers 4,800 acres (19 kmThe resort covers 4,800 acres (19 km22
) and encompasses two theme parks,) and encompasses two theme parks,
several resort hotels, a shopping, dining, and entertainment complex, and aseveral resort hotels, a shopping, dining, and entertainment complex, and a
golf course, in addition to several additional recreational and entertainmentgolf course, in addition to several additional recreational and entertainment
venues.venues.
Disneyland Park is the original theme park of the complex, opening with theDisneyland Park is the original theme park of the complex, opening with the
resort on 12 April 1992. A second theme park, Walt Disney Studioresort on 12 April 1992. A second theme park, Walt Disney Studio
Park opened in 2002.Park opened in 2002.
The resort is the second Disney park to open outside the United States,The resort is the second Disney park to open outside the United States,
23. The LouvreThe Louvre
The LouvreThe Louvre is one of the world's largest museums and ais one of the world's largest museums and a
historic monument.historic monument.
The museum is housed in the Louvre Palace (The museum is housed in the Louvre Palace (Palais duPalais du
LouvreLouvre), originally built as a fortress in the late 12th century), originally built as a fortress in the late 12th century
under Philip II.under Philip II.
The museum opened on 10 August 1793 with an exhibition ofThe museum opened on 10 August 1793 with an exhibition of
537 paintings, the majority of the works being royal and537 paintings, the majority of the works being royal and
confiscated church property. Because of structural problemsconfiscated church property. Because of structural problems
with the building, the museum was closed in 1796 until 1801.with the building, the museum was closed in 1796 until 1801.
The collection was increased under Napoleon and the museumThe collection was increased under Napoleon and the museum
renamed therenamed the Musée NapoléonMusée Napoléon..
After the defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo, many works seizedAfter the defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo, many works seized
by his armies were returned to their original owners.by his armies were returned to their original owners.
Holdings have grown steadily through donations and giftsHoldings have grown steadily through donations and gifts
since the Third Republic. As of 2008, the collection is dividedsince the Third Republic. As of 2008, the collection is divided
among eight curatorial departments: Egyptianamong eight curatorial departments: Egyptian
Antiquities; Near Eastern Antiquities, Greek, Etruscan,Antiquities; Near Eastern Antiquities, Greek, Etruscan,
and Roman Antiquities; Islamic Art; Sculpture; Decorativeand Roman Antiquities; Islamic Art; Sculpture; Decorative
ArtsArts; Paintings; Prints and Drawings.; Paintings; Prints and Drawings.
24. Musée d'OrsayMusée d'Orsay
TheThe Musée d'OrsayMusée d'Orsay is a museum in Paris, on the left bank of the Seine.is a museum in Paris, on the left bank of the Seine.
It is housed in the former Gare d'Orsay , a Beaux-Arts railway station builtIt is housed in the former Gare d'Orsay , a Beaux-Arts railway station built
between 1898 and 1900.between 1898 and 1900.
The museum holds mainly French art dating from 1848 to 1915, includingThe museum holds mainly French art dating from 1848 to 1915, including
paintings, sculptures, furniture, and photography.paintings, sculptures, furniture, and photography.
It houses the largest collection of impressionist and post-It houses the largest collection of impressionist and post-
impressionist masterpieces in the world, by paintersimpressionist masterpieces in the world, by painters
including Monet, Renoir, Sisley, Van Gogh. Many of these works were held atincluding Monet, Renoir, Sisley, Van Gogh. Many of these works were held at
the Galerie nationale du Jeu de Paume prior to the museum's opening in 1986.the Galerie nationale du Jeu de Paume prior to the museum's opening in 1986.
25. Notre Dame de ParisNotre Dame de Paris
Notre-Dame de ParisNotre-Dame de Paris also known as also known as Notre-DameNotre-Dame
CathedralCathedral..
The cathedral is widely considered to be one of the finest The cathedral is widely considered to be one of the finest
examples of French Gothic architecture and among the examples of French Gothic architecture and among the
largest and most well-known church buildings in the world. largest and most well-known church buildings in the world.
The naturalism of its sculptures and stained glass are in The naturalism of its sculptures and stained glass are in
contrast with earlier Romanesque architecture.contrast with earlier Romanesque architecture.
Notre-Dame is the parish that contains the Notre-Dame is the parish that contains the cathedracathedra, or , or
official chair, of the archbishop of Paris, official chair, of the archbishop of Paris,
currently Cardinal André Vingt-Trois.currently Cardinal André Vingt-Trois.
The cathedral treasury is notable for its relics Crown of The cathedral treasury is notable for its relics Crown of
Thorns, a fragment of the True Cross, and one of the Holy Thorns, a fragment of the True Cross, and one of the Holy
Nails.Nails.
In the 1790s, Notre-Dame suffered damage during the In the 1790s, Notre-Dame suffered damage during the
radical phase of the French Revolution. An radical phase of the French Revolution. An
extensive restoration was later taken place.extensive restoration was later taken place.
26. Champs-ÉlyséesChamps-Élysées
The The Avenue des Champs-ÉlyséesAvenue des Champs-Élysées is a street in Paris. is a street in Paris.
With its cinemas, cafés, luxury specialty shops and clipped horse-chestnut trees, the With its cinemas, cafés, luxury specialty shops and clipped horse-chestnut trees, the
Champs-Élysées is arguably one of the world's most famous streets, and is one of Champs-Élysées is arguably one of the world's most famous streets, and is one of
the most expensive strips of real estate in the world.the most expensive strips of real estate in the world.
Several French monuments are also on the street, including the Arc de Several French monuments are also on the street, including the Arc de
Triomphe and the Place de la Concorde. Triomphe and the Place de la Concorde.
The name is French for Elysian Fields, the place of the blessed dead in Greek The name is French for Elysian Fields, the place of the blessed dead in Greek
mythology. mythology.
27. Centre Georges PompidouCentre Georges Pompidou
Centre Georges PompidouCentre Georges Pompidou is a complex of Paris. is a complex of Paris.
It was designed in the style of high-tech architecture.It was designed in the style of high-tech architecture.
It houses the Bibliothèque publique d'information, a vast public library, the Musée It houses the Bibliothèque publique d'information, a vast public library, the Musée
National d'Art Moderne which is the largest museum for modern art in Europe, National d'Art Moderne which is the largest museum for modern art in Europe,
and IRCAM, a centre for music and acoustic research.and IRCAM, a centre for music and acoustic research.
It is named after Georges Pompidou, the President of France from 1969 to 1974 It is named after Georges Pompidou, the President of France from 1969 to 1974
who commissioned the building. The Centre Pompidou has had over 150 million who commissioned the building. The Centre Pompidou has had over 150 million
visitors since 1977.visitors since 1977.
The sculpture, The sculpture, HorizontalHorizontal by Alexander Calder, a free-standing mobile that is by Alexander Calder, a free-standing mobile that is
twenty-five feet high, was placed permanently in front of the Centre Pompidou by twenty-five feet high, was placed permanently in front of the Centre Pompidou by
the architect of the building, Renzo Piano.the architect of the building, Renzo Piano.
28. La grand arche de la DefenseLa grand arche de la Defense
La Grande Arche de la DéfenseLa Grande Arche de la Défense a monument and a monument and
building in the business district of building in the business district of La DéfenseLa Défense in in
Paris.Paris.
The two sides of the The two sides of the ArcheArche house government offices. house government offices.
The roof section was an exhibition centre, housing The roof section was an exhibition centre, housing
the Musée de l'Informatique (Computing Museum). the Musée de l'Informatique (Computing Museum).
The vertical structure visible in the photograph is the The vertical structure visible in the photograph is the
lift scaffolding. Views of Paris are to be had from the lift scaffolding. Views of Paris are to be had from the
lifts taking visitors to the roof.lifts taking visitors to the roof.
After a non-injury accident in the elevators in April After a non-injury accident in the elevators in April
2010, the Department of Ecology, owner of the roof 2010, the Department of Ecology, owner of the roof
of the Grande Arche, decided to permanently close of the Grande Arche, decided to permanently close
the computer museum, restaurant, and viewing deck. the computer museum, restaurant, and viewing deck.
Access to the roof is still possible via the elevators in Access to the roof is still possible via the elevators in
the north and south walls, but they are closed to the the north and south walls, but they are closed to the
publicpublic
29. The Obelisk at the Place de laThe Obelisk at the Place de la
ConcordeConcorde
The The Luxor ObeliskLuxor Obelisk is a 23 metre (75 ft) high is a 23 metre (75 ft) high
Egyptian obelisk standing at the center of the Place de la Egyptian obelisk standing at the center of the Place de la
Concorde. It was originally located at the entrance Concorde. It was originally located at the entrance
to Luxor Temple, in Egypt.to Luxor Temple, in Egypt.
Two 3,300-year-old twin obelisks once marked the Two 3,300-year-old twin obelisks once marked the
entrance to the Luxor Temple. Muhammad Ali Pasha, entrance to the Luxor Temple. Muhammad Ali Pasha,
Kingof Egypt, offered the two obelisks to France as a gift Kingof Egypt, offered the two obelisks to France as a gift
in 1829.in 1829.
The first obelisk arrived in Paris on December 21, 1833. The first obelisk arrived in Paris on December 21, 1833.
Three years later, on October 25, 1836, King Louis-Three years later, on October 25, 1836, King Louis-
Philippe of France had it placed in the center of Place de Philippe of France had it placed in the center of Place de
la Concorde.la Concorde.
30. Channel TunnelChannel Tunnel
The The Channel TunnelChannel Tunnel is a 50.5-kilometre (31.4 mi) the United is a 50.5-kilometre (31.4 mi) the United
Kingdom with France runs beneath the English Channel at the Strait of Dover. Kingdom with France runs beneath the English Channel at the Strait of Dover.
At its lowest point, it is 75 m (250 ft) deep.At its lowest point, it is 75 m (250 ft) deep.
At 37.9 kilometres (23.5 mi), the tunnel At 37.9 kilometres (23.5 mi), the tunnel
has the longest undersea portion of any tunnel in the worldhas the longest undersea portion of any tunnel in the world
The tunnel carries high-speed Eurostar passenger trains, Eurotunnel Shuttle roll-The tunnel carries high-speed Eurostar passenger trains, Eurotunnel Shuttle roll-
on/roll-off vehicle transport—the largest in the world—and international rail freight on/roll-off vehicle transport—the largest in the world—and international rail freight
trains.trains.
Ideas for a cross-Channel fixed link appeared as early as 1802,but British political Ideas for a cross-Channel fixed link appeared as early as 1802,but British political
and press pressure over compromised national security stalled attempts to construct and press pressure over compromised national security stalled attempts to construct
a tunnel. The eventual successful project, organised by Eurotunnel, began a tunnel. The eventual successful project, organised by Eurotunnel, began
construction in 1988 and opened in 1994. At £4.650 billion, the project came in construction in 1988 and opened in 1994. At £4.650 billion, the project came in
80% over its predicted budget. Since its construction, the tunnel has faced several 80% over its predicted budget. Since its construction, the tunnel has faced several
problems. Fires have disrupted operation of the tunnel.problems. Fires have disrupted operation of the tunnel.
31. Mont St. MichelMont St. Michel
Mont Saint-MichelMont Saint-Michel in Normandy, France. It is located approximately one in Normandy, France. It is located approximately one
kilometre (0.6 miles) off the country's northwestern coast, at the mouth of kilometre (0.6 miles) off the country's northwestern coast, at the mouth of
the Couesnon River near. 247 acres (100 ha) in size, the island has a population of the Couesnon River near. 247 acres (100 ha) in size, the island has a population of
44 (2009).44 (2009).[1][1]
The island has held strategic fortifications since ancient times, and since the eighth The island has held strategic fortifications since ancient times, and since the eighth
century AD has been the seat of the monastery from which it draws its name. century AD has been the seat of the monastery from which it draws its name.
The structural composition of the town exemplifies the feudal society that The structural composition of the town exemplifies the feudal society that
constructed it. On top God, the abbey and monastery, below this the Great halls, constructed it. On top God, the abbey and monastery, below this the Great halls,
then stores and housing, and at the bottom, outside the walls, fishermen and then stores and housing, and at the bottom, outside the walls, fishermen and
farmers' housing.farmers' housing.
One of France's most recognisable landmarks, Mont Saint-Michel and its bay are One of France's most recognisable landmarks, Mont Saint-Michel and its bay are
part of the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sitespart of the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites
and more than 3 million people and more than 3 million people
visit it each year.visit it each year.
