Culture

Unit 1

Strasbourg, located in the region of Alsace in eastern France, projects its long, rich, and diverse history in many ways. At first glance the buildings lining the Ill River reflect the influence of neighboring Germany.

The core of Strasbourg, the Grande Île, is an island filled with museums, cathedrals, industry, and markings of its past and present. Strasbourg has been under the rule of many groups, including Celts, Alemanni, Huns, Franks and Romans.

The history of Strasbourg dates back to prehistoric times. Dominating Strasbourg's skyline and a symbol of its history is Strasbourg Cathedral, Notre Dame de Strasbourg, an example of Gothic architecture begun in the twelfth century.

Upon its completion in the 1400s, Strasbourg Cathedral became the world's tallest building, surpassing the Great Pyramid of Giza. Today it can be seen from across the region of Alsace and on the east from the Black Forest in Germany. Still today it is known as one of the tallest churches in the world.

Even with its amazing architecture, size, and artistry, Strasbourg Cathedral is perhaps best known for its astronomical clock. The clock displays the accurate placement of the sun and moon including the eclipses. Each day at midday, the clock reveals figures of Christ and the Apostles.

During the 1400s when Strasbourg Cathedral was completed, it is reported that German-born Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press in Strasbourg. This invention led to the first mass production of printed books including the Gutenberg Bible.

Examples of the varied history, cultural influences, and architecture can be seen throughout Strasbourg.

As early as the 13th century, Strasbourg had grown and began expanding beyond its island banks. To link the island to the shores across the river and to fortify its defense of the waterway, construction began on "les ponts couverts," covered bridges.

Originally constructed of wood with roofs covering them, the "ponts couverts" were built on the four arms of the Ill River. Because of changing transportation and artillery throughout history, the roofs were removed.

Today in Strasbourg the Ill River remains a method of transportation.

Other methods of transportation in Strasbourg include walking, bicycling, taxis, and more. A street-level train system, operated since 1994, can also be used.

From its history ranging from prehistoric time to modern day, Strasbourg maintains its importance as a center for academics, art, architecture, and much more. Strasbourg serves as one of the largest ports on the Rhine.

Today Strasbourg houses more than twenty international institutions. Among those are the European Science Foundation, the Assembly of European Regions, the International Institute of Human Rights and, pictured here, the European Parliament with its very futuristic design.

Passing through the Town Gate in Strasbourg, France, begins a journey of history, culture, and much more from prehistoric times to modern day.

Carcassonne

Bonjour. My name is Anne-Marie and I will be your guide through my city so you can see it as it was when I was alive and how it appears today.

Located in the south of France, Carcassonne is a one day trip from Paris. You can drive, fly or enjoy the TGV ( Train à Grande Vitesse) for most of your travels.

As you enter my city, you will notice the canals which date from the 17th century. They were (and still are) the gateway from the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean. If you want, you can ride a barge or riverboat with me on the canal and enjoy the countryside.

The castle of Carcassonne rests upon a high hill above the city which makes it very difficult to attack without the knowledge of the townspeople. One of the best preserved and protected castles in Europe when I was alive, it was important well before the canal was built.

Because the castle was a fortress where townspeople like my family and I went, you have to go through many gates. We would go there for protection when we were threatened. We even took our animals with us!

The 2000 year history of the castle can be seen in the layers of stone as well as the design of the towers and walls. You can still walk between the double walls. The second one was built in 1248 to show we could not be conquered! The lower you go on the wall, the older the stones are- some dating back to the Romans- way before my time. The Romanesque capitals (or pillars as you call them) are still standing. The Roman influence is still quite evident.

Some of the towers demonstrate the classic Roman design with arrow slits visible to shoot down enemies when Carcassonne was under attack. It made us feel very safe and protected! The fortress doors also were built for protection and still are standing to this day. We knew how to build in the 13th century! The church is very important to us and we have many beautiful cathedrals of various styles. Whenever I walked by the gothic style Basilica of St. Nazaire, I would run quickly and not look up because the gargoyles scared me. Please come to Carcassonne and visit my descendants in the modern part as well as the historic part of the lovely Carcassonne- a modern/medieval fairy tale dream village. Au revoir!

Unit 2

La Tour Eiffel

When a tourist is in Paris, he might take 30 or more pictures of the Eiffel Tower. They all look the same, but the tourist is always mesmerized by the structure that was built for the World's Fair in 1889. The tower was begun in 1884 and was designed by Gustave Eiffel. It was finished in 1887 and is made of 18,038 pieces and 2,500,000 rivets. It weighs 10,100 tons! The height of the tower is 324 meters--that is slightly more than three football fields! There are 1665 steps to go up if you would like to climb the tower.

In an informal survey done, where people were to name three European monuments, the Eiffel Tower was the first one given by the majority of people. Some 500 individuals are employed because of the tower, either for security, concessions or running the tours. The number of visitors is hard to calculate, but suffice it to say, millions have visited and continue to visit each year!

It may be difficult for us to believe now that this monument is so world-famous but when it was built, most Parisians did not like it. In fact, Eiffel had a permit to the monument standing for only 20 years. It was to revert to the city of Paris in 1909, and at that time, the leaders in Paris were going to have it torn down. Plans changed when it was realized that the tower was a great help for communication efforts, and then it became a victory "icon" of sorts when the military used it to dispatch Parisian taxis to the front line in the First Battle of the Marne.

Today the tower still stands very proudly, and even if you don't know much about it, when you see it, you have to be impressed by this tremendous structure!

Nice

France has a very varied geography and regions. One area that many French (as well as Europeans and other foreigners) love to visit is Nice, in the south of France on the Mediterranean.

The largest city of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA) Region of France, Nice is located on the southwestern Mediterranean coast. The Côte d’Azur (the French Riviera) spans about 560 miles of Mediterranean coastline. It includes the sovereign principality of Monaco.

Vieux Nice, the Old Quarter, offers quaint narrow streets with colorfully painted houses and open air markets. Although called the Old Quarter, Nice actually records a much older history. Nice contains archaeological sites considered to be the one of the oldest human settlements in Europe. Evidence of utilization of fire is present in one such site, Terra Amata.

In more recent history, Nice gained renown as a resort for the aristocrats and royalty beginning in the second half of the 18th century. The Promenade des Anglais (the Walkway of the English) was constructed and added to the calm natural beauty of Nice. With its unique natural light, clean air and picturesque views, Nice became and is still an attraction for artists including Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall.

Nice continues to be a center for arts with its Musée Marc Chagall, Musée Matisse and the Musée des Beaux-Arts Jules Chéret. An example of art decorating the streets of Nice is the fresco by Guillaume Bottazi gracing the side of this building.

The streets of Nice come alive with festivities during the month of February when Carnaval is celebrated. The origin of the word “carnaval” means “away with meat” and forecasts the upcoming fasting of the season of lent. Earliest records of the ceremonies date back as far as 1294. Huge floats parade through the seaside streets.

Similar to the Mardi Gras held in New Orleans, Louisiana, during the Carnaval parade, tall floats, dancers, musicians and masked participants follow the parade route. Twenty flower-covered floats compete in the Bataille des Fleurs (Battle of the Flowers).

With its mild Mediterranean climate, fresh flowers abundantly fill Nice’s open air markets. Although located not far from the snowy Alps, the winter weather in Nice typically is mild.

Spices, fresh fruits and fresh vegetables also fill the market places. It is no surprise that Nice is known for its excellent cuisine.

One such dish is Ratatouille, a recipe which originated in Nice. Fresh vegetables from the farmers market fill the savory stew. Paired with a fresh French Baguette, Ratatouille represents a traditional meal in Nice.

Along with Ratatouille, another traditional dish bears the name of the city: Salade Niçoise. Although variations on the traditional recipe have evolved, typically the dish includes lettuce, tomatoes, black olives, tuna and anchovies.

Although Nice is a coastal spot in the extreme southwestern corner of France, its cuisine also has a strong influence not only from bordering countries such as Italy but also from regions in northern Europe. Evidence of multicultural influence returned in September of 2010. The Moscow-Nice rail service began again after a lapse of almost 100 years. The two-day passage travels through six European countries with 22 stops and provides luxury accommodations.

The Moscow-Nice rail service began in the 19th century until halted with the outbreak of World War II. The historical influence of Russia in Nice can be seen in the Russian Orthodox Cathedral built by Czar Nicholas II. An example of the varied architecture in Nice, the French courts recognize the cathedral within its borders as Russian-owned.

Nice also connects to its neighboring Corsica, an island that is one of the 27 regions of France. The NGV (navires à grande vitesse), a high speed craft, serves as a ferry between Nice and Corsica.

Visitors welcomed to Nice can select lodging at the Hotel Negresco. Opened in 1913, the hotel holds the distinction of a National Historic Building.

With its beaches, resorts, cuisine, architecture, multicultural influences and rich history, Nice earns its distinction as “Nice la Belle,” Nice the Beautiful.

The Alps

Another area that many people like to visit in France is the Alps. Have you ever been to the mountains?

The great mountain range, the Alps, wind from Austria and Slovenia westward through Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Germany into France. The climate of the Alps varies from the cold, snowy peaks to the more temperate lowlands.

The French Alps extend primarily through two of the twenty-seven regions of France and form the easternmost rim of the country. The region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA) includes the southeastern stretch of the French Alps. The region of Rhône-Alpes shares a border with Switzerland and Italy. On the border of Italy and France lies the largest peak of the range: Mont Blanc.

Mont Blanc, also known as La Dame Blanche (The White Lady) rises to 15,782 feet and is the highest peak of the Alps and ranked 11th highest in the world. The Mont Blanc tunnel, begun in 1957 and completed in 1965, etches its way under the mountain to form a major trans-Alpine transport route connecting Courmayeur, Italy and Chamonix, France.

Located at the foot of Mont Blanc, Chamonix draws many visitors year round as the world’s third most visited natural site. The lofty peaks dominate the view through the quaint village streets.

Chamonix holds the distinction of the site of the first Winter Olympics Games held in 1924. It remains one of the most popular destinations for sports enthusiasts including snow skiers.

The Alps continue as a popular venue for the Winter Olympics. In 1992, Albertville, located in the Rhône-Alpes region, held the XVI winter Olympics. Within its boundaries, Albertville, known more for industry than tourism, contains a medieval town dating back to the 14th century.

Another Olympic site in the Rhône-Alpes region, Grenoble hosted the X Winter Olympic Games in 1968. Grenoble ranks highly among European cities for its high-tech industries and also as a scientific center including the Grenoble Institute of Technology. Grenoble is also famed for glove manufacturing.

Although the Alps gain much recognition for winter sports, the sports influence extends beyond winter. Other sports practiced include rugby, golf, soccer and more. Stages of the Tour de France bicycle race roll through the Alps.

Also a stage in the Tour de France, Annecy is situated on the northern edge of Lake Annecy which serves as a location for individual time trials for the race.

Many historical sites line the canals of Annency. One such site, the Palais de l’Isle, resembles the prow of a ship. The palais served as a castle and residence in the 12 th century, as a courthouse, a mint and even at one time a jail. Now the historical monument is a museum.

Within several miles of the border with Italy is Val d’Isère which, with the use of snow cannons, provides year-round skiing. To transport skiers up the mountain, Val d’Isère boasts Funival, the railway that begins above ground and then moves through the mountain to a station at the top.

Val d’Isère is known as a ski resort and for the high difficulty level of its slopes. During the 1992 Winter Olympic Games in Albertville, several alpine skiing events were held in Val d’Isère.

The French Alps provide history, architecture, scenery and sport year round. In the French Alps, one can enjoy the beauty of its waters.

The French Alps also provide many, many opportunities to enjoy the winter activities for which the mountains are so well known.

Unit 3

Bretagne

Bretagne (Brittany) is in the northwest of France, between the English Channel and the Bay of Biscay. Take a look at a live webcam view of Bretagne.

Northwestern France

Northwestern France consists of three regions: Bretagne (Brittany), Basse Normandie and Pays de la Loire.

Bretagne

This region is located on the peninsula into the Atlantic in the northwest of France. Fishing, farming and tourism are the principal revenues for this region.

People built the great menhirs and dolmens in this region around 3500 and 1800 BC. They are located near the city of Carnac. Around 500 CE this region became known as Bretagne. It was settled by the Britons, a group of men fleeing the Anglo-Saxon invaders.

This region has been part of France for a long time but it has kept its own traditions, customs, foods, and regional dress. The fortified town of Saint-Malo is well-known because of the famous explorer Jacques Cartier. He left Saint-Malo in 1534 on his way to Canada. This Breton culture can be seen today during church festivals and other events when the old costumes with their “coiffes” are worn.

Pays de la Loire

The Pays de la Loire is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and is cut east to west by the Loire River. It is known for its famous castles and fishing ports. The capital Nantes is the departure city for many riverboat trips.

Basse Normandie

The Normandy coastline is 360 miles long on the English Channel. Its landscapes and agricultural production is very diverse. The glamorous resort town of Deauville is home to the rich and famous. Honfleur is a charming harbor village. It was the birth place of Impressionist painting in the 1860’s. Monet and Baudelaire spent a lot of time in this 11th century town.

In Normandy you can take an historic journey through the history of France. The Tapestry of Bayeux shows the epic tale of William the Conqueror’s Battle of England during the 11th century.

Take a visit to the D-Day Normandy Invasion beaches: La pointe du Hoc, Arromanches and the American cemetery in Colleville-sur-mer where students from elementary schools go and deposit a flag on each of the tombs on June 6. These are places that help us understand the events that took place during the D-Day Normandy Invasion in 1944.

The Abbey of Mont St-Michel is a small isle connected to the mainland by a causeway. It is the second most visited place in France after the Eiffel Tower. The Mont St-Michel is also known for its fast tides, which race towards the isle at the speed of "galloping horses".

Unit 4

Le Minitel

Many years before the internet was a very common thing for American (and French) homes to have, the French were using the Minitel.

As you can see in the image to the left, the Minitel was a computer-type machine that many French homes had back in the 1980s.

The machine's system transmitted information, similar to how the internet does today. Homes were equipped with this system so that people could access bus, plane, train schedules, movie listings and schedules, phone guide directories, and other similar kinds of information--all right at their fingertips.

Computers Today

Today, French homes generally have access to the internet, as many American homes do. French teenagers can also use the internet at "cybercafés" that are located in cities of most any size all throughout France.

At a cybercafé, people can rent the use of a computer or other equipment, such as a scanner, for a certain period of time. They usually pay by the hour to use these machines. While they are surfing the net or answering e-mails, people might also have a snack, as most of these cybercafés do also serve food.

Some vocabulary that you might find interesting: surfer le net (surf the internet) chatter (chat) envoyer un mail (to send an email) télécharger (download) être en ligne (to be online) les jeux d'ordinateur (computer games) les cybernautes (cybernauts)

Are you able to recognize most of those expressions?

Indochinese

Throughout its history, France, sometimes referred to as l’Hexagone due to its hexagonal shape, maintains its status of one of the world’s most influential cultural centers. History shows external influences entering its borders as well as influences extending from its borders earn and maintain this distinction. French Indochina serves as an example of reciprocal influences. The inception of French control in this portion of Asia began in 1867 by Napoleon III. In the late 1880s, Viet Nam and the Kingdom of Cambodia formed French Indochina with Viet Nam joining after the Franco-Siamese War. In the 1950s, the Geneva Conference resulted in the Geneva Agreement which granted independence of Indochina from France.

Indochina became one of the many areas of the world proclaiming French as its official language. The official language could be seen in currency, governmental documents and official papers. Along with the French language came a strong Christian influence to the predominantly Buddhist, Confucianist and Taoist part of the world. The traditional architecture of this cathedral in Viet Nam to traditional Indochinese architecture builds a contrast of cultures coexisting. Similarly, in France, one can visit the Temple du Souvenir Indochinois built in 1907. The temple currently stands in the Jardin Tropical de Paris.

The liberation of Indochina from French control was celebrated with much tradition. Also, the influx of immigrants from Indochina that began in France beginning in the early 1900s continued. Unlike in other countries where Indochinese settled in close-knit communities, the Indochinese immigrants in France primarily are scattered throughout large urban areas such as Paris, Marseille and Lyon. Although second-generation immigrants quickly assimilate to the French culture, first generation immigrants maintain close cultural connections to the homeland and its traditions.

Following the shared tumultuous history, the former Indochina and France again connect as Air France began the first service to Cambodia in 37 years.

Under the unfurled French flag, a memorial to those fallen in the Indochinese wars stands. However, relationships continue to rebuild.

A traveling dance troupe of traditional Cambodian dancers, Dance, Spirit of Cambodia, include France as a stop in its world tour.

In 2010, the King of Cambodia is admitted as a member of the Académie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres in Paris France.

France continues to celebrate its rich, diverse history and population and its language, French, still serves as the official language in many countries and entities. And, after European and African immigration, immigrants from Indochina comprise the third largest group of immigrants and continue to share in the richness of France’s culture.