Dec 2002Vol 3, No. 12

Contents

French touch
by Elsa Vandaele

Paris, famous designers, cosmetics, French cuisine … 
All these words come usually to mind when you hear the word "France." 
Here is some more information about the third largest country in Europe.

Saint-Germain-des-pres : 

This area is pure and heady. In recent years, it has become one of the key quartiers to shop in Paris. Start the day by sipping a petit noir (coffee) on the sunny terrace of a café. Then stroll through some famous bookshops before checking out a Rive Gauche gallery, and then hitting the stores.

Montmartre :

When it comes to romance, Montmartre is still the heart-beat of Paris. Montmartre and the 9th arrondissement have been home to artists, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Renoir …

Shopping in this area is all about groovy, individual boutiques. Young designers have chosen to set up shop here and do their own thing. So that means it’s worth checking out if you are looking for something reasonably priced, individualistic and fun.

Saint-Tropez:

Some places on earth can be compared to paradise and, without any doubt, St Tropez is one of them. The blue of the sky and the sea, the white of the sandy beaches, the green of the gardens and not least the warmth of the golden sun, are the colours of this provincial village. It is famous all over the world for its unique charm and beautiful climate.

French breakfast :

Waking up in the morning, you can enjoy French specialities for your breakfast as a delicious brioche, yummy croissants on which you can add jam. Cereals can also be part of your delicious meal. To wash all this down, don’t forget your coffee, tea or cocoa.

Breads :                               

French bread is also famous such as the baguette precooked that smells so good when it’s

French meals:

French cuisine is composed of several main dishes and among the regions where you live, you’ll enjoy different kinds of food.

Charcuterie is popular in every part of the country.

We usually eat it at the beginning of the meal. Foie gras of duck, cassoulet, choucroute or

Bourguignon are also enjoyed everywhere but with a preference for the North of the country. To add a special taste to your meal, condiments are often use such as salt, Aromatic herbs, Spices of Provence, wine vinegar… . And finally, as a dessert, you can enjoy some crepes (Bretton pan-cakes). Really delicious! They are the speciality of Britain (Western France). If you want to try, there are several places in Vancouver where you can appreciate such a food.

Famous people :

Even if when you think of it, nobody comes to your mind, these are

well-known people in France in several categories. You may have seen Jean

Reno playing in "Leon", "Le Grand bleu" by Luc Besson, a famous French filmmaker, or in "Godzilla". Catherine Deneuve or Gerard Depardieu are also famous actors in the international cinema.

Catherine Deneuve              Gerard Depardieu

Notre Dame de Paris

Perhaps some of you have read Victor Hugo’s well-known story called "Notre-Dame de Paris" or maybe you have enjoyed the adventure of Dartagnan in "The Three Musketeers" by Alexandre

Dumas. If you’re more interested in sports, you may know Platini and Zinedine Zidane, really good football

players, or maybe David Douillet in Judo.

Map of France:

     France offers a great diversity of attractions.Whether you like snow-capped mountains, long beaches, peaceful landscapes or towns with historical pasts, France is the place you mustn’t forget to visit.