When people say “French culture,” they immediately picture Victor Hugo gazing at Notre Dame with a tormented gaze. So yes, French culture is Hugo, Balzac, Zola, and other famous writers. But French culture is also a spicy history, great food, wonderful music, groundbreaking cinema, and more.
In short, it is a fascinating culture that can make anyone addicted to it.
French studies
Before we start discussing art, history, music, and other elements that make up French culture, I wanted to talk about what connects all of these: the French language.
Why should you learn French?
Anyone who has ever tried to learn French will tell you that it is not an easy language at all. However, those who invest and manage to cope with the strangely spelled words, the dozens of tenses, and the hundreds of exceptions, win big.
First, he gets to speak the most beautiful language in the world. Second, despite the prevalence of English, familiarity with the French language can definitely enhance a trip to France and make communication easier.
And thirdly, and this is the most important reason, exposure to tremendous and wonderful cultural wealth!
Learning French for fun?
So after you've decided to learn French, all that's left to do is choose how and where. There are quite a few face-to-face and online courses that do this, and of all of them, I liked the Frantastique product the most.
This is an online product that allows you to learn French through engaging with culture (films, literature, etc.) and all with ease and humor. So if the subject interests you, you are welcome to read about this excellent program for learning French.
craftsmanship
So many great artists lived and worked in France. From Charles Le Berne in the 17th century, through Boucher and Fragonard in the 18th century, and the Impressionists of the 19th century (and we haven't even talked about Picasso and other modern artists who worked in France during the 20th century). We'll tell you about them all in this section dedicated to all types of plastic art and architecture in France.
Fashion
France (and especially Paris) has been the fashion capital of the world for centuries. From Marie Antoinette who created fashion trends that still exist today to the great fashion houses of Yves Saint Laurent and Coco Chanel. Here you will not only learn about the history of fashion but also get practical tips on how you can dress French chic just like the French themselves.
history
This is my favorite part of the site. French history is simply fascinating to me because it includes endless sex, fine food, and larger-than-life people. You can find them all in this series of articles.
French cuisine
French cuisine has been an integral part of French culture since the 17th century. Here you will read articles that deal not only with the history of the development of French food culture, but also with the stories behind the various dishes. And of course, how can we do without some recommendations…
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French music
Since the 17th century, French music has become a household name thanks to Lully and Charpentier. Later in the 18th century, it was Rameau who brought this music to new heights. During the 19th century, Offenbach's operettas and the music of Saint-Saëns and Debussy conquered the world, while the 20th century belongs to the great chansonniers (Piaf, Bressanone, Aznavour, and more). You can read about them all here (and of course enjoy their wonderful music).
Theater
Cinema, as we know, was invented in France and since then, quite a few great French films have been made. So let me take you on a journey through classic and modern French films, between the hilarious comedies of Louis de Pins and the great dramas of Tropeau. Turn off the lights and grab some popcorn. We're off...
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