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Culture France France has shaken off eras of hardship and the shock of war and revolution to produce one of the world’s most sophisticated societies. French cuisine is probably one of the most salivated over and reputed worldwide gastronomic phenomena, and it’s much more than a stray chef’s arrogance that has promoted such a positive image. Indeed, it’s the ingredients, which combine wholesomeness with ethnic fusion and finesse – yes, a French chef who is not at least somewhat proud of his expertise is going to be hard to come by.
But more than food, the French have contributed a strong corpus of culture in the modern world, from vanguard philosophical treatises that have worked to define our modern-day conception of the world, to surrealist art and music, France continues to hold a front and center place on the world stage.
Visiting France and experiencing the culture first hand is a spectacular way to put yourself in the shoes of those who have given the world so much – theirs is the height of relaxation, even while creating great works or art or literature, penning political treatises and changing the course of international events, the French seem to do so with the utmost ease, putting the hand wringing, stressed out, nose-to-the-grindstone work ethic of those from other nationalities to shame.
Café culture in France is epic. Hours upon hours are spent in outdoor cafés on the streets of Paris or out in the charming towns of the provinces. Solitary enjoyment is found by reading the paper and drinking some of Europe’s best espresso, lattes, cappuccinos – you name it: sip coffee and watch the promenade of beautiful French stroll by. Old friends commonly meet up at cafés and talk about the world with disinterested acumen, deftly solving the grave problems with wit and intelligence under the creamy blue Parisian sky.
Needless to say, fine dining culture is France is among the, well, finest in the world – every gastronomic entrepreneur wants to imitate a French restaurant, and locations from San Francisco to South Africa, Beijing to Buenos Aires, Moscow to Manchester name their cities top restaurants – we’re talking crème de la crème – with French names.
Of course, throughout the world there will always be some soothsayer predicting the fall of France as a cultural icon. Regardless, France continues to be a world capital for wine, fashion, cuisine and culture – you’ll understand the second you touch down in Paris.
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