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What is France known for beyond la tour Eiffel (the Eiffel Tower) and baguettes? France is an important country geographically, historically, and culturally that has influenced civilization in multiple ways.
France’s diverse regions provide the settings and scenery for artistic expression of all kinds, and the country and its cultures inspire creators worldwide. If you’re learning French with Rosetta Stone or just curious about La France (France), come with us to explore a bit of what makes France so memorable!
Food and wine France is known for
There is no doubt that food and wine lovers across generations have pointed to France as the leader in la gastronomie (gastronomy). Preserved through tradition and personal connection, the French meal has been inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
French cuisine is known for:
- emphasizing local products
- marrying simple flavors
- seasonality
- pairings food with the correct wines
- structured meals and courses
- slow preparation and enjoyment
- togetherness
French food standards are law
It surprises many outsiders to learn that France regulates the preparation of some of the most popular foods in the country by law. To carry the name boulangerie (bakery), an establishment must focus on baking traditional French bread from scratch and entirely on the premises. A baguette must be prepared within certain proportions and under specific conditions.
A croissant or other types of viennoiseries (a group of sweet flaky baked goods that include pain au chocolat and brioche) will follow size, weight, and ingredient requirements. A croissant elsewhere is merely a croissant in name and shape alone!
Vin (wine)
What is France known for if not for wine? You don’t need to be a wine enthusiast to have toasted with Champagne or to have heard of Bordeaux and Burgundy. France contributes a significant portion of the world’s wine production, boasting thousands of wineries and hundreds of regional varieties.
Again, due to tight restrictions on not only names but also grape varieties and growing conditions, France has not allowed the quality and reputation of its products to be diminished. The country takes pride in centuries of knowledge and perfecting all things vin (wine).
Le fromage (cheese)
The hundreds of varieties of fromage (cheese) in France have distinct characteristics depending on their:
- l’origine = region of origin
- l’âge = age
- le goût = flavor
- l’arôme = smell
- la texture = texture
The varieties fall into a few main groups of cheeses: soft, cooked, uncooked, pressed, bloomy rind, blue, goat’s cheese, etc. Labeling with the term fromage (cheese) has been regulated by decree most recently in 2013, which controls the labeling of cheese and cheese specialties.
It would be impossible to do justice to the many other categories of food on a French menu. Experience the tradition for yourself as you visit and order in a French restaurant. Even if you have dietary restrictions, there is always much to enjoy!
Monuments and landmarks France is known for
France is known for being arguably one of the most popular tourist destinations worldwide. It’s no wonder, as so much of the country is naturally poised for a postcard-worthy photo opportunity in Paris and beyond!
What is Paris known for?
Envision Paris, and you’ll likely picture a few of its most iconic landmarks. Just a quick tour around the city is all it takes to experience:
- la tour Eiffel (the Eiffel Tower)
- l’Arc de Triomphe (victory arch)
- la Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris (treasured gothic cathedral)
- la Basilique du Sacré-Coeur de Montmartre (white domed basilica)
- le Centre Georges Pompidou (glass and metal building housing modern art)
- les Champs-Elysées (famous wide avenue)
- le Musée du Louvre (former royal palace turned world-renowned museum)
There are also various famous ponts (bridges) that cross the Seine River! These are a few of the landmarks most people have heard of, but the city tourism office of Paris boasts an extraordinary 2,185 different monuments within its limits, allowing for unlimited options for sightseeing and learning about the city’s history.
France is so much more than its capital city, though! Take a short drive, a train, or even the Train de Grande Vitesse (High-Speed Train), and you’re within just a couple of hours from any of these sights.
The history and grandeur of Versailles
Le Château de Versailles (The Palace of Versailles) is known for famous treaties and la Grande Galerie / la Galerie des Glaces (The Hall of Mirrors). Take a stroll through the gardens to le Petit Trianon, which became the Queen’s private getaway.
A call to peace in Normandy
Les Plages du Débarquement (the D-day Landing Beaches) in Normandy invite you to pay respect to history, especially by following routes suggested by the nearby Mémorial de Caen / Musée pour la Paix (Caen Memorial / Peace Museum). Pay tribute to nearly 10,000 brave souls in the Normandy American Cemetery.
Less than a two-hour drive to the Southwest, Mont St Michel’s iconic silhouette emerges from the tidal island with its magnificent abbey reaching toward the sky as if in prayer.
Majestic castles in France
France is rich with châteaux (castles) throughout the countryside, from the tranquil medieval Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, to the huge royal hunting estate Château de Chambord, the fairytale fortress Château de Fougères, and the Camelot-like Château de Pierrefonds. Centuries old and influenced by all kinds of architectural styles, a château can be a magical place to visit or stay.
Gorgeous landscapes France is known for
What is France known for outside of man-made monuments? Don’t forget the natural landmarks! Mont Blanc (White Mountain) is the tallest mountain in the Alps. Ride a cable car to the summit, and participate in skiing and other sports in the surrounding areas.
Sainte Victoire is another amazing mountain in the Provence region, near Aix-en-Provence. Stop and enjoy les champs de lavande (lavender fields) on the way!
France boasts the largest sand dune in Europe on its southwest shore of the Bay of Biscay. Visit the Dune of Pilat for an incredible view of the sea and the forest simultaneously.
Heading south toward the Mediterranean, you’ll marvel that the sea really is the color you’ve seen in the photos, especially in les calanques (rocky inlets) near Marseille and Nice.
Fashion France is known for
Along with New York, Milan, and London, Paris is the place for la mode (fashion). The city is known as the fashion capital of the Western world. The first city to host a fashion week, Paris hosts week-long unmissable events twice a year.
The official name of the event is Semaine des Créateurs de Mode (Week of the Fashion Creators). Designs range from haute couture (a legally protected term only permissible to be used by approved fashion houses) to prêt-à-porter (ready-to-wear). Look no further than France for trend-setting fashion inspiration.
France is known as the home of fashion houses such as Christian Dior, Yves St Laurent, Chanel, Hermès, Givenchy, and Louis Vuitton to name a few.
Even those who wouldn’t dream of paying the high prices of designer French couture will note that French mode has a significant impact globally. It’s known for being:
- raffinée (sophisticated)
- de haute qualité (high quality)
- élégante (elegant)
- innovante (innovative)
- chic (trendy, in fashion)
Art and Design France is known for
France is a land of artistic expression and inspiration. From fine arts and paintings to film, live music performances, dance, and more, France is known for what inspires creativity.
Museums France is known for
With over 1200 museums listed on the official musée de France list by the ministère de la Culture (Ministry of Culture), there is always another gallery or exhibition to appreciate.
Le Musée du Louvre in Paris is known worldwide. It could take months to see every piece of art housed there, even if you only looked at it for a few seconds! Visitors flock to see:
- la Joconde (the Mona Lisa)
- la Victoire de Samothrace (The Winged Victory of Samothrace)
- le Radeau de la Méduse (The Raft of Medusa)
- Vénus de Milo (Aphrodite)
- Psyché ranimée par le baiser de l’Amour (Psyche revived by Cupid’s Kiss)
Le Musée d’Orsay is a magnificent setting in Paris to encounter impressionist and post-impressionist works by many of the impressionnistes (impressionists), including:
- Édouart Manet
- Claude Monet
- Auguste Renoir
- Edgar Dégas
- Vincent Van Gogh
Film festivals France is famous for
The Festival de Cannes (Cannes International Film Festival) is a prestigious 77-year tradition in celebration and promotion of cinematographic art. Films from all around the globe, from previously unknown talent and household names alike, can find an audience here.
Other film festivals include:
- Festival International de films de femmes de Créteil (International Women’s Film Festival)
- Annecy International Animation Film Festival
- L’Alpe d’Huez Film Festival (dedicated to Comedy)
Nuit Blanche
Lovers of art who also happen to be night owls may want to check out the world-famous Nuit Blanche (Sleepless Night / All-nighter) nighttime fine arts festival in Paris. Free temporary art installations and live performances fill the city streets with interesting culture.
Music festivals France is famous for
France has turned its Fête de la Musique (National Music Day) into a global phenomenon. The streets are filled with music as crowds enjoy performances in every genre. It’s a great opportunity to chill and enjoy all of the free entertainment, or to practice essential French phrases as you’re learning the language.
France is known for revolution and patriotism
Whether you remember from History class that France is one of the birthplaces of modern democracy, or whether you’re a fan of the long-running musical Les Misérables, you may associate France with La Révolution ! Indeed, France is known for what is considered a turning point in history that helped define life in both Europe and the Americas to this day.
Quatorze Juillet (Bastille Day)
The quatorze juillet (July 14) is known today as France’s national holiday, but many still remember the significance of this date because of the storming of the Bastille. English speakers may still refer to the day as Bastille Day (even though the French don’t).
Symbols of France
The national motto of Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity), Marianne (a female figure known as the embodiment of the Republic), and the French tricolore (tri-color) flag were all born out of the Revolution and continue as symbols of the new France and the break from the old regime.
Languages France is known for
France is a country of linguistic diversity with over 15 different living languages spoken in France. It’s also the home to the languages of its many immigrants, but the first language of the vast majority of the population of France is le français (French), the official language of the constitution of the French Republic.
French has its own governing body, known as the Académie Française, which upholds, regulates, and updates structures and vocabulary, and approves natural linguistic shifts.
French is spoken around the globe, with populations speaking dialects of French in overseas territories, former colonies, places where French speakers have historically settled, and in neighboring countries of Europe.
Flip through common phrases as you travel with Rosetta Stone’s Phrasebook
The Rosetta Stone App allows you to take language learning on the go. As you visit your favorite French-speaking countries, Phrasebook is one of the many app features that make it easy for you to learn new words or brush up on phrases. These digital flashcards show an image paired with a word or phrase, and you can hear a native speaker say the words before you practice your pronunciation. This simple tool will give you the confidence to ask questions and chat with locals.