The Love of France

If you want to visit a country with a sense of pride, one with a magnificent history and love in the air, then France is the ideal destination. Famous for romance, the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and cities such as Paris and Cannes, the minute you get off the plane, you will experience an overwhelming sense of love! Today, more than 59 million people live in France with 13 million of those in the capital city of Paris. Although most people speak French, other languages such as Breton, German, and English are common.

The country of France was first inhabited some 90,000 years ago. Then around 1500 BC, the Celtic Gauls came to France but with centuries of ongoing battles with Rome, Gaul lost valuable territory in 52 BC to Julius Caesar. By the 5th century, the Franks along with various Germanic groups came and overtook the country, which is where the name “France” came from. For a long time, the country was relatively peaceful until the Middle Ages when power struggles broke out between dynasties.

French riviera

First, there was the Capetian Dynasty, which brought with it a time of revivalism and prosperity even though there were some battles occurring over feudal rights. However, France was involved with many of the crusades and by the early part of the 6th century the Capetian Dynasty began to wane. During this time, the Hundred Years’ War raged (1337 to 1453) between France and England. As a part of this war, we all remember the story of the 17-year-old firebrand, Jeanne d’Arc, more commonly known as Joan of Arc who was burned alive at the stake.

All the way up to the 17th century, various religious wars raged, several threatening the country’s stability. However, Cardinal Richelieu stood up, working hard to establish some type of monarchy while helping to strengthen France’s power in Europe. Louis XIV took the throne in the middle of the 17th century, although he was just five years of age. Even so, he ruled France for 72 years! While enthroned, the Sun King as he was also known stopped all the feuding, creating a centralized state for the very, first time.

Unfortunately, the 18th century was another difficult time for the people of France, as was the Seven Years’ War and American War of Independence, which was financially devastating to France’s monarchy. As you can imagine, the people of France were sick and tired of Louis XVI and his pampas queen, Marie Antoinette. Therefore, when he tried to reform the country, major riots erupted. In fact, a Parisian mob attacked the Invalides in 1789 taking weapons and forcing their way into Bastille prison. With this, more powerful radicals emerged and in 1792, the First Republic was established.

However, with all the wars, call for reform, and leadership roles and changes, the one thing that remains the most important to the country was the arrival of Napoleon Bonaparte in 1799. Interestingly, numerous wars were launched whereby France was able to control the majority of Europe. Then, a dangerous campaign was led against Russia in 1812, which led to Napoleon’s downfall, being banished to the Mediterranean island of Elba.

Napoleon escaped, again being established as the emperor but for only 100 days before he was defeated at the famous Battle at Waterloo. At that time, Napoleon was exiled to Saint Helena, dying in 1821. The impact is that the changes from the Revolution and Napoleonic Code remain the foundation of the French legal system today.

France went through another hard century during the 1800s, being considered by most as an inept country. Then when World War I hit, the country lost more than one million military troops, devastating the country. Unfortunately, World War II was just as hard on France until the country was finally liberated by allied forces in 1944. The struggles of France did not cease, although they were not as significant. Over time, the Caribbean and Pacific colonies grew and strengthened the country’s newfound independence.

While France has certainly had more than its share of obstacles, it remains a passionate country that fights hard for what is right. Although people knew about France, it was not until 1997 when Princess Diana was killed in Paris that it would again be thrust into the spotlight. Today, more and more people are taking time to visit this lovely country to learn about the history and to enjoy many of the structures that we find so fascinating. Without doubt, France is a country of devotion with a true concept of culture.

Many sites in France exhibit beautiful paintings, sculptures, and architecture from the 16th century, which was the Baroque era. Other aspects of this era are seen throughout the country to include French Baroque music and theater. However, philosophers and literary experts were also born out of France, which we see today in many of the modern operas, symphonies, and orchestra performances. Even so, the romantic poetry is probably the one form of French literature that continues to capture the hearts of many.

When visiting France, two things will be noticed immediately. The high level of romance that seems to linger in the air and the mouth-watering food that is literally incomparable. Favorite dishes such as Foie Gras Truffles, delicious snails pulled right off the grape vines, Roquefort cheese, wonderful fruit tarts, and of course, the wine. All over the country are magnificent vineyards where some of the world’s finest wine is grown.

As you mill about villages, towns, and even major cities, you will discover a number of outdoor cafes where café au lait and croissants covered with butter and jam are common staples. Of course, if you are an adventurer, you might consider trying some of the local’s favorites that include Fromage de Tete Pate, pig’s head set in jelly, Bouillabaisse, a type of fish soup, or perhaps Blanquette de Veau, veal stew with a wonderful white sauce. Other dishes include Plateau de Fromage, a nice cheese platter, or for dessert, Tarte aux Pommes, apple tart.

As one of the Europe’s largest countries, France has the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the English Channel to the northwest. Then if you head to the south, you would run into Spain, the Mediterranean is located to the southeast, Switzerland and Italy are to the east, and then Luxembourg, Belgium, and Germany are found to the northeast. An interesting fact about France is that it is divided into administrative units, each consisting of approximately 2,380 square miles. These units are called Departements, with 96 in all.

Alps, France

In addition, France boasts five overseas to include Martinique and Guadeloupe in the Caribbean Islands, New Caledonia, French Polynesia, and Tahiti in the Pacific Islands, French Guiana in South America, Miguelon and Saint Pierre in the Atlantic Ocean, and Reunion in the Indian Ocean. Of course, France is also well known around the world for the famous French Alps, which stand more than 15,000 feet, shown to the right. While there are a number of spectacular mountain ranges, the one most stunning is Massif Central, which covers more than 15% of the country.

France is also home to the Loire River, which runs the length of 630 miles. Then there are a number of other impressive waterways such as Rhine, Garonne, Seine, and Rhone. The diversity of the land is just one of the many incredible things about this particular country. Because of this diversity, you also see varied climates and massive flora and fauna. Sadly, some of the wildlife in France is nearing extinction to include the Corsican deer, brown bear, and the wolf, otter, and Pyrenees ibex. However, other animals continue to thrive. You will commonly see the chamois, a different type of ibex called the bouquetin, vulture, stork, and beaver. With so much forestry that includes oak, pine, and beech trees, you also see vast wetlands where birds and mammals live.

Paris at night

Throughout the year, France offers one outstanding festival or celebration after another. The capital city of Paris lights up like a Christmas tree at night. This city and others come alive with music and dance. The country of France is indeed romantic, a place where people go each year to walk the beaches at sunset, sit in a cozy café, enjoy a bottle of fine wine by the fire, or go to the top of the Eiffel Tower for marriage proposals. If you want to see one of the most fascinating countries, then a trip to France should be added to your agenda.

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Last Updated: 10/19/2006 3:14:00 PM

The Love of France

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