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- Festivals.<\/strong>
\n![\":](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/la-fete-de-la-musique-music-festival-in-france.jpg\")
The French like to celebrate. Festivals at Christmas and Easter are the norm, but there is a lot more besides!
\n\u2018La f\u00eate nationale fran\u00e7aise\u2019, also known as \u2018Le 14 Juillet\u2019 marks the storming of the Bastille in 1789, a turning point in the French Revolution. Celebrations are held all over France, from small villages to large cities, involving fireworks and dancing at the \u2018Bal des pompiers\u2019 (literally, the fireman\u2019s ball). In Paris, the Bastille Day military parade takes place on the Avenue des Champs-\u00c9lys\u00e9es.\u2018La F\u00eate de la Musique<\/a>\u2019, or \u2018Music Festival\u2019 takes place on 21 June, with the purpose of promoting amateur and professional music. Free concerts are organised all over the country, and there\u2019s a wonderful party atmosphere. The festival was the brainchild of former Minister of Culture Jack Lang, and its success has led other European cities to stage their own music festivals.
\nMany small towns and villages also have their own local festivals. It\u2019s not uncommon to stumble across festivals such as a \u2018Foire du vin\u2019 (wine fair) a \u2018F\u00eate de la crevette\u2019 (Shrimp festival) or even a \u2018F\u00eate de la pomme de terre\u2019 (Potato festival). Go along and join the locals to sample the delicacies on offer!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/p>\n
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- Cinema.<\/strong>
\n![\"The](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/the-famous-cannes-film-festival-in-paris-france.jpg\")
The French film industry is one of the oldest in the world, and is the most successful in Europe, perhaps thanks to the protections afforded to it by the French government. In France\u2019s cities, you\u2019ll find a cinema on every corner<\/strong>, and the biggest film festivals, such as Cannes and the Nuit des C\u00e9sar in Paris, are important events both nationally and internationally. Be a part of this cultural experience by watching some of France\u2019s cinema classics from the last few decades, such as Jean de Florette, Am\u00e9lie, La Haine, Intouchables, and Le Grand Bleu. Be sure to watch them in \u2018Version Originale Sous-Titr\u00e9e\/ VOST\u2019, (in French with English subtitles), to really get the full cultural experience, and improve your French too.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/p>\n
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- Cuisine.<\/strong>
\n![\"Famous](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/famous-crepes-in-bretagne-france.jpg\")
France is of course famous for its culinary delights, and each region has its own set of culinary dishes to sample. Bretagne, for example, is famous for cr\u00eapes, Bourgogne for Boeuf Bourguignon, Toulouse for its Cassoulet, and Provence for its ratatouille, to name but a few. But the act of eating itself is indeed a favourite French pastime. If you\u2019re invited around to a French friend\u2019s house for lunch, expect to be there for the rest of the day sampling five or six courses. Whatever you do, don\u2019t forget to take a gift of flowers or chocolates with you. This is a must! A bottle of local wine will also be warmly received and is a great way to discover \u2018the terroir\u2019 (how a particular French region’s climate, soils and aspect (terrain) affect the taste of the wine produced there).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/p>\n
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- Fashion.<\/strong>
\n![\"Fashion](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/fashion-capital-in-avenue-des-champs-elysees-paris.jpg\")
Paris is officially the fashion capital of the world, and rightly so. Dior, Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Jean-Paul Gaultier and Louis Vuitton are just a few of the most famous names, not to mention the new generation of talented French designers. Take a wander down Paris\u2019 Avenue des Champs-Elys\u00e9es and you won\u2019t be disappointed, but you may be a little poorer!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/p>\n
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- Art.<\/strong>
\n![\"Mus\u00e9e](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/musee-dorsay-art-gallery-in-paris-france.jpg\")
France has almost as many famous artists as art galleries. The most famous such as Monet, C\u00e9zanne and Renoir are known the world over, and Paris has many galleries where you can view some of the finest masterpieces. The Louvre, the Centre Pompidou and the Mus\u00e9e d\u2019Orsay are just some of the most renowned. Many of France\u2019s smaller towns and cities have their own local artists and galleries, and even touring exhibitions that you can explore too.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/p>\n
So now that you know what to look out for, how can you find out about places of cultural interest and events happening where you live in France? Look out for local newspapers and posters up at your town hall (La Mairie). Join some local groups (in person or on social media); yes, you can join the expat ones<\/a>, but be sure to join the French ones for your local community too. Learn some French and make friends with your neighbours. If you don\u2019t speak French, Google translate is your new friend to help you find your way!<\/p>\n
There\u2019s so much going on \u2018culture-wise\u2019 in France, but if you\u2019re moving to France and you choose to surround yourself with only the British and other expats, you\u2019ll miss it all! Take the time to learn the language and immerse yourself into the culture, and you won\u2019t be disappointed.<\/p>\n
Planning a move and need help settling into your new life? We can help with all aspects of your relocation from removals and finding a home to finding schools for the kids. Get in touch with AGS Movers UK today<\/a>!<\/strong><\/p>\n
- Art.<\/strong>
- Fashion.<\/strong>
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- Cuisine.<\/strong>
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- Cinema.<\/strong>
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- Festivals.<\/strong>