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Discover France

With all that it has to offer, it’s no wonder that France is the most popular tourist destination on earth. Go on a cultural exchange and get the best of both worlds, by experiencing its highlights AND living like a local.

About France

  • France is celebrated for its culinary excellence, from baguettes and pastries to gourmet cheeses and wines. The concept of fine dining and Michelin-starred restaurants originated here, setting global standards for haute cuisine.
  • France is home to over 40 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Mont-Saint-Michel, the Palace of Versailles, and the Pont du Gard, each reflecting centuries of history and architectural styles.
  • Known for its emphasis on philosophy and intellectual thought, France produced figures like Descartes, Sartre, and de Beauvoir, whose ideas continue to shape Western philosophy and social theory.
  • French fashion dominates global trends, with legendary brands like Chanel, Dior, and Louis Vuitton shaping the luxury fashion industry and making Paris a world capital for style.
  • The French Revolution reshaped political thought across the globe, and France’s values of liberty, equality, and fraternity continue to influence the country’s laws, social structure, and national identity.
  • France has a strong tradition of secularism (laïcité), the separation of religion from public life, which influences everything from education to politics
  • France has one of the most extensive railway networks in Europe, with the TGV high-speed trains offering efficient travel across the country and beyond to neighbouring European nations.
  • With landscapes ranging from Mediterranean beaches and Alpine slopes to lush vineyards and lavender fields, France’s geography offers incredible diversity for outdoor activities and scenic beauty.
Simple map of France and the neighbouring countries
Population: 68 million
Language: French
Capital: Paris
Currency: Euro

Food

Cheese

France’s passion for cheese is unmatched, offering over 1,000 varieties like Brie, Roquefort, and Comté. Enjoyed as a meal course with bread and wine, French cheeses are an expression of regional diversity and culinary artistry.

Ratatouille

Ratatouille, a Provençal vegetable stew, gained global fame through the animated film. Made with eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, and herbs, this colourful dish highlights the French ability to elevate simple, fresh ingredients.

Beef Bourguignon

‘Boeuf Bourguignon’, a Burgundy classic, slow-cooks beef in red wine with mushrooms and herbs. This savoury stew exemplifies French comfort food, transforming humble ingredients into a richly flavoured, wintertime favourite.

Festivals

Bastille Day

‘Le 14 Juliet’, marks the storming of the Bastille in 1789, a key moment in the French revolution. Parades, fireworks, and concerts fill cities, especially Paris, honouring France’s values of liberty, equality, and fraternity.

Fête de la Musique

The Fête de la Musique on 21 June celebrates music’s joy across France, with free outdoor concerts featuring all genres. Amateurs and professionals alike perform, transforming streets into lively, open-air stages.

May the 1st, Paris" by O.Ortelpa is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Labour Day

Like in many parts of the world, the 1st of May marks the Fête du Travail, in honour of workers’ rights. Parades and gatherings, often with a political character, mark the day. Some exchange Lily-of-the-valley flowers as a symbol of good fortune and solidarity.

Famous for

Coyau / Wikimedia Commons

The French language

French, with its 310 million total and 80 million native speakers, is spoken widely across the world. France’s colonial history as well as its considerable international and cultural influence explain its enduring relevance.

Luxury

France is the home of luxury, from high-end fashion and jewelry to premium perfumes. Iconic brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Cartier showcase French craftsmanship and style, setting global standards. The French LVMH group is the largest luxury company in the world.

Revolution

The French Revolution (1789–1799) transformed France and inspired democratic ideals worldwide. Driven by a pursuit of the famous values of “Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité”, it marked a shift toward modern political thought and social justice.

Tips for exchange students going to France

  • When going to France, it will be very helpful to know at least some basic French. Though it’s changing a bit with the younger generations, the French are famously not great at English, even coming in last of all European countries in the EF english proficiency index.
  • Bread is a staple in France, with fresh baguettes baked and bought daily in its thousands of boulangeries. Don’t miss out on this great part of French food culture.
  • Several factors combine to make eating lunch in a restaurant a very accessible day-to-day option: tipping is not common, many restaurants propose a reasonably priced lunch menu, bread is often included with your meal, and all restaurants offer tap water for free.
The picturesque village of Gordes in the Provence region, with its old buildings positions on a wooded hill

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