For any traveler, it is always a good idea to understand a bit about the culture and traditions in the country you are visiting.  Locals always appreciate someone who seems slightly educated about their language, traditions, or culture.  You may score some unexpected perks and tips if you spend a short time boning up on the expectations and idiosyncrasies of the area where you will be traveling.

 

When traveling to France you should know some basics.  Paris is the capital of the country.  France has approximately 58 million inhabitants and French is the official language, which is spoken by approximately 88% of the people there.  Of course there are plenty of variations and dialects that abound throughout the country.  Catalan is also spoken in the Pyrennes regions and Corsu is spoken primarily on the island of Corsica.  Over 80% of the population claim to be Roman Catholic followed by Protestant, Jewish, and Muslim.  The countries that border France include Germany, Andorra, Belgium, Luxembourg, Monaco, Spain and Switzerland.  The government in France is a republic.

 

One distinctive characteristic of French culture is the people's love for food.  Really, the French are infatuated, if not obsessed with food.  It is one of the great passions of their culture and there are actually laws about how some sorts of foods can be prepared.  French cooks take special care when creating their dishes and are known for using the freshest and highest quality ingredients.  Meals in France can take hours to consume as various courses are served.  That is usually fine with diners as they are given the chance to chat and talk about politics or whatever else strikes their fancy.  French food has become known world wide for quality and many French dishes are considered delicacies.

 

Through most of France there are very strong family values.  Most families have few children, but the parents take their roles as caretakers very seriously.  Each member of the family is assigned specific roles and the family is considered the social adhesive of the French culture.  The French people depend on their families for both emotional and financial support.  As far as friends go, if a French person considers you their friend, they will be available for you at any hour.  Friends usually talk with each other frequently and keep closely in touch with each other's lives.  Generally, French people are very private people and are usually aloof but polite with strangers and those who they do not consider to be a part of their social circle.

 

In addition to food and family, fashion is also important to the French.  Typically, they take great care with their appearance and looking good is a must.  If you are ever invited to a French dinner party, be sure to arrive looking your best.  Paris has a reputation world wide for being a hot spot for fashion and famous designers.  The clothing stores in Paris are known as being some of the most stylish in the world.  Many fashionistas look at what is happening in Paris to predict what will be hot for future seasons.  Famous names like Chanel, Chrisitan Lacroix, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Chrisitan Dior, Givenchy and Iseey Miyaka are all French designers.

 

If you arrive in France with the most basic knowledge of French, and an awareness of some of the country's cultural values, you should find your stay in France very pleasant.  Of course you are free to run amok in the country without regard for any sort of cultural values, but that will just cause the French people who observe you to shake their heads at the ignorance of yet another tourist.  You don't want to be that tourist.  Study before you go.