As almost everyone knows, Paris is the largest city in France, with more than 8 million people living in its metropolitan area. France still has many old structures and buildings, some of them dating back to 200 B.C. In fact, many Parisians prefer living in old apartment buildings because of their appreciation for antique furniture and ceiling beams. However, France has many technical advances such as the TGV (train &aagrave grande vitesse, or high speed train) which runs between Paris and Lyon. A tunnel beneath the English Channel provides an easy way to get from England to France in just a few hours.

About a fourth of France's 57,370,00 people live in rural areas. Most farmers and their families live in single-family houses. While there are a few wealthy farmers, most have other sources of income to support their families. Traditionally, France has been an agricultural country, so most of the French respect farming and hunting. Some families farm just to be out in the beautiful French countryside.

Have you ever wondered what the French do on their national holiday? Imagine people dancing in the streets, watching parades, and setting off fireworks for 24 hours straight! Believe it or not, on Bastille Day, France's national holiday, people celebrate the capture of Bastille, a prison, during the reknown French Revolution of 1789. It all happens on July 14; the national parade through Paris and dancing until sunrise!

Every summer, France holds the famous Tour de France, which is a bicycle race around most of the country. The contestants ride daily for more than a month, and end in Paris.

Other popular sports in France include skiing, ice skating, soccer, fishing, and tennis. Regions throughout France have their own soccer team, since "du football"-the French way of saying soccer-is the most popular team sport. For relaxation, most French families enjoy playing, swimming, or just sitting on the beach.