In the city
Three
fourths of France’s people live in cities and towns. Living in the city is
expensive. Many middle money can’t afford to live in Paris. In large cities
people live in apartments. Many people that live in Paris live in old
apartments. Poor people live in apartments that are not only old, but also
run-down.
Rural life
One fourth of the French live in single-family
houses, old apartments, and farms. The country folk do activities such as
hunting and fishing. Some don’t even have enough to support themselves. Very
few are rich.
Food& drink
The
French consider cooking an art. Chefs create many delicious sauces and
appetizers including snails in garlic butter sauce, and scallops and mushrooms
in creamy wine. Deserts include pastries and fruit tarts. The French eat a light
breakfast. And drink wine often. Wine is drank at almost every meal.
Eating&Manners
There are many rules to eating in France. Such as, proper manners
are very important, one dose not put there elbows on the table, speaking with
food in ones mouth, and one is not to help themselves twice on cheese. When
eating the fork must be held in the left hand. Food must be served a curtain
way. Lettuce is folded into pieces not cut. Bread is to be broke with the
fingers and used to wipe the plate. Social meals are start with a appetizer.
Many of the French eating rules are similar to ours.
Recreation
The most popular sports are soccer, and basketball. Other sports
the French enjoy are bowling, rugby, fishing, ice-skating, swimming, and tennis.
Others enjoy hunting, riding horses, and golf. The annual Tour de France cycling
race is a popular national event. Camping is popular in the summer.
Education
Schooling is free. Children ages 6-16 must go to school. Most children go to
public schools. France has 75 universities. A “Bac,”is a diploma. All
children must respect teachers.
Arts
French art dates all
the way to the cave man days. France has a fairly famous cave drawing that had
500 and other animals. They are good at painting, music, and drama. The poetry
in France is highly important.
Painting
The French enjoy painting. French history has lots of painting in
its back round. Many of the poor people of France paint for money. France truly
has some of the world’s best paintings. French art attracts many foreign
artists.
Greeting
Shaking
hands is customary in France. But men and women almost never shake hands. It’s
normal for women to be kissed on both cheeks
Dating&
Marriage
The
average youth in France starts dating at the age of 15. Favorite activities
include dances and movies. Because French teenagers don’t usually have jobs
their chooses for dates are limited. Law requires civil ceremonies. Many choose
not to have children.
Gestures
The
American ok sign means zero in France. The French sign for ok is two thumbs up.
Sitting with your legs apart is impolite; one should sit with their legs
crossed. Feet are not placed one tables or chairs. Do not use personal items in
public. Such as combs, toothpicks, etc.
Personal
Appearances
In,
general the French take great care to dress well and fashionably, whether they
are wearing formal or casual clothes they want to look nice wherever they go.
Parisians dress more formally then people in other cities.
