Dec 05
Hazel WigFrance food, France, French, French food, French Life, French living, French recipes, Holidays, life in France, travel
Holiday traditions in French life do differ from our own in many ways. The French really enjoy and savor the holiday seasons and take time to spend them with loved ones and family.
France has Strong religious Catholic beliefs and Easter is a important holiday for everyone. The bells stop ringing within a three day period up until Easter’s when all let out their glorious chimes. Everyone hugs and kisses one another once the chimes are heard all over to show peace and love as well as joy for this special day.
Children in France do not believe in the Easter bunny. The Flying Bells return on Easter morning and leave a trail of chocolate covered eggs in their wake. They are hidden among the houses and the gardens of children’s homes for them to search out and find.
France has a glorious Christmas season. Shops and residence are all decked out in holiday cheer. In homes some people still choose to decorate in old world style with candies in delectable arrays and nuts on their trees instead of the more modern glittery and lighted ones others choose to use. Stockings will not be hung by the hearths here, it is shoes instead to be filled by Pere Noel on Christmas Eve.
The Christmas trees in France have additional decoration of delightful candies and nuts on them. Sometimes candles are lit in all the windows as well on Christmas eve night. Most everyone goes to mass for Christmas eve and then all settle in to a delicious menu of turkey, chicken, French desserts, puddings and sides to bring in the joy of the season on Christmas Eve.
There is also another holiday in France that is in commemoration of the Paris prison called the Bastille being attacked by many unhappy townspeople who did not like the things that went on at this horrible place.
It is celebrated on the fourteenth of July and has a vast amount of fireworks throughout the day and night with parades up and down most streets. There is also street dances held and the townspeople celebrated the liberation and freedom of this day in France’s history.
French wedding customs are mostly like ours in other countries. One exception is the bottle beheading of a poor little champagne bottle by the groom using a saber specially created for just such an event. This is said to have started with Napoleon’s troops playing a game and beheading bottles of booze with their sabers.
The troops would let their women friends throw the bottles into the air as they flew by on their trusty steeds and lopped off the bottles head. The French really know how to throw a party and live life to the fullest.
French life holds traditions steadfast in all of their celebrations and also incorporate the importance of spending quality time with loved ones and friends to share in the seasons meaning and joy. The french employers allow each person a total of 5 weeks during a one year period off for specifically celebrating the holiday seasons. This gives them time throughout the year to enjoy their families and especially the ones who visit maybe only once every season.
Everybody wants to have the French Life. If you feel you want to discover a little more about Living in France, you will see that there are a lot of places where you can get more info.
categories: French life,life in France,French living,French recipes,French food,French,France,Holidays,Travel,Food
Dec 01
Gary RogersFrance diet, drink, food, France, health, red wine, Wine
At one time or another we have all uttered those words -To Your Health- as we raised our glasses in a salute to a special person. It is a well known fact that drinking wine, both red and white varieties, in moderation will be beneficial to your health especially when you are dealing with the heart.
What effect will drinking wine have on us? Wines especially red wine, are rich in flavonoids and recently researchers have compiled some information and statistics that these flavonoids are in fact beneficial to your health. Flavonoids have antioxidant properties which cause the body to defend against viruses and carcinogens resulting in helping your body fight against cancer and heart disease.
Of course like anything else, moderation should be maintained, you do not have to get “tipsy”, everyday to get the health benefits of wine by the flavonoids in red wine. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Syrah and Pinot Noir are the highest concentrations of antioxidants and flavonoids. A 16th Swiss physician wrote, “Wine is a food, a medicine and a poison – it is just a question of dose”.
Many health providers promote a one or two four ounce glass of wine per day for men and one four ounce glass for woman. I do know many women who would dispute that discrepancy for women. So adding a glass or two of red or white wine to your diet can be beneficial.
The French people have a lower rate of heart disease due to the region that their red wine is produced. The French red wines are very tannic and contain high procyanidin (antioxidant) content of any wines worldwide.
The dryer red wines such as Merlots or red Zinfandels contain fewer flavonoids but more than white wines. Just because these wine are a little light on the flavonoids does not mean that they will not benefit your health if you drink them in moderation.
There are many health benefits of wine which should not be forgotten. Of course the primary benefits of wine include the absolute pleasure of sitting around with good friends and a great glass or two of wine.
Nov 27
Amy AndrewsFrance France, france travel, France vacation, traveling, traveling to france
The popularity of France as one of the most diverse and varied places in Europe is undisputable. What is so unique about France? First, France boasts one of the most varied natural environments in that part of Europe. From the countryside of Normandy and Brittany to the alphine peaks, and the varied coastline that includes the Mediterranean, the Atlantic Ocean and the Channel, the natural beauty of the surroundings are uniquely identified and any visitor will notice this natural beauty about France.
Thousands of tourists flock to France every year to see the in-exhaustive list of National Parks, regional parks and hundreds of other areas that are protected under the European Natural 2000 programme. You will also notice something else unique about France. The attractions are not concentrated on one location. Rather, attractions can be found all across France. This gives visitors an opportunity to visit different parts of the country and experience the much joie de vivre in France.
Other facts about France that stand out are the fact that France is the largest country in the EU and also the second largest in all of Europe. The influence of French culture, political and economic influence can be felt all over Europe. France had colonized much of North America during the 17th and’ centuries. By the 20 century, France had built the 3rd largest empire in the world. Its economy is regarded as among the best in the world. You will also notice about France that it is among the founding members of the United Nations and is one of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.
Having the most extensive railway network in Western Europe, travelers and visitors find it easy to visit even remote parts and get to learn all about France. High-speed trains connect France with the United Kingdom through Channel Tunnel while the neighboring countries are connected via other rail connections. Another outstanding thing about France is the dense network of roads and highways.
This network allows France to be connected to the neighboring cities in Belgium, Switzerland, Germany and Italy. French roads thus tend to handle substantial international traffic. Some of the most important basilicas and cathedrals can be found in Northern France. The Gothic architecture can be seen in this part of France in most ancient structures. If you want to know all about France, why not plan a vacation trip and get to learn the many spectacular things about France, the ‘land of the Franks’.
I like writing articles about travel and christian books on my christian books on cd website daily.
May 02
charlesEurope, France France, France vacation, unique vacation, unique vacation in France, vacation, vacation in France
France is one popular country that must be listed in your vacation list. Everybody dreams to visit France to see many gorgeous places they have. Here are Top 3 unique vacation destination that you have to visit when you go to France. Check them out!
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1. First of all, you should come to see Marseille. For your information Marseille is the oldest city in France. Marseille is heaven to learn France’s culture and historical story. As the biggest port in France, Marseille rich of its sea products. So if you are seafood lovers, make sure you put Marseille in your list!
2. Cannes. As well as Marseille, Cannes famous of its art and culture. Everybody must know Cannes Movie Festival, the most prestigious movie festival which held since 1939. This festival takes place every May, so if you want to cheer this festival, arrange your holiday around May then. There are some other festivals in Cannes. One of them is Carnival on the Riviera that held around February to March to celebrate easter. Do you want to meet celebrity? Croisette is the answer. Croisette beach is located in Cannes. This beach is surrounded by celebrity’s favorite cafes. Isn’t awesome?
3. Menton. Menton is one of old cities located in South France. Menton is the venue for Lemon Festival (fete du limau), the most popular festival in France. Every February, this city is decorated by thousand of lemon constructions. People create many shapes out of lemon. As you walk walking around this city, you can smell fresh lemon odor and observe wonderful building of lemon. The theme for Lemon Festival is changed every year. Are you ready to be part of Lemon Festival crowd?
Above are the most recommended places in France for those who want meaningful vacation instead of shopping and wasting money. I can guarantee that everybody will love those places. Once visit is never enough!
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