Officially the French Republic (French: République Française), is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands. Metropolitan France extends from the Mediterranean Sea to the English Channel and the North Sea, and from the Rhine to the Atlantic Ocean. It is often referred to as l’Hexagone ("The Hexagon"), because of the geometric shape of its territory. It is the largest country in Western Europe and the third-largest in Europe as a whole, and it possesses the second-largest exclusive economic zone in the world, covering 11.035 million sq km (4.26 million sq mi), just behind that of the United States. Its capital is Paris.
Films/TV
France has a rich and diverse cinematic history, dating back to the late 19th century, when it was one of the pioneers of the medium. Some of the most influential and acclaimed filmmakers and movements in film history originated or flourished in France, such as the Lumière brothers, Georges Méliès, Jean Renoir, the French New Wave, the Nouvelle Vague, and the Cinéma du look. France is also home to the Cannes Film Festival, one of the most prestigious and influential film festivals in the world. Some of the most popular and critically acclaimed films and TV shows set in or produced by France include:
- Les Intouchables/The Intouchables (2011), a comedy-drama based on a true story of an unlikely friendship between a quadriplegic aristocrat and his caregiver, a former convict.
- Amélie (2001), a romantic comedy that follows the whimsical adventures of a young woman who tries to improve the lives of those around her in Paris.
- Ratatouille (2007), an animated film that tells the story of a rat who dreams of becoming a chef in a famous Parisian restaurant3.
- Before Sunset (2004), a drama-romance that depicts the reunion of two former lovers who spend an afternoon together in Paris, nine years after their first encounter.
- La Haine/Hate (1995), a gritty drama that portrays the lives of three young men from the banlieues (suburbs) of Paris, who face racism, violence, and police brutality.
- Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019), a historical drama that depicts the forbidden romance between a female painter and her aristocratic subject in 18th-century France.
- Midnight in Paris (2011), a fantasy-comedy that follows a nostalgic writer who travels back in time to meet famous artists and writers in 1920s Paris.
- La Vie en Rose (2007), a biographical musical that chronicles the life and career of the legendary French singer Édith Piaf8.
- Les Revenants/The Returned (2012-2015), a supernatural thriller series that revolves around a group of people who return from the dead in a small mountain town.
- Spiral (2005-2020), a crime drama series that follows the investigations and trials of a team of police officers, lawyers, and judges in Paris.
Cities and Locations
France is divided into 18 administrative regions, 13 of which are in metropolitan France and 5 of which are overseas. Each region has its own distinctive culture, history, and geography, and offers a variety of attractions and experiences for visitors. Some of the most notable cities and locations in France include:
- Paris, the capital and largest city of France, and one of the most visited and influential cities in the world. Paris is renowned for its iconic monuments, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Notre-Dame Cathedral, its museums, such as the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, and the Centre Pompidou, its cuisine, fashion, and art scene, and its romantic atmosphere11.
- Strasbourg, the capital and largest city of the Grand Est region, and the official seat of several European institutions, such as the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, and the European Court of Human Rights. Strasbourg is a cultural and historical hub, with a blend of French and German influences, reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions. Strasbourg is famous for its Gothic cathedral, its medieval quarter of Petite France, and its Christmas market12.
- Mont Saint-Michel, a tidal island and commune in Normandy, and one of the most recognizable landmarks in France. Mont Saint-Michel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a popular pilgrimage destination since the 8th century. It is known for its stunning abbey, perched on top of the rocky island, and its surrounding bay, which has the highest tides in Europe13.
- Toulouse, the capital and largest city of the Occitanie region, and the fourth-largest city in France. Toulouse is nicknamed the “Pink City” because of the color of its brick buildings, which give it a warm and charming appearance. Toulouse is a major center of aerospace, biotechnology, and education, and hosts the headquarters of Airbus, the European Space Agency, and several universities. Toulouse is also known for its cultural and historical heritage, such as the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, the Capitole, and the Canal du Midi14.
- Montpellier, the capital and largest city of the Hérault department, and the seventh-largest city in France. Montpellier is a dynamic and cosmopolitan city, with a large student population and a vibrant cultural scene. Montpellier is also a historical and architectural gem, with a medieval center, elegant mansions, and modern buildings designed by renowned architects. Montpellier is close to the Mediterranean Sea, and offers a pleasant climate and a relaxed lifestyle15.
- Colmar, a town and commune in the Haut-Rhin department, and the capital of the Alsace wine region. Colmar is one of the most picturesque and well-preserved towns in France, with a rich and colorful history. Colmar is famous for its half-timbered houses, canals, and flowers, which give it a fairy-tale-like charm. Colmar is also the birthplace of the sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, who designed the Statue of Liberty16.
- Avignon, a city and commune in the Vaucluse department, and the former seat of the papacy in the 14th century. Avignon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a cultural and artistic center. Avignon is best known for its medieval ramparts, its Gothic palace of the popes, and its bridge of Saint-Bénézet, immortalized in the song “Sur le pont d’Avignon”. Avignon is also the host of the annual Festival d’Avignon, one of the largest and most prestigious theater and performing arts festivals in the world17.
- French Alps, a mountain range that covers parts of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur regions, and borders Italy and Switzerland. The French Alps are home to some of the highest and most spectacular peaks in Europe, such as Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, and the Ecrins. The French Alps are a paradise for nature lovers, hikers, skiers, and climbers, and offer stunning scenery, wildlife, and alpine villages. The French Alps also host several popular winter sports resorts, such as Chamonix, Courchevel, and Val d’Isère18.
- Normandy, a historical and cultural region in northwestern France, and the site of the Allied invasion of Nazi-occupied France in 1944. Normandy is a diverse and beautiful region, with a long and rich history, a strong maritime and agricultural tradition, and a distinctive cuisine and architecture. Normandy is famous for its coastline, which features dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and charming fishing ports, as well as the D-Day landing beaches and memorials. Normandy is also known for its countryside, which includes the lush and scenic Normandy countryside, the apple orchards and cider production, and the iconic Mont Saint-Michel19.
- Nice, the capital and largest city of the Alpes-Maritimes department, and the fifth-largest city in France. Nice is the leading resort city on the French Riviera, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in France. Nice is blessed with a sunny and mild climate, a stunning location on the Mediterranean Sea, and a vibrant and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Nice is famous for its Promenade des Anglais, its old town, its museums, its carnival, and its cuisine, which reflects its Italian and Provençal influences.
Attractions
France is a country that offers a wide range of attractions and experiences for visitors, from cultural and historical landmarks, to natural and artistic wonders, to gastronomic and leisure delights. Some of the most notable attractions in France include:
- Eiffel Tower, the most emblematic and recognizable symbol of France, and one of the most visited monuments in the world. The Eiffel Tower is a wrought-iron lattice tower that was built for the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris, and stands at 324 meters (1,063 feet) tall. The Eiffel Tower offers panoramic views of the city, and hosts various events and exhibitions throughout the year.
- Arc de Triomphe, a monumental arch that stands at the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle, and at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, one of the most famous avenues in the world. The Arc de Triomphe was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to commemorate his victories, and was completed in 1836. The Arc de Triomphe is decorated with sculptures and reliefs depicting various scenes from French history, and houses the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Eternal Flame, which honor the fallen of the two world wars.
- Palace of Versailles, a royal palace and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that was the seat of the French monarchy from 1682 to 1789. The Palace of Versailles is a masterpiece of architecture and art, and a symbol of the absolute power and lavish lifestyle of the kings of France. The Palace of Versailles features hundreds of rooms, halls, and apartments, adorned with paintings, sculptures, furniture, and tapestries, as well as the famous Hall of Mirrors, where the Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919. The Palace of Versailles is also surrounded by magnificent gardens, fountains, statues, and the Grand Canal.
- Louvre Museum, the largest and most visited art museum in the world, and a former royal palace. The Louvre Museum houses a collection of over 35,000 artworks, spanning from ancient civilizations to the 21st century, and covering various fields, such as painting, sculpture, drawing, and archaeology. The Louvre Museum is famous for its iconic glass pyramid, and for its masterpieces, such as the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace.
- Notre-Dame Cathedral, a Gothic cathedral and a Catholic landmark, that is considered one of the finest examples of French architecture and art. Notre-Dame Cathedral was built between the 12th and the 14th centuries, and features a facade with three portals, two towers, and a rose window, a nave with flying buttresses, a transept with two more rose windows, and a choir with a spire. Notre-Dame Cathedral is also known for its stained glass, sculptures, relics, and organs, and for its role in literature, such as Victor Hugo's novel The Hunchback of Notre-Dame. Notre-Dame Cathedral suffered a devastating fire in 2019, which destroyed the spire and the roof, but the structure and most of the artworks were saved.
- Montmartre, a hill and a historic district in Paris, that is famous for its artistic and bohemian atmosphere. Montmartre was the home and the inspiration of many artists, such as Picasso, Van Gogh, and Renoir, who lived and worked in the area in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Montmartre is also known for its landmarks, such as the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur, which offers a panoramic view of the city, the Place du Tertre, where artists sell their paintings and portraits, and the Moulin Rouge, the legendary cabaret and the birthplace of the can-can dance.
Actors/Actresses and Crew born in France
France has produced many talented and renowned actors, actresses, and filmmakers, who have starred in or directed some of the most acclaimed and influential films and TV shows in the world. Some of the most notable actors/actresses and crew born in France include:
- Marion Cotillard, an Oscar-winning actress who has appeared in films such as La Vie en Rose, Inception, The Dark Knight Rises, and Allied. She is also a singer, environmentalist, and spokesperson for UNICEF.
- Jean Reno, an actor who is known for his roles in films such as Léon: The Professional, The Big Blue, The Da Vinci Code, and Mission: Impossible. He is also a knight of the Legion of Honor, the highest French order of merit.
- Luc Besson, a filmmaker who is regarded as one of the most influential and successful directors in French cinema. He is the creator of films such as The Fifth Element, Léon: The Professional, La Femme Nikita, and Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets. He is also the founder of EuropaCorp, one of the largest film studios in Europe.
- Audrey Tautou, an actress who rose to international fame with her role in the romantic comedy Amélie. She has also starred in films such as The Da Vinci Code, Coco Before Chanel, and The Fabulous Destiny of Amélie Poulain. She is also a model and a humanitarian ambassador for UNICEF.
- Jean-Pierre Jeunet, a filmmaker who is known for his distinctive and whimsical style, often blending fantasy, comedy, and drama. He is the co-director of films such as Delicatessen, The City of Lost Children, and Alien: Resurrection, and the director of films such as Amélie, A Very Long Engagement, and Micmacs.
- Juliette Binoche, an Oscar-winning actress who has worked with some of the most acclaimed directors in the world, such as Krzysztof Kieślowski, Michael Haneke, and Abbas Kiarostami. She has starred in films such as The English Patient, Chocolat, The Unbearable Lightness of Being, and Clouds of Sils Maria.
- François Truffaut, a filmmaker who was one of the founders and leaders of the French New Wave, a cinematic movement that revolutionized film aesthetics, techniques, and themes in the 1950s and 1960s. He is the director of films such as The 400 Blows, Jules and Jim, Day for Night, and The Last Metro.
- Catherine Deneuve, an actress who is considered one of the greatest and most iconic stars of French cinema. She has appeared in films such as The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, Belle de Jour, Indochine, and Dancer in the Dark. She is also a model, a singer, and a humanitarian activist.
- Jean-Luc Godard, a filmmaker who is widely regarded as one of the most influential and innovative directors in film history. He is one of the pioneers of the French New Wave, and the creator of films such as Breathless, Contempt, Pierrot le Fou, and Alphaville. He is also a critic, a philosopher, and a political activist.
- Brigitte Bardot, an actress who was one of the most popular and controversial sex symbols of the 1950s and 1960s. She starred in films such as And God Created Woman, Contempt, The Truth, and Viva Maria!. She is also a singer, a model, and an animal rights activist.
Characters originating in France
France has produced many famous and influential characters in literature, comics, animation, and film, who have captured the imagination and admiration of audiences around the world. Some of the most notable characters originating in France include:
- The Three Musketeers, a group of fictional adventurers who serve King Louis XIII of France in the 17th century. The Three Musketeers were created by Alexandre Dumas in his novel of the same name, published in 1844. The Three Musketeers are Athos, Porthos, and Aramis, who are joined by their young friend D'Artagnan, a Gascon aspiring to become a musketeer. The Three Musketeers are famous for their motto "One for all, and all for one", and for their exploits involving sword fights, romance, intrigue, and loyalty.
- Asterix, a Gaulish warrior who lives in a village that resists the Roman occupation of Gaul in the 1st century BC. Asterix was created by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo in their comic series of the same name, which debuted in 1959. Asterix is accompanied by his best friend Obelix, a menhir delivery man who is permanently strong after falling into a cauldron of magic potion as a baby. Asterix and Obelix go on various adventures across the ancient world, often fighting the Romans, meeting historical figures, and encountering different cultures.
- The Little Prince, a young boy who lives on a tiny planet called Asteroid B-612, where he tends a rose and three volcanoes. The Little Prince was created by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry in his novella of the same name, published in 1943. The Little Prince leaves his planet to explore the universe, and meets various characters, such as a king, a businessman, a fox, and a pilot. The Little Prince is a symbol of innocence, curiosity, and love, and his story is one of the most translated and beloved books in the world.
- Amélie Poulain, a shy and quirky waitress who works in a café in Montmartre, Paris. Amélie was created by Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Guillaume Laurant in their film Amélie, released in 2001. Amélie decides to dedicate her life to helping others find happiness, after finding a box of childhood treasures hidden in her apartment. Along the way, she also falls in love with a mysterious man who collects discarded photo booth pictures. Amélie is a charming and whimsical character, who represents the beauty and magic of everyday life.
- Tintin, a young reporter and adventurer who travels around the world with his dog Snowy and his friends. Tintin was created by Hergé in his comic series The Adventures of Tintin, which began in 1929. Tintin solves mysteries, fights villains, and discovers ancient civilizations, often accompanied by his friend Captain Haddock, a grumpy sailor, and Professor Calculus, a genius inventor. Tintin is a courageous and curious character, who reflects the values of exploration, friendship, and justice.
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