64,668,129.
That’s how many people live in France today. It’s a population roughly equal to England’s. And though our two cultures have shared a similar thread, and a tumultuous history, there’s plenty to distinguish this great nation. Let’s explore:
France was a major stage in the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, which means there are lots of ancient buildings and remnants of art and culture, all left for you to see. This is evident particularly in the southern part of the country, where old Roman circuses still host bullfights, parties and concerts.
Here are just a few, from the past 100 years:
The French consume 60 litres of wine per person a year.
That’s more than any other country in the world. Reds account for 60% of French supermarket wine sales, compared with 15% for whites and 25% for rosés.
So it must be pretty good stuff.
The history of French wine goes back over 2,600 years. But it was the Romans who spread viticulture across the land they knew as Gaul, planting vines in areas that would become the famous wine regions: Bordeaux, Burgundy, Alsace, Champagne, Languedoc, Loire Valley and the Rhone.
Take the French Alps, for example: home to Europe’s highest mountain.
At 4,810m, Mont Blanc takes a long 10 to 12 hours to climb. Or you can take a quick 20-minute trip up on Europe’s highest cable car to see the brilliant views.
Then down on the ground, look to the hills of Provence. Every summer, purple lavender blooms across these rolling landscapes. It’s a simple, enjoyable delight.
Bon coeur ne peut mentir.
That’s an old French saying. It means “the heart sees further than the head”.
And as much as the French romanticism seems clichéd, this is a nation which often trusts the heart. Romantic notions are certainly still entertained.
The 500-year-old Académie Française aims to preserve the French language. It tries to stop – somewhat unsuccessfully – foreign words such as blog, hashtag, parking, email, and weekend from entering the vernacular.
A charming example of thinking with the heart and not the head.
That’s how all the best adventures start.
Find out where to start yours in France today.
Our carefully planned walking and cycling holidays in locations all around the world let you explore at your own pace, with time to take in the local culture, history and nature along your route. Hand-picked family-run accommodation provides welcoming comfort at the end of each day, with every hotel and guest-house being chosen for its friendly atmosphere, delicious food featuring regional specialities, and unique character.
