France

FRANCE

* General information:

* Etymology: The name "France" itself comes from Latin Francia, which literally means "land of the Franks," or "country of the Franks".
* President: Nicolas Sarkozy
* Currency: Euro
* Important cities: Bordeaux, Marseille, Paris, Versailles

* Important places:

* Place de la concorde: This square, octagonal in shape, was builtbetween 1755 and 1775. It was the scene of many key historical events, including the execution of Louis 16. With its Egyptian obelisk in the center decorated with hieroglyphics exalting the reign of the pharaoh Ramses II., statues and majestic dimensions, the Place de la Concorde is one of the most beautiful squares in Paris. The two fountains in the Place de la Concorde have been the most famousof the fountains built in Paris. The north fountain was devoted to the Rivers, The south fountain represented the seas.

* Louvre Museum: The Louvre Museum is a museum in France dedicated to the pre-Impressionist art, both fine arts and decorative arts and archeology. It is considered the world's largest museum, the wealth of its collections and the influence it has exerted in the othermuseums in the world. Located in Paris in the former royal palace of the Louvre Its extensive collections are the result of a double historic effort.  The opening of the Louvre in 1793 meant, in the history of museums, the transfer from the private collections of the ruling classes (monarchy, aristocracy and the Church) at publicly owned galleries to enjoy the whole society. Therefore, the Louvre wasthe precedent for all major European and American national museums, and in fact was the model for many of them.
It is the most visited art museum in the world and the most remembered by several of his masterpieces as the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci.

* Eiffel Tower: Eiffel Tower designed by French engineer Gustave Eiffel in 1889. is the tallest building in Paris
Located at the end ofthe Champ de Mars at the river Seine, this Parisian monument, symbol of France,  and one of the most recognizable structures in the world.
It was built in two years, in dispute with the artists of the time, who saw her as a monster of iron. Initially used for scientific experiments, now serves, as well as tourist attraction, as a broadcaster of radio and television. The tower has two restaurants.* Arc de Triomphe: The monument was designed by Jean Chalgrin in 1806.
The Arc de Triomphe is a monument in Paris that stands in the centre of the Place Charles de Gaulle,. The triumphal arch honours those who fought for France, particularly during the Napoleonic Wars. On the inside and the top of the arc there are all of the names of generals and wars fought. Underneath is the tomb ofthe unknown soldier from World War I.

* Champs Èlysèes: In speaking of the Champs Elysees in Paris, we are talking about is probably the world's most famous avenue, famous for sports lovers as the place where every year ending Tour de France, a reference point for lovers of fashion to accommodate the major fashion houses, and certainly model street full of life and full of people both day andnight. 

The Champs Elysees begins west of the Place de la Concorde, where after crossing a small park we find the first issues of this unique avenue, an avenue that ends with the impressive and robust Arc de Triomphe,

* Cuisine

* Foie gras: Is a food product made of the liver of a duck or goose that has been specially fattened. is a popular and well-known delicacy in Frenchcuisine. Its flavor is described as rich, buttery, and delicate. foie gras production is controversial due to the force feeding procedure used, which many view as cruel and inhumane treatment.

* Ratatouille: is a traditional French  stewed vegetable dish, is usually served as a side dish, but also may be served as a meal on its own Tomatoes are a key ingredient, with garlic, onions, ...