Wednesday, September 9, 2020
FACTS ABOUT PARIS
Looking for the best facts about Paris!? Well, look no further, because I’ve put together a really amazing list of unique, fun, and interesting Paris facts that’ll surely surprise you! This was a really fun article to put together, and I guarantee you’ll learn a lot!
Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and there are some really captivating facts and bits of knowledge to discover! Any city that is as old as Paris is bound to have a long list of interesting, fun and sometimes even scary stories behind it, and I’ve compiled a few of my favorites!
FUN FACTS ABOUT PARIS
1) Paris is known as “The City of Lights”. This is not only due to its historical enlightenment period, but also the fact that it was one of the first cities in the world to install street lights.
2) Camouflage clothing in the military was first used by the French. The word “camouflage” roughly translates to “make up for the stage”.
3) The famous bell of Notre Dame Cathedral actually has a name! It is fondly referred to as Emmanuel, and he weighs 13 tons. No sign of Quasimodo though…
4) There’s an unwritten law that states that every city in France must have a road named after Victor Hugo, author of Les Misérables. Paris’ Avenue Victor-Hugo can be found in the 16th arrondissement, and is also where the novelist lived.
5) The oldest house in Paris is located at 51, rue de Montmorency, 3. Arrondissement. It was built in 1407!
6) The famous “Bloody Mary” cocktail originated in Paris at the Ritz Hotel, by who other than famed novelist Ernest Hemingway himself! Legend says that the popular drink was the result of Hemingway’s request for a drink that didn’t smell like alcohol, so he was given vodka mixed with tomato juice.
7) The first photo ever taken of a person was taken on a street in Paris by Louis Daguerre. By today’s standards it isn’t great quality, but it paved the way for people like me to do what I do!
8) If you’re a cheese fiend, head to Paris to sample just a few of France’s 1000 distinct types of cheese.
9) Move over Amsterdam – Paris is the new destination for cycling. With over 500km of bike lanes across the city, they are taking their eco-friendly initiative seriously.
10) The globally renowned cabaret, The Moulin Rouge, has been operating since 1899 in the heart of Paris’ Red Light District. You can still enjoy a night here, with dinner and a burlesque or even magic show on offer. In fact, the theatre has 80 performers on rotation year-round.
11) It’s someone’s job to count and document the trees of Paris. The last count? 470,000. Parisians are proud people, and have a unified approach to maintaining the beauty of their green city.
12) In Paris, becoming a taxi driver is an expensive business venture. Drivers have to pay up to 200,000 Euros to attain a taxi license. I guess you have to really love what you do!
13) The Pont Neuf is the oldest bridge in Paris, standing since 1604. But perhaps the most popular bridge is the Pont des Arts, famous for its thousands of “love locks”, locks visitors secure to the bridge and decorated with love notes.
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT PARIS
14) Under the Roman Empire around 300BC , the city of Paris was named “Lutetia”.
15) The craziness of driving in Paris rivals other major cities like Rome, and you have to have nerves of steel to do so. The fact that the city only has ONE stop sign probably won’t encourage you. Scrap that – make that NONE. That one lone stop sign was removed in 2012. Happy driving!
16) Paris is divided into 20 distinct “arrondissements”, which start at the centre and work their way out. For context, the Louvre is located in the 1st arrondissement.
17) New York’s iconic Statue of Liberty was a gift from the French. But that doesn’t mean that France didn’t make a few for themselves. There are currently ten Statues of Liberty in France, with five in Paris alone.
18) Paris is ten times older than many countries, and the oldest café in the city, Le Procope, has been in operation since 1686.
19) Paris is renowned for its iconic fashion and beauty scene, with brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Lacroix, Lancôme, Givenchy and Christian Louboutin all originating here. And that’s just to name a few.
20) The Paris Metro system doesn’t announce their steps like most major cities. So don’t fall asleep on your commute – who knows where you could wake up!
21) To walk from the North side of Paris to the South, it will take you around 135 minutes. Luckily, it’s such a great walking city, you’ll hardly notice.
22) It should come as no surprise that Paris has the largest number of Michelin Star restaurants in the world. If you’re in the market for world class food in Paris, check out L’Arpège, Hotel le Bristol or Pierre Gagnaire.
23) Montmartre is the Parisian neighborhood historically renowned for attracting artists, musicians, writers and creatives. Tourist-wise, it’s one of Paris’ most popular hangouts, and is full of artsy, cool people, cafes, shops and cobblestone streets. If you’re feeling motivated, climbing the 300 steps to Sacré-Coeur will provide you with some of the best city skyline photo ops in Paris. Well worth it!
24) One of Paris’ most visited public landmarks in the incredible Arc de Triomphe, which lies at the very end of the Champs-Élysées at the Place Charles de Gaulle. Here, you can take in iconic neoclassical architecture, climb to the top for sweeping views of the Champs-Élysées and beyond, or pay your respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
25) There is a phenomenon called “The Paris Syndrome”. Most common amongst Japanese tourists, The Paris Syndrome comes as a result of the media’s depiction of Paris as a world-class fashion destination with endless natural beauty. Upon arrival in Paris, these visitors feel super disappointed by the false image they’ve been fed. However, I can honestly say I do not suffer from The Paris Syndrome – I absolutely love it!
FACTS ABOUT PARIS FOR KIDS
26) Paris is the capital city of France, a country located in Western Europe. From Paris, you can fly to London in an hour or to New York City in just over five hours.
27) The population of Paris is 2.2 million as of the beginning of 2019, all living in the city limits that span around 105 square kilometres.
28) France shares borders with quite a few countries! Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Spain and Italy are all neighbors.
29) The French Army still use carrier pigeons – the only one in Europe still to do so! In case of an emergency, much like the owls in Harry Potter, these pigeons are trained to carry important information.
30) Paris is a great destination for kids! With over 450 parks and gardens dotting the city, that’s a lot of space to run wild!
31) There are more dogs in Paris than children. Parisians love their furry friends, and it’s not uncommon to see their owners treating them to a doggy spa session.
32) The Tour de France is the world’s most famous cycling event, and finishes on the historical stretch of the Champs-Élysée in Paris.
33) The most popular way that locals get around Paris is by their extensive Metro train system. Around 5 million people per day use it, and after Moscow, it’s the busiest underground network in Europe.
34) Have you seen Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame? It’s set in Paris’ most famous cathedral and is based on the legend of Quasimodo, who is said to ring the bells of the church. At least that’s what novelist Victor Hugo said in his 1831 story.
35) Disneyland Paris isn’t exactly located in Paris. It can be found in the rural town of Marne-la-Vallée, which is approximately 32km from the city. Around 15 million visitors a year head to Disneyland Paris for tons of fun at the happiest place on Earth!
36) Learning French is fun and fulfilling. It’s actually the second most studied language in the world after English.
EIFFEL TOWER FACTS
37) The Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel in French) stands proudly on the Champs de Mars in the heart of Paris. It is just over 1000 feet tall and has three accessible floors, and is named after Gustav Eiffel, the head engineer tasked with making the dream of the tower a reality.
38) Construction on the Eiffel Tower started in 1887, and was completed in 1889, just in time for the World’s Fair, during which it played a central role. Even at 130 years old, it is still one of Paris’ youngest landmarks by comparison.
39) The landmark was actually only meant to be the entrance to the Paris World’s Fair in 1889. The agreement was that it was to stand for 20 years after, and then be taken down, but over a century on and as one of the world’s most famous sights, it’s safe to say it isn’t going anywhere!
40) For a time, the Eiffel Tower was the tallest man made structure in the world, but the Chrysler Building in New York City surpassed it in 1930. We Americans are so competitive!
Education in France
In this article, we provide an overview of the French education system, with a look at the structure, credentials, and recent history. We also take stock of French efforts to internationalize the education system, both in terms of outbound and inbound mobility.
Education is a priority in France, with 21 percent of the annual national budget earmarked for education. The country boasts a 99 percent literacy rate. France’s higher education history is lengthy. The University of Paris, one of the world’s oldest universities, was founded in 1215. Prior to 1789, education was controlled by the Catholic Church. After the French Revolution, a standardized and centralized education system was instituted.
For administrative purposes, France is geographically divided into 31 educational regions known as académies. Each académie is headed by a recteur, a representative of the Ministry of Education, who is in charge of all education levels within that region. Each académie is further divided into départements, which are headed by an inspecteur d’académie, who oversees primary and secondary education. A law adopted in 1989 established that while the Ministry of Education is responsible for creating the curriculum and setting educational standards and goals, each primary and secondary school has the autonomy to choose how to best teach the curriculum and achieve state-determined educational goals.
MOBILITY NUMBERS AND TRENDS
According to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, in 2012 62,416 French students were studying abroad. The top five destination countries for French students in higher education were:
- United Kingdom: 20.4%
- Canada: 13.3%
- United States: 12.8%
- Switzerland: 11.9%
- Belgium: 10.8%
In the 2013-2014 academic year, 8,302 French students came to study in the United States. France is the 15th highest contributor of international students to the United States and these students have contributed $287 million to the U.S. economy. Most French students in the U.S. study at the undergraduate level (a total of 34.5 percent), with 28.3 percent studying at the graduate level and 37.2 percent of the French students in the United States participate in other types of programs (including Optional Practical Training).
Enrollments among French students coming to the United States rose throughout the 1990s to a peak of 7,401 in the early 2000s. A three-year decline followed September 11th, 2001, but French student numbers have been on a consistent growth trajectory since the 2005-2006 academic year, with a record of 8,302 studying in the United States in 2014.
EDUCATION SYSTEM
The French academic school year runs from September until June. Examinations are typically offered in June, with a second set of retake examinations scheduled in September.
Elementary Education
In France, education is compulsory between the ages of 6 and 16. Elementary school (enseignement élémentaire) begins at age 6 and lasts for 5 years. It is divded into two cycles: the basic learning cycle (two years) and the consolidation cycle (three years). Elementary education focuses on French, mathematics, reading and writing, social sciences, science and the introduction of a first foreign language.
Secondary Education
Following elementary school, students enroll in secondary school. Secondary education is divided into two levels: lower secondary (enseignement secondaire du premier cycle) and upper secondary (enseignement secondaire du deuxième cycle).
Lower Secondary Education
Lower secondary education is taught at middle schools (collèges) and is open to all students who have completed elementary school. The program is four years in length and consists of four grades numbered in descending order. Studies begin in year six (sixième) and end in year three (troisième).
The curriculum focuses on French, foreign language, mathematics, history and geography, life and earth science, physics and chemistry, art, technology, music and physical education. At the end of lower secondary school, students take a national examination in one of three streams: academic, technological or vocational. Those who pass the examination earn the Diplôme National du Brevet (DNB). Those who fail the examination earn a school-leaving certificate called le Certificat de Formation Générale (CFG).
Upper Secondary Education
Upper secondary school is three years in length and is comprised of years 10, 11 and 12 (called seconde, première and terminale). Upper secondary education takes place at high schools (lycées). Access is granted to students who have the DNB and to a very limited number of students with the CFG. At the end of the first year (seconde), students choose a stream of study that will be followed for the final two years of upper secondary study leading to the baccalauréat examinations. The general academic stream culminates in the diplôme du baccalauréat général. The technology-based stream earns students the diplôme du baccalauréat technologique and the vocational stream leads to the baccalauréat professionnel. All three types of baccalauréat grant students access to university studies. Students who fail the baccalauréat examination are issued the certificat de fin d’études secondaires.
Students who are enrolled in vocational programs may also earn the Certificat d’Aptitude Professionnelle (CAP) and the Brevet d’Etudes Professionnelles (BEP), both of which are terminal degrees intended to give the students access to jobs in their chosen industry. The baccalauréat examinations are offered in June and September every year.
The Baccalauréat Program
The academic stream is offered in three concentrations: literary (L), economic and social sciences (ES), and scientific (S). Students follow a curriculum of math, science (life and earth sciences or engineering sciences), physics and chemistry, philosophy, languages, civics, social science and physical education during their final year of study. Students in the literary stream focus their coursework on languages, history and geography, the arts and literature. Students in the science stream focus their coursework on science and mathematics, while students in the economic and social science stream focus on economics and social sciences, history and geography, mathematics and languages.
The technology stream has concentrations available in industrial science and technology, laboratory sciences, health sciences, hotel and tourism, management, music and dance, and environmental science. The vocational stream has concentrations in many different specialties, including sales, accounting, automotive mechanics and graphic design. It prepares students to enter the job market, but also provides access to higher education.
Higher Education
Admission
Admission to higher education is based on the baccalauréat examination. Some selective higher education programs, offered at the grandes écoles, require students to take a competitive examination (concours) for entrance into the program. In order to take this examination, students generally complete two years of preparatory study (classes préparatoires) at specialized high schools (lycées).
Institutions and Degrees
Brevet de Technicien Supérieur (BTS) (Higher Technician’s Certificate)
The BTS is a two-year technical degree awarded by the Ministry of Education. Admission to the BTS is competitive. The BTS is earned after the completion of two years (120 ECTS credits) of preparatory study in a lycée and the passing of a national examination. Those who have earned a BTS can proceed into the workforce, or use it for access to further study in bachelor’s programs in engineering or business.
Institut Universitaires de Technologie (IUT) (University Institutes of Technology)
The two-year programs are offered at IUT, which are independent institutions affiliated with universities. These programs culminate in the diplôme universitaire de technologie (DUT). Admission to IUT is competitive. This degree is designed to prepare students for employment in their field of study, but also gives access to university degree programs.
Universities
There are 83 public universities in France, and 80% of the tertiary student population attends these institutions, as they are very accessible, affordable and offer many programs of study. The L-M-D structure instituted under the Bologna Process reforms created a three-tiered system of education at the universities: the bachelor’s degree (licence), the master’s degree (master) and the doctorate (doctorat).
Admission to diplôme de licence programs is based on the baccalauréat, the national school leaving certificate. The licence degree is issued after three years of study and 180 ECTS credits. There is also a professional version of this degree called the diplôme de licence professionnel for students who hold the BTS or the DUT (see above). The program is one year in duration and requires the completion of 60 ECTS credits.
Following the licence, students may continue studies at the graduate level. After two years of study and completion of 120 ECTS credits, they earn the grade de master. The master allows students access to the third cycle of education. The third cycle of education leads to the doctorat. It requires a minimum of three years of study and the completion and defense of a thesis.
Studies in Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry
The professional programs in medicine, dentistry and pharmacy all begin with a common year of health-related study (première année commune aux etudes de santé). After the first year, students must sit for a competitive examination. This limits the number of students eligible for further medical, pharmaceutical and dental study.
General Medicine
Medical study is offered at universities and is grouped into three cycles. The first medical cycle (premier cycle en médicine) requires two years of study, one of which is the common year (see above).The second cycle (deuxième cycle en médecine) requires four years of study. The third cycle of medical study varies in length depending on the program chosen.
Students that follow the general program complete a three-year residency (résidanat) and defend a thesis to earn le Diplôme d’État de Docteur en Médecine (State Diploma of Doctor of Medicine). This allows the holder to practice general medicine.
Medical Specialists
For students following a specialist program, the third cycle requires a four or five year internship (internat). After completion of the program and defense of the thesis, students earn the Diplôme d’État de Docteur en Médecine and le Diplôme d’Etudes Spécialisées (Diploma of Specialized Studies) is awarded after completion of the internship. This allows the holder to practice as a medical specialist.
Pharmacy
Following the first year of general health study, students complete an additional five years of study to earn the Diplôme d’État de Docteur en Pharmacie (State Diploma of Doctor of Pharmacy). This allows the holder to practice as a pharmacist.
Dentistry
Following the first year of general health study, students complete a program of an additional five to seven years of study. This earns them the Diplôme d’État de Docteur en Chirurgie-Dentaire (State Diploma of Doctor of Dentistry). This allows the holder to practice as a dentist.
Les Grandes Écoles
In addition to universities, France is home to over 200 grandes écoles. These schools are specialized institutions, and about 30 of them are considered to be very prestigious. They offer programs in areas such as engineering, education, architecture and business administration. Admission to the grandes écoles requires the completion of two years of preparatory study and passing a competitive examination (concours). This is followed by a three-year program of study. Some schools admit students directly after the baccalaureate examination and offer a five-year program leading to a diploma in engineering.
Engineering
Engineering study can be completed at universities and engineering grandes écoles and culminates in the diplôme d’ingénieur (Diploma of Engineer). Entry into these programs is very competitive. Admission is usually achieved through completion of preparatory study, the DUT or the BTS and with a competitive entrance examination. The engineering program lasts three years.
Mastère Spécialisé and Mastère en Sciences
These are post-graduate diplomas offered at grandes écoles following a one-year program comprised of coursework, research and a thesis.
Accreditation
Public higher education institutions operate under the authority of the State and therefore all national and university-issued diplomas are recognized. Private institutions need to apply to receive academic recognition from the Ministry of Education. Institutions can receive two levels of official recognition.
Institutional Recognition (Reconnaissance d’un établissement)
- The Ministry of Education can grant academic recognition by decree. Recognized private institutions receive state funding and students are able to apply for public grants.
- Diplomas issued by institutions with this status bear the title “établissement d’enseignement supérieur privé reconnu par l’état” (private higher education institution recognized by the State).
Degrees Validated by the State (Visé par l’État)
- Once an institution has been recognized for a minimum of five years, it may apply for its degrees to be validated by the State.
- In order for this to occur, the institution must submit to continuous reviews of its program, including the curriculum and graduation requirements, the quality of instruction, and the level of job integration after degree conferral.
- When the degree has been given the title visé par l’État, it signifies a standardized level of quality for the program. This status is awarded in a ministerial decree and lasts for a maximum of six years, at which point the program would have to be reevaluated to ensure quality.
Grading Scales
Baccalaureate Grading Scale
Bachelor’s Degree Grading Scale
Grandes Écoles/Graduate Grading Scale
Top 5 French foods – with recipes
French food is known around the world for its finesse and flavor, but how can you recreate these tastes at home? Bring that certain je ne sais quoi to your home with these top 5 French foods - with recipes
French food relies on simple combinations of rich, natural flavors that come together to create unforgettable, internationally-renowned dishes. In fact, French cuisine is so highly regarded around the world that in 2010 UNESCO added it to its list of intangible cultural heritage.
For many people, their introduction to French food comes in the shape of wine and cheese. From brie and Burgundy to camembert and Chardonnay, there are plenty of delicious pairings to choose from. But there’s a whole world of French cuisine beyond the cheeseboard.
To help you bring the wonder of French cuisine into your kitchen, here’s our list of the top 5 French foods you simply must try at home – with recipes. Bon Appetit!
1. Soupe à l’oignon
This is a traditional French soup made of onions and beef stock, usually served with croutons and melted cheese on top. Dating back to Roman times, this was traditionally a peasant dish although the current version dates from the 18th century. The soup’s unique flavor comes from the caramelization of the onions, which often have brandy or sherry added during the slow-cooking process. If you’re in a soup mood, why not try Marseille’s traditional soupe de poisson à la rouille. Once a fisherman’s favorite, this soup is characterized by a dollop of garlic and saffron mayonnaise placed on top.
Check out the recipe here:
2. Coq au vin
This quintessential French food was popularized by Julia Child, becoming one of her signature dishes. The dish sees chicken braised with wine, mushrooms, salty pork or bacon (lardons), mushrooms, onions, garlic and sometimes even a drop of brandy. Although the name translates as ‘rooster in wine’ – the braising is ideal for tougher birds – the recipe usually uses chicken or capon. The wine is typically Burgundy, although regional variations of the dish exist across France that use local wines. These include coq au vin jaune (Jura), coq au Riesling (Alsace), and coq au pourpre (Beaujolais nouveau). Believe it or not, there’s even a coq au Champagne (Champagne).
Check out the recipe here:
3. Cassoulet
Cassoulet is a comfort dish of white beans stewed slowly with meat. The dish typically uses pork or duck but can include sausages, goose, mutton or whatever else the chef has lying around. This peasant dish originates from southern France and is popular in Toulouse, Carcassonne, and Castelnaudary. The name of the dish comes from the pot (cassole) that it’s traditionally baked in. This pot is a staple in many French homes, highlighting the popularity of this rich, hearty meal that’s perfect for those colder months.
Check out the recipe here:
4. Boeuf bourguignon
Dishes don’t get much more typically French than boeuf bourguignon. The dish hails from the same region as coq au vin – that’s Burgundy in eastern France – and there are similarities between the two dishes. Boeuf bourguignon is essentially a stew made from beef braised in red wine, beef broth, and seasoned vegetables including pearl onions and mushrooms. Originally a peasant dish, this recipe is now a staple in French restaurants around the world. Traditionally, the cheap cuts of meat would be tenderized in wine for two days to intensify the flavors, although some shortcuts can be taken. Every August in Burgundy, the Fête du Charolais celebrates the dish, along with plenty of music and wine.
Check out the recipe here:
5. Chocolate soufflé
The word soufflé comes from the French verb ‘to blow’ and, and the name suggests, this is a light, airy dessert. The dish dates back to the early 18th century and nowadays is a staple on dessert menus around the world. The crispy chocolatey crust is perfect for letting the creamy chocolate ooze out for a rich surprise. However, it doesn’t have to be sweet. In fact, cheese soufflés are just as delicious if you’re looking for something a little saltier.
Check out the recipe here:
