Everything you need to know about France: news, reviews, in-depth analysis, opinion and more
France: European Powerhouse and World Tourist Haven
The early inhabitants of France were the Celts, who had migrated from the Rhine valley to this country. The French Revolution of 1789 marked a revolutionary bloodbath for the country, ending with the introduction of First Republic and the authoritarian regime under Napoleon Bonaparte. France is a major political power of Europe, which had colonized much of North America during 17 th and 18 th centuries and also a major part of Africa, which is yet to be fully decolonised. France is the world's 6 th largest economy and second in Europe. France is also the world's tourist hotspot with many scenic places to visit such as the Cannes, Lyon, Bordeaux, Brittany and of course the Eiffel Tower in Pars.
France fast-facts:
France Geography, Climate and Economy:
The Terrain of France largely consists of mountainous ranges such as Alps, Pyrenees and Vosges. The Alps has the highest mountain peak of Europe named Mount Blanc. The area of Mediterranean coast includes French Riviera, which is the most popular tourist site. The Climate of the Alps mostly remains alpine with the temperature ranging below the freezing point.The climate of France is largely temperate owing to its position between equator and the North Pole. The area in Mediterranean coast has moderate climate, as the summers are relatively hot and dry while the winters are mild. The range in temperature varies according to different regions as the French Guiana area has tropical climate while Guadeloupe and Martinique receive heavy rainfall and the area is susceptible to hurricanes once every eight years on an average.
The economy of France is booming and is one of the strongest in Europe. The Northwestern part and the mountain areas of France are the livestock regions. Some of the major crops are corn, barley, potatoes, wheat and sugar beets. Besides this, the best-known vineyards in France are in Burgundy, Bordeaux and the Rhone and Loire valleys. No wonder France is also called the Vineyard of the world with its exotic range of Wines and Champagnes. Paris, the beautiful French capital is famous for its luxury goods.
Culture and Cuisine of France:
France is a multicultural country consisting of different ethnicities like Celts, Germans, Romans, Russians, Africans and Asians. Art is intrinsically woven into the culture of France. Some of the popular French artists are Monet and Renoir. Besides this, French literature has a long and prominent history. The majority of people in the country are Catholics followed by Islamists forming second major religion.
The French are famous for their huge cheese appetites. Some of the most popular dishes are savory crepes, escargot served in garlic butter. Some other dishes include Kiev, Marco Polo, Nicoise, Normandy and many others. French wine is the most sought after among the European nations. Moreover, the French hardly eat their food without wine. And there are a wide variety of wines available in this country.
Tourist Attractions in France:
Paris, the major cultural center and the capital city of France offers a plethora of Tourist sites to be visited. It comprises the world famous Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral and Disneyland Paris. The Tour de France is an annual cycling event that covers nearly the whole of France. Besides there are splendid Chateaus and Villas where the affluent tourist can spend their french vacations
Some other French Tourist Sites include :
• Georges Pompidou centre
• Château de Versailles
• Orsay museum
• Parc Astérix
• Arc de Triomphe
• Sainte Chapelle
• La Palmyre zoo
• Musée Grévin waxworks
• Mont Saint-Michel
Everyone's responsibility is defined and we have to stand up to it: Vandana Kataria
As the Fintro Hockey World League Semi-Final 2015 is set to commence in a few days, India Men Hockey Team is gearing-up for the tournament at Antwerp in Belgium.
India Men Hockey team beat France in their first practice match by 1-0, which was played in Belgium on 13 June 2015.
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A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed in the presence of Prime Ministers of India and France during the visit Shri Narendra Modi to France, for establishing an Institute for frontier Marine Science & Technology Research in the five years.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, on Saturday made a strong pitch for India's permanent membership at the United Nations Security Council, and expressed confidence that the world would soon recognize and accept India's capabilities.
Google Doodle is celebrating the 126th anniversary of the public opening of the Eiffel Tower. It was opened for public on 31 March 1889.
PM Modi twitted about his tours to the France, Germany and Canada from 10th April 2015 to 16th April, 2015.
Paris, May 3 (IANS) French President Nicolas Sarkozy and Socialist challenger Francois Hollande went through a fierce verbal battle in a prime-time televised debate that lasted for almost three hours Wednesday night.
Tripoli, May 3 (ANI): Libya's ruling National Transitional Council (NTC) has said that a letter claiming slain dictator Muammar Gaddafi's regime agreed to fund French President Nicolas Sarkozy's 2007 election campaign is 'fake'.
Tripoli, May 3 (ANI): Libya's ruling National Transitional Council (NTC) has said that a letter claiming slain dictator Muammar Gaddafi's regime agreed to fund French President Nicolas Sarkozy's 2007 election campaign is 'fake'.
Bogota, May 2 (IANS/EFE) Colombia's FARC guerrillas admitted Tuesday that they are holding French journalist Romeo Langlois, who disappeared three days ago in the middle of a firefight between security forces and the guerrillas in the southern province of Caqueta.
Paris, May 1 (IANS) Thousands of people marched through the main cities of France Tuesday to express their opposition to the government's austerity plan.
Paris, May 1 (ANI): French President Nicolas Sarkozy has reportedly said that he would sue a website that claimed slain Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi offered to help fund his 2007 election campaign.
Tehran, April 30 (IANS) The veto-wielding powers of the UN Security Council should work for the removal of sanctions against Iran, an Iranian lawmaker said Monday.
London, April 30 (IANS) Being nice to your boss always pays, including better prospects and promotions, even if your are neither too bright nor suitable for the job, according to an international business survey.
London, Apr 30 (ANI): Simon Cowell has been linked with the French beauty alleged to have bedded John Terry.
London, Apr 30 (ANI): Our galaxy may be teeming with billions of habitable planets, which could have huge consequences on the search for extra-terrestrial life, according to a recent survey.
Tehran, April 30 (IANS) Iranian Foreign Minister Ali-Akbar Salehi is hopeful that the next round of nuclear talks between the country and the world powers would be fruitful, ISNA news agency reported.
Bogota, Apr 28 (Xinhua-ANI): A French journalist went missing in Colombia on Saturday after an attack launched by leftist rebels on an army column killed four people, military officials said.
Mumbai, April 29 (IANS) Afflicted by misgovernance and corruption, India's global clout has waned over the past year but could swing back if the economy regains its growth trajectory, says a geopolitical power index (GPI) report by an independent Mumbai-based think tank.
Chennai, April 29 (IANS) India will ferry two foreign satellites - French and Japanese - on board its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C21) rocket in August this year for a price, said a senior official.
Phnom Penh, April 29 (IANS) Over a thousand young Cambodians performed "the Madison", a popular dance carried out during weddings and the Cambodian New Year, in a bid to create a world record, said an organiser.
Tehran, April 28 (IANS) Iran's permanent representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has said Tehran and the UN nuclear watchdog have agreed to hold a new round of talks on the nuclear issue May 13-14, the IRNA news agency reported.
Kiev, Apr 28 (ANI): The series of coordinated terrorist attacks which led to four bombs being detonated in Ukraine has raised fears that the Euro 2012 football tournament scheduled to take place in June might be targeted.
Berlin, April 28 (IANS) The German Football Federation (DFB) will not bid for the 2020 European Championships, ruling out the speculation of a bid.
New Delhi, April 28 (IANS) Demolished buildings, piles of bricks, an odd tree and colonial style homes arranged in artistic shapes are the symbols of new age 'land art' for a handful of contemporary artists from the West who have made India their muse.
Los Angeles, April 27 (IANS) Actress Halle Berry is upset with the paparazzi for hounding her and her daughter Nahla.
London, April 26 (ANI): A new research has revealed that tobacco companies are designing cigarette packs to resemble bottles of perfume or with lids that flip open like a lighter to lure young people into smoking.
London, April 26 (IANS) Singer Elton John and his partner David Furnish are keen to have another child.
London, April 26 (ANI): A good relationship with your boss will help you if you're aiming to climb the company ladder.
London, April 26 (ANI): A good relationship with your boss will help you if you're aiming to climb the company ladder.
Yangon, April 26 (IANS) Revenue from Myanmar's natural gas exports rose by $640 million to $3.5 billion in the fiscal year 2011-12.
London, Apr 25 (ANI): A French swimmer, who has no arms or legs, has announced his plans to swim around the world.
London, April 25 (IANS) A mosquito from Asia that spreads tropical diseases, including dengue fever, may soon hit the shores of Britain because of climate change, experts have said.
London, April 25 (ANI): Amnesty International has released a report on discrimination against Muslims in Europe, which has highlighted cases of prejudice in education and employment sectors against the community.
Washington, April 25 (IANS) Around 13 percent of the world's adults -- or over 640 million people -- would like to emigrate with roughly 150 million, including ten million Indians wishing to settle in America.
Abu Dhabi, April 24 (IANS/WAM) Seven UAE engineering students will receive training on aeronautics in France, it was announce here Tuesday.
London, April 24 (ANI): Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have not yet confirmed a date for their wedding, but the couple looks set to start their days as husband and wife on their own doorstep as building work on their French mansion nears completion.
Paris, April 24 (IANS) Marine Le Pen, who stood third in the first round of the presidential polls in France, is spoilt for choice as she gets to decide who will live in the Palais de l'elysee, the French president's official residence.
New York, April 24 (IANS) US stocks slid Monday as concerns over European situations once again plagued the market.
Paris, April 23 (IANS) Incumbent President Nicolas Sarkozy, who stood second in the first round of France's presidential poll, faces a tough challenge from socialist Francois Hollande as the country votes May 6 in the second round of ballotting.
London, Apr 23 (ANI): A 21-year-old girl, who has become an internet sensation in her home country of Russia, claims on her blog to be the most famed woman on the Russian-language internet.
Mumbai, April 23 (IANS) India's wind turbine manufacturing major Suzlon Energy Monday said its group subsidiary REpower Systems has bagged cumulative orders worth $387 million across Europe over a two-month period, excluding orders announced separately.
Damascus, Apr 23 (ANI): Syrian opposition group's efforts to topple President Bashar-al Assad's regime are being undermined by defections, split factions and deep ideological divisions, leaked emails have revealed.
Paris, April 23 (IANS) President Nicolas Sarkozy has challenged socialist Francois Hollande, who won the first round of France's presidential poll, to hold three public debates with him before the second round of the vote.
Paris, April 23 (IANS) Socialist Francois Hollande has won the first round of France's presidential poll, setting up a run-off with incumbent Nicolas Sarkozy who came second.
Paris, April 23 (IANS) French Socialist Francois Hollande won most votes in the first round of the country's presidential election Sunday, BBC reported.
Paris, April 22 (Xinhua-ANI): All candidates of France's presidential election had cast their votes by noon local time on Sunday in the first round of the election. Voting will continue until 8 p.m. local time.
Paris, Apr 22 (Xinhua-ANI): French presidential candidate Francois Hollande, representing the biggest opposition Socialist Party (PS), cast his vote for Sunday's first round of presidential election.
Paris, April 22 (IANS) Millions of French voted Sunday in the first round of presidential elections bogged down by a weak economy and high unemployment, issues that may spell trouble for incumbent Nicolas Sarkozy.
Paris, April 22 (IANS) Millions voted Sunday in the first round of presidential elections in France, a country bogged down by weak economy and high unemployment, issues that may spell trouble for incumbent Nicolas Sarkozy.
Paris, April 22 (IANS) The first round of the 2012 French presidential election kicked off Sunday with over 44 million registered voters eligible to cast their ballots for one of 10 candidates, including incumbent Nicolas Sarkozy.
Paris, April 22 (IANS) Here are key facts on France, where voting in the first round of the 2012 French presidential election took place Sunday.
Tehran, April 22 (Xinhua-ANI): Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al- Maliki arrived in Tehran on Sunday for an official two-day visit.
Paris, April 22 (IANS) The first round of the 2012 French presidential election kicked off in France Sunday.
Washington, Apr 22 (ANI): Researchers are keen on exploring Jupiter's icy moons, which may resemble some of the planets found orbiting stars beyond our solar system, to assess their suitability for life.
Paris, April 22 (Xinhua-ANI): The first round of the 2012 French presidential election officially kicked off in mainland France on Sunday morning.
New Delhi, Apr 20 (ANI): After the successful launch of its Agni-V missile, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Friday said India was now at par with the most of the developed nations of the world in the domain of missile and defence technology.
Colombo, April 20 (Xinhua-ANI): Six Sri Lankan fishermen held by Somali pirates for ransom for more than eight months have been rescued by a Spanish battleship, an official said on Friday.
Washington, Apr 20 (ANI): Researchers have found a region on Saturn's moon Titan, which is similar to the Etosha Pan in Namibia, Africa.
Damascus, Apr 20 (ANI): With the UN warnings that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is not honouring terms of a ceasefire, Western leaders have threatened international intervention, including setting up "humanitarian corridors" across Syria.
Lyon, Apr 20 (ANI): Sir Tim Berners-Lee, the computer wizard who created the World Wide Web, has criticised the music industry for trying to stop the openness of the web.
Miami, April 20 (IANS/EFE) A Jewish family who this week recovered a 16th century painting stolen by the Nazis during World War II announced Thursday that they are putting the piece up for sale.
Paris, April 20 (IANS/RIA Novosti) France has no intention to supply arms to the Syrian opposition and is ready to discuss the UN and Arab League's peace plan, French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe has said.
New Delhi, April 19 (IANS) Before India entered into the elite club with the Thursday launch of Agni-V missile, only five countries - the US, Russia, China, France and Britain - had the capability to launch nuclear capable long range missiles.
Washington, Apr 19 (ANI): A Norwegian nutritionist has shed light on what works - and does not work - when parents seek to teach their offspring how to eat healthy.
Washington, Apr 19 (ANI): A Canadian man who has been accused of impersonating teen idol Justin Bieber and coaxing a young girl to perform sex acts online may have victims in up to five countries, authorities in Canada and the U.S. said on Wednesday.
New Delhi, Apr 19 (ANI): Hailing India's successful launch of 5,000 km range Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Agni-V, Vice President M. Hamid Ansari on Thursday said our scientists have done the nation proud with this splendid achievement.
Brussels, April 19 (IANS/RIA Novosti) NATO does not consider India as a missile threat despite the country's advanced missile development programme, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said.
Bangalore, April 18 (IANS) Leading outsourcing and technology services specialist for diplomatic missions, VFS Global, has expanded its operations in India's tech hub to process applications for Schengen visa to seven more European countries in addition to France and Switzerland.
Bangalore, Apr 18 (ANI): Stating that the launch of Agni-V will be a landmark achievement as far as the missile technology is concerned, former Air Chief, Fali Homi Major, on Wednesday this will give a huge edge to the country in as far as its nuclear capability is concerned.
Tehran, April 18 (Xinhua-ANI): Iranian Foreign Minister Ali-Akbar Salehi said Wednesday that he is hopeful about the results of next round of nuclear talks between Iran and five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany (P5+1), which is scheduled to on May 23 in Baghdad, the semi-official Mehr news agency reported.
London, Apr 18(ANI): Team Great Britain men's football manager Stuart Pearce has carved down a list of 80 players for the London Olympics, and former Manchester United star David Beckham is one of them.
Actress Halle Berry has revealed that she was not contemplating to get hitched again before she met Olivier Martinez. The actress said that she was shocked by her own decision to marry again.
The reputed Pulitzer award for the coveted public service given to the Philadelphia Inquired for its exploration
Los Angeles, April 17 (IANS) Actress Halle Berry says she had no plans to tie the knot again before she met Olivier Martinez and was shocked by her own decision to marry again.
London, April 16 (IANS) In a bid to help childless women become mothers, a 42-year-old Dutch man launched a free "baby making" service nine years ago. The man has sex with 15 women every month, and has fathered 82 children so far.
London, Apr 16 (ANI): Pippa Middleton, who was recently linked to her old university pal Earl Percy, was spotted revelling some male company in Paris this weekend.
London, April 16 (IANS) Pippa Middleton, the sister-in-law of Prince William and one of the most photographed women on earth, has been questioned by French police after one of her friends pulled out a pistol and pointed it at a photographer.
Paris, April 16 (ANI): Almost 64 percent of French have described voted Nicolas Sarkozy as the most unpopular president in the history of France, a poll has revealed.
Tehran, Apr 16 (ANI): Iran has agreed to the formation of concrete proposals by diplomats for resolving the crisis over its nuclear ambitions.
London, Apr 16 (ANI): Television gameshow hosts, who are usually considered as genial figures, are so powerful and influential that contestants are willing to do anything they are asked to do, including torturing each other to death, researchers say.
Abu Dhabi, April 15 (IANS) The UAE and France have launched a joint military exercise "Gulf 2012", it was announced Sunday.
Istanbul, April 15 (IANS) Talks between six world powers and Iran on its nuclear programme have been described as "constructive and useful" by European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton.
London, Apr 15 (ANI): Mike Tindall has said that his drunken romp with the blonde during Rugby World Cup "just wasn't some enormous crisis" to those he loves.
London, Apr 15 (ANI): Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's six kids could end up having Surrey twangs as they are set to move to England for two years.
London, Apr 15 (ANI): Newly engaged couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are set to marry at a private chapel on their 35-million-pound estate in the south of France this summer.
London, April 14 (IANS) Key talks involving six major countries and Iran on Tehran's controversial nuclear programme, which resumed Saturday in Istanbul after a 15-month impasse, were described as "positive", even as Iran refused a request from the US for a bilateral meeting.
London, April 14 (IANS) French model Baptiste Giabiconi says he has a huge crush on singer Katy Perry but claims they are not dating.
London, April 14 (IANS) Key talks involving six major countries and Iran on Tehran's controversial nuclear programme, which resumed Saturday after a 15-month impasse, have been described as "positive" by a European Union official.
London, April 14 (IANS) Key talks involving six major countries and Iran on Tehran's controversial nuclear programme, which resumed Friday after a 15-month impasse, have been described as "positive" by a European Union official.
Copenhagen, April 14 (IANS) Former World No.1 Caroline Wozniacki advanced to the semi-finals of the Copenhagen WTA tournament after beating Alice Cornet of France 6-0, 6-3 in the quarter-finals.
Washington, April 14 (ANI): Scientists have for the first time captured images of auroras above the giant ice planet Uranus, finding further evidence of just how peculiar a world that distant planet is.
Paris, Apr 14 (ANI): A French hotel, which is the alleged location of a sex ring coordinated by shamed former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn, bragged about its 'soundproof' rooms, it has emerged.
Moscow, April 14 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Russian warships will be continuously deployed for patrol duty off the Syrian coast in the Mediterranean, a defence ministry official said Friday.
Beijing, Apr 13(ANI): Former Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka, who was lured to the big-spending Chinese outfit in January, has now been handed over new management role after Shanghai Shenhua sacked their team's coaching staff following a dismal run.
London, Apr 13 (ANI): Hollywood A-list couple Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are building a huge eco-friendly theme park for their six-strong brood.
Washington, Apr 13 (ANI): Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, who worked together in 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith' in 2005, are considering another movie collaboration in Ridley Scott's new film.
Gurgaon, Apr 11 (ANI): Cricketer Yuvraj Singh on Wednesday said he was inspired by tour de France winner Lance Armstrong during his treatment for a rare germ cell cancer between his lungs.
Washington, Apr 10 (ANI): Fashion house Dior has reportedly appointed Raf Simons as its new creative director - more than a year after it fired John Galliano from the same position.
