Many people around the world think that they know quite a lot about French life. This may be due to the abundance of caricatures of the French nation and also because France is the number one tourist destination in the world. This may seem a little odd when you think about some of the common complaints that French people are arrogant, rude and refuse to speak English which, of course, they can all do perfectly well . . .

Many people around the world think that they know quite a lot about French life. This may be due to the abundance of caricatures of the French nation and also because France is the number one tourist destination in the world. This may seem a little odd when you think about some of the common complaints that French people are arrogant, rude and refuse to speak English which, of course, they can all do perfectly well . . .

So, what is French life famous (or infamous) for?

We know that the French have a reputation for good cuisine. It's true that the great majority place an emphasis on the eating of quality food. Lunch is the most important meal of the day and if there's someone at home to prepare the meal, children and workers will return for lunch if it's practically possible. Otherwise children will eat three course meals at the school canteen and adults will go to a restaurant or works' canteen. You can often learn which restaurant offers the best "menu ouvrier" by counting the number of workmen's vans parked outside.

With less overweight and the associated health problems, the French are a good example of how to eat. To eat a full meal at lunchtime with several small courses is better for us. We then have the rest of the day to use the energy and a lighter evening meal allows us to avoid going to bed with a full stomach.

And then there's French bread. A treat for many British people, it's now widely available in the U.K. where it never quite seems to taste the same. The legislation on bread production in France prohibits preservative ingredients so that delicious baguette will quickly grow stale. This creates the need for one or two bakings every day, a readily available supply of animal food and a wonderful smell as you pass the boulangerie! There are also regional breads which make an interesting local experience.

We know that the French are famous for their cheese but our knowledge of that cheese is sometimes restricted to just one or two sorts. Some people say they hate French cheese because they don't like Camembert, not realising that this is just one out of over four hundred French cheeses with a huge variety of tastes, ingredients, maturing processes, textures, etc.

French wine is not only an important export item, but is also a normal part of French social and family life. Visiting the vineyard areas of France is very interesting and many producers offer tours and explanations about the growth and processing of grapes. They may also offer tastings and sales! Most French people have some degree of interest in wine and the exact bottles to be used at Christmas, New Year and at family celebrations can be the subject of long debate.

Having considered food and drink as very important aspects of French life, we can't forget their production. Although agriculture and fishing involve relatively small parts of the French workforce, they do have a larger political influence. Animosity is often expressed by British press and citizens towards French farmers (and air traffic controllers!).

The French eat and drink in a healthy and enjoyable way; but what else do they do for pleasure while putting up with all those strikes and demonstrations?

Cinema is a very well regarded art form so that school children are taken to films from an early age and there are frequent magazine and television discussions on the subject. New films are shown even in remote areas, often in a Salle de Ftes by the local film society. Similarly, libraries in villages may be run by volunteers. The availability of the arts is regarded as important and voluntary work is vital to keep these going.

French people also have reputations for being very well dressed and wonderful lovers!

Quite a contradictory set of icons for this nation! But one thing is sure, people from all over the world keep returning to visit and to benefit from many aspects of the French life. Could the complaints arise from envy?