France [antikvár]

INTRODUCTION Before its conquest by Caesar from 57-51 B.C. France, then known as Gaul, was occupied by a number of independent, mainly Celtic tribes. During five centuries of Roman rule, the people came to accept both their culture and the Latin language. When the Roman Empire eventually declined, France was invaded by a number of tribes. It was not until the 8th century that this country rose again, under the leadership of Charlmagne, who made it the centre of a great empire. Due to the incompetence of his successors, however, France was again invaded, and several hundred years of wars and misgovernment culminated in the French Revolution. Beginning in 1789, ten years of civil war resulted in the abolition of feudalism and absolute monarchy. King Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette were found guilty of treason, executed by the guillotine and France was declared a Republic. The northern area of the country contains the old province of Normandy, which is known as the 'dairy farm of France'. Its world-famous products give rise to important occupations for the inhabitants-the lush green meadows nurture the cows that produce the milk for the famous Camembert cheese, there is an abundance of flourishing apple orchards for cider-making and the fiery liqueur, Calvados, is distilled here. Of the towns and cities of Normandy, Rouen is renowned for its fine cathedral with its Tour de Beurre, so called because it was paid for by the sale of indulgences which allowed butter to be eaten during Lent. Another notable tact about the city is that it was in the market place of Rouen that the French heroine, Joan of Arc, was burned to death in the 15th century. The remarkable Bayeux tapestry, in the medieval town of the same name, is a 23 ft linen sample which was made in about 1080 and records the invasion of England by William the Conquerer in 1066. South-west of Normandy is the popular holiday area of Brittany, a province with a great maritime tradition. The extensive, rugged coastline has given rise to a famous fishing industry. To the numerous fishing villages of this region boats return with their catches of sardine, mackerel, oysters and lobsters. Northern France is dominated by the unforgettable city of Paris, beautifully situated on the River Seine. In a commanding position over this great metropolis stands the Basilica of Sacre Coeur with its gleaming white domes and minarets - just one of the magnificent buildings of Paris. Others include the ornate Opera, the Louvre, one of the world's finest art galleries, the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral and the imposing Eiffel Tower. The area around Paris, as well as being very picturesque, has excellent fertile soil which makes farming a major occupation. Vegetables from the market gardens, mushrooms from the forest floors and fish from the streams and rivers provide many of the ingredients for the fine cuisine of Parisian restaurants. The town of Fontainebleau, a few miles south of the capital, lies in one of the most beautiful forests of France. It is renowned for the royal palace, founded in the 10th century, and it was here that Napoleon signed his abdication in 1814. East of Paris and one of the flattest areas ot France is the province ot Champagne, which gives its name to the finest sparkling wine in the world. The amount ot skill and labour needed for the creation of a great champagne inevitably results in a high price for the finished product. Juice from the special grapes is stored in large casks called toudres until it is ready for bottling. Unlike many wines, fermentation takes place after the champagne has been bottled, which accounts for the effervescence. Aiiother famous wine-growing region is Alsace-Lorraine, which has a rich soil and grows not only the vines, but also hops tor beer-making. This is one ot the most picturesque areas ot France. Facing Alsace-Lorraine across the River Rhine is Germany, whose influence on this region is apparent in the architecture, art and cuisine. Alsace is particularly noted tor its geese which are used in the magnificent pate de fois gras and the storks which build their nests ot mud and branches amongst the roof-tops of the houses. It was the austere Cistercian monks who, though not drinkers themselves, were responsible tor the development ot the great wines ot Burgundy. The wines Montrachet, Chablis, Macon and Beaujolais are now household names and are produced from the vineyards on the sunny slopes of the Cote d'Or. Gastronomically, too, this is an excellent region: boeut a la Bourguinonne, escargots and tangy Dijon mustard are just some of the delights to be savoured. In Provence, too, the excellent French cuisine can be sampled, with its own speciality of olive oil, garlic and herbs used as an integral part of the cooking. It is, however, tor the Cote d'Azur or Riviera and its fashionable resorts of Nice, Cannes and St Tropez that many people know this region. The long, sandy beaches, calm, blue Mediterranean waters and wonderful climate have proved irresistible to the French and foreigners alike. In contrast is the Camargue, the wild and eerie land of salt marshes around the delta ot the River Rhone. Here untamed horses run tree and savage bulls are raised tor the Roman arena in the nearby ancient market town ot Aries. One of the most interesting parts ot France is the south-west. Centred around the busy city of Bordeaux are the vineyards that produce the high-class wines, St Emilion and Sairtemes, and the world-acclaimed brandies, Cognac and Armagnac. This area offers a variety of breathtaking scenery with the silvery beaches and sand dunes of Les Landes contrasted with the miles ot fragrant pine forests, and the valley of Dordogne which is renowned for its magnificent caves with prehistoric wall paintings.