Known for its deep history in the arts, culinary reputation and famous landmarks, France provides a vast array of different areas of life to explore. Within this country is not only the notorious Eiffel Tower, but also thousands of miles of coastlines, the French Alps, and the many villages found amongst the busy cities.
At the heart of a French homestay experience, one may find themselves enjoying lengthy meals. This is typical of French culture as meals are a time to bring people together while sharing a variety of courses, often including cheeses and wine, and conversation.
When greeting French people, it is a common practice to do something called “la bise”. A kiss on each cheek of the person you’re greeting is something you may see or experience when immersed in French culture (though be sure to only touch cheeks, there’s no actual kissing involved!)
The Friendship Force clubs in metropolitan France are The Friendship Force of Biarritz and The Friendship Force of Toulouse. Biarritz is famous for its vast beaches and is known as the surfing capital of Europe. Here, you can find afusion of French, Basque, and Spanish cultures.
Toulouse, located in the South East of France, is often called ‘La Ville Rose’ (The Pink City) because of pink bricks in much of the architecture. Widely known for the historical buildings in the Old Town, Toulouse also has a rich gastronomy. Cassoulet de Toulouse, a slow-cooked casserole, is just one example of the many dishes that can be eaten in this city.
The Friendship Force of Guadeloupe and The Friendship Force of New Caledonia are clubs located in French territories overseas, providing some unique cultural features that widely differ from typical French culture.
Guadeloupe, in the Eastern Caribbean, is known for its artisanal goods and creole-style cuisine. With influences from France, Africa, India and other Caribbean islands, Guadeloupe has a large blend of traditions. The region is known for its friendly hospitality towards visitors.
New Caledonia is located about 900 miles east of Australia and is surrounded by the world’s largest lagoon. The indigenous population, called the Kanak, have a culture that places a heavy importance on dance and music. These are both featured during various traditional festivals around the island.
Exploring France and its territories is much like enjoying a delightful multi-course meal there — each bite offers something new and delicious to savor. Whether you’re feasting on the stunning landscapes, tasting family life on a homestay, or simply getting lost in a labyrinth of charming villages, it offers the kind of cultural education that satisfies the hungriest of travelers. Bon appétit and bon voyage en France!