Culture

Culture plays an important role in the development of all countries. The culture of France and of the French people has been shaped by geography, by profound historical events, and by foreign and internal forces and groups. France, and in particular Paris, has played an important role as a center of high culture since the 17th century, first in Europe, and from the 19th century on, worldwide. From the late 19th century, France has also played an important role in cinema, fashion, cuisine, literature, technology, science and mathematics. The importance of French culture has waxed and waned over the centuries, depending on its economic, political and military importance. French culture today is marked both by great regional and socioeconomic differences and strong unifying tendencies. 

Since the middle ages, France has stood as a cultural European Centre. The increase of their wealth, through the grant to the art made by the monarchy for several centuries, was the most important factor that attracted to Paris to the greatest European talents. 

A significant increase in wealth was also, which allowed in the past the growth of a very wealthy class economically began to practice the art of elegance both in the clothing as in a refined social behavior. In addition. It could be reflected in the design and architecture through the development of styles that still remain.

The action of characters such as Jean-Baptiste Chardin and Napoleon naming Jacques Louis David, leader of the revolution of 1789, as official painter of the State, coupled with the great literary production represented with important names such as Voltaire and Rousseau, gave him a special glow to the culture of France.

From 1950 to 1960 there was an important innovation in French cinema with new directors such as Jean-Luc Godard and Louis Malle,

The evolution of a culture that extends from art in all its expressions to new forms of entertainment such as football and cycling represented by the famous Tour de France that captures the attention of the entire French population.