Sarkozy embraces wife outside their Paris home as he leaves to start five-year prison sentenceCredit: AP

Brigitte Bardot, And God Created Woman trailerCredit: Kingsley-International Pictures

Lyon is France's second-largest urban area, situated at the confluence of the rivers Rhône and Saône. Recognized for its commercial and industrial prowess, this ancient Gallic city is known for its strategic location on the rivers. Home...

Paris exerts its influence in all domains of French life. From its early history two thousand years ago as a Gallic city called Lutetia, Paris evolved over the centuries as a capital city and a main cultural center of Europe. Today,...

French humor can be farcical, coarse, or extremely literate. Indeed, it can be situational, bitingly sarcastic, and heavy on the intellectual wit. The French tend to be self-deprecating—although, like most people, they'd rather not be...

The G20 is a powerful, informal group of nineteen countries and the European Union. It also includes a representative from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. The list evolved from an effort to include major developing...

The France of small boutiques and personalized service has been infiltrated by large shopping malls and department stores. The Champs-Élysées is a world-famous shopping destination. The small specialized shops are the most authentic of...

Relocating to France? You'll find many options for housing ranging from multistory apartments to quaint cottages. It probably comes as no surprise that rents are higher for smaller spaces in Paris. The French tend not to mix public and...

Proper business attire is good business in France. The dress code remains formal in most sectors—and there’s no such thing as casual Friday. In fashionable France, tasteful, quality clothing is a must. Review what's appropriate for women...

It’s probably no surprise that food is a valued part of French culture. Learn more about common French dining habits and preferences for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Review detailed appropriate dining practices and table etiquette so...

Since the Revolution of 1789, France has had five forms of republican government. The current republic, the Fifth Republic, began in 1958. Learn more about the evolution of the constitution and the impact on modern French society....

Did you know that France is a leading industrialized country with one of the world's largest economies? In fact, it's a main global exporter. Learn more about France’s key economic sectors and industries. Explore the country’s role and...

The French take great pride in the kitchen arts and spend an inordinate amount of time on preparing, discussing, and eating food. Curious about French cuisine? Learn how food in France has evolved over the centuries, influenced by...

The very emblem of liberty and the French Republic is a woman, Marianne. But don’t jump to conclusions as you come across her image featured on coins, printed on stamps, and perched in city halls. Women in France actually have a way to...

Since the French Revolution, the republic’s motto has been “Liberté, égalité, fraternité” (“Liberty, equality, brotherhood”), which certainly says something about French attitudes. In France, however, generalizations don't always apply....

The French believe strongly in the separation of church and state, and the constitution notes the secular foundation of the country’s principles. French secular attitudes permeate many aspects of daily life. In fact, in an effort to...

France’s per capita gross domestic product might be lower than that of the US by more than a third, but the state provides significant subsidies for education, health care, transportation, and childcare. French salaries are higher than...

Curious about France’s demographics? The country has a population of more than 60 million, with 15 percent concentrated in the Paris metropolitan area—although many city-dwellers still identify with and appreciate their rural roots. The...

The French love a good controversy! At times, it can seem that the whole country’s a debating team. In contemporary times, there has been the usual serving of political scandals and allegations, immigration issues, foreign cultural...

Negotiating in France is all about business. Verbal agreements are seldom binding in France. While written agreements are essential, developing trust is key to preserving long-term, fluid business relationships. Review nuances and tips...

Curious about appropriate meeting protocol? Learn more about scheduling and conducting effective meetings in France. Personal relationships matter a great deal in France, and utilizing contacts can provide more effective introductions to...

France's competitive business culture is evolving, becoming more pragmatic with a focus on economic expansion. Global technology and capital flows are nudging French industry to champion more efficient business processes and...

Germany is located in the heart of Europe and shares borders with nine countries. Explore the terrain, which varies ranging from the northern plains to the Danube Valley and the magnificent German Alps in the south. Germany’s extensive...

In France, what's left unsaid is often more eloquent than what is verbalized. Curious about how to read French body language and interpret gestures such as smiles or eye contact? Learn more about how the French subtly use body language...