1. Popular sports in France include football, judo, tennis and basketball. The national football and rugby teams are nicknamed "Les Bleus" after their team colors. Tony Parker is an NBA basketball player from France. Karim Benzema is another famous athlete from France (football).
2. During the 17th century, France was home to several famous composers including Marc-Antoine Charpentier, François Couperin, Michel-Richard Delalande, Jean-Baptiste Lully and Marin Marais. During the '90s, '00s and now, Daft Punk, Justice and Air are popular artist illustrating their own style of modern electronic music.
3. France is home to many different kinds of foods. The crème brûlée is one of the most famous desserts native to France. France is also well known for its many varieties of cheeses. Typical meals are very similar to American meals in terms of what is served (burgers, sandwiches, fries, pizza, steak). Alcohol is much more common in France, and when asking for a water from a restaurant, you will be served sparkling water.
4. Roman Catholicism is the most predominant religion in France. The French Revolution created a large change in the church with its de-Christianization campaign. The French government no longer keeps statistics on religious beliefs among the people of France.
5. National holidays in France include... New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, May Day/Labour Day, Victory in Europe Day, Ascension Day, Whit Monday, Bastille Day, Assumption of Mary to Heaven, All Saints' Day, Veterans Day, Armistice Day, Remembrance Day, Christmas Day and St. Stephen's Day. A lot of these holidays are also celebrated in America. Many of these holidays are associated with catholicism.
6. Movies are a huge part of the culture of France. France is home to the famous Cannes Film Festival. Recent popular films include Of Gods of Men, The Artist and most recently Intouchables. Famous people of the business include actress Juliette Binoche (winner of the Best Actress Award), director Mathiew Amalric (winner of the Best Director Award) and actor Jean Dujardin (winner of the Best Actor Award).
7. Popular News Sources:
France 24 (http://www.france24.com/en/)
The Local (http://www.thelocal.fr)
8. Forums for Expatriates
Allo' Expat France (http://www.alloexpat.com/moving_to_france_forum/)
British Expat (http://britishexpat.com/expatforum/france/index.php)
9. The French Republic is a semi-presidential republic. The republic has been traditionally very democratic. The government is very similar to America. The current president of the French Republic is François Hollande (elected in 2012).
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