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France

“Virtual” France! La France “virtuelle”!

Enjoy a mini exploration of French culture through virtual visits, photos, recipes and games. Perhaps you will be inspired to visit one day!

Population: 67 million (2018)

Capital: Paris (population: 2.2 million)

Name: République Française (French Republic)

Motto: “Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité” (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity)

Government: Democracy

President: Emmanuel Macron

Language: French

Religion: Majority Roman Catholic.

Currency: Euro. The French Franc was used until 2002.

Flag: blue, white, red (bleu, blanc, rouge). The French refer to the flag as “Tricolore” (“three colours”).

Anthem: the French anthem is called “La Marseilleise.” Click on the French flag to listen.

FRENCH FABLES

La Cigale et La Fourmi

Le Corbeau et Le Renard

VIRTUAL VISITS

Versailles: Virtual stroll through and discover artworks in the legendary Chateau de Versailles, home to the Kings of France from the 17th century until the French Revolution in 1789.

Chateau de Sully-Sur-Loire: Virtually visit one of the oldest chateaux on the Loire River, built in the 14th century.

Chateau de Chambord: Virtual visit of the largest Renaissance-period castle in the Loire Valley, built in the 16th century.

Louvre Museum: Discover works of art in the Louvre Museum through the eyes of three cartoon characters—Raphael, Mona and Nabi—as they invite children to learn more about famous paintings, sculptures and antique vases at the museum.

One Minute in a Museum: The Musée du Louvre

Montmartre: Explore the charming and historic district of Montmartre, in the 18th arrondissement of Paris:

Eiffel Tower: Explore the view from the top of France’s most famous landmark.

GAMES & COLORING

CRAFT

Edible Eiffel Tower

Materials:

1 box vanilla wafers
1 box vanilla frosting
Cupcake size French flag

Directions:

On a flat surface, layout wafers as seen on the photo. Note that the top wafer should be cut on the sides. The uppermost platform is composed of half-cut wafers, to represent the angle of the Eiffel Tower. It might be easiest to display the wafers, so you get a picture of the Tower. Once you have the shape you like, use the frosting as cement to assemble the wafers together. Place the cupcake flag at the very top. And “voilà!” your edible Eiffel Tower is ready! Enjoy! “Bonne dégustation!”

RECIPES

Enjoy these family-friendly recipes, with simple ingredients that should not require a (potentially dangerous!) grocery trip!

Croque Monsieur

A traditional ham and cheese sandwich with béchamel sauce adding an unexpected flavor twist.

Croque Monsieur Recipe | Ina Garten

Croque Madame

Essentially a croque monsieur with added egg on top of the sandwich for extra flavor. The egg is meant to resemble a ladies’ hat, hence the name “madame.”

Croque Madame Sandwich Recipe | Alex Guarnaschelli