Symbols of Paris

Today we'll talk about the symbols of Paris. We'll talk about (two by two) Arc de triomphe , Blason de Paris (arms of Paris), Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, Flat of Paris, motto of Paris "Fluctuat nec mergitur", Sainte Geneviève, patron saint fo the city of Paris, Roofs of Paris, Fountains  of Wallace,  Moulin Rouge,  the Seine and finally, the Eiffel Tower, . A story about each of these Parisian symbols for you to discover or rediscover this city full of mysteries.

Arc de Triomphe

Arc de Triomphe de l'Etoile (The Arch of Triumph of the star) often simply called Arc de Triomphe (the Arc de Triumph), built in 1806-1836 by order of Napoleon is located in Paris's 8th arrondissement, on the "Place de l'Étoile", at the western end Champs-Elysées Avenue."Place de l'Etoile" forms a huge roundabout with twelve avenues breakthroughs in the 19th century under the leadership of Baron Haussmann, prefect of the department of Seine. These avenues "radiate" star around the place, including the  Kleber Avenue, "Avenue de la Grande Armee", "Avenue de Wagram", and the best known, "the Avenue des Champs-Elysées". Pavers of different colors draw on the floor instead of two stars whose peaks reach for one in the middle of avenues, the other between avenues.

Anecdote: Arc de Triomphe are engraved the names of the most famous generals of wars of the Revolution and of the Empire . Yet, General Hugo, Victor Hugo 's father, has been forgotten! While Turreau, the butcher of the Vendee figured. Funny story, right?

The arms of Paris

The arms of Paris, in its current form, the date 1358, when King Charles V gave the arms sowed by "fleurs de lys".Its blazon is: « De gueules  à la nef équipée et habillée d'argent voguant sur des ondes du même mouvant de la pointe, au chef d'azursemé  de fleurs de lys d'or »The ship shown is the symbol of the powerful corporation Merchants water (the Nautes), very important in the city during antiquity. The motto of the city, "Fluctuat nec mergitur" ("It floats but does not sink"), is also a reference to this boat.In its full representation, it also includes decorations that the city was authorized to include in his arms,  "La Légion d'Honneur "(the Legion of Honour ), the Cross of War 1914-1918  and the Cross of Liberation. It is surmounted by a gold mural crown with five towers, and right sidebar of an oak branch and a laurel left. The motto is typically listed below.

Anecdotes: Albert Uderzo was inspired in 1993 to draw the arms of the Tartar-Gaudran, a small town on the border of Ile-de-France.

The coat of arms was also used for the logo of the 1924 Summer Olympics which were held in Paris.

Because of the services rendered by pigeons during the siege of Paris in 1870, Edgar Quinet suggested that a pigeon is symbolized in the arms of Paris at the top of the mast of the ship.

Here are the first two symbols of Paris! Following soon!

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French stereotypes

What do you think about the sentence "The Frenchman with a beret and a baguette under his arm" ?... it's a cliche (stereotype)! Talk about stereotypes and prejudices about French people today! Separate fact and fiction! 

Common stereotypes on the  French people: 

The French (s): 

• Love culture, especially their heritage (watch out those who criticizes one of their monument!) 
• Work a little and are lazy, as they have many holidays, RTT ... 
• Moan a lot. 
• Are womanizers. 
• Are arrogant / selfish / pretentious. 
• Do not know / do not want to speak English, and  like only the French language. 
• Are cold and not friendly with foreigners. 
• Are cheapskate. 
• Eat well and balanced 

All these stereotypes are from more or less known, and often come from common stories among our nations (conflicts between England and France for example ...). The stereotype of the French would dirty 17th century where hygiene was more precarious, and where people covered tricks (perfume, makeup, wigs), to hide the dirt. Note also that many stereotypes relate to Paris, because it is a major tourist city. It should be noted that, although a majority of these stereotypes are outdated or completely wrong, some of them are true, and the best way to realize is to see in circumstances!

Please watch this video:

For more information about clichés, you can go to: http://www.cedric-villain.info/cliche/index_cliche_en.html

To go further: 

What are two foods that characterize the French cuisine?
What are the characters  that represent France? 
What is the most famous French monument?
What other prejudices do you know about French people?
What is the most popular sport in France? 
Please  reply by comment if you want!


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Speaking English

Hello everyone

I hope you're right! 

I finally decided to write only in English, it's easier for me and for you . I can write more information too. However, this blog is for everyone, whether French, English or another speaking !! 

My English is not perfect so I apologize in advance for the atrocities of languages ​​that I could use. 

So enjoy your visit!