With an image of consistent luxury, while maintaining quality, France is known worldwide for its role in the fashion industry. Many major players in the French fashion game have moved towards shorter production chains and overall more sustainable ways of production (Fashion in France). Luxury in France is not a new idea. In Emily Henderson's thesis, "It is Impossible to Overdo Luxury: French Variety of Capitalism and its Contribution to Luxury Market Presences," she examines France's role in capitalism and fashion. "Several scholars make the argument that luxury fashion actually started with the Sun King himself, Louis XIV" (Henderson 28). There seem to be many events throughout history that exemplify the significance of fashion to the French. For example, Christian Dior's famous "New Look" of 1947 was an iconic moment in fashion during the post-World War II era. According to this thesis, and other sources, France is historically viewed as luxurious in many categories. Henderson acclaims the fashion brands' success to "the use of savoir-faire, attention to craftsmanship, and management of the specific French branding" (Henderson 33). Many major brands such as Valentino, Louis Vuitton Gucci, and Burberry have headquarters in Paris, solidifying the city's identity has the fashion capital of the world. However, many major cities in France highlight fashion like Lyon and Marseille.

sources

"Fashion in France", Ministère de la Culture, https://www.culture.gouv.fr/en/Thematic/Mode/Fashion-in-France

Henderson, Emily, "It is Impossible to Overdo Luxury: French Variety of Capitalism and its Contribution to Luxury Market Presence," University of Mississippi. Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College, 2018. https://egrove.olemiss.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1303&context=hon_thesis

According to French fashion magazine, Léonce Chenal, "Parisian women have an undeniable sense of style." Unlocking some French fashion secrets, the author stresses the effortlessly chic style that is coveted by women everywhere. They don't look like they've spent hours picking out an outfit; they just look great. The keys to achieving these looks are sophisticated and timeless pieces.

Neutral colors, simple accessories, and comfortable-fitting clothes allow Parisians to be well-dressed but not appear overdressed. Being the fashion capital of the world where brands like Chanel, Dior, and Louis Vuitton are based, do people wear those luxury items? Parisian street style is known for pairing a luxury item with a more basic outfit to elevate the look. For example, straight-leg jeans and a simple button-up is made much more exciting with a Hermès Kelly bag.

It seems to be that to fit in, wearing comfortable yet tailored pants is your best bet. Avoid leggings and sweatpants, as the French do not go out in loungewear often. Classic pieces without logos like jackets and sweaters.

According to Lewalt Paris, to really achieve the casual chic style, match your "elegant pieces, such as a blazer jacket, with more simple pieces such as jeans or sneakers."

So, the French do invest in luxury pieces, but they aren't the only thing elevating their fashion. Purchasing a timeless and basic luxury piece is common for Parisians to enhance any outfit and pair it with more affordable combinations.

sources:

Chenal, Leonce. "The Ultimate Guide to Chic Parisian Style," Leonce Chenal Paris, July 20, 2023. https://leoncechenal.com/parisian-style-guide/#

"About Hermes," Hermes Paris, https://www.hermes.com/us/en/content/271292-contemporary-artisans-since-1837/

"Kelly Bag," Hermes Paris,

https://www.hermes.com/us/en/content/106196-kelly/

"Le French style: How living in France changes the way you dress," The Local France, May 31, 2018.

https://www.thelocal.fr/20180531/le-french-style-how-living-in-france-changes-your-appearance

It is a long route that covers much of France. It consists of 21 stages with different terrain. They are hilly, flat, and mountainous. One stage is completed a day. this year it begins on June 29th and ends on July 21, with two rest days included. It begins in Florence and ends in Nice. this year is the first time that the grand depart is in Italy and will not finish in Paris. Every year but this upcoming one in 2024, the finish is on the Champs-Élysées in Paris.

4 countries will be visited this year along with 4 mountain ranges. it covers approximately 3500 km.

176 total riders participate which are divided into 22 teams of 8 riders.

Prize money!!! "A total of 2,3 million euros will be awarded to the teams and riders including € 500,000 to the final winner of the overall individual classification" (le tour website).

Le tour is the oldest, often thought of as the most prestigious, of three grand tours. The other two are in Italy and Spain.

what most people know about the tour and cycling, in general, is Lance Armstrong and his doping case. Lance Armstrong was an American Cyclist who won 7 consecutive Tour de France titles and an Olympic gold metal; he was stripped of all these titles after a lengthy investigation into performance enhancing drug use (Cycle of lies : the fall of Lance Armstrong)

sources

"Tour de France," Britannica, Last updated: April 19, 2024,

https://www.britannica.com/sports/Tour-de-France

"2024 Route," Tour de France, https://www.letour.fr/en/overall-route

Fox, Stephen, "A Brief History of the Tour de France," Cicerone, https://www.cicerone.co.uk/a-brief-history-of-the-tour-de-france#:~:text=The%20first%20Tour%20de%20France%20–%20the%20world%27s%20greatest%20bicycle%20race,six%2Dstage%20race%20covering%202428km.

Macur, Juliette, "Cycle of lies : the fall of Lance Armstrong," Internet Archive, 2014. https://archive.org/details/isbn_9780062277220

A lot of the land in the Congo is used for farming; it is rich in natural resources (Customs & Cuisine of the Democratic Republic of the Congo). There is a lot of conflict over these resources and power struggles that have gone on for decades. Coffee and Palm Oil are major exports for them. Many of their crops are staples of Congolese cuisine, such as rice, cassava, plantains, yams, peas, and nuts.

Because there are so many infrastructure issues, among other things, the majority of the population lives under the poverty line, making nutrition difficult. Lots of meals are carb-heavy as the crops they grow are their main source of nutrition. Protein is hard to come by and often comes from nuts with some from caterpillars and grasshoppers.

There are some influences from the French besides the language. Congolese people often rely on street food from stands that sell local dishes and there are always baguettes. You can also buy strong espresso shots similarly to France. (How The Congo is More French Than France.)

sources

"CULTURAL OVERVIEW: Democratic Republic of the Congo," ReEstablish Richmond, https://www.reestablishrichmond.org/cultural-awareness-congo

"Customs & Cuisine of the Democratic Republic of the Congo," Together Women Rise, https://togetherwomenrise.org/customsandcuisine/customs-cuisine-democratic-republic-of-congo/

Turner, Catroina, "How Congo is More French than France (and one way it’s a bit like the Big Apple)," The Nester, February 19, 2017. https://thefrustratednester.com/2017/02/19/how-congo-is-more-french-than-france-and-one-way-its-a-bit-like-the-big-apple/

Famous for their chocolate, waffles, and beer, there is much more to their diet. The French-Belgian diet consists of mussels, fries, beef stew, potatoes, and bread.

However, the chocolate apparently really is something to write home about. The brands Godiva and Leonidas originated in Belgium and are now sold all over the world. Chocolate arrived in Belgium in the 17th century when the region was still a Spanish colony.

why is it so special?

"The percentage of cocoa in Belgian chocolate is higher than that of chocolate produced elsewhere. In addition, Belgian chocolate contains 100% cocoa butter," (What makes Belgian chocolates so unique?). Belgian chocolate companies are also very specific about which cocoa beans they use. They also have creative combinations of flavors and fillings.

in 2007, The Belgian Chocolate Code was developed. This ensures that any product being sold labeled as Belgian chocolate truly is. "Belgian Chocolate is defined as a mixture of ingredients that are refined and molded in Belgium (New Code to Protect Image of Belgian Chocolate).

sources

"Belgium French", AFS-USA, https://www.afsusa.org/countries/belgium-french/#afs-nav-food

"What makes Belgian chocolates so unique?," Ovidias, https://www.ovidias.com/en-be/what-makes-belgian-chocolates-so-unique#:~:text=The%20percentage%20of%20cocoa%20in,when%20eating%20our%20Belgian%20chocolates.

Crowley, Laura, "New Code to Protect Image of Belgian Chocolate," Confectionary News, August 13, 2008.

https://www.confectionerynews.com/Article/2008/08/14/New-code-to-protect-image-of-Belgian-chocolate

There is a public holiday celebrated there on February 11th called Youth Day. It has been celebrated since 1966. "It celebrates and glories the country's youth because they are the future generations to be in charge of the country" (Francophone Holidays). Children get off school and there are many parades, dances, marching bands, food, and events on the streets. "Youth Day focuses on shaping the potential of the future of the youth by encouraging children to renounce violence" (Francophone Holidays).

I thought this was really interesting to me because I think this is really unique to that country. A whole day emphasizing youth's abilities.

"On this special day, we urge all youths, in all of their amazing diversity, to take meaningful steps to promote peace and contribute to the advancement of their communities, and learn the skills needed for life and success in the future economy" (History of Youth Day in Cameroon). The government is investing in its own future by investing in children.

sources

"Language Data for Cameroon," Translators Without Borders,

https://translatorswithoutborders.org/language-data-for-cameroon

"Youth Day (Cameroon)," Francophone Holidays, June 11, 2015. https://francophoneholidays.wordpress.com

"Youth Day in Cameroon - February 11, 2025," National Today, https://nationaltoday.com/youth-day-in-cameroon/