Aero: Gabrielle Johnson – France 2014 – History and Culture
Aero: Gabrielle Johnson – France 2014 – History and Culture
Creative Commons Image via The LEAF Project
Aero: Gabrielle Johnson – France 2014 – History and Culture
Gabrielle Johnson
France is a unique country. From its romantic language, to Frances’ world renowned cuisine, to the first of its kind art and architectural designs; France is far from an ordinary, run of the mill country. There is one word I would deem fit to describe the history and culture of France, (astounding). In comparison to the United States minuscule 200 years of existence, France is much more mature nation. Just within the Northern region of France that I visited; there were centuries old monuments and chateaus everywhere. These monumental sculptures give you a glimpse of what life was like living in that era. From the medieval ages to the renaissance era there were influences that seemed to mesh picturesquely with the modern influences. I felt overwhelmed by the sheer magnificence of the amount of history embedded into the architecture and culture of France. And what I had seen was only the northern region.
The infrastructure in France is astounding. In some of the oldest cities of France, it’s like strolling through a fairy tale land. This country is well known for its great Gothic churches, like the world famous Notre Dame. Many of these structures were built between 1100 ad to 1400 ad. I found myself particularly intrigued by many buildings such as the Sainte-Chapelle church, and the cathedrals of Bayeux, Rennes, Paris, as well as the ones in Vitre. Many buildings today, have not been changed or torn down because the people of the nation wish to preserve the beauty and elegance of their cities. In Paris, several 19th century buildings such as the Eiffel Tower, are symbol of Paris, along with the fabulous Paris Opera of Charles Garnier. One of the most prominent monuments located in Paris is the Arc de Triomphe. Napoleon ordered the monuments construction in 1806. This structure has stood strong at 164 feet tall by 148 feet wide.
ML@FLCC France 2014 Flickr Gallery
France isn’t France without its beautiful sense of the arts, culture, and its architecture. As we all know, France has produced many world-famous painters, sculptors, and architects. Impressionism, the 19th century art movement, which was a style of painting that involves a series of dots forming a picture, was developed in France. Among French painters and sculptors include Claude Monet, Vincent Van Gogh, Jean Clouet, and Pablo Picasso, just to name a few. After these great works were developed, Paris which is said to be the center of education, government, communication, banking, business affairs, and most importantly tourism, became the chief art center of Europe.
I feel as though, this experience has changed my perspective for the better. As soon as I reached home and recovered from the jet lag of our flight. I began to notice the hidden treasures, that exist in Canandaigua, just along down Main Street its self. From the plethora of churches and 18th century style homes, which I had not really noticed before.
It seems like you could live in France your whole life and never really see all that France has to offer. In that sense, I feel the French a very lucky. They say, travel allows you to better understand your own reality by seeing another view on life. I agree with this 100 percent. People flock from all side of the globe to visit France; to take in its magnificent treasures. What I feel I gained from this experience was a sense of joy and excitement to have a first hand look of one of the most beautiful country in the world.
Learn More: Study abroad with Modern Languages @ FLCC
– Gabrielle Johnson
The LEAF Project
www.leaflanguages.org
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