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French culture

Pondicherry, the French outpost in India
18/03/2013 - INDIA

Pondicherry, the French outpost in India

On Wednesday, the French language will be fêted worldwide with the International Day of "Francophonie". While French is spoken in a number of former colonies in Africa, it's also spoken in the town of Pondicherry, India. While the number of speakers there are increasingly outnumbered by those speaking the local Tamil tongue, there is still a strong French tradition in the town - even though many of its residents have never set foot on French soil.
French town raises €4m to bring Courbet painting home
11/03/2013 - ART

French town raises €4m to bring Courbet painting home

After more than 100 years in the hands of private foreign collectors, Courbet’s masterpiece “The Oak of Flagey” has returned to the artist’s native country thanks to an exceptional fundraising push by locals.
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British poet anointed to guard French language
22/02/2013 - FRANCE-UK

British poet anointed to guard French language

Michael Edwards, a poet and literary scholar, has become the first Briton to be voted into France’s Academie Française, the highly-exclusive body entrusted with safeguarding the French language.
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French chef Paul Bocuse opens NY restaurant
17/02/2013 - GASTRONOMY

French chef Paul Bocuse opens NY restaurant

Three-star Michelin chef Paul Bocuse, named the Culinary Institute of America's 2011 "Chef of the Century", inaugurated the new Bocuse Restaurant on Friday surrounded by famed fellow chefs including Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Daniel Boulud.
Notre Dame receives new bells to mark 850 years
01/02/2013 - FRANCE

Notre Dame receives new bells to mark 850 years

Hundreds of people lined the streets of Paris near Notre Dame Cathedral on Thursday to witness the arrival of nine new church bells that will be installed to celebrate the iconic landmark's 850th anniversary.
Ritz renovation reveals 17th-century Le Brun painting
25/01/2013 - FRANCE - PAINTING

Ritz renovation reveals 17th-century Le Brun painting

Renovations at Paris's Ritz hotel have uncovered a painting identified as the work of 17th-century artist Charles Le Brun, official painter at the court of Louis XIV. The giant tableau will be auctioned at Christie's for an estimated €500,000.
'Black Swan' choreographer to head Paris Opera Ballet
24/01/2013 - CULTURE

'Black Swan' choreographer to head Paris Opera Ballet

“Black Swan” choreographer Benjamin Millepied, who helped actress Natalie Portman -- now his wife -- prepare for her role as an obsessed ballerina in the film, was named director of the Paris Opera Ballet on Thursday.
Vive Marseille: The European Capital of Culture!
19/01/2013 - CULTURE

Vive Marseille: The European Capital of Culture!

It's the rebel French city that's seeking redemption through culture. In today’s show France 24’s culture editor Eve Jackson is in Marseille to find out more about this year’s European capital of culture.
Marseille hopes to rebrand in 'Capital of Culture' year
12/01/2013 - FRANCE

Marseille hopes to rebrand in 'Capital of Culture' year

France's southern port city of Marseille is hoping that its year as the European Capital of Culture will offer a chance to remake its image, from a gritty city plagued by gang violence into one of Europe's cultural gems.
Ice skating in Paris
29/12/2012 - LIFESTYLE

Ice skating in Paris

An ice rink has been set up under the vaulted glass dome of Paris’ Grand Palais. It’s a first for this fine example of French culture and architecture, and it’s not the only significant hot spot of the capital to have erected an ice rink this year. They may only be here for the festive season, but they offer a truly unforgettable experience.
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