French Culture is originally an artifact of an ancient civilization which is a blend of Celtic, Greco-Roman, and Germanic elements. Numerous historic structures belonging to the Roman like the amphitheatre at Arles, the Arénes in Paris, and the Aqueduct at Pont du Gard bear testimony to the deep rooted ties between French and Roman civilizations. Early 1700 saw the development of the middle class which paved way for the bourgeoisie culture. Middle Ages, somewhere around 18th century, witnessed the expansion of a rich culture forwarded specially by scholars in monasteries and universities. Thereafter the rich traditions found place in the aristocratic patronage. Bourgeoisie age was also referred as the age of the Enlightenment and inquiry. Paris was the main center of cultural activity. Paris is celebrated as the fountainhead of French Culture.
Taking about the influence of the French culture, during this age, France gained cultural preeminence in Europe. The affluence of the French crown in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries subsidized the art which attracted several art enthusiasts to Paris. As far as education was concerned, free primary education was made compulsory by the late 19th century which in a way assured superior cultural level.
Culture of France greatly influence the Western world, majorly where art rules. French style, dress, manners, furnishings and architecture still pervade a good deal of Western culture. French cinema, French literature, the 16th century Renaissance, French Neoclassical drama are all a great source of inspiration. It’s a house to innumerable legends like Pierre Corneille, Racine, Molière, Jean de La Fontaine, Mme de La Fayette, Voltaire, Denis Diderot, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau and several others.
