French, the official language, is the first language of 88% of the population. Most of those who speak minority languages also speak French, as the minority languages are given no legal recognition. 3% of the population speak German dialects, predominantly in the eastern provinces of Alsace-Lorraine and Moselle.
A seemingly limitless supply of picturesque castles and fortified towns with rich histories can be found scattered throughout France. As the battleground for many of Europe's medieval wars, France also has hundreds of the continent's most impressive and beautiful forts.
Christianity and the Catholic tradition have fundamentally marked French culture since the birth of the French nation. The finest monuments of medieval France were not its castles and palaces, but its great cathedrals, and in places, even its small churches. The finest artists and craftsmen of their day were hired to paint frescoes and altarpieces, create wonderful stained glass and carve the most exquisite sculptures inside and outside of churches.
Like baguette and cheese, wine is a major part of both French culture and of the image France has around the world. When you picture a French person in your mind, it's probable that they're either holding a glass or bottle of wine or have one on the café table in front of them.
In cafes in France, you can have a drink (a beer or a glass of wine), have coffee or something to eat. Cafes are also places where people can meet up, either for dates, or simply with friends. In many European countries, there are popular taverns (pubs, bars, breweries...) where the context is informal because everyone knows everyone else.
