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A cultural power
France is famous in the world for its know-how and its influence in several cultural fields. Its culture has worldwide visibility.
Key points of the sheet
- France is known worldwide for its literature. Several French people have won the Nobel Prize in Literature, for example Albert Camus or Annie Ernaux.
- French cinema shines internationally thanks to its history and famous directors. France also organises the Cannes Film Festival (Festival de Cannes).
- Paris is considered one of the world capitals of fashion. Houses such as Chanel, Dior or Saint Laurent symbolise French luxury and know-how.
- France is home to some of the most prestigious museums in the world, such as the Louvre and the Musée d'Orsay. It is known for its know-how in preserving and promoting its historic heritage.
- The Alliances françaises and the Instituts français are present in more than 130 countries. They spread French language and culture through French courses and events.
- France shares its expertise in conservation, museography and artistic promotion with other countries. For example, the Louvre Abu Dhabi comes from an unprecedented agreement with the United Arab Emirates.
- France is linked to popular symbols, such as the baguette or the beret. They also contribute to its image and its attractiveness.
Words to know
- Nobel Prize in Literature (prix Nobel de littérature)
- Several French people have won it, for example André Gide, Albert Camus and Annie Ernaux.
- New Wave (Nouvelle Vague)
- Its directors are an example of famous directors who make French cinema shine internationally.
- Cannes Film Festival (Festival de Cannes)
- It is a major cinema event organised by France.
- haute couture houses (maisons de haute couture)
- They are houses such as Chanel, Dior or Saint Laurent, symbols of French luxury.
- Alliances françaises
- Present in more than 130 countries with the Instituts français, they spread French language and culture.
- Louvre Abu Dhabi museum (musée du Louvre Abu Dhabi)
- It is the result of an unprecedented agreement between France and the United Arab Emirates.
- historic heritage (patrimoine historique)
- It includes, for example, castles, works of art, old towns and archaeological sites.
Test yourself: 3 questions
In how many countries are the Alliances françaises and the Instituts français present?
In French, the language of the exam: Dans combien de pays sont présents les Alliances françaises et les Instituts français ?
The Alliances françaises and the Instituts français are present in more than 130 countries.
Which major cinema event does France organise?
In French, the language of the exam: Quel grand événement du cinéma la France organise-t-elle ?
The sheet names the Cannes Festival as a major cinema event organised by France.
With which country did France create the Louvre Abu Dhabi?
In French, the language of the exam: Avec quel pays la France a-t-elle créé le Louvre Abu Dhabi ?
The Louvre Abu Dhabi is the result of an agreement between France and the United Arab Emirates.
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Questions on the ministry's list that rest on this sheet
More in this topic (Culture)
- French heritage: access to culture
- French heritage: iconic artists in the world of music
- French heritage: iconic artists who became French
Source
Sheet “Une puissance culturelle” of the French Ministry of the Interior: formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr. Content published under the Etalab Open Licence 2.0. This page is a plain-language adaptation made by Hexaciv, which is not an official site: if in doubt, the ministry's text is the one that counts.
Ministry sheet read on 23 October 2026, still identical on 25 October 2026.