REFLECTIONS on WHY FRANCE?

              RED, WHITE et BLEU 

Why France? A question often asked whenever I announced that I would be spending my annual holidays in l’Hexagone―even more raised eyebrows on stating that I intended to live there.

The rivalry between England and France has existed for centuries, commencing with battles over territorial sovereignty and continuing today with passionate allegiance to the national rugby and football teams. Yet in adversity, the two countries often form an alliance, tolerating each other’s support until the common foe is defeated; at that point, rival hostility recommences. In addition, the invasions continue, doubtless fortified by entente cordiale: to name a few, EDF, Veolia and Orange have crossed the channel as have migrating Brits in the opposite direction.

So, what do the two countries have in common? Historically, politically, socially and individually—very little. Both sides have won and lost great battles. Blighty retained its monarchy, currently justifying its cost to the nation as an, albeit expensive, but long-term tourist attraction; Marianne looked on as French royalty and the aristocracy went to the guillotine as a short-term amusement distraction for les citoyens. Now the French have a new president as often as the English have a royal wedding. A political scandal in the U.K. can bring down the government; political impropriety in France can elevate the transgressor to hero status. Not long ago, both governments introduced targeted smoking bans. In England, the prohibition of tobacco displays has followed; France continues to promote state-licensed tabacs. The ‘frogs’ produce great wine and export it at inflated prices totalling almost 15bn€ per annum; the ‘rosbifs’ produce great beer but binge drink most of it themselves.

England has sterling and stress problems; France has the euro and a laisser-faire attitude. The English worker takes a snack lunch ‘on-the-hoof’; their French counterpart enjoys the national two-hour mandatory lunch-break. The chasm between the two countries is as deep as the English Channel/La Manche itself. However, they do share some common interests: Concorde, Airbus, Eurostar, the Chunnel, Ryanair and very soon the Navy. Geographically, they also share similar spectacular landscapes and with global warming, not a too dissimilar climate.

So, why do English people choose to holiday and live in France? Perhaps it boils down to the opportunity where one can enjoy the best of French life combined with the best of British. Surely, that is Utopia, n’est-ce pas?