1. Géoculture L’île de France

2. Discussion
Where is Paris? Have you or a family member ever been there?
What are some common French stereotypes? What do you think of them?

4. L’île de France Look at the map on page 1 Population: Over 11 Million
Cities: Paris, Meaux, Versailles, Melun, Chartres, Giverny
Industries: Tourism and Construction
Why is this such an important center of trade?

5. Facts about L’île de France
Tourists can visit les égouts, the underground sewer system in Paris!
Originally known as Pays de France. The word pays means, “nation,” so the name was changed.
L’île de France is an “island” bordered by several rivers.

6. Notre Dame de Chartres
Located just outside île de France, Chartres’ cathedral is known for its architectural style and its remarkable stained-glass windows.

7. Versailles
In 1682 King Louis XIV moved the royal court from Paris to Versailles.

8. La galerie des Glaces
This 73-meter room, decorated with mirror, is one of the main attractions of the palace. What are some important events that have taken place here?

9. Fontainebleau
This forest is popular for cycling, rock climbing, and horse-back riding. What places around Mandeville have the same name?

10. Le Jardin du Luxembourg
Kids enjoy sailing boats in the pond of this popular Parisian Park.

11. Paris
The city of Paris is only about 105 square kilometers (41 square miles). In contrast, New York City is 321 square miles!

12. La rive droite
Les arrondissements = neighborhoods
La rive gauche

13. L’île de la cité
The island, in the middle of the Seine River, is known as the “Cradle of Paris”. This is where the town of Paris originated. It was a tiny fishing villiage, prone to flooding. In 52 B.C, the Romans took over, and the town grew It was known as Lutecia, which means “the marshy place.”

14. La Tour Eiffel
This famous monument was the tallest in the world when it was built in 1889.
What did people think of the tower when it was first built?
Total elevation: 1,056 feet, including the base and television antenna at the top
1,710 steps to the top!

15. La Seine The second longest river in France. It runs through Paris.

16. Le château de Vaux-le-Vicomte
Known for its beautiful, classical style garden called jardin à la française.

17. Les Museés

18. Le musée du Louvre
What are some famous works of art that are housed in the Louvre?

19. La Jaconde

20. Le musée d’Orsay

21. Monet
Degas
Renoir

22. Le Musée Rodin
Le Penseur

23. La fête nationale July 14th
Commemorates the liberation of the Bastille prison, and event that sparked the French Revolution and led to the end of the French Monarchy.
The holiday is celebrated with military parades, fireworks, and other festivities.
How is la fête nationale like July 4th?
How do they differ?

24. Questions
What was the tallest building in the world when it was built in 1889?
Where did King Louis XIV move his royal court?
What is known as the Cradle of Paris?
What is a popular place for cycling and rock climbing?
What is a feature that the Cathedral of Chartres is known for?