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ORIENTATION
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Living in France
o
History
o
French Culture
o
Cultural Differences
o
Religion
o
Language: Français
o
Map of France
o
Conversions & Measures
o
Shopping Sizes
Biarritz – Your Host City
o
History
o
Food
o
Beaches
o
Language
o
Orientation
o
Nearby Sites
School Info
o
BCFI Ecole de Français
o
Classes
o
Grading & Participation
Excursion Guide
o
Paris
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Bayonne
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San Sebastian, Spain
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St. Jean de Luz
Important Contacts Sheet
LIVING IN FRANCE
History
The borders of modern France are approximately the same as those of
ancient Gaul, which was inhabited by Celtic Gauls. Gaul was conquered
for Rome by Julius Caesar in the 1st century BC, and the Gauls
eventually adopted Latin speech and Roman culture. Christianity took
root in the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, and became so firmly established
by the fourth and fifth centuries that St. Jerome wrote that Gaul was the
only region “free from heresy”. In the 4th century AD, Gaul’s eastern
frontier along the Rhine was overrun by Germanic tribes, principally the
Franks.
In 987, the first King of France was
crowned. The
monarchy reached its height during the
17th century and
the reign of Louis XIV, when France
possessed the largest
population in Europe and had great
influence over
European politics, economy, and
culture. French
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became, and remained for some time, the common language of diplomacy in International
affairs. France began colonizing at the beginning of the 17th century, and gained possessions
in the Americas, Africa, and Asia. The monarchy ruled France until the French Revolution,
in 1789. Louis XVI and his wife, Marie Antoinette, were executed, along with thousands of
other French citizens. Napoleon Bonaparte seized control of the Republic in 1799, later
naming himself Emperor (1804–1814). Through several wars, Napoleon conquered most of
Europe, but he was finally defeated in 1815 at the Battle of Waterloo. The next 50 years
were similarly tumultuous, rotating between a monarchy, an empire, and a republic, ending
with a republic in 1870.
During WWI, France was allied with Britain, Russia, and the U.S., and suffered heavy losses
by the Germans. In the 1930s France was once again besieged by Germany, and the Nazis
Germany established. France was liberated with the joint effort of the U. S., Britain, Canada,
the Free French Forces, and the French resistance in 1944. Until the end of the war in 1945,
France continued to fight alongside the Allies. The Republic was re-established after World
War II and struggled to maintain its economic and political status as a dominant nation
state, particularly after its colonial empire collapsed in the First Indochina War and the
Algerian War. Recently, France has been at the front of the European Union push to create a
more unified and capable European Union in politics, defense, and security.
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French Culture
France has much more to offer than its famed Eiffel tower,
châteaux, wine, and beautiful southern beaches. It is, and has
been for thousands of years, one of the cultural centers of Europe.
France has an extraordinary artistic heritage. As founder of the
Impressionist movement, artists such as Claude Monet, Edgar
Degas, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir emerged. The most renowned French painter is arguably
Monet, known for his nature scenes, such as Water Lilies. Foreign artists, such as Pablo
Picasso, were drawn to France’s art scene. Paris is also home to the famous Louvre museum,
which houses the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo statue.
France's architecture ranges from Roman aqueducts of Nimes, the Arc de
Triomphe (Arch of Triumph) in Paris, Gothic cathedrals, castles and
châteaux, to the legendary Eiffel Tower.
French food has a deservedly fantastic reputation, particularly for haute
cuisine. Haute cuisine is mostly enjoyed in fancy hotels and restaurants
and is defined more by the careful preparation, attention to detail, and
elaborate service than by the style of food served. However, French
cuisine goes well beyond haute cuisine, with emphasis on and fondness for cheese, fresh
baguettes, and wine (like Bordeaux and champagne).
Many French people are proud of the strong literary and philosophical heritage of their
country. Rene Descartes has been called the “Father of Modern Philosophy,” while the
writings of Voltaire and Jean-Jacques Rousseau influenced the French Revolution. The
works of writers Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas, and Albert Camus are read around the globe
and have been made into plays and movies.
Cultural Differences
As mentioned before, there are a number of cultural differences between France and the US.
Here are a few culture tips to make your transition a little smoother:
The French People

Personal pride and individualism are highly valued.

National pride is also highly valued; the French are easily hurt by insults to their
country/origin/culture/language/food.
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Modesty is valued over assertiveness. Flaunting superiority, intelligence, or ability is not
appreciated.

Be patient. Nothing is done in a hurry. A French trademark is thoroughness over
speediness- particularly in matters that involve pride/possible criticism.
Meeting and Greeting

Men may embrace each other when meeting (friends and family only).

Men and women usually kiss each other on each cheek and embrace when meeting. Note:
Some French speakers, such as Belgians, will kiss three times.

Expect to be interrupted when speaking.
Body Language

Never touch, hug or pat a French person you do not know well, unless a friendly French
person touches you first (other than the initial cheek kisses/embrace) upon meeting.

The French speak a lot with their hands.
Dining and Entertainment

It is acceptable and common to be late by 15-30 minutes for social meetings.

Lunches/dinners are vital to establishing a relationship. It is a time to see if the
chemistry is correct and to develop trust.

The French don't waste food. It is better to decline food rather than leave it on your plate.
Dress

Appearance is extremely important to the French. They dress elegantly, even for casual
occasions. Wearing a t-shirt, jeans, and flip-flops is an immediate indicator of being a
tourist.
Gifts

When invited to someone's home, it is customary to bring a small gift. Not doing so will
result in your host thinking you to be rude. Something relating to the meal- quite often
dessert- is usually the best choice.

Give: pastries, cakes, chocolates, flowers (something casual- not roses).
French Time
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Shops and businesses are usually opened from 9-10am to 12:30pm and from 3:00pm to
6-6:30pm though it has become more and more common for businesses to stay open
through the traditional "lunch" hours.

Business establishments are usually closed for a day and half per week, most often
Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday, while many shops close only on Sunday. In
tourist areas and during the summer, these hours are often expanded later into the night,
with some shops being open every day.

Restaurant hours are varied, with the norm being from 11:30 to 3:30pm for lunch and
from 8:30 to 11:30pm for dinner. In summer, these hours are often expanded, with many
establishments offering continuous service and still other serving food into the small
hours of the night.
Religion

Catholicism is the most common religion in France and is celebrated in the many
churches and cathedrals you will see and visit, but France is also home to many Muslims,
Protestants, and Jews.

Regardless of your beliefs, experiencing a religious service in your country of study is an
important part of understanding the culture. Due to France’s Christian past, its religious
history is solidified by its beautiful cathedrals that coat the French countryside.
Language

French is one of the most widely dispersed languages with nearly 350 million speakers
around the world. French is the official language in 31 countries, most of which lie in
Africa. The largest number of French speakers is in France, but Algeria, Tunisia, and
Morocco have a combined French-speaking population of 70 million, which is greater
than France’s population.
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MAP OF FRANCE
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CONVERSIONS, MEASURES & SHOPPING SIZES
France, along with the rest of Europe, uses the metric system. Measurements of clothes and
shoe sizes are also different.
Weight
multiply by
ounces to grams
28.35
grams to ounces
0.035
pounds to kilograms
0.45
kilograms to pounds
2.21
Length & Distance
multiply by
inches to centimeters
2.54
centimeters to inches
0.39
feet to meters
0.30
meters to feet
3.28
miles to kilometers
1.61
kilometers to miles
0.62
Volume
multiply by
gallons to liters
liters to gallons
3.79
26
Temperature
oC
oF
to oF multiply by 1.8 and add 32
to oC subtract 32 and divide by 1.8
Fahrenheit:
0
14 32
41
50
68
77
86
95
104
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Centigrade -17
-10
0
5
10
20
25
30
35
40
Clothing and Shoes:
Women’s Dresses
US:
2
Europe:
4
6
8
10
12
14
34
36
38
40
42
44
46
14.5
15
15.5
16
16.5
17
17.5
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
71
73
76
79
81
84
86
89
6.5
7
7.5
8
8.5
9
9.5
10
35
35.5
36
37
37.5
38
39
39.5
7.5
8
8.5
9
9.5
10
10.5
11
40
40.5
41
42
42.5
43
44
44.5
Men’s Shirts
US:
14
Europe:
Men’s Pants
US:
28
Europe:
91
Women’s Shoes
US:
6
Europe:
40
Men’s Shoes
US:
Europe:
7
45
BIARRITZ-YOUR HOST CITY
Biarritz is one of the most popular beach resorts of the
French west Coast. The town is located on the Bay of
Biscay on the Atlantic Coast. Biarritz was originally
established by the Vikings as a whaling village in the
year 840. Since whaling was a profitable industry,
Biarritz made its fortune as a whaling village for a
thousand years. In the 18th century Biarritz became a
destination for those of ill health. Doctors recommended
Biarritz’s therapeutic ocean environment to cure ailments, resulting in many pilgrimages.
Biarritz came to fame in the mid 19th Century, when Empress
Eugenie (the wife of Napoleon III) fell in love with this part of
the Basque country and built a Palace on the beach at Biarritz
(which is now the world class Hotel du Palais) and a center
with natural springs at Eugenie les Bains in the Landes.
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Eugenie invited foreign royalty to stay with their entourages and courtiers: Queen Victoria of
Britain, who came regularly over a period of 30 years, Edward VII, Alfonso XIII of Spain, and
various other European nobility were among the visitors.
The principle architecture in Biarritz is not typically Basque, but rather a blend of 19th
century city residences, large and expansive, made of local stone bricks. If you bought one of
these
houses now, you would probably find titles such as the Prince, Duke, Baron, Marquee etc. on
the title deeds. The Russian nobility even built their own magnificent Orthodox Church next
to the Eugenie Palace for Russian visitors to use during their stays.
Biarritz has a lot more than beautiful buildings to offer today. It's a vivacious cosmopolitan
town with beautiful sights and magnificent beaches, which are said to be some of the best in
Europe. Surfing started in France here in Biarritz and surfers come from all over the world
to ride the waves. The Biarritz Surf Festival brings together surfers from Hawaii, California
and Australia every year to celebrate the birth of surfing in Biarritz.
BIARRITZ’S BEACHES
A major Atlantic beach resort, the city is surrounded by
many beaches, which makes it easy to find one that best
suits your desires. La Grande Plage is one of the most
beautiful and extensive beaches in Biarritz, stretching
north to south from the bay between the Hôtel du Palais
and the Bellevue. Located in the heart of the town, the
Grande Plage is easily accessible by foot. La Cote des
Basques was made famous in 1957 when an American film-maker was the first to surf here:
thus, the first European surfing spot was born. Other beaches like the Milady beach and the
Port Vieux are family-friendly and good for swimming.
PORT VIEUX
Since Biarritz was originally a whaling village, the Port
Vieux (formerly called Vieux-port) was very important to
the town. It was here that the whales were towed in from
the ocean – but don’t worry, this hasn’t happened in quite
a long time! The port is now a popular beach, with a
beautiful horseshoe shaped stone building and staircases
leading down to it.
REGIONAL CUISINE
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The most famous local specialty is the 'Jambon de Bayonne', ham cured according to
ancestral methods. Other Basque specialties include pibales or eel alevins, cod, hake,
chipirones or squid, axoa (pronounce ash-oh-ah), a veal stew with red and green peppers.
The famous piment d'Espelette (hot red pepper) adds spice to all these dishes. Duck is also a
local delicacy with magrets (duck cutlets) and foie gras. The delicious ewe's cheese, Ardi
Gasna, is served with black cherry jam. To finish on a sweet note, try one of Biarritz’s local
chocolates, the traditional Gâteau Basque, touron (nougat) or muxus (pronounce moo-shoo),
delicate little macaroons whose name means 'kiss' in Basque.
NEARBY SITES
ENJOY A WALK NEAR BIARRITZ
Bayonne: Vauban ramparts, pedestrian centre, banks of
the Nive, gothic Cathedral, cloister, Bonnat Museum,
Basque Museum
Anglet: La Barre (mouth of the Adour river), skating rink,
pine forest, Chiberta lake, the beaches, the Chambre
d'Amour cave
Bidart: Chapelle de la Madeleine (scenic view), the church, the market square and the
fronton (Pelote Basque front wall), the beaches and Parlementia chapel
Guéthary: the port, the beach, the fronton square, Saraleguinéa museum
Saint Jean de Luc: fishing port, Maison de l'Infante,
Maison de Louis XIV, the beach and bay, the Pointe Ste
Barbe, the church and pedestrian centre
Le Phare de Biarritz (Lighthouse):
Erected in 1834, 73 meters above the sea level and 248
steps to its summit, it dominates Cape Hainsart, which got
its name from the oaks which used to surround it and have now been replaced by tamarisks.
This cape marks the limit separating the sandy Landes coast from the rocky Basque coast.
Hours: from 1 July to 31 August, daily from 10 to 12.30 and from 2.30 to 7 p.m.
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YOUR SCHOOL – BCFI
BCFI BIARRITZ is a language school with the status of a French private school of higher
education. BCFI Biarritz specializes in teaching French as a foreign language and its teachers
are qualified teachers who are specialists in their field
and are fully committed to helping you learn. It also
boasts low staff/student ratios. You will have access to
computers and a self-study room throughout class hours.
Classes will be held with other participants from the
program. Depending on student’s levels, some students may
be placed in classes with other foreign students from
around the world.
FRENCH CLASSES
Classes will be held Monday-Friday in the mornings for four hours a day including breaks.
Directors will inform you of exact class schedules upon arrival. It is important to come
prepared for class each morning and to take advantage of each intensive, yet fun, class. The
teaching method is unlike what is used at your school at home. All classes – grammar,
culture, conversation – are focused on improving your speaking and understanding of the
language. A placement test will be administered on the first day of classes to place students
in the appropriate class levels.
GRADING AND PARTICIPATION
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Once classes have started it is your responsibility to attend regularly and to take advantage of
all learning opportunities by participating actively. No matter how much you already know,
you will learn exponentially more French in your classes. These are college level classes and
you are expected to behave in an appropriate manner.
You will be evaluated on your participation and grades on exams. Grades will not be
reflected on your diploma but you must not miss more than one day of class to receive full
credit.
IMPORTANT:
It is important to save all of your coursework, including exams. Most colleges and
universities require students to show the work they did while attending a foreign school.
Directions to School
Your host family will help guide you to school on
your first day.
BCFI Address:
26 bis Avenue Voltaire
64200 Biarritz FRANCE
Tel. +33 (0)5 56 51 00 76
Emergencies: +33 (0)6 15 58 83 45
EXCURSION GUIDE
*IMPORTANT*
Not all excursions are included in each program. Sites are subject to change.
PARIS
Located in the north of the country on the river Seine, Paris has the reputation of being the
most beautiful and romantic of all cities, brimming with historic associations and
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remaining vastly influential in the realms of culture, art, fashion, food and design. Dubbed
the City of Lights, it is the most popular tourist destination in the world.
Like any large city, please be observant of your surroundings when touring Paris. Paris is a
relatively safe city, but pickpockets are active near busy tourist sights.
EIFFEL TOWER
The Eiffel Tower was built for the International Exhibition of Paris of
1889 commemorating the centenary of the French Revolution. Gustave
Eiffel's design was unanimously chosen in an architectural contest.
However it was not accepted by all at first, and a petition of 300 names
protested its construction. At 300 metres (320.75m including antenna),
and 7000 tons, it was the world's tallest building until 1930.It was almost
torn down in 1909, but was saved because of its antenna - used for
telegraphy at that time. During its lifetime, the Eiffel Tower has also
witnessed a few strange scenes, including being scaled by a mountaineer in 1954, and
parachuted off of in 1984 by two Englishmen. The Eiffel Tower is now one of the symbols of
Paris itself.
INTERESTING FACTS: The Eiffel Tower is made of 15,000 iron pieces, plus 2.5 million rivets
and 40 tons of paint. It took 300 steel workers two years to construct the tower. There are
1652 steps to the top, and the height varies
up to 15 cm
depending on the temperature. The tower
can also sway as
much as 12 cm in strong winds.
THE LOUVRE MUSEUM
The Louvre is one of the most famous and
most visited art
museums in the world. It contains one of the
most
comprehensive collections, including nearly
35,000 pieces
displayed over the structure's 650,000 sq ft.The structure originated as the palace during the
Capetian dynasty under the reign of Philip II, and now holds some of the world's most
famous works of art, such as Leonardo Da Vinci's Mona Lisa; Delacroix's Liberty Leading the
People; and Alexandros of Antioch's Venus de Milo.
INTERESTING FACTS: The Louvre Pyramid was created because of a series of problems with
the Louvre's original main entrance, which could no longer handle an enormous number of
visitors on an everyday basis. The structure, which was constructed entirely with glass
segments, reaches a height of about 70 feet; its square base has sides of 115 feet. It consists of
603 rhombus-shaped and 70 triangular glass segments. Visitors entering through the
pyramid descend into the spacious lobby then re-ascend into the main Louvre buildings.
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NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL
The Notre Dame is widely considered one of the finest examples of
French Gothic architecture. The name Notre Dame means "Our Lady"
in French. Notre Dame de Paris was one of the first Gothic cathedrals,
and its construction spanned the Gothic period. Its sculptures and
stained glass show the heavy influence of naturalism, giving them a
more secular look that was lacking from earlier Romanesque
architecture. Notre Dame de Paris was among the first buildings in the world to use the
flying buttress. The cathedral suffered desecration during the radical phase of the French
Revolution in the 1790s, when much of its religious imagery was damaged or destroyed.
During the 19th century, an extensive restoration project was completed, returning the
cathedral to its previous state
ARC DE TRIOMPHE (TRIUMPHAL ARCH)
The Arc de Triomphe is a monument that stands in the center of the
Place Charles de Gaulle, at the western end of the Champs-Élysées.
The arch honors those who fought for France, particularly during the
Napoleonic Wars. On the inside and the top of the arc there are all of
the names of generals and wars fought. The monument stands 165 ft in
height, 148 ft wide and 72 ft deep. It is the largest triumphal arch in
existence.
INTERESTING FACTS: The Arc de Triomphe is so colossal that three weeks after the Paris
victory parade in 1919, marking the end of hostilities in World War I, Charles Godefroy flew
his Nieuport biplane through it, with the event captured in a newsreel.
BAYONNE
In the 3rd century AD, the area of Bayonne was the site of a Roman military camp. In the
840s, Vikings appeared and settled outside the city on the river bank. By the 12th century
the city was an important port, with a mixed Basque and Gascon population. Bayonne was
ruled by England from 1151 to 1452 and was a key commercial centre at the southern end
of the English kingdom. After the 100 Years War, Bayonne became a part of France. Bayonne
endured numerous sieges until the end of the First French Empire in 1814. In the 17th
century, large fortifications and the Citadel were built, proving crucial in 1813 and 1814,
when an army besieged the city in the Napoleonic Wars.
CATHÉDRALE STE-MARIE
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The twin towers of Bayonne's Gothic Cathédrale Ste-Marie soar above the city. Construction
began in the 13th century, when Bayonne was ruled by the Britain, and was completed well
after France assumed control in 1451. The nave's vaulted ceiling reflects these political
changes: both the English coat of arms (three lions) and that most French of emblems, the
fleur-de-lys are displayed. Above the north aisle are three lovely stained-glass windows,
mainly Renaissance with 19th-century neo-Gothic additions.
INTERESTING FACTS: The site was previously occupied by a Romanesque cathedral that was
destroyed by two fires in 1258 and 1310. Construction of the present cathedral began in the
13th century and was completed at the beginning of the 17th, except for the two spires
which were not finished until the 19th century.
LES REMPARTS (TOWN FORTIFICATIONS)
Of the three systems of fortification successively built during the fifteen centuries, the oldest
form today is the large and double belt of old stones around the old high city. The royal
engineers of the 17th century surrounded this continuous enclosure with another series of
works. One can thus see a whole system of fortifications of various times: Roman wall,
medieval wall, the wall of 16th century (known as that of François I), and works of the 17th
century. In Petit Bayonne, the ramparts repeat and preserved the beautiful Door of
Mousserolles with its bridge levies.
INTERESTING FACTS: The size and shape of each bastion is very different, and there are
varying lengths between them, which makes the fortifications seem less regular than some.
This is probably due to the way Bayonne was fortified in several stages, with improvements
added gradually. The citadel is intact, though it is still in the hands of the French Army,
and therefore not open to the public.
SAN SEBASTIÁN, SPAIN
Located on the beach in the rolling hills of
northern Spain, San Sebastian presents itself as
an inviting, enchanting city where old and new
meet. For years European families have traveled
here to relax or surf on the city's pristine beaches.
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San Sebastian was founded in 1524, and the old town, "el casco antiguo," is built on a
sandy isthmus connecting the mainland with the steep peninsular point of Monte Urgull
Park. The park is encompassed by the 16th-century fortress of La Mota and makes for
peaceful walks and provides breath taking views of the Cantabrian Sea. "La parte nueva," the
new part, spreads inland along the banks of the river and is a hub for high end shopping
and art galleries. The Palacio de Miramar, the Spanish royalty’s former summer residence,
has been used for some years by the University of Basque Country as a small campus site in
San Sebastian. The city serves as the capital of the Guipuzkoa province and has evolved into
a culturally rich cosmopolitan destination
PLAYA DE LA CONCHA
Playa de la Concha is San Sebastián's most popular
beach and the largest for summertime swimming and
sunbathing. Playa de la Concha looks out onto a
sparkling bay and is surrounded by a lush, rolling
countryside. As evening strikes, the beach is bejeweled
with white lights, including along the path that lines
the beach and the statue of Jesus that stands high above
the city, overlooking everything. Reflecting off the
water, the beach has an enchanting mood at night. During the day, water sports, including
canoeing, kayaking, and sail boating, are the popular activity. La Concha also has a lovely
promenade where you can take relaxing strolls after a hearty meal.
MIRAMAR PALACE
Miramar Palace, also known as the Royal Country House of Miramar, is another attraction
in San Sebastián. It is located above the "Pico del Loro," marking the strategic junction of La
Concha Beach and Ondarreta Beach, and also the dividing point in the long promenade
between two city districts: "El Antiguo" and "Miraconcha". The Palace marks the city's
historical origin, because it is based on the plan of the old church of San Sebastián, the
original urban center of the town. The magnificent palace complex, with its park, gardens,
several buildings and outbuildings, is a perfect place to visit in summer.
ST. JEAN DE LUZ, FRANCE
A beautiful seaside resort and active fishing port not far from the Spanish border, Saint Jean
de Luz is a lively and cosmopolitan town. The town center of St Jean de Luz has a medieval
background, with no doubt, a great deal of influence in the past from Spain and the Moors,
and with this mixture of architecture, old World charm, old buildings, fishing port and
narrow lanes, there is an atmosphere - even if the town is full of tourists of all nationalities,
everyone gets along, especially at the time of the jazz fete in the streets.
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ST. JEAN-BAPTISTE CHURCH
The oldest part of the church of Saint Jean-Baptiste dates from the 15th century, and is
where the marriage of Louis XIV and Marie Thérèse of Spain was celebrated. The building
still retains traces of this event: the doorway through which the royal couple passed is now
walled up. In the interior, the church is made up of a single nave topped by three floors of
magnificent wooden galleries. The church of Saint Jean-Baptiste has remarkable acoustics
and is the setting for concerts and events during which one can admire the excellence of its
fine organ case dating from the 17th century.
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