Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Jean-Paul Sartre (1905-1980)
Proponent of 'existentialism', which argues that people are
basically alone in a universe with no moral order, and that
individuals themselves determine what is right and wrong
and are accountable for their decisions and actions. A
prominent figure among the Left Bank intellectuals.
Edith Piaf (1915-1963)
'The Little Sparrow' was one of France's greatest and most
beloved singers. It is said that her funeral was the only time
that traffic in all of Paris came to a complete stop.
François Mitterrand (1916-1996).
President of France from 1981-1995. A Socialist who
brought a greater internationalism to France and improved
French relations within the EU. He also oversaw domestic
decentralisation and a series of
Grands Projets
(Great Works)
that revitalised Paris.
Johnny Hallyday (1943- )
France's most famous rock'n'roll star, influenced by
Elvis Presley.
Bertrand Delanoë (1950- )
The current mayor of Paris. Socialist and forward-looking,
Delanoë is striving to improve the city and its quality of life.
The first openly gay person to be elected mayor, he was
stabbed in 2002 by a homophobic attacker; fortunately, his
wounds were not severe.
Zinédine Zidane (1972- )
Football player of strength and elegance. A sports hero to
the French.
THE USE OF ABBREVIATIONS
The French are enthusiastic users of initials, acronyms and
abbreviations both in speaking and writing. When looking in
the telephone book for a number, if you can't find a listing
under its full name, try its initials (RATP, SNCF, FUAJ, etc.).
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