Global Insights To Feature Regional Traditions of France Nov. 4

Fulbright Foreign Language Teacher, Geraldine Flageul-Canevet, will shed light on the culture and nature of France, Wednesday, Nov. 4, beginning at 11:30 a.m. in the Rose Room, Brennan 509. Registration is required for this free program. Cultural cuisine will be provided. 

"I come from the countryside and am really attached to that side of France. So, I want to take the beautiful regional traditions out of the shadows!" - Geraldine Flageul-Canevet

What lesser-known elements of France will you share?

I am from Brittany, thus I know more about Breton traditions, but I have travelled across France, and I will talk about what I discovered in the places I’ve visited. Did you know that the person who invented vaccines was from a small village in Jura? And, did you know that the biggest reflecting pool in the world is in Bordeaux, France?

What are your favorite activities in France?

My favorite French activity would probably be volunteering in the traditional festivals and day parties that we have in the countryside. Those are called ‘pardon’ and are held on the village’s patron saint’s day. In Brittany, we also have "festnoz" which are traditional festivals with traditional Celtic dance, music and gastronomy. Those really bring the community together in my area, and I am really attached to those parties.

What do you miss the most? 

For now, the food I miss the most is cheese! We produce 1,600 different sorts of cheese in France, and I am a big cheese lover. In 1962, French President Charles de Gaulle famously asked, "How can you govern a country which has 246 varieties of cheese?" That number has increased since then, but you get the idea.

What is your favorite place to visit in France?

My favorite place to visit in France would be Arbois, in Jura. I've been there many times, and everything about this town is lovely. The people, the food, the landscapes, the history. It is marvelous. It’s near the Switzerland border, and it’s the capital of a type of wine.

Briefly describe the people and culture. What values or traditions help to shape both?

We value justice and equity very much. Right now, if you are following the news, the youth are protesting for equity in education. In France, the education system is supposed to give the same chances for every child and because funding has been downed for education, it is not the case anymore. So, we can also say that the French are protesters and will speak out for what they think is not fair. But we also love our culture, and more particularly food culture, and yes, French people can actually spend their Sunday afternoons sitting at the table for a five- to six-course lunch, followed by coffee and then dinner.

 Register for France.

Global Insights is hosted by the Office of Global Education, the Cultural Centers, Residence Life and the Office of Institutional Compliance and Title IX.

For more information, please contact  international@scranton.edu or 570-941-4841.