The
culture of France and of the
French people has been shaped by
geography, by profound
historical events, and by foreign and internal forces and groups. France, and in particular
Paris, has played an important role as a center of
high culture since the 17th century, first in Europe, and from the 19th century on, worldwide. From the late 19th century, France has also played an important role in
cinema,
fashion and
cuisine. The importance of French culture has waxed and waned over the centuries, depending on its economic, political and military importance. French culture today is marked both by great regional and socioeconomic differences and by strong unifying tendencies.