1.
The Cardinal de Richelieu (1585-1642), First Minister of King Louis XIII, founded the Académie Française, which to this day, is responsible for matters pertaining to the langue française.
Correct Answer
A. Vrai - true
Explanation
The statement is true because Cardinal de Richelieu did indeed found the Académie Française during his time as the First Minister of King Louis XIII. The Académie Française was established to oversee and regulate the French language, and it continues to play a significant role in matters related to the French language to this day.
2.
The popular neighborhood of Montmartre in Paris, harvests a Pinot Noir wine every year, right in the heart of the city.
Correct Answer
A. Vrai - true
Explanation
Montmartre in Paris is known for its annual harvest of Pinot Noir wine, which takes place right in the center of the city. This implies that the statement is true.
3.
Edgar Degas (1834 -1917), famous painter and sculptor, founded the Cubist Movement.
Correct Answer
B. Faux - false
Explanation
Degas was one of the founders of the Impressionism. Cubism followed the Impressionist Movement.
4.
France's nickname is l'Octagone.
Correct Answer
B. Faux - false
Explanation
France's nickname is l'Hexagone, as the shape of mainland France can be drawned into an hexagonal shape.
5.
Lully (1632 -1687), famous baroque musician, and Mazarin (1602 -1661), both spent most of their lives in France, in the court of Louis XIV. However they were both born in Spain.
Correct Answer
B. Faux - false
Explanation
They were both born in Italy.
6.
French is the first or main language in nearly 60 countries around the world.
Correct Answer
A. Vrai - true
Explanation
French is indeed the first or main language in nearly 60 countries around the world. This indicates that French holds significant importance and is widely spoken in various nations.
7.
Le Petit Prince used to be on the 20-franc bill.
Correct Answer
B. Faux - false
Explanation
Le Petit Prince used to be on the 50-franc bill.
8.
French toast is actually called Pain Perdu (Lost Bread) in French.
Correct Answer
A. Vrai - true
Explanation
French toast is indeed called "Pain Perdu" in French. The term "Pain Perdu" translates to "Lost Bread" in English, which refers to the practice of using stale or leftover bread to make the dish. This name reflects the traditional method of soaking the bread in a mixture of eggs and milk before frying it, which helps to revive and make use of bread that would otherwise go to waste.
9.
The Eiffel Tower is the tallest building in Paris.
Correct Answer
A. Vrai - true
Explanation
The Eiffel Tower measures 324 mètres - 1,063 feet. It has three stories, was built in 1889 and is located in the 7th arrondissement.
10.
The Palace of Versailles started out as a hunting lodge.
Correct Answer
A. Vrai - true
Explanation
The statement is true because the Palace of Versailles did indeed start out as a hunting lodge. It was originally built in 1624 as a small hunting lodge for King Louis XIII. However, it was later expanded and transformed into a grand palace by King Louis XIV, who wanted to establish his power and impress his subjects. The palace became a symbol of absolute monarchy and remains an iconic landmark in France today.