In large measure, the French live in the past—they are truly keepers of the flame of their former glory. Often, the centuries-old stone buildings will have their original exteriors but will be completely modernized inside. It is hard to imagine the enormous expense of preserving a five-century-old wood-beamed ceiling.

They continue to live life as in the Middle Ages, patronizing the little patisseries and markets, even though they have grand supermarkets in the suburbs. They spend fortunes in restoring the old châteaux and majestic churches.

A lot of this restoration is done with government money and for tourism. Very few tourists fully appreciate the lengths the French go for them. Indeed, they are reenacting a previous style of life for tourists. Of course, they enjoy doing it.