The place of France in Poland

First of all, Poland is a large country known for its very popular characters: Maria Sklodowska-Curie, the wife of Pierre Curie, whose work in Chemistry has been rewarded by Nobel prices; the musician Fryderyk (Frédéric) Chopin born in the village of Zelazowa Wola, to this day his mazurkas and polonaises are the cornerstone of Polish national classical music; the astronomer Mikolaj Kopernik born in Torun, the filmmakers Roman Polanski or Andrzej Zulawski, and at last the Pope Jan Pawel II (John Paul II) whose real name is Karol Wojtyła, and probably others are forgot!

It is necessary to underline that some of these celebrities have a very close relationship with France or have French origins. This is the case of Frédéric Chopin, Marie Curie, Roman Polanski who is in a couple with Emmanuelle Seigner, or Andrzej Zulawski who has been married for a many years to Sophie Marceau, one of the biggest French actresses.

All these examples are simply coincidences but the polish have always had a lot of admiration and sympathy for France.

Since May 2004, the date of its entry into the European Union, Poland has become the country that has given rise to many political or economic controversies on the mainland.

However, it is impossible to cross the different areas of this country without seeing a French brand, store or supermarket!

Auchan, Carrefour, Leroy Merlin… everybody can find French products, from food, like cheese, to cosmetics and so on… It takes an integral part of the biggest polish cities: Warsaw, Krakow, Poznan, Gdansk…

This is the proof that there is a considerable trade collaboration between these two countries.

Nowadays, it is very interesting to hear the reactions of polish people about the riots in Parisians neighbourhoods, or about Zinedine Zidane’ behaviour during the last Football World Cup… they are worry to know why and how this kind of thing can happen in France.

Moreover, we just have to spend a week-end at the South of France to meet Polish. The “Côte d’Azur” has become the preferred destination for polish people who want to spend their summer holidays in the sea side.

The same is true for their winter holidays. French stations are the favourites for persons passionate of Alpine ski.

Consequently, France doesn’t represent an unknown and inaccessible place anymore.

Poland has managed to go out of the communist regime. Now, as a capitalistic State, it lets people be freer and realize what they wished for.