With over 700 entries from an international team of contributors, this wide-ranging work crosses the traditional boundaries between disciplines in the humanities and social sciences and defines French culture in its broadest sense.

Areas covered include:

* economy
* education
* film
* food and wine
* gender and sexuality
* society
* visual arts.

Entries range from shorter, factual contributions to longer overview essays, and provide an essential context for anyone studying French, as well as for readers with an interest in critical theory and those pursuing comparative studies in European culture. To assist readers with their research a classified contents list identifies relevant entries within a particular field. The articles are extensively cross-referenced to provide links between subjects and conclude with annotated suggestions for further reading.