FRANCE LOOKS SET to be the 14th country to legalise marriage equality, with the approval of a parliamentary bill today.

The move has not been without its opponents and controversy, and protests in Marseille a few months back led to this picture going viral:

via Buzzfeed/Tetu.com

The image is one of the most striking of an issue which has caused massive debate and division.

It’s also got us thinking about some of the best things to come out of France in recent years (apart from the obvious ones… wine and delicious, delicious cheese).

1. Daft Punk

You’ve heard the new song right? Or are you one of the last 13 people in the world who haven’t?

Here you go:

Video here: YouTube/Legman124

2. Léon

This 1994 English language French film features Natalie Portman’s breakout role and stellar performances from Jean Reno and Gary Oldman.

3. French film in general

Amelie, Au Revoirs Les Enfants, La Haine, Le Havre, the Three Colours series. The list goes on…

4. Serge Gainsbourg

Sexy. So sexy.

YouTube/Glivingston73

5. Croissants

Even though the ancestors of the croissant have been traced back to Austria, they are a staple of French bakeries, and Cuisine de France ensure that our nostrils are filled with their delicious scent every morning.

Dem croissants (Shutterstock.com)

6. Joe Dassin

For this song alone…

Video here: YouTube/Agnes222

7. Once Upon a Time… Life

Remember this cartoon? It originated in France and was dubbed for our viewing pleasure.

Image: Wikimedia Commons

8. Joe Le Taxi

Did you know taxis themselves also originated in Paris? The first documented taxi service originated in the city in 1640.

And then of course there’s this classic:

Video here: YouTube/BungeeJump

What are your favourite French things? Or “choses” if you prefer. Let us know in the comments section…

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