In class today we learned about the symbol of France:  Marianne.  She represents France and its revolution.  The blue is the color of France.  The red is the color of the revolution and the white is the symbol of royalty. Together they are France. She is female to represent the idea of a mother (hence, the exposed breast).  We also covered France's national motto:  Liberté, égalité, fraternité (liberty, equality, fraternity).  It was an interesting class!  Probably the best one we have had so far.
After class I wandered with another student and bought lunch for 3.90euro--a sandwich, drink, and a pain au chocolat (a dessert croissant).  What a steal!  I also bought a backpack for my weekend/upcoming week trips that only cost 13euro!  It was a good day for my wallet.