At the same time, Segolene Royal has been identified by many people as a very modern version of socialism, you know, it's much more social democrats, you know, breaking with French traditions of state-run economy and old dogmas like that.

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Farming has long had a peculiar grip on the French imagination, blending nostalgia with genuine traditions.

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It has more to do with the revolutionary traditions of 1789 and the French lack of faith in parliamentary representation.

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Valence, France (CNN) -- French gastronomy is a male-dominated world, and its centuries-old traditions are fiercely protected.

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Several of those the French call the "elephants", senior Socialist figures rooted in the party's traditions, have fallen away in the presidential race.

BBC: NEWS | Europe | Royal battles for nomination