He has actually been in China several times since the late 1990s, and his fascination has only increased in tandem with his accumulated knowledge.

"It is not a dead or dying civilization but the only 5,000-year-old civilization still standing on its feet and getting more and more creative," he explains.

The ambassador has many hobbies, all forged in China. He collects Chinese paintings of cats exclusively - felines staring at birds, butterflies, crickets, mice or bees.

"Cats are observers," he says.

"Like them, I pay particular attention to the way China develops and faces the numerous challenges related to development at such an unprecedented and incredibly large scale.

"There is such a sense of innovation nowadays in China that I feel privileged to be an observer, knowing that China has gone global in such a way and to such an extent that whatever happens here automatically has an impact elsewhere."

Le Gall says Beijing is one of the safest capitals and has a remarkable cultural heritage and a vivid artistic life. "And this is quite appreciated by expatriates," he says.

The hutong-dwelling ambassador savors the classical and contemporary culture here and says every detail reflects "the deeply culture-oriented nature of the Chinese people and their love for a very poetical form of beauty that combines harmony and balance, and a smooth and peaceful relation to the passing of time".

Food is another delight.

Le Gall collects honey from all parts of China. And he believes that within a decade "the wine list of the most renowned restaurants in Paris, Bordeaux and Lyon will dare to propose the finest Chinese vintages".

"No need to add that I am a green tea drinker," he says.

"Maybe in another life I was a taxi driver in China, as I always carry my green tea container with me".