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38 Enjoyable Details About France That You Would possibly Not Know About (2023)


Are you prepared for a couple of enjoyable info about France?

France is legendary for its mouth-watering meals, scrumptious wine, and excessive trend. However belief us, there’s a lot extra to find on this fabulous nation, and I can’t wait to share all of it with you!

France is sort of a treasure trove of enchanting sights, wealthy historical past, and numerous landscapes. Whether or not you’re wandering the romantic streets of Paris, town of lights and love, or exploring picturesque villages and lavender fields in Provence, there’s all the time one thing that can depart you in awe.

To not point out, the French persons are identified for his or her love of the great life (la vie en rose, anybody?). So, there’s no higher place to study residing life to the fullest.

I’ll dive deep into France’s fascinating tradition, revealing little-known info about its individuals, traditions, and language. I’ll additionally enterprise off the crushed path, exploring lesser-known gems and hidden spots that can make you fall head over heels for this outstanding nation.

So seize a café au lait, settle in, and be part of us on this thrilling journey by the fascinating land of France. Who is aware of? You would possibly simply end up planning your subsequent trip to this enchanting nation!

1. Eiffel for Actual!

Do you know that the long-lasting Eiffel Tower was initially constructed as a brief construction for the 1889 Exposition Universelle?

Consider it or not, this iconic image of French romance and tradition was initially constructed as a brief exhibit for the 1889 Exposition Universelle (World’s Truthful). Loopy, proper? However, as destiny would have it, the tower proved useful for communication functions.

Now, over a century later, it’s laborious to think about Paris with out its beloved Eiffel Tower standing tall and proud.

Sunny day in Eiffel Tower (fun facts about France)
Sunny day in Eiffel Tower

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2. Say “Cheese!”

Should you love cheese, then France is the place to go. With over 1,000 several types of cheese to select from, there’s actually one thing for everybody.

From the creamy, dreamy Brie de Meaux to the eye-watering pungent Roquefort, the world of French cheese is a veritable treasure trove of tantalizing textures and flavors.

3. Fancy a Snail Snack?

The French love their snails! An estimated 30,000 tons of snails are normally eaten in France every year.

So in the event you’re feeling adventurous, possibly strive some snails (escargot) drenched in a heavenly mixture of butter, garlic, and parsley with one of the crucial quintessentially French dishes on the market!

4. The Louvre Wasn’t All the time a Museum

The Louvre was beforehand dwelling to French monarchs however in the course of the French Revolution. The previous royal palace was changed into a public museum to showcase the nation’s treasures.

The museum formally opened its doorways in 1793, with a formidable assortment of 537 work. Lots of which had been confiscated from the royals and the church. Now it properties the well-known Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci!

People inside The Louvre Museum (fun facts about France)
Folks contained in the Louvre Museum

5. The French Nationwide Anthem Was Written in a Day

La Marseillaise had composed in simply at some point. Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle wrote each the music and lyrics on the evening of April 24, 1792, after being impressed by a dinner dialog with the mayor of Strasbourg in regards to the want for a patriotic music to rally troops in the course of the French Revolutionary Wars.

The speedy creation of this iconic anthem additional illustrates the urgency and fervour of the period.

6. Paris Was the Birthplace of Cinema

Cinema was really born in Paris! On December 28, 1895, the Lumiere brothers captivated an keen viewers with a sequence of ten brief movies, every lasting round 50 seconds.

Who knew that this humble starting would evolve into the multi-billion-dollar trade we all know and love right this moment? So, right here’s to the Lumière brothers and their monumental contribution to the world of movie!

7. Cannes You Consider It?

Cannes Movie Competition is a prestigious occasion held yearly since 1946 within the sunny resort city of Cannes on the French Riviera.

It has turn out to be a hotspot for the world’s high filmmakers and actors, so whether or not you’re a celeb spotter or a die-hard movie buff, the Cannes Movie Competition is the last word vacation spot for anybody who loves the magic of films.

Cannes in France (fun facts about France)

8. Château Overload

Extremely, there are over 40,000 châteaux in France. It ranges from opulent palaces just like the well-known Château de Versailles to smaller, extra intimate manor homes.

These architectural wonders have witnessed centuries of wars, romances, and royal intrigue. At this time, many châteaux had transformed into museums, lodges, and even non-public properties.

So, in the event you’re planning a visit to France, why not add a château or two to your itinerary?

9. Transfer Over, Santa!

Collect ’spherical, people, as a result of it’s time for a barely spooky French Christmas legend: Le Père Fouettard! This sinister determine, also called “The Whipping Father,” is alleged to be the darkish counterpart to Saint Nicholas, the beloved gift-giver.

Wearing rags and carrying a bundle of sticks or a whip. He’s a fearsome sight meant to maintain children on their finest conduct in the course of the festive season.

10. The Croissant Isn’t French!

It might come as a shock, however regardless of its status as a French pastry staple, the croissant has Austrian roots. The flaky and buttery deal with had invented in Vienna within the seventeenth century.

The croissant’s reputation ultimately unfold to France, the place it additional refined and perfected by French bakers.

Delicious bunch of croissant (fun facts about France)
Scrumptious baked croissant

11. Paris Has Underground Tunnels

There are over 200 miles of underground tunnels in Paris often known as the Catacombs. Initially the tunnels had been dug to supply constructing supplies for town, however within the late 18th century, stays from cemeteries had been transferred to the catacombs.

The catacombs are open to the general public by the Catacombs of Paris Museum (Catacombes de Paris).

12. The Weight of Love is Heavy!

The well-known Pont des Arts bridge was as soon as dwelling to numerous “love locks”. {Couples} from world wide would engrave their initials and fasten padlocks to the bridge, throwing the keys into the Seine River.

As a consequence of considerations over the bridge’s structural integrity from the locks, all of them had been eliminated.

13. Defend the Baguette!

The long-lasting French baguette is definitely protected and ruled by French regulation!

Formally, a standard baguette can solely comprise 4 substances: flour, water, yeast, and salt and the regulation ensures it’s made accurately and protects it from different industrial bread.

Delicious bunch of baguette (fun facts about France)
Scrumptious and engaging baguette

14. Oh, Là Là! The Statue of Liberty

Again within the nineteenth century, France and america shared a mutual admiration and a love of liberty. To have fun America’s centennial in 1876, French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi was commissioned to create an unforgettable reward: the Statue of Liberty.

The huge sculpture was then disassembled, shipped throughout the Atlantic, and reassembled on a pedestal on Liberty Island in New York Harbor.

15. The Metropolis of (En) Gentle (Enment)

You could have heard that Paris is also called the “Metropolis of Lights”, and when you’ve got ever seen Paris by evening, you’ll perceive why!

However the dazzling lights aren’t the one motive for this nickname. Paris was as soon as a hub for students, artists and writers who illuminated the world with their concepts and innovations in the course of the Age of Enlightenment.

16. The French Greet Every Different with a Kiss or Two…

In French tradition, the customary greeting is called “la bise” which includes exchanging cheek kisses with others as an indication of welcome and friendship.

Relying on the area, the variety of kisses can fluctuate between two, three, and even 4. Whereas this custom could appear a bit daunting for outsiders, it’s a vital side of French social etiquette and an effective way to indicate heat and reference to others.

So, if you end up in France, don’t be afraid to offer “la bise” a try to embrace this charming side of French tradition!

French greeting "la bise"

17. The President is Additionally a Monarch

Inside French territory lies the microstate and co-principality, Andorra. Each the president of France and the Bishop of Urgell in Spain as its co-princes.

Which means that the president of France is technically a monarch, albeit of a special nation!

18. Don’t Let the Bubbles Idiot You!

Champagne, the long-lasting bubbly beverage, can solely be known as “Champagne” if it’s produced within the eponymous area in France. The rest is only a glowing wine impersonator!

France is likely one of the largest wine producers on the earth, with greater than 1 million hectares (2.5 million acres) of vineyards. Wine is produced in almost each area, together with well-known areas like Champagne, Bordeaux and Burgundy.

19. A World of Culinary Delights

France is famend for its gastronomy, and French delicacies has been declared a “world intangible heritage” by UNESCO. With mouthwatering dishes like coq au vin, bouillabaisse, and crème brûlée, it’s simple to see why!

The French sometimes spend over 2 hours per day consuming, no surprise their dishes are so scrumptious – they actually take the time to savor them!

Michelin chef preparing food

20. Be Cautious How You Maintain Your Baguette!

In France, there’s this quirky superstition that you simply shouldn’t place a baguette the wrong way up on the desk. It goes means again to the Center Ages when bakers needed to give a loaf of bread to the native executioner.

So, individuals thought that in the event that they by chance flipped their baguette the wrong way up, they’d be inviting unhealthy luck.

It’s not an enormous deal right this moment, however many of us nonetheless observe this enjoyable custom and hold their baguettes right-side up simply in case!

21. France Has a Crepe Celebration!

La Chandeleur is a pleasant French custom celebrated yearly on February 2nd. Also referred to as Candlemas, La Chandeleur is a Christian vacation with roots within the historic Roman and Celtic festivals of sunshine.

These days, it’s all in regards to the crêpes! Households and buddies throughout France collect to whip up these delicious, skinny pancakes as a logo of prosperity and the return of sunny days.

There’s even a well-liked superstition that in the event you can flip a crêpe within the air utilizing solely the frying pan whereas holding a gold coin in your different hand, success is bound to return your means.

22. Oysters Galore

The French have a long-standing love affair with oysters and are identified to eat a staggering 4 million oysters yearly! Oysters are harvested from the coastal areas of France, with probably the most well-known varieties hailing from Brittany, Normandy, and the Marennes-Oléron space.

These succulent treats are sometimes loved uncooked, served on a mattress of crushed ice with a squeeze of lemon or a touch of mignonette sauce.

So, the subsequent time you’re in France, why not be part of the locals in savoring a platter of freshly shucked oysters alongside a crisp glass of white wine?

Delicious fresh oysters
Contemporary and engaging oysters

21. Foie Gras Frenzy

Ah, foie gras, is the luxurious and controversial delicacy that has lengthy been a cornerstone of French gastronomy. This wealthy, buttery deal with is comprised of the liver of a duck or goose that has been specifically fattened, a course of often known as “gavage.”

Nonetheless, it’s essential to notice that the manufacturing of foie gras has been the topic of heated debate as a consequence of animal welfare considerations with the dish being banned in some areas and nations.

Adore it or detest it, there’s no denying that foie gras stays an emblematic and contentious a part of France’s culinary heritage.

22. France is Residence to the “Route des Grandes Alpes”

Should you’re a fan of breathtaking surroundings and epic highway journeys, the Route des Grandes Alpes in France is an absolute must-see!

This superb route takes you thru the beautiful French Alps, overlaying 720 km (450 miles) of twisty mountain roads, picturesque valleys, and charming Alpine villages. You’ll go by iconic peaks like Mont Blanc and get the possibility to discover stunning nationwide parks alongside the way in which.

So, seize your folks, pack your baggage, and prepare for an unforgettable journey!

23. French is the Fifth Most Spoken Language within the World!

French isn’t simply spoken in France. It’s the official language in 29 nations with over 300 million audio system throughout 5 continents!

French is the second most generally spoken language within the European Union too. Tres spectacular!

Learning French language

24. Allez Les Bleus!

The French nationwide soccer group, “Les Bleus,” has gained the FIFA World Cup twice. Their first win was in 1998 after they hosted the match and beat Brazil 3-0 within the remaining.

The second time was in 2018 in Russia when Les Bleus beat Croatia 4-2. France is fifth with probably the most world cup wins with Brazil taking the primary spot with 5 wins.

25. The Notre-Dame

The well-known Gothic cathedral, Notre Dame de Paris, took almost 200 years to construct, with building starting in 1163 and ending within the 14th century.

The cathedral suffered important harm throughout a fireplace in 2019 however is at the moment being restored.

26. The French Folks Love Comedian Books!

French individuals love their comedian books, or “bandes dessinées.” The trade is so distinguished in France that it even has its personal annual pageant, the Angoulême Worldwide Comics Competition. It’s one of many world’s most prestigious comedian occasions, Held each January.

It’s the third-largest comedian pageant on the earth!

Set of comic books

27. France Has 12 Time Zones!

France holds the document for probably the most time zones on the earth, with a complete of 12 time zones spanning its territories. This spectacular quantity is because of France’s intensive abroad areas and departments, together with islands within the Caribbean, Indian Ocean, and Pacific Ocean, in addition to territories in South America and the Antarctic.

Mainland France falls underneath the Central European Time Zone so that you gained’t must hold altering your watch whenever you go to.

28. France Has a Giant Railway Community

The French railway community, often known as the SNCF, is the second largest in Europe and operates high-speed trains known as TGVs (Trains à Grande Vitesse), which may attain speeds of as much as 320 km/h (200 mph).

Nice information in the event you’re planning on Touring round France!

29. Mont-Saint-Micahel is magical

Mont-Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage website, is a panoramic island commune in Normandy, well-known for its dramatic tidal adjustments and beautiful medieval structure.

When the tide is excessive, it’s solely surrounded by water, and through low tide, it’s related to the mainland. The tidal vary across the island might be as a lot as 15 meters (49 ft).

Breathtaking shot of Mont-Saint-Michel in France
Breathtaking Mont-Saint-Michel within the island of Normandy

30. France Awards Their Expert Craftsmen and Girls

The Meilleur Ouvrier de France (MOF) is a prestigious award and competitors held in France since 1924 to acknowledge excellent craftsmen and artisans. Opponents are judged on their distinctive talent, creativity, and experience in varied trades equivalent to cooking, pastry-making, woodwork, and jewellery design.

The title of “Un des Meilleurs Ouvriers de France” is awarded to the winners, elevating their status and profession prospects. The competitors takes place each three to 4 years and is organized by the Société des Meilleurs Ouvriers de France.

31. France Boasts the Highest Variety of Nobel Prize Winners in Literature

Showcasing the nation’s lengthy standing custom of excellence within the literary arts, it at the moment has a complete of 15 laureates. French authors have been persistently acknowledged for his or her outstanding contributions to the worldwide literary canon.

Esteemed writers equivalent to Albert Camus, Jean-Paul Sartre, and François Mauriac have all obtained this prestigious accolade. The French language’s prominence and the nation’s wealthy cultural heritage have considerably formed the nation’s literary achievements.

32. 24 Hours of Le Mans

Do you know about this superior French automobile race known as Le Mans? It’s formally often known as the “24 Hours of Le Mans,” and it’s one of the crucial prestigious endurance races on the earth.

The race takes place yearly within the metropolis of Le Mans, and it’s been pushing drivers and their automobiles to the bounds since 1923!

So, in the event you’re a racing fan, you’ll want to add this epic occasion to your bucket checklist – it’s an expertise you gained’t wish to miss!

Le Mans Race in France

33. It’s Unlawful to Title a Pig “Napoleon”

As a consequence of a peculiar regulation that goals to guard the status of the well-known French emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte, it’s unlawful to call a pig “Napoleon”.

This regulation was created to forestall individuals from disrespecting or poking enjoyable on the historic chief by naming a pig after him. As pigs are sometimes related to being soiled or gluttonous, it’s seen as disrespectful to affiliate Napoleon’s identify with them.

Though it might look like a wierd rule, it displays the significance of Napoleon’s legacy in French historical past and tradition.

34. France Has a “Proper to Disconnect” Regulation

The “proper to disconnect” regulation was enacted in 2017, aiming to advertise a more healthy work-life stability for workers.

This groundbreaking laws permits staff to disregard work-related emails, calls, and messages exterior their common working hours with out going through any repercussions. Firms with greater than 50 workers are required to barter and set up particular tips on the best way to handle digital communication exterior of the workplace.

By implementing this regulation, France has taken a daring step in addressing the difficulty of digital burnout and enhancing the general well-being of its workforce.

35. France Has the World’s Tallest Bridge

The Millau Viaduct, the world’s tallest bridge, might be present in France, hovering gracefully above the Tarn River Valley.

Accomplished in 2004, this architectural marvel spans 2.5 km (1.5 miles) and reaches a formidable peak of 343 meters (1,125 ft) – even taller than the Eiffel Tower!

Designed by British architect Norman Foster and French structural engineer Michel Virlogeux, the Millau Viaduct has turn out to be an iconic landmark and a testomony to human engineering prowess.

Tallest bridge of Millau Viaduct in France
The world’s tallest bridge “Millau Viaduct” in France

36. 40% of Radio Music Should Be French

A regulation was launched in 1994 requiring radio stations to make sure that no less than 40% of the music they play consists of French-language songs. Half of this quota should come from new skills or rising artists.

This regulation, often known as the “Loi Toubon,” was enacted to protect and promote French music and tradition, amid considerations that overseas music, significantly from america, was dominating the airwaves.

The regulation displays France’s sturdy dedication to defending its wealthy cultural heritage and supporting its homegrown expertise.

37. France Has the Most Roundabouts within the World

France holds the excellence of getting probably the most roundabouts on the earth, with over 30,000 of those round intersections unfold throughout the nation.

Roundabouts have turn out to be an integral a part of France’s highway infrastructure, contributing to smoother site visitors movement and decreased accident charges.

Their prevalence has even impressed an annual competitors known as “Le Trophée du Giratoire,” which awards probably the most fantastically designed and aesthetically pleasing roundabouts.

This distinctive document highlights France’s dedication to progressive site visitors administration and highway security.

38. France is the Most Visited Nation within the World!

France is probably the most visited nation on the earth, with over 89 million worldwide vacationers testing its many wonders in 2019. As journey is now recovering, up to now France has over 48.4 million guests in 2023, adopted by Mexico.

It’s no shock – France has bought all of it! From its beautiful countryside to its world-famous landmarks, just like the Eiffel Tower and Palace of Versailles, to its fabulous meals and wine, there’s one thing for everybody.

Plus, French seashores are to die for, from the glamor of the French Riviera to the picturesque vineyards of Bordeaux.

And there you have got it, people! France is a lot extra than simply fancy delicacies and romantic spots. Backside line is there are a lot of fascinating info about France that make it a must-visit vacation spot for any curious traveler.

From its charming villages and awe-inspiring artwork to its quirky customs and intriguing historical past, France has one thing for everybody.

So, whether or not you’re a historical past buff, an artwork fanatic, or simply somebody searching for time, France has a little bit of one thing for everybody.

Promenade of Menton in France
Promenade of Menton in France

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