What France Has to Offer: Discover 43 Intriguing Facts About This Remarkable Country
France is one of the most fascinating countries in the world. Rich in history and culture, it boasts enchanting landscapes and cozy towns that attract a plethora of tourists.
Interesting Facts About France:
- The capital of France is Paris.
- The population of France is approximately 66.8 million people.
- France shares borders with Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Andorra, Italy, and Monaco. It is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
- The official language of France is French, but English is essential for work and communication. Many French people may not understand if you don't speak English, despite their pride in their language.
- France is home to the most castles in the world, with a staggering total of 4,969. Almost five thousand!
- Decorating Christmas trees for the New Year was invented by the French.
- French farmers contributed to the downfall of the European Constitution project due to their reluctance to conform to certain standards regarding wine and cheese production.
- France hosts some of the world's most visited architectural landmarks: Notre-Dame Cathedral and Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey.
- France is the birthplace of cinema.
- The French take pride in inventing the guillotine, which was abolished only recently due to globalization and the European Union.
- French people are known for their politeness; swearing is rare, and their language contains minimal profanity.
- Stores in France typically close by 9 PM; there are no 24-hour stores like in other countries.
- Cigarettes in France generally have a uniform price, around five euros per pack.
- Pigeons are considered "flying rats" by the French.
- France is the birthplace of renowned figures such as Cézanne, Alphonse Daudet, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Alexandre Dumas, Molière, and Voltaire.
- France is the birthplace of the bicycle.
- France is home to several varieties of fire-resistant trees, chosen for their use in remarkable fireplaces (one such fireplace can be seen in the Ambrose Castle). The most famous non-flammable trees are juniper and cedar.
- France is known for producing the most pungent and expensive mushrooms in the world: truffles. Truffle auctions are held, and they are the only commodity without an official price. Truffles are typically sold for an average of 600 euros per kilogram, uncleaned. The truffle season lasts from November to March.
- All snails in France (grape snails cooked in garlic sauce) are called "snails à la bourguignonne" because they are considered the largest and most delicious. They will be listed as "Burgundy snails" on the menu, even if they are gathered in the square in front of Notre-Dame de Paris.
- France is the birthplace of ballet.
- The Eiffel Tower in France was built specifically for the 1889 World's Fair and served as its entrance arch.
- Marriage agencies in France face difficulties due to French grooms' preference for articulate partners. Cooking skills are not enough; the partners must be eloquent, even in English.
- France extracts food rather than oil and gas.
- The words "breakfast," "lunch," "dinner," and "food," and all their related terms, are sacred to the French. The only rivals to these words are "rugby," "cycling," and "football," but only after a hearty meal. It is absolutely forbidden to call a French person while they are eating! Keep this in mind. It's not a joke. Being late for lunch is more forgivable than interrupting someone's meal.
- France has a vast number of regional cuisines—22 according to the number of regions—depending on local resources and produce. French people excel at preparing simple dishes deliciously. Even if you eat only potatoes every day, you will still experience exotic cuisine because of the variety of potato types and dishes made from them.
- All French people hate McDonald's, but if their teenage or young adult child (up to 26 years old) disappears and doesn't call or text for the last 20 minutes, you should look for them there.
- In France, there are only two types of wine: the one you like and the one you don't like! The same goes for perfumes, so we'll save a whole point on this.
- Every French city has a street named after Victor Hugo.
- French people have the longest life expectancy in Europe.
- The only corkscrew museum in the world is located in Provence, France.
- Tights were also invented in France.
- Interestingly, buckwheat is considered a scarce commodity in France.
- France is the fashion capital, with discounts of up to 90%.
- Transportation in France is the most comfortable and cleanest.
- In France, medical experts recommend a daily dose of three glasses of red wine for men and two glasses for women as a health benefit. Even traffic police officers won't penalize you for it.
- The tradition of wearing a white wedding dress originated in France.
- In France, the terms "dry" and "brut" only apply to champagne. There is no concept of "dry wine" because all wine is considered genuine. Fortified wines are unequivocally classified as liqueurs and are no longer considered wine. Wine is wine—red, white, or rosé.
- By the way, French red wine doesn't cause headaches.
- France has a hotline for anonymous alcoholics, and all help for such individuals is free of charge: +33 0820 32-68-83. How to call? Just say "Allo, bonjour," and you can simply breathe into the receiver and enjoy.
- The highest wealth tax in Europe is in France.
