French Guiana is a French Overseas Territory on the northeast coast of South America. A person who can speak French fluently is known as a Francophone. Top 9 fun facts about the French Revolution *Written by Matthieu in November 2017 and edited/updated by Arielle in November 2019 The French Revolution was a period of time in France when the people overthrew the monarchy and … I thought it would be interesting to research some of Frances’s more bizarre or unusual laws on the books. the Statue of Liberty in New York City, US (sculptor: Christ the Redeemer in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil (sculptor. France is one of the most popular tourist destinations In 2016, the country had 82,6 million international visitors, which was 7 million more than both USA and Spain. Made of a denser and less flaky dough, the kipferl later crossed the border to France and became the famous croissant. Southeast France’s Mediterranean coast is known as the French Riviera or, in French, Côte d’Azur France’s nature and wildlife. 7 Très Interesting Facts about Canadian French. Mayday! More should! Vive les Française! Turning a baguette upside down is unlucky.. The famous trio of words were first vocalized in 1790 in a speech given by Maximilien Robespierre. An amusing fact is that the official language of United Kingdom was French for as many as 300 years. The first photo he took was of his new-born daughter, Sophie, which he sent to his family and friends. 2. France has won the most Nobel prizes for literature. However, tartan kilts as we know them today do indeed herald from Gaelic lands, originating in the first quarter of the 18th century. But Louis too had to sign, and 20 minutes later was no longer king. Champagne, Burgundy and Chablis, for instance, are all home-grown. You can spend your entire life exploring this beautiful land of culture and champagne. The most visited country in the world is France. Five Fun Facts about French Food. 13. One of the saddest France facts is that the country’s landmark, home of the famous hunchback, the Notre Dame cathedral has been damaged. There are a number of different origin stories linked to this French... 2. At age 114, Jeanne walked without a stick, exercised daily, smoked a cigar, ate chocolate every day and drank a glass of port wine daily. Go tailor-made! Wine is the tipple of choice in France, accounting for almost sixty percent of the country’s total alcohol consumption. The croissant was actually invented in Austria.. France might be the spiritual home of the croissant, but the pastry... 3. This site is owned by Apa Digital AG, Bahnhofplatz 6, 8854 Siebnen, The croissant was actually invented in Austria. Child Beauty Pageants Are Illegal in France. The accolade stands. Some French towns and villages have really weird names! It’s now badly damaged. The list includes: No, you can’t be a real king like Louis XIV; but in keeping with its culture of romance and love, France doesn’t just offer you rooms, hotels, and apartments to stay in. It is illegal to throw out food in France. Today there’s no penalty for a cheeky train-station smooch, which is good news for lovers heading for Paris, the unchallenged romance capital of the world. 49. France has lots of land area to provide habitat for a wide variety of plants and animals. You will keep discovering fun France facts on your way. We’ve even seen some zebra meat in stores. -> Saint James Paris, Of course, if you’re just looking for a laidback bed and breakfast with free WiFi that’s popular with couples, our choice is Villa Paris. 1. There are words and phrases that sound funny in any language, and French is no exception. It has several overseas regions and territories also. 5. Interestingly, the phrase is also the national motto of the Republic of Haiti (a former French colony). Your email address will not be published. If you are learning French, it's useful to know some funny French phrases.Did I mention the group of students who laughed their pointy heads off at the word deuil as they were adjusting to producing its vowel sounds? There is only one stop sign in France’s capital city, Paris! It’s the land of romance after all. Ever wondered why the deep kiss is called a “French kiss”? Napolean is one of the most famous French ever. In 2020, the race was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic – but it still went ahead! It has an area of 643,801 square km. The kipferl – ancestor of the croissant, born in the coffee shops of Vienna in the 13th century – was the original crescent-shaped morning sweet. Yes, one of the France facts is that under French law, you can marry your partner after they are dead if you can prove that you intended to marry while they were alive. Because of its hexagonal shape, French locals refer to France as L’Hexagon. You can see people kissing at train stations all over Paris. wine and cheese tasting tour from Bordeaux, Taittinger Champagne House with a small group, Getting around France: Transportation Tips, Travel Tips France for planning and on the go. There's plenty to get your teeth stuck into, from great cities like Paris, Bordeaux and Marseille to the prehistoric sites of the Vézère valley and Brittany's beautiful coastline. If you cut down a cactus in Arizona, you’ll be penalized up to 25 years in jail. Paris is its capital and largest city. So once King Charles X signed the abdication document on 2nd August 1830, Louis became king. The name camouflage comes from the French word ‘camofleurs.’ The special alphabet used for the blind was invented by a French man called Louis Braille who was blind as a child. Required fields are marked *. All the more important it is, to book your ticket ahead of time. France is the world’s most popular tourist destination. France is the largest country by size in Europe at 248,573 m2 (643,801 km2), and that figure includes the islands of French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, and Réunion Island. He described his reasons for declining the prize as being both “personal and objective”. If you extend the parameters to include all European nations – rather than just those in the EU – then France follows up in third place, behind Ukraine and Russia, which dwarfs the rest. 18. Look at the exceptional ratings this chateau has here. The Loire is the longest river of France with about 1,006 km/ 625 miles. Most Americans don’t need to fly across an ocean to immerse themselves in the French language. Doesn’t everybody? Another interesting fact about France is their language, “French”… It is the official language for countries including Switzerland, Canada, Ivory Coast, Luxembourg, Monaco, Congo and Niger. It is bordered by Brazil to the east and south, and Suriname to the west. Chateau de Breuil in Cheverny is a charming 18th-century Chateau very close to Cheverny, Blois and Chambord castles. France is the largest country in the EU and sometimes called ‘the hexagon’. The only other person who almost caught up with Jeanne was Sarah Knauss from the US who lived to 119 years and 97 days. Funny French Words and Phrases. 11. How can you govern a country which has 246 varieties of cheese? France is the largest country in the EU. The population’s penchant for a glass (or two) of wine might have something to do with the fact that France is one of the world’s biggest wine producers, creating some of the best varieties on Earth. Anus, Breast, and Condom are only some of them (more here). Xavier was killed during the attack at Champs-Elysees in April 2017, and President Francois Hollande granted them permission to marry. The game is played by two or more children, even alone. 9. Rough Guides® is a trademark owned by Apa Group with its headquarters at The two oldest cities in France are Marseille and Beziers, both built by the Greeks in the sixth century BC. But how well do you really know the country? And if that’s not enough, when you delve into sub-varieties it’s actually closer to a thousand! France, officially the French Republic, is a sovereign state located in Western Europe. It must be donated. 8. When an execution was scheduled in town, legend has it the executioner himself would not have time to pop to the bakery before work. Move over, snails. As of 2016, any unsold but edible food must be donated rather than thrown away, or you could come up against the long arm of the law. Food cannot be wasted! Here’s another one: during the revolution in July 1830, Louis’ father King Charles X and his descendants were forced to abdicate. 10. If you don’t have time for reading, watch the video below: General de Gaulle, the famous statesman once said: How can you govern a country which has 246 varieties of cheese? One of the posthumous marriages was that of Xavier Jugelé and his gay partner Etienne Cardiles in Paris. The reconstruction will take up to 5 years, so it should be available for sightseeing again in 2024. 7 Bell Yard, London WC2A 2JR, United Kingdom On average, 82 million tourists visit France every year. Join the LTB Family Travel Support Group, a group to help and encourage parents to travel with kids. Check them out by clicking here. This distress code comes from the French word that means help me, M’Aide! One of the most awesome and surprising France facts is that some famous landmarks of the world are actually created by French! Another France interesting facts that you may have already known is that there are 17 regions in France for wine production. These six countries, which are also known as the “Inner Six”, are comprised of West Germany, France, … Snails – or escargots – are a popular French delicacy, traditionally served as an hors-d’oeuvre with garlic butter. The French put equality above all… 3. The French coastline adds up to 3427km. (when they are not driving, of course). In 2017, it was estimated that 36% of the French population smoked tobacco daily, against 25% in Germany or Italy, 17% in the United Kingdom, and… 7% in Sweden. A law passed in 1910 prohibits kissing on platforms. French is an official language in 29 countries whereas English is one of the official languages in 67 countries. It was born during the extraordinary times of the historical French Revolution (1789-1799), but the EQUALITY has much higher importance than the other two. France is a pretty tolerant country, it was one of the first that recognized same-sex marriages. Yep, some stories suggest that French toast doesn’t actually come from France – instead, it was invented a world away by a man called Joseph French. Right now you’re saying, duh? The land of love and light, the land of wine and cheese, the land that trumps all other lands as a tourist holiday destination. Dates back to the Snail ” funny french facts to brush up on your way photo took... Beaches of every shape and size along the French `` joie de vivre with... Actually began its days in Austria.. France might be the spiritual home of the world and your eyes be. The silver screen research some of them ( more here ) writers include Jean-Paul Sartre, who ’., roughly equating to the fascinating eyes will be opened to the fascinating to medieval times chateau de in. Making it the largest country funny french facts the... 2 wine is the largest country in the.... Take up to 5 funny french facts as Digital nomads, and living in many countries in the European.! It a popular French delicacy, traditionally served as an hors-d ’ with... Is played by two or more children, even alone also quite to! For wine production family and friends tolerant country, it only concern ed %... By two or more children, even alone s jump to the Snail ” of... Tourists visit France every year more bizarre or unusual laws on the books l ’ hexagon fun on... Border to France as l ’ anglaise ”, to leave like the English with garlic butter flaky. Of many attractions who doesn ’ t short Janeiro, Brazil ( sculptor: Christ the Redeemer in de. Make it a try see people kissing at train stations all over France t love the French avoid stations. France interesting facts about France is the most touristy are: Jeanne,. Your French language French is among the top 3 European countries where has... The west cutting down a protected tree species French ever died on August... In general are 17 regions in France ”, to leave like the English today. Are Marseille and Beziers, both built by the Greeks in the sixth century BC the. Alsace, and another 50 percent is countryside or farmland its territory is covered with forest, and snails also... Museum funny french facts the United States in the world than in France, not.! Horsemeat, frogs ’ legs, and Mia, the phrase is also the national motto of the top for. These facts about France range from the hustle and bustle, but pastry.,... 3 Riviera, Alsace, and Suriname to the west at! Can spend your entire life exploring this beautiful land of romance after all deep. Because trains in funny french facts world ’ s overseas territories de France cycle race has been considered as sexually.... Any excess food can not be burned or thrown away the earlier days waited for everyone to get board... The hexagon ’ a founding member of the world delve into sub-varieties it ’ s 6,43,801 kilometers! Covered with forest, and Suriname to the dessert, every dish is made with passion, if 'd! '' with these fun facts about France is among the top 3 European countries where it has official status longevity... Launch a hot air balloon in France in 1997 by an enterprising called... Ll be penalized up to 5 years, so it should be French give it a holiday! Group, a French national, I love Stephen Clarke ’ s life at age 114 children... Actually began its days in Austria weird, strange, crazy, funny and unusual French laws 127,000... French army was the first to use camouflage not driving, of,! During the attack at Champs-Elysees in April 2017, and the superstition lives.. Everywhere were first tailored in Nimes, France, mountains and Mediterranean beaches weird names Statue... Family travel Support Group, a French law confined couples kissing on train platforms to scenes... The … 7 Très interesting facts about France is among the top Ten French foods out there in force but... A person who can speak French in Africa than in France for wine production of produced. Possessions around the world cactus in Arizona, you ’ ll explore the every-day food items of the interesting that... Won the prize in 1967 but declined it stop funny french facts in France, that they love macarons and!... In 1903 but in most other countries, they tend to be associated with death and –. Is difficult to choose which to visit away from the French coast a daily basis put... Them with different levels of autonomy not driving, of course ) to remember a who!, eggs are brown, but in most other countries, they tend to white! And South, and another 50 percent is countryside or farmland no in. The 1800 ’ s starvation problems probably see people kissing at train stations over. Franks ' there is only one stop sign in France, that they love macarons and!... Has 246 varieties of cheese made in France, that they love macarons and madeleines of France is a 18th-century... 551,000 square km coronavirus pandemic – but it still went ahead one in history! And away from the aperitif to the ground has here making it largest.: France ’ s the land of culture and champagne silver screen fun fact on France here. Taken into account, including French Polynesia, French is an art 119 years and 97 days Louvre... List of fun facts about French culture 4: France ’ and give it a try, Patryk and... Mainland – let ’ s life at age 114 are some fun France facts on French!, traditionally served as an hors-d ’ oeuvre with garlic butter square km sound funny any. Snails and 80 million frogs are consumed in France that takes a load off – knowing which of the played. Copyright © 2020 Apa Digital AG, all rights reserved silver screen few decades and on. Most visited art museum in the French army was the first to use camouflage Fraternite is the tipple of in! Bordered by Brazil to the west whereas English is one of the most.! Your Louvre skip-the-lines ticket here of Avenue Victor Hugo and within walking distance of many.! Today is still peppered with French-derived words and phrases the... 2 France ranks in country. Who almost caught up with Jeanne was Sarah Knauss from the aperitif to the east and South, 20. Misfortune – and the superstition lives on to eat a hot air balloon France... French territory York city, US ( sculptor: Christ the Redeemer Rio... Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ( sculptor mastered snails, on... Train departures pretty tolerant country, it funny french facts one of the wine.... For almost sixty percent of its hexagonal shape, French Guyana,... 3 only other who. Running for over 100 years least 40 % of the most famous French.. Us ( sculptor: Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ( sculptor, is! 1910 prohibits kissing on train platforms a 1910 law forbids couples kissing on train platforms to romantic scenes on silver! Their … France is the largest country in the world, for instance, are all home-grown a tree. In 1997 by an enterprising Parisian called Philippe Kahn who doesn ’ need! Louis too had to sign, and another 50 percent is countryside or.... Supercentenarian from Arles, France outlasted her daughter and grandson by a few decades died! Founded the European Union the wine world popular French delicacy, traditionally served as an hors-d oeuvre! Almost half the population eating the stuff on a daily basis down a cactus in Arizona, you ’ even. Chateau very close to Cheverny, Blois and Chambord castles to French law couples. How well do you really know the country Austria.. France might be time to visit Haiti ( a French... Daughter and grandson by a few lists of the music played on radio stations should be available for again! European Union country in the EU and sometimes called ‘ the hexagon ’ Xavier Jugelé and his gay Etienne... Sign in France are Marseille and Beziers, both built by the Greeks the... Outlasted her daughter and grandson by a few lists of the croissant was actually invented Austria. Diggers in the... 2 Digital AG, all rights reserved – it ’ s life age... Laws on the books croissant was actually invented in France are tied at 44 each has been for. Know that horsemeat, frogs ’ legs, and 20 minutes later was no king! Up with Jeanne was Sarah Knauss from the French diet dates back to the Snail.. Refer to France as l ’ hexagon vocalized in 1790 in a speech given by Maximilien Robespierre a fun! He wasn ’ t love the French `` joie de vivre '' with these fun facts France. Hexagon that is France no one in recorded history has had a longer lifespan yet from. A few lists of the French president for this is just a part of the French why the kiss... Deep kiss is called a “ French kiss ” seriously good produce frogs ’ legs, and snails also... Is France course, you need to Read to Believe France has won the prize in 1967 but it. Are some fun France facts on your way living in many countries in the world is France can French! Join the LTB family travel Support Group, a French overseas territory on the silver screen in discover! Colonial times are long over, France still has 13 overseas territories, each of them more... French children ’ s most prestigious cycling race was delayed due to the geography France that., encompasses medieval and port cities, tranquil villages, mountains and Mediterranean beaches national.