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Interesting Facts About France

Bonjour everyone! France is a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. From the bustling streets of Paris to the serene countryside of Provence, France has something for everyone. It’s no wonder that France consistently ranks as the most visited country in the world, welcoming over 100 million tourists in 2024 alone.

Whether you’re a lover of art, fashion, food, or architecture, France offers a unique experience that blends timeless charm with modern sophistication. Explore iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, wander through medieval villages, indulge in world-renowned cuisine, or relax on the sun-kissed beaches of the French Riviera.

Here are 17 interesting facts and highlights about France

1. France is the most visited country in the world

It’s no secret that France is a popular destination for tourists. It’s the most visited country in the world, with over 89 million visitors in 2019 alone. From the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre Museum, countless attractions draw visitors to France every year. And not just Paris but the countryside as well. Provence and Bordeaux have their share of beauty to offer. The country’s capital, Paris, is also the third most visited city in the world, behind Bangkok and London. 

2. France has a rich history

France has a long and fascinating history dating back thousands of years. From the Roman Empire to the French Revolution, France has been at the center of many important historical events. Some of France’s most famous historical sites include the Palace of Versailles, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Normandy beaches. For example, the legal system in France is still largely based on the principles set down in Napoleon Bonaparte’s Code Civil after the revolution in the 1800s.

3. French was the official language of England for about 300 years

French was the official language of England between 1066 and 1362. But after William the Conqueror led the Norman conquest and subsequent occupation of England in 1066, he introduced Anglo-Norman French to the nation, spoken mostly by royalty, aristocrats, and high-powered officials, some of whom couldn’t speak any English! In 1362, however, parliament passed the Pleading in English Act, making English the official language of government. 

4. France is the largest country in the EU

France is the largest country in the European Union, covering a total area of 551,695 square kilometers. However, it is only the third-largest country in Europe, behind Ukraine and the European portion of Russia. Around 31% of France is forest making it the fourth most forested country in the EU, after Sweden, Finland, and Spain. 

5. If wine, then from France

Wine? Hell yeah. France is famous for its wine and for good reason. French wine is produced in many different regions, each with its own unique style and flavor. Some of France’s most famous wine regions include Bordeaux, Champagne, and Burgundy. We love wine, and France is a paradise of great wine. 

6. The French love their cheese

With good wine goes good cheese. Here France is among the champions. Cheese is a big part of French culture, and there are hundreds of different varieties to choose from. The most famous French cheeses include brie, camembert, and roquefort. France is the largest cheese-producing country in the world! France produces around 1.7 million tons of cheese a year in around 1,600 varieties.

7. Where Fashion Lives

France is known for its iconic fashion, with designers like Coco Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent shaping the industry for decades. Paris Fashion Week is one of the most important events in the fashion calendar, and many of the world’s most famous fashion houses are based in Paris.

8. The shortest reign

Louis XIX was the king of France for just 20 minutes, the shortest ever reign. After this brief period, Louis-Antoine abdicated in favor of his nephew, the Duke of Bordeaux. This makes him the joint shortest reigning monarch in history. 

9. French cuisine is world-renowned, so Bon Appétit

Yeap, my favorite topic right after traveling: food! Prepare your taste buds for a culinary journey like no other. French cuisine is considered some of the best in the world. French food is known for its depth of flavor and sophistication, from buttery croissants to rich stews. Some of the most famous French dishes include coq au vin, bouillabaisse, and ratatouille. But for us, it was the pastries and cakes. Getting a fresh croissant for breakfast is the closest to heaven you can get. And any pastry you will try is beyond this world. We consider becoming “cakecarians“. French gastronomy was even awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status in 2010. 

10. The croissant is not from France

The croissant was actually invented in Austria in the 13th century.  It is actually an adaptation of a kipferl; a Viennese specialty that dates back to the 13th century. As the story goes, Austrian artillery officer, August Zang, founded a Viennese bakery in Paris in 1839. He began serving the kipferl, and it quickly became popular with the locals. So much so that French imitators started creating their own French version, which they called the croissant due to its crescent shape. And the rest, as they say, is history. 

11. The Louvre Museum is the largest in the world

The Louvre Museum in Paris holds the title of the largest art museum in the world, both in terms of gallery space and collection size. Housed in a former royal palace, the museum spans an impressive over 72,000 square meters of exhibition space and displays more than 35,000 artworks, with a total collection estimated at over 615,000 pieces.

Among its treasures are some of the most celebrated masterpieces in history, including Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, and the Venus de Milo. The Louvre’s vast collection is organized into eight departments, ranging from ancient Egyptian and Near Eastern antiquities to Islamic art, sculptures, decorative arts, and paintings from the Middle Ages to the 19th century.

The museum itself is a work of art, with its iconic glass pyramid entrance designed by architect I. M. Pei became a symbol of the fusion between classical and modern aesthetics. The Louvre attracts around 10 million visitors a year, making it not only the largest but also one of the most visited museums on Earth.

12. France has some of the most beautiful scenery in the world

From the beaches of the French Riviera to the lavender fields of Provence, France is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. The French Alps offer breathtaking views, and the cliffs of Etretat are a must-see for nature lovers. The nature you can explore is beautiful. You have no problem getting from the busy streets of Paris, jumping on a train, and ending up in a small cozy village. 

13. In France, you can marry a dead person

The French law allows you to marry posthumously in exceptional cases. This is on the condition that you can prove that the deceased intended to marry you while they were alive. You must also receive permission from the French president. The most recent approved case was in 2017, when the partner of a gay policeman gunned down on Paris’s Champs-Elysees by a jihadist was granted permission to marry his partner posthumously.

14. Inventions from France

The French invented tin cans, the hairdryer, and the hot air balloon. Thanks to the French, we have many inventions we know and love today. For instance, French inventor Nicolas Appert came up with the idea of sealed glass jars placed in boiling water to preserve food in 1809. Pierre Durand later invented the tin can. Braille was developed by Louis Braille, who was blinded as a child. Meanwhile, physician René Laennec invented the stethoscope at a hospital in Paris in 1816, and Alexandre-Ferdinand Godefroy patented the world’s first hair dryer in 1888. The hot air balloon was also pioneered by the Montgolfier brothers Joseph and Etienne, who unveiled it in 1783.

15. France against food waste

France was the first country in the world to ban supermarkets from throwing away food. In February 2016, France became the first country in the world to ban supermarkets from throwing away or destroying unsold food. Stores must now donate extra groceries to food banks and charities. Furthermore, all French supermarkets are also banned from destroying food as a way to prevent ‘dumpster divers’ from foraging in garbage bins.

16. One of Europe’s highest mountains is in France

Standing at a height of 4,807m, Mont Blanc is officially the second-highest mountain in Europe. It takes an arduous 10 to 12 hours to climb to the summit.

17. Crazy laws in France

Every country has a crazy law where you scratch your head and wonder why. Among France’s crazier laws are, for example, the fact that live snails must have a ticket to ride high-speed trains. According to French law, it is against the law to carry live snails on a high-speed train in France without them having their tickets. Any domesticated animal under 5kg must be a paying passenger. 

French law also forbids couples from kissing on train platforms. This old law was introduced in 1910 at the request of rail chiefs who wanted to prevent the amorous French from delaying the departure of trains. All kissing on the platform must now be done before the train arrives. 

Other interesting facts about France good to know are:

      • The first public screening of a movie was by the French Lumière in 1895.
      • France legalized same-sex marriage in 2013. France became the ninth country in Europe and 14th in the world to legalize same-sex marriage.
      • France has more Nobel Prize winners in Literature than any other country. With 15 French individuals winning the prestigious award since 1901, it’s fair to say that France has produced some of the world’s most influential writers and thinkers.
      • The world’s first artificial heart transplant and face transplant both took place in France. The heart transplant occurred in December 2013 at the Georges Pompidou Hospital in Paris.
      • The world’s greatest cycle race, the Tour de France, is more than 100 years old.
      • The French rail network is the second largest in Europe ninth biggest in the world.
      • At least 35% of all music played on private radio stations must be French.

Practical Things To Know

  • Watch out for seasonal crowds or closures. In France, summer holidays or “les grandes vacances” are sacred. Most people take at least two to three weeks off in July or August. During this time, services like post offices and banks have limited staff. If you plan to travel during summer, prepare yourself for traffic jams, book train tickets in advance, reserve timeslots for major attractions online, and book accommodations and popular restaurants weeks or months ahead. In Paris, many restaurants and small stores close for at least two weeks, so check the “fermeture annuelle” or “congés d’été” and have alternative plans ready.
  • Tipping is not usually expected. This is because a service charge (called “service compris”) is typically included in your restaurant bill, usually about 15% of the total. This means that waitstaff and other service workers are already compensated fairly through this included fee. That said, it’s common to leave a small extra tip, often just a few euros or round up the bill if you’ve had particularly good service or want to show appreciation. For example, leaving 5-10% in a nicer restaurant or just rounding up your café bill is a friendly gesture but never obligatory. In other situations, such as taxis, hairdressers, or hotel porters, rounding up or leaving a euro or two is appreciated but not mandatory.
  • France uses the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s good to carry some cash for small purchases, markets, or cafes.
  • France has an excellent public transport system. The train network (SNCF) is fast and connects major cities. In Paris, the Metro is efficient and affordable. Taxis can be expensive; consider using ride-sharing apps like Uber instead.
  • Restaurants in France often have set meal times. Lunch usually runs from 12 pm to 2 pm, and dinner from 7 pm to 10 pm. Many places close between meals, so plan accordingly.
  • French culture values politeness and formality. Use “vous” (formal “you”) when addressing strangers, and avoid being too loud in public spaces. Also, don’t forget to greet shopkeepers or servers with a polite “Bonjour” upon entering.
  • Smoking is still common in France but is banned in indoor public spaces. Many restaurants have designated outdoor smoking areas.
  • France uses Type C and E plugs with 230V/50Hz electricity. Bring an adapter if your devices have different plugs.
  • The French appreciate a relaxed pace and savoring moments, especially when dining. Don’t rush meals or expect quick service, as is common in some other countries.

 Pack your bag and happy exploring!

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