Top 32 Incredible Fun Facts About France

Bhawana Bisht
23 Min Read

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Are you curious to know some interesting and mind-blowing fun facts about France? So, don’t worry! We are here to kill your curiosity with a long list of amazing and interesting fun facts about France.

Contents
Top 20 Incredible Fun Facts About France1. The Notre Dame Cathedral Is The Most Popular Tourist Destination in France2. France- The Most Visited Country In The World3. The Most Visited Art Museum In The World- The Louvre Museum4. France Is The Largest Country In European Union(EU)5. The World’s Greatest Cycle Race Tour De France Is More Than 100 Years Old6. Bastille Day Is Celebrated on July 14th Each Year7. President Charles De Gaulle holds the record for surviving the most attempted assassinations in history.8. France Is Known For Its Cheese Varieties9. French Riviera The Second Best Tourist Destination In The Country10. Lake Geneva- The Largest Lake In France11. France Is Home To Top Luxury Brands In The World12. The City Of Lights- Paris13. The French Army Used Camouflage For The First Time During First World War14. Le Tricolore is the Name of the French national flag.15. The French Government Awards Medals To Its Citizens16. 12 Different Time Zones exist in France17. France Has World’s Second Largest, Economic Zone18. Forest Covers Around 31% Of France’s Total Area19. French-The Official Language Of France20. French fries and French toast are not of French origin.21. France Is Known For Its Exquisite Wines22. Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité Is France’s National Motto23. Majority Of The Country’s Population Live In Metropolitan France24. There Are Four Major Rivers In France25. France originated From The Word Frank26. Marseille Is The Oldest And Second Largest City In France27. The French Republic Is Divided Into 18 Administrative Regions28. There Are 5 Overseas Department29. In France, It Is Legal To Marry A Dead Person30. French Supermarkets Can’t Throw Away Food31. Châteaux Is Third Most Popular Destination In France32. France Holds The 4th Spot In Terms Of Nobel Laureates

Some of these interesting, fun facts about France may be known to you, but you will find most of the new and interesting ones that may even amaze you. You will explore French people, culture, food, and so many more.

But before diving into knowing the interesting facts about France, let’s start with little knowledge about the country and its people.

France is a beautiful and largest country in Western Europe, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean sea, and the North Sea, with a population of over 67 million people, spanning 643,801 kilometers square (248,573 sq mi) area.

It is the world’s most popular tourist destination, attracting many tourists annually. Paris, the capital city, is the main attraction as it is known for its historic monument Eiffel tower, fashion weeks, holy sites, and so many more.

Now is the time to explore the list of amazing and interesting fun facts about France, the most visited country that will surprise you!

Top 20 Incredible Fun Facts About France

 

fun facts about france
Corina Benesch/Pixabay/Copyright2018

The most popular tourist destination in France is the Notre Dame Cathedral. You will be surprised to know that over 14 million people visit this monument annually, and more than 35 thousand people visit it daily.

Notre Dame Cathedral is a very old Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture located on a small island on the River Seine in Paris, France. You can enjoy this beautifully designed monument’s artistic structure and stunning views here.

2. France- The Most Visited Country In The World

 

fun facts about france
Rodrigo Pignatta/Pixabay/Copyright2021

France is the most popular tourist destination in the world, with at least 80 million visitors every year, making it the world’s most visited country and one of the few, along with Spain, Austria, and Greece, where the number of tourists outnumbers the country’s entire population.

Four cathedrals, eight historic city centers, four Roman sites, four abbeys, and many belfries, castles, and palaces are among the 28 categories of sites in France that are included on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.

3. The Most Visited Art Museum In The World- The Louvre Museum

 

Top 32 Incredible Fun Facts About France 1
Ian kelsall /Pixabay/Copyright2020

The Louvre Museum is the most visited art museum in the world and a historical landmark in Paris, France.

It is home to around 38000 works of art and artifacts belongs dating back to prehistoric times. It is home to some of the most well-known pieces of art in the entire world, such as the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.

In 2019, it records that 10.2 million people visited Paris’s Louvre Museum. The Louvre showcases sculptures, paintings, art objects, drawings, and archaeological finds.

4. France Is The Largest Country In European Union(EU)

You will be surprised to know that France is the largest country in the European Union. It has a land area of 643,801 kilometers with a population of more than 67 million people, making it the largest country in Europe, followed by Sweden and Spain.

France shares borders with Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Monaco, Italy, Andorra, and Spain.

Paris, the capital of France, has a population of around 2.3 million.

5. The World’s Greatest Cycle Race Tour De France Is More Than 100 Years Old

 

fun facts about france
keesluising/Pixabay/Copyright2020

The Tour de France, the most prestigious cycling race, has been held for more than a century. On July 1, 1903, around 60 cyclists embarked on the first-ever Tour De France.

More than 100 years later, the event has become the world’s greatest cycling race, primarily consisting of 21 stages over 23 days.

6. Bastille Day Is Celebrated on July 14th Each Year

 

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MustangJoe/Pixabay/Copyright2017

Bastille Day is the national day of France, which is celebrated on July 14th every year. It commemorated the day when angry French citizens pillaged the Bastille, sparking the French Revolution.

Fireworks, parties, and parades are common ways to mark the occasion.

7. President Charles De Gaulle holds the record for surviving the most attempted assassinations in history.

President Charles De Gaulle holds the record for surviving the most attempted assassinations in history. It is one of the amazing fun facts about France that will surprise you.

President Gaulle had 32 attempts on his life but managed to survive them all, earning him a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records.

8. France Is Known For Its Cheese Varieties

 

fun facts about france
Eveline de Bruin/Pixabay/Copyright2020

If you plan to take a trip to France, then you can have a chance to try the wide varieties of cheese in different categories. France produces approximately 1.7 tons of cheese a year in around 1600 varieties.

You will be shocked to hear that the French are the world’s biggest cheese consumers, with nearly half of the population eating cheese daily.

9. French Riviera The Second Best Tourist Destination In The Country

 

The French Riviera, also known as Cote d’Azur, is one of the most iconic travel destinations in the world. French Riviera is the second-best tourist destination in the country after Paris.

The French Riviera is known for its exotic beaches, breathtaking views, and destinations, including Monaco, Nice, Cannes, and Saint Tropez.

10. Lake Geneva- The Largest Lake In France

 

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ChiemSeherin/Pixabay/Copyright2021

The magnificent Lake Geneva is France’s largest lake. It is 73 kilometers long and 14 kilometers wide, with a total area of 582 kilometers square.

One of the interesting, fun facts about France is that Lake Geneva is the largest alpine lake in Europe.

11. France Is Home To Top Luxury Brands In The World

Regarding luxury brands, France ranks among the top countries in the world with companies like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Hermès, Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, and many more.

France is known for its exotic perfume brand, jewelry, and many more high-end goods.

12. The City Of Lights- Paris

 

fun facts about france
Pete Linforth/Pixabay/Copyright2018

Paris, a majestic city known as the city of lights, is one of the world’s most beautiful and visited cities. This majestic city entices millions of visitors worldwide with its outstanding architecture, history, and cultural wonders.

Many people believe that the city is filled with shining boulevards and illuminated bridges and how beautifully the Eiffel Tower is lit up with thousands of lights in the evening, earning it the title of the City of Lights.

Paris is more than just the capital of France; it is also the capital of gastronomy, fashion, runways, and luxury brands.

Paris is home to many cultural, historical, and must-see attractions, including the Louvre Museum, the Cathedral of Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, and many more.

13. The French Army Used Camouflage For The First Time During First World War

Shocking to hear, but yeah! If you heard it correctly, you would be surprised to know that the French Army used camouflage for the first time during World War I. Vehicles and equipment were painted by the artists to match the surrounding scenery.

The word camouflage comes from the French word meaning to make up for the stage or to disguise. Artists were enlisted as camouflage officers in both world wars, making it one of the exciting and mind-blowing fun facts about France and its army.

14. Le Tricolore is the Name of the French national flag.

 

fun facts about france
GrégoryRoose/Pixabay/Copyright2018

The French Flag is known as Le Tricolore, which has three equal vertical bands of Blue, White, and Red.

The French flag dates back to 1790 and the French Revolution when the ancient French color of white was combined with the blue and red colors of the Paris Militia.

The “blue, white, and red” flag was established as the Republic’s national emblem in the 1946 and 1958 constitutions. The French flag can now be found on all public buildings.

It is flown during national commemorations and honored by a very specific ceremony.

15. The French Government Awards Medals To Its Citizens

The French government gives the medal of the French Family to citizens who have raised several children with dignity.

Three classes of medals exist, namely Bronze for those raising 4-5 children, silver for the parents of 6-7 children, and gold for those with 8 or more children, making it one of the interesting, fun facts about France that will amaze you.

16. 12 Different Time Zones exist in France

You will be shocked to know that France has 12 different time zones than any other country worldwide.

France’s dispersed national territories account for this remarkable span. Most of this is caused by regions in French Polynesia, which is in the Pacific Ocean.

17. France Has World’s Second Largest, Economic Zone

France has the second-largest Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the world, measuring 11,035,000 km sq. (4,261,000 sq mi), just behind the United States’ EEZ, which measures 11,351,000 km sq. (4,383,000 sq mi).

This is due to the country’s numerous overseas departments and territories that are dispersed throughout the world. Approximately 8% of the surface area of all EEZs worldwide is covered by France EEZ.

18. Forest Covers Around 31% Of France’s Total Area

France has the fourth-highest proportion of forests in Europe, covering 31% of its total area. With more than 140 different species of trees, French woods are among the most diverse in all of Europe.

France has 46 natural parks and nine national parks.

19. French-The Official Language Of France

The official language of France is French, also known as the romance language. Around 94% adult population speaks French as its native language in France.

You will be surprised to know that when French became the official language of France, many people who didn’t speak French had to learn French as their native or second language.

Regional languages, including Occitan, Breton, Catalan, Flemish (a Dutch dialect), Alsatian (a German dialect), Basque, and Corsican (an Italian dialect), are also spoken in France.

20. French fries and French toast are not of French origin.

 

fun facts about france
Still Photography/Pixabay/Copyright2015

Amusing to hear! But it’s true. However, their name suggests that maybe they are of French origin, but no, French fries and French toast are not originated from France.

Surprisingly, how their name originated is still unknown, but some people believed that ‘to French’ means ‘to slice’ in the old Irish language. Therefore, the sliced toast earned the title of French toast.

Sliced bread is used to make French toast, which is then pan-fried after being dipped in beaten eggs, sugar, and usually milk.

It is believed that the French fries originated from Belgium, as American soldiers discovered it during world war I. Since most of the soldiers were of French origin, earning it the name French fries. It may be one of the most interesting and surprising fun facts about France that must have blown your mind.

21. France Is Known For Its Exquisite Wines

 

fun facts about france
EM80/Pixabay/Copyright2019

Whenever you think about France, what comes to your mind first? Maybe a person with a fancy wine glass in his hand.

Yeah! There is no doubt how much French people adore wine. Indeed, you can’t imagine France without thinking about its expensive and exquisite wines.

Some of the most costly and distinguished wines in history can be found in the world-famous Bordeaux area.

You will be surprised to know that most French wines are named after their place of origin, which includes Loire Valley, Champagne, Burgundy, and Côtes du Rhône, making it one of the exciting and mind-blowing fun facts about France.

22. Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité Is France’s National Motto

Liberté, égalité, fraternité, which translates to “liberty, equality, and fraternity” in French, is the national motto of France. It is an illustration of a tripartite motto.

Numerous public structures, including town halls, public libraries, and schools, have the motto engraved on their pediments since the commemoration of Bastille Day on July 14, 1880.

Additionally, the slogan can be seen on some stamps and ancient French franc coins.

23. Majority Of The Country’s Population Live In Metropolitan France

Metropolitan France refers to the region in Western Europe that contains most of France’s area and population. The Mediterranean Sea surrounds it in the southeast, the Atlantic Ocean in the west, the English Channel in the northwest, and the North Sea in the north.

Italy and Monaco are its land boundaries in the southeast; Belgium and Luxembourg are in the northeast; Germany and Switzerland are in the east; Andorra and Spain are in the south and southwest.

Metropolitan France is home to several coastal islands, the largest of which is Corsica. It is one of the surprising fun facts about France that amazes you.

24. There Are Four Major Rivers In France

The four main rivers of France are —

  • The Seine in Paris
  • The Loire in central France
  • The Garonne in Bordeaux
  • The Rhône in Lyon

Four major rivers—the Seine, the Loire, the Garonne, and the Rhône—and their tributaries make up France’s enormous river system, which drains more than 62 percent of its metropolitan area.

25. France originated From The Word Frank

France is truly a realm of Franks. The word France, formerly used to refer to the entire Frankish Empire, is derived from the Latin Francia, meaning the realm of the Franks.

The word France is connected to the English word Frank which means free. The word France justifies its name, as its people and culture respect the freedom of everything, making it one of the amazing and surprising fun facts about France.

France has always valued freedom highly and continues to do so now, making it one of the freest nations in the world.

26. Marseille Is The Oldest And Second Largest City In France

 

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postcardtrip /Pixabay/Copyright2019

With a population of about 1.6 million, Marseille is both the second-largest and oldest city in France. It was founded in 600 BC. It has an area of 240 square kilometers, including 100 kilometers of natural areas.

It is also the third most populated city in France after Paris and Lyon. You will be surprised to know that after Paris, it has the second-highest number of museums in France.

The Château d’If, the Vieux-Port, and the Bonne-mère are all well known in Marseille. It is also known for its distinctive southern culture of pastis and pétanque. The city is also home to numerous stunning natural attractions, beaches, and a renowned Mediterranean climate.

27. The French Republic Is Divided Into 18 Administrative Regions

You will be shocked to know that the French Republic is divided into 18 administrative regions, of which 13 are in Metropolitan France and 5 in the overseas region.

These overseas regions are further divided into departments, and the departments are further divided into arrondissements, which are divided into cantons and cantons into communes.

So complicated! But yeah, it is one of the most interesting fun facts about France that will confuse you and amaze you.

28. There Are 5 Overseas Department

Five overseas departments in France have the same legal standing as metropolitan regions. The following are the overseas regions:

  • French Guiana
  • Guadeloupe
  • Martinique
  • Mayotte
  • Réunion

It must be shocking to hear! But, it’s true. You can marry a dead person in France under French law but in exceptional cases only.

One can do this only in one condition when you prove that the dead person intended to marry you while they were alive.

The person who marries a deceased one would not be able to inherit any of the property of the dead person and the deceased’s family must agree to their marriage. You also need to receive permission from the French President.

This is one of the most shocking fun facts about France, which is unique and new to the world.

30. French Supermarkets Can’t Throw Away Food

You will be shocked to know that France is the first country in the world that has passed a law against food waste. The law states that supermarkets can’t throw away unsold food; instead of that, they have to donate it to charities or food banks.

This law was passed in France to reduce hunger and food wastage in 2016. It also helps the people who need food but can’t afford it. It’s appreciating that France not only enjoys the food, but they are also determined not to waste it. It is one of the great fun facts about France that every country should follow not to waste food.

 

Top 32 Incredible Fun Facts About France 3
Oleg Mityukhin/Pixabay/Copyright2020

The Loire Valley, home to the Châteaux d’Amboise, de Chambord, d’Ussé, de Villandry, Chenonceau, and Montsoreau, is a World Heritage Site and the third most popular tourist destination in France, with 6 million visitors annually.

The Châteaux d’Amboise, de Chambord, d’Ussé, de Villandry, Chenonceau, and Montsoreau are just a few of the notable castles at this World Heritage Site.

Other important structures include historic towns and cathedrals. Visitors can also enjoy the nearby tourist sites of the Château de Chantilly, Versailles, and Vaux-le-Vicomte.

32. France Holds The 4th Spot In Terms Of Nobel Laureates

France now holds the fourth-place spot in terms of Nobel laureates, with 70 French individuals receiving the honor.

Twelve French mathematicians have been awarded the Fields Medal, which is second only to the United States in terms of honorees and is regarded as the highest honor in the field.

So, France is a beautiful country with spectacular vistas, stunning architecture, and historical monuments that are worth a visit for sure.

That’s all we have for you about the fun facts about France. I hope you find the above-mentioned facts interesting and surprising.

If we have missed out on anything, feel free to comment and let us know about it also. We would love to hear from you.

Last Updated on by somya909

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