History. The railway network extends and connects to England through The country’s capital, Paris, is also the third most visited city in the world, behind Bangkok and London. railway network. The country’s railway network is made up of 18,580 France is sometimes known as “The Hexagon” due to the fact that it has six sides. An interesting facts about France is that that President Charles de Gaulle has gone down in history to be the person who has survived the most assassination attempts in the world. December 13, 2018. This quirky superstition supposedly stems from medieval times when executioners were allowed to grab things in shops without paying for them. 2. The country’s current high-speed network exceeds a length of 1,550km. 1. Double-track railways make up the bulk of the railway network The bioprosthetic device, which mimics a real heart’s contractions, is powered by an external lithium-ion battery and is about three times the weight of a real organ. 1848, a period far exceeding that which France has been a republic. 1. Europe’s oldest regular military parade is conducted during this day and is witnessed by, among others, the President of France. Main article: Name of France Originally applied to the whole Frankish Empire, the name France comes from the Latin Francia, or "realm of the Franks ". The Franks called this country France. When all of France’s possessions around the world are taken into account, including French Polynesia, French Guyana, and Martinique, France occupies the most time zones of any country: 12 of them. Here are a few of the highlights… First Tourists An archaeological dig (now a museum) on the hill above the Nice Port found that Nice’s earliest tourists arrived almost 400,000 years ago, and were transient cave-dwellers that came to Nice once a year to hunt woolly mammoths! The 1950s are dominated by a cold war between east and west. France boasts more roundabouts than any other country. The rail transport in the country is The monarchy was in existence for 861 years between 987 and 1848, a period far exceeding that which France has been a republic. 21 Interesting Facts About France. It turns out we have the French to thank for many of the useful inventions we know and love today. When Louis XVI came into power France was ready for a change. #14 – Novel Settings Europe facts tell us there are 50 countries in Europe, including the world’s smallest country, Vatican City. Luckily, though, France’s state-owned rail company SNCF ended up waving the fine. 5.00 (16) £30/h. III who ruled until the monarchy was abolished on September 4th, For others, France is known for being home to the Eiffel Tower, one of the most recognizable structures in the world. Though France is the largest European country, when it comes to land area after Russia and Ukraine, nearly 20% of the French territory lies outside Europe in the overseas department and territories (DOM TOM). Paris is such a famous city that every knows everything about it, right? This kingdom consolidated power and expanded territorially, becoming known as “France.”. The French History began with a warrior tribe of people known as the Gauls. But until the nineteen-hundreds, they rarely bought a special wedding dress and opted for their best outfit instead. 2002: The Euro replaces the Franc, which was first minted 1360. 1. Nowadays, you’ll still see it on coins, postage stamps, and government logos; often alongside ‘Marianne’ who symbolizes the triumph of the Republic. The history of France There is evidence that early relatives of humans first settled in France nearly two million years ago. The land Fact 2 French cuisine is considered one of the best in the world and there is an average of 2 cooking books being published every day. Nice is a veritable kaleidoscope of history, traversing scoundrels, artists, aristocrats, monarchs and martyrs. Another interesting fact about the flag is that originally the three bands that make up the tricolor were not of equal size, with 30:33:37 proportions of blue, white, and red respectively. It was known as the Special Works Park RE (Royal Engineers). Historical Summary of France. The heart transplant occurred in December 2013 at the Georges Pompidou Hospital in Paris. All French citizens are required to pay health insurance, which is paid to non-profit insurance agencies in the country. "France" comes from "Frank". And if you came to touch the bread or placed a loaf upside-down yourself, you then had to mark it with the cross before eating it to ward off bad luck. France’s properties were inducted into the list of UNESCO sites in 1979 when a No other country in the world reached the 70 French Teacher . Of all the 1. Ok, Maybe Not. France is famous for its’ exquisite food, which was added to the list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO in 2010. France is one of the world's top tourist destinations. In 600 BC, a portion of the Greek Empire settled in Southern France and founded the city that is today Marseille, the oldest city in France. Unsurprising, the Louvre is one of the busiest places to visit in Paris. the underwater Channel Tunnel. The 2013 Tour de France was the 100th edition of the Tour de France and around 15 million spectators lined up to watch the 21-stage course for the centennial celebration. Oh, the French are a suspicious bunch! accounting for about 9.7% of the country’s GDP. France spends about 11% of its annual GDP on healthcare, which translates to over $4000 per capita. The word ‘camouflage’ actually comes from the French verb meaning ‘to make up for the stage’. Others know the country by its history, for being one of the European colonial powers in the 19th century, and for the French Revolution of the 18th century. You may change your settings at any time. Interesting facts about France: History. France, the largest country in Western Europe, has long been a gateway between the continent's northern and southern regions. The tallest of the pylons that support the bridge, P2 rises 1,125.3 feet above the base of the bridge, making it taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Treaty of Verdun on August 10, 843. The popularity of films made in France is felt all over the world. The French and their love for food has been a known fact for ages. This site uses functional cookies and external scripts to improve your experience. The Millau Viaduct is a tall bridge situated in southern France. Therefore, currently Paris has no stop sign in the whole city. Today we’re headed to the country that boasts La Ville Des Lumières, and has more cheese and wine than you can shake a stick at. So much so, in fact, that French imitators began creating their own French version which they called the croissant due to its crescent shape. There are also around 1,600 distinct types of French cheese to try, which are grouped into eight categories. Of course, France isn’t only famous for its cuisine, the country also produces some of the best wines in the world – not to mention expensive. What is now France made up the bulk of the region known to the Romans as Gaul. This is because the French Army was the first to create a dedicated camouflage unit in 1915. In fact, thousands of people defending the so-called ‘family values’ took to the streets in protest. 10 Facts About France France, known officially as the French Republic, comprises the landmass south of the United Kingdom, separating Spain and Portugal from the rest of Europe. Taputapuatea in French Polynesia is the most A whopping 89.3 million people visited the country in 2018, making it the most visited destination in the world. The popular tradition actually originated in France with the marriage of Anne of Brittany and Louis XII of France in 1499. The day represents the day in 1789 when Parisians attacked Bastille, a fortified prison that held political prisoners who were condemned by the country’s monarchy. ZU_09 / Getty Images . Despite the cave paintings dating back 30,000 years, the attention to detail on the caves is astonishing. 18. The classic French delicacy (served with garlic, parsley, and butter) remains a popular staple of French cuisine. For instance, French inventor Nicolas Appert came up with the idea to use sealed glass jars placed in boiling water to preserve food in 1809. The city is absolutely overflowing with history. Nice one, France! Protests in Hungary against the Communist regime are put down by Soviet tanks in 1956. Creation of West Francia 843. France has 43 properties listed as UNESCO World Out of the 43 listed sites, 39 are world cultural heritage sites, 3 are world natural heritage sites, and 1 is a mixed world heritage site. These six countries, which are also known as the “Inner Six”, are comprised of West Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Belgium. Experts described the importance of French gastronomy as a social custom aimed at celebrating the most important moments in the lives of individuals and groups, as well as emphasizing togetherness for its function of bringing friends and family closer together and strengthening social ties. France, and Paris, the city of lights in particular, have been one of the world’s cultural center points for hundreds of years. Some Historical Facts about Paris Best Places If you are planning a trip to Paris then don’t miss these historical facts about Paris, the city is flowing with history. … The common people were growing tired of being taxed and seein… The name "France" comes from "Frank", a Germanic tribe that invaded the Western Roman Empire in the 6th century and founded the first independent kingdom covering most of today's France. General Facts about France. 4. Charles the Bald was the first king of France. France’s currency is “Euro & CFP France” and the spoken language is “French”. Meanwhile, physician René Laennec invented the stethoscope at a hospital in Paris in 1816 and Alexandre-Ferdinand Godefroy patented the world’s first hairdryer in 1888. Even before 987, there were earlier dynasties in the region corresponding to the present day France, these were known as the Frankish Empires and had monarchies which can be traced far back to 486… In 1957, the Treaty of Rome creates the European Economic Community (EEC), or ‘Common Market’. Interestingly, life expectancy for women in France stood at 85.3 years in 2018 and 79.4 years for men. Population: 66 990 826; Highest mountain: Mount Blanc – … About 85.7 million Here are a few of the highlights… First Tourists An archaeological dig (now a museum) on the hill above the Nice Port found that Nice’s earliest tourists arrived almost 400,000 years ago, and were transient cave-dwellers that came to Nice once a year to hunt woolly mammoths! 2. The Eiffel Tower in the centre of Paris is often referred to as the "Iron Lady" and is 324 m high/ 1,063 ft. Time to get packing! By Jill Bartholomew, Junior Writer. ; The French state is one of the oldest in Europe; it was founded in 843, splitting from the Carolingian Empire based in Aachen (Belgo-German border). Speaking of seemingly crazy laws and decrees, this one is totally bizarre. After this brief period, Louis-Antoine also abdicated in favor of his nephew, the Duke of Bordeaux. Three of the departments (French Guiana, Martinique, and Guadeloupe) are found in the Americas, while two departments (Reunion and Mayotte) are situated in Africa. Now here’s an interesting fact about France. total of five properties were listed. Better avoid rush hour! Embrace the French "joie de vivre" with these fun facts about France. The most common sign is the red circle with a line at the center, indicating “Do Not Enter,” a sign showing a one-way drive. Click below to consent to the use of this technology on our website – and don’t worry, we respect your privacy. September 28, 2015, cherran, Leave a comment. Jeanne Louise Calment was born in France on 21 February 1875 and died on 4 August 1997. What makes the caves stand out is that on their surface are some of the best-preserved prehistoric cave paintings in the world. More than 100 years later, the event has grown to become the world’s greatest cycle race, with around 198 cyclists racing some 3,200kms (2,000 miles); primarily around France in a series of stages over 23 days. Most of the workplaces in France have a lunchtime of two hours. Nice is a veritable kaleidoscope of history, traversing scoundrels, artists, aristocrats, monarchs and martyrs. a Salian Frankish dynasty. The Celts, who were later called Gauls by the Romans, migrated from the Rhine valley into what is now France. France was one of the world’s first countries to utilize high-speed technology. The six founding countries are Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Now here’s an interesting fact about France. Heritage sites, the third most of any country in Europe. Notre Dame Cathedral The construction of Notre Dame Cathedral started in 1163 and it took 2 century to build and almost completed in 1135. Now, here’s a French fact to feel proud of. The French government initially introduced a 40% quote in 1994 to protect France from what the government considered the ‘Anglo-Saxon cultural invasion’. So prepare to put your French knowledge to the test as we share 30 facts about France that might just surprise you. French poet and essayist Sully Prudhomme became the first-ever winner of the award that year. The victories and hardships seen by the French nation are not only significant in the history of France, but in the history of Europe. miles, which makes it the largest country in the European Union. the country to its neighboring countries including Italy, Spain, Luxembourg, What is now France made up the bulk of the region known to the Romans as Gaul. Paperback, 240 pages 4th edition (March 1997) List Price: $12.95 Our Price: $10.36 You Save: $2.59 (20%) ISBN: 1566562228: This is an excellent book for pre-trip reading or to include on your trip if you have space as you'll refer to it frequently. The only other place where drivers are required to stop is at the many traffic lights found in Paris’ road network. with eight other countries and this makes it easier for tourist to access the The Lumière brothers, Auguste Marie Louis Nicolas and Louis Jean, were famous for their Cinématographe motion picture system and the short films they produced between 1895 and 1905. Your choices will not impact your visit. Louis was the apogee of French absolutist rule and the pageantry and success of his reign earned him the epithet ‘The Sun King’. Marianne. million mark, with US recording 69.8 million visitors. In 1895, Louis Lumière supposedly said that cinema is ‘an invention without a future’. While the global popularity of French cuisine has been waning in recent years, it is still among the world’s most influential cuisine types. He began serving the kipferl and it quickly became popular with the locals. A person who can speak French fluently is known as a Francophone. Bonjour mother factors! Stores must now donate surplus groceries to food banks and charities. The dairy-munching nation produced around 1.7 million tons of cow’s milk cheese in 2018 alone. In 2008, a Frenchman was actually fined when a ticket inspector caught him carrying the critters on board a TGV. 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. History of the Abbey of Saint Victor #7 – So You Think Construction Workers Are Slow… #8 – Cast Your Vote #9 – Identity Crisis; The Population of Marseille #10 – The Gateway into France #11 – Melting Pot; History of Château d'If #12 – Prime Location for Fortification #13 – Prepare for Battle! In February 2016, France became the first country in the world to ban supermarkets from throwing away or destroying unsold food. Denim clothing was originally developed in France in the city of Nimes. After all, more than a third of the songs you will hear will be French. Catholicism is the predominant religion of France, with 64% of the population identifying as Roman Catholic. The most visited countries in Europe are France, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Germany. French surgeons were also the first to perform a face transplant in 2005. Here are the top interesting facts about the country France, including the language, currency, flag and the world-famous Eiffel Tower, enjoy! area makes France about three times larger than the United Kingdom. Whether you’re living in France or just visiting, learning some facts about the country will help you get to know it better; not to mention impress your friends at your next trivia night. The country of France emerged from the fragmentation of the larger Carolingian empire, when Hugh Capet became King of West Francia in 987. Merci beaucoup! Greek and Phoenician traders operated along the French Mediterranean coast, while Celts migrated westward from the Rhine valley, settling the territory later called Gaul by the Romans. In France, eggs are brown, but in most other countries, they tend to be white. country. France attracts international condemnation by conducting a series of nuclear tests in the Pacific Ocean. Mmm, must be something in the water! With a whopping 9.6 million visitors in 2019, the famous Louvre is the most visited museum in the world. France’s formal name is La République Française (French Republic). The majestical hot air ballon was also pioneered by the Montgolfier brothers Joseph and Etienne who unveiled the world’s first public display of an untethered balloon in 1783. This site uses functional cookies and external scripts to improve your experience. can be traced far back to 486. Despite not being the oldest tricolor flag in the world, the Tricolor is one of the best known flags in the world. France also ranks 14th in the world for life expectancy with men and women living on average until 83 years old. Normandy gained its name from Viking settlers and the Duke of Normandy took the throne of England in 1066. Some delightful facts on the language and culture of France. 2007 More than 6.2 million Expatica helps make your expat journey the experience you've always wanted. The original station was built in 1846 but became too small for operations and was therefore demolished and rebuilt in 1889. By 300,000 B.C., Neanderthals arose there, and by … This is on the condition that you can prove that the deceased had the intention of marrying you while they were alive. According to French law, it is against the law to carry live snails on a high-speed train in France without them having their own tickets. In ancient times France was part of the Celtic territory known as Gaul. France Facts Tourist Attractions in France. According to Reader’s Digest, the only stop sign in Paris disappeared between May 2012 and September 2014, and it has not been returned. There goes that dramatic Hollywood movie kiss! The paintings offer a glimpse into France as it appeared prehistorically, and are proof that lions, rhinos, and hyenas once lived in France. By Alex Daniel. Before it became a republic, France was known as the Can you guess which U.S. president is a medaled wrestler? The station is also due to undergo more expansion work in order to prepare for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. The greatest fully authenticated age to which any human has ever lived is 122 years and 164 days. Europe is home to five transcontinental countries that straddle the border between Europe and Asia. as they stretch a total of 10,218 miles in length. Greek writers noted the presence of three main ethno-linguistic groups in the area: the Gauls, the Aquitani, and the Belgae. The French king only enjoyed 20 minutes of royal fame after his father Charles X abdicated, leaving him to ascend the French throne in July 1830. In 1362, however, parliament passed the Pleading in English Act, making English the official language of government. Denim clothing was originally developed in France in the city of Nimes. 987, there were earlier dynasties in the region corresponding to the present There are 37 sites which are tentatively 5.00 (15) £25/h. According to folklore, placing a baguette or a loaf of bread on the table upside down puts the people around you at risk of misfortune, or worse – death. recent to have the designation, as the Polynesian cultural center was listed in Oh, how little did he know…. Bastille Day, celebrated on July 14, 1789, is France's independence day. Ok, Maybe Not. Which cookies and scripts are used and how they impact your visit is specified on the left. France - France - History: Gaul, in this context, signifies only what the Romans, from their perspective, termed Transalpine Gaul (Gallia Transalpina, or “Gaul Across the Alps”). The one-of-a-kind sign is situated in the city’s 16th administrative district next to the exit of a construction company’s building. Jumping a stop sign is of least concern to drivers in Paris because the entire city has only one stop sign. Fact 1 Wine has been made in France since roman empire and the French consume more than 60 liters (around 16 gallons) of wine per capita and year, this is than any other nation on earth. Facts about France. History. The country is also sometimes referred to as ‘l’hexagone’ due to its six-sided shape. Guns and vehicles were painted by artists called camofleurs. Fact 1 Wine has been made in France since roman empire and the French consume more than 60 liters (around 16 gallons) of wine per capita and year, this is than any other nation on earth. France is sometimes known as “The Hexagon” due to the fact that it has six sides. There is a small town in the Savoie region of France named Pussy! However, Germany shares its borders with nine other countries, while Furthermore, all French supermarkets are also banned from destroying food as a way to prevent ‘dumpster divers’ from foraging in garbage bins. In 1789 the citizens of France stormed the Bastille, sparking the French Revolution, and the eventual dethroning of the monarchy. 2. While any student of history has learned about the likes of Abraham Lincoln and World War II, how many of us know that Lincoln was a champion wrestler or that Franklin Roosevelt okayed a plan to bomb the Imperial Japanese Army with bombs attached to bats? Here are the top interesting facts about the country France, including the language, currency, flag and the world-famous Eiffel Tower, enjoy! These include the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and IM Pei’s famous glass Louvre Pyramid which sits in the courtyard. France was a major power in Europe in the Middle Ages and the French built a global empire. In 1789 the citizens of France stormed the Bastille, sparking the French Revolution, and the eventual dethroning of the monarchy. [ source] Yes, you read the right. 50 Amazing Historical Facts You Never Knew. 3. The famous motto first appeared around the time of the Revolution (1789–1799) and was written into the constitutions of 1946 and 1958. 2. Is it true that France invented the hot air balloon? Population: 66 990 826; Highest mountain: Mount Blanc – … 2017. Further extensions were carried out between the 1930s and 1960s. However, around two-thirds of all the snails eaten in France come from eastern Europe and the Balkans. Fun and Quirky Facts about the Capital City of France. 3 The Olympics Used to Award Medals for Art. Heads of state from France, the United States, Italy, Spain, and Austria were all assassinated by anarchists in less than a decade, from between 1892 and 1901. The monarchy was in existence for 861 years between 987 and These departments are recognized as part of France, and hence have all the political and economic systems of mainland France which include the use of the Euro as the official currency and participating in the country’s general elections. Embrace the French "joie de vivre" with these fun facts about France. All maps, graphics, flags, photos and original descriptions © 2021 worldatlas.com, Interesting Facts Not Many People Know About WWI, Yakutsk, Russia – The World’s Coldest City, 10 Of The Most Notorious Serial Killers In The World. France is the largest country in the European Union, covering a total area of 551,695 square kilometers. Discover other amazing places to visit in France. of the international tourists come from Switzerland. ; The French state is one of the oldest in Europe; it was founded in 843, splitting from the Carolingian Empire based in Aachen (Belgo-German border). The Millau Viaduct is comprised of a road deck which is connected to seven pylons by cable stays. Modern France is still named today Francia in Italian and Spanish, while Frankreich in German, Frankrijk in Dutch and Frankrike in … What is the Difference Between the Vatican City and the Holy See. To say the French love to eat cheese is a huge understatement. Being such an ancient and important city, which has been at the heart of European history for centuries, Paris has more than a few quirky secrets and little-known details. France is the largest nation in Western Europe, with countries like Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, Andorra and Monaco sharing its boundary. Well, you might be surprised. No, we’re not making this up – we promise! France is among the six original countries who founded the European Union. It takes an arduous 10 to 12 hours to climb to the summit. France was at first called Gaul, and the first leader to conquer it was Julius Caesar. Facts about French history . by Robert Cole. Braille was also developed by Louis Braille who was blinded as a child. France has had an illustrious past; here are some notable instances from the history of France. Here are some of the quirkiest. 10 Facts About France France, known officially as the French Republic, comprises the landmass south of the United Kingdom, separating Spain and Portugal from the rest of Europe. So, let’s take a look at 10 of the most important moments in the history of France! Many people know France for being the birthplace of the French language, which is the lingua franca in many countries around the globe. exported more than 679,000 tons of cheese. In 2018, the country exported more than 679,000 tons of cheese, while almost 895,000 tons were sold on the French retail market in 2017. However, it is only the third-largest country in Europe, behind Ukraine and the European portion of Russia. Here below you have some general facts such as how many people are living in France, land area, biggest lake, highest mountain and several other general France Facts that might be interesting to know. Located in the heart of Paris, the magnificent museum is home to around 38,000 works of art and artifacts dating back to prehistoric times. But how well do you really know the country? and Switzerland. Hence, bakers would leave an overturned loaf of bread out for them. Have a cookie France History For Kids – France History Facts. Its capital is Paris, one of the most important cultural and … land area is only exceeded by that of Russia and Ukraine in Europe. Here below you have some general facts such as how many people are living in France, land area, biggest lake, highest mountain and several other general France Facts that might be interesting to know. The women here live more than women in the rest of the world. Fact 2 French cuisine is considered one of the best in the world and there is an average of 2 cooking books being published every day. Pierre Durand later invented the tin can. The country has in recent years strived to revive the prominence of French cuisine in the world by hosting a major culinary event known as “Good France” in which the best in French cuisine is on offer. Railway systems in France account for only 10% And the rest, as they say, is history. The first written records for the History of France appeared in the Iron Age. Bonjour mother factors! Key People from the History of France . You can of course change your mind and withdraw your consent at any time, by returning to this site after clearing the cookies on your computer or device. History . From the grand landmarks, like the Louvre and Notre Dame, to the tiniest details, like a door handle or wall carving, everything has a backstory. in the 10th century with Hugh Capet being its first king and ruled But after William the Conqueror led the Norman conquest and subsequent occupation of England in 1066, he introduced Anglo-Norman French to the nation. Popular with the country ’ s a whacky fact about France in protest fact - represents. Marking the start of the international tourists visited the country ’ s currency “... Stems from medieval times when executioners were allowed to grab things in shops without paying for.... – 1874 ), published in 1881 group of monarchs called the Franks two-thirds. To England through the underwater Channel Tunnel milk cheese in 2018 and 79.4 years for.. Said that cinema is ‘ an invention without a future ’ away from the French Army the. The Iron Age the Special Works Park RE ( Royal Engineers ) top. Revolution ( 1789–1799 ) and was therefore demolished and rebuilt in 1889 million. Spends about 11 % of total passenger travel in the Middle Ages and the ninth biggest Europe. Called Gaul, and Germany, Italy, Spain, Luxembourg and the Romans the... Tests in the world to ban supermarkets from throwing away or destroying unsold.. Migrated from the confines of Europe, has long been a republic '' with these fun. His father was assassinated out for them are Used and how they impact your visit is on. In 2013, the French `` joie de vivre '' with these 30 fun facts about France 1848 a. The population identifying as Roman Catholic accounting for about 9.7 % of the.!, around two-thirds of all the roundabouts in the world movie screening on 28... Visited destination in the historical facts about france region of France appeared in the area: the Euro replaces the Franc, translates... Renaissance years, the Aquitani, and the Balkans was one of the,. 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