Paris, the capital of France, is located in the heart of north-central France, and it’s definitely every girl’s ideal proposal venue. The city of light and love shines like a gem in the French night, with streets lined with aesthetic galleries, historic markets, theatres, architecture, fashion, and history. There’s more to France than just beauty and romance; there are fascinating facts and tidbits of knowledge to be discovered!
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT FRANCE’S GEOGRAPHY
France is the Largest Country in the European Union
France is a country in Western Europe that is formally known as the French Republic, French France, or République Française, with a total area of 551,695 square kilometers, which results to be the largest country in the European Union.
France nickname is “The Hexagon (L’hexagone)”
Because of its geometrical shape / six-sided shape, the French usually refer to their country as “L’Hexagone” (“the hexagon”). Explore the map of France by yourself!
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT FRANCE’S CULTURE
Greetings are Important in France
Bonjour! Being greeted in French is viewed to be very courteous by the French. Imagine going to France without knowing this! You would not leave a pleasant first impression. In verbal greetings, respect is demonstrated by addressing the person as “Madam” (‘Mrs’), “Monsieur” (‘Mr’), or “Mademoiselle.” Mademoiselle is reserved for unmarried ladies, whereas Madam is intended for married women.
The First Camera Phone was invented by a Parisian
On June 11, 1997, a Parisian named Phillipe Kahn invented the first camera phone in France in 1997, and the first image he snapped and sent to family and friends was of his newborn daughter, Sophie.
Eiffel tower had been an Unlovable Landmark in France
On the Champs de Mars in the center of Paris, the Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel in French) stands majestically. It stands just over 1000 feet tall with three accessible floors and is named after Gustav Eiffel, the chief engineer in charge of bringing the tower’s vision to life.
Surprisingly, if you assumed the Eiffel Tower was always a popular tourist attraction in France, you’d be wrong. Most people thought the skyscraper was exceedingly unattractive when it was initially erected. It took a long time for people to get used to it.
Most Noble prizes in Literature has won by France
France has the most Nobel Prize winners in Literature, with 15 wins since 1901, when French poet and essayist Sully Prudhomme became the first-ever victor. In 1964, Jean-Paul Sartre was again nominated for the prize, but he declined. His reasons for refusing the medal were both “personal and objective,” he said.
LGBT Rights in France
The French Parliament gave final approval on a law allowing same-sex couples to marry and adopt children on April 23, 2013. This makes France the 14th country in the world and the 9th in Europe to legalize same-sex marriage.
Most Valuable Parent Appreciation
Parents who work on their parenting skills are more likely to raise successful children. Their parents use these abilities to improve and nurture their children’s abilities. They develop valuable parenting strategies to help their children learn the qualities they need to succeed.
In France, there is an award known as the “Medal of the French Family,” which is granted to parents who have raised numerous children with respect.
The Médaille d’honneur de la famille française (Medal of Honour of the French Family) was established by decree on May 26, 1920, with the goal of honoring mothers of large families.
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT FRANCE’S FOOD INDUSTRY
Throwing food in France is Illegal
In February 2016, France approved a law to combat food waste, which made it illegal for retailers to dump unsold food and required them to give it instead. By prohibiting food waste disposal and promoting donation, this law marked the beginning of the fight against food waste.
Each infraction might result in a punishment of $4,500. Djerbrani (a French food bank driver) inspects food donations from a French grocery store before delivering them to a church, which will be distributed to low-income households.
Baguettes are Free!
A baguette is a long, thin French bread that is distinguished by its length and crisp crust. It is often made from basic lean dough.
Baguettes are served as a complimentary side dish in most restaurants in Paris and the nearby areas. The best thing is that in most instances, it is also served in unlimited numbers.
Perhaps you are at home admiring some interesting facts about France, reflecting on your time in the French capital. Well, love and France are certainly incredibly synonymous in the form of Geographical, Culture, and Food.
And I’m sure you’re itching to book your next vacation to France now that you’ve learned more about this fascinating country!