5 Fascinating Facts about France
Be it scrumptious cuisine, classy and modern cafes, contemporary ideas and philosophy, romance and candlelight dinners or French kissing, France is notoriously popular for all of these. Being an old civilization with customs and traditions, there are many lesser known facts about the country too. Some of the most interesting and fascinating facts about France include:
1. Most Popular Destination for Tourists
Be it the Eiffel Tower or Bordeaux, Carcassonne or St. Tropez, France has won the game of attracting visitors from all over the world. Presently, France is the most popular destination for tourists around the world. Around 83 million travelers come to visit the place from all over the world, which makes it the most visited country in the world.
However, the fascination with France is not just limited to making visits. People all over the world are following the country’s design, art and ambiance when opening bars, restaurants, hotels and other tourists’ spots.
Night view on The Pont de pierre in Bordeaux
2. 3rd Largest Country Present In the European Union
France is not only known for its contemporary culture and arts, compelling pieces of literature and classy bars and pubs, it is also the 3rd largest country present in the European Union. It is popularly called ‘the hexagon’ or l’hexagone because of its unique shape with its six sides. The total area is around 551,000 sq km, which is around a 5th of the total area of the European Union.
European Union flags in front of the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium
3. Oldest Woman Ever to Have Lived
As per the Guinness Book of World Records, the oldest woman to ever live was of French origin. She lived for 122 and half years. In her long life span of crossing a century, she got the chance to see the development of television, airplanes and cars. She also survived two World Wars, opening of the Eiffel Tower and many other significant events in the history of France.
Thanks to the health-giving diets, national inclination towards games and physical activities and modern facilities of healthcare being available, people in France tend to live much longer on an average, as compared to the general population of the world. It is rated on number 6 in OECD for life expectancy. The life span of an average male and female is 79 and 85 years respectively.
4. Highest Mountain Peak
France is not just popular for the sophistication and etiquettes of its people, it is also blessed with an abundance of natural beauty and charm. Be it greenery, mountains or beaches, France has enough of it all. The country is notoriously popular for the high mountain ranges. In fact, it is home to Europe’s highest mountain peak too. The French Alps, situated in Mont Blanc, are at the height of 4810m and it can take few hours to reach to the top. Many tourists use the highest cable car present in Europe to get a mesmerizing view of the Alps.
Panoramic view of beautiful white winter wonderland scenery in the Alps with snowy mountain summits reflecting in crystal clear mountain lake on a cold sunny day with blue sky and clouds.
5. The Popularity of Tour de France
When it comes to France, who can forget the famous Tour de France? The greatest cycle race present in the world has been hosted for more than a century now. The first event was held on 1 July 1903 in France, and since then, cyclists race 3,200km around France for 23 days each year in July.
Col de Manse, France- July 16, 2013: The peloton pedaling on a plain road after the ascension to Col de Manse in The Alps during the stage 16 of 100th edition of Le Tour de France 2013.
Other than this, there are countless other fascinating facts that make France a unique place to visit. There is no wonder that the classical, artistic and distinctive features of the culture of France make it one of the most appealing countries in the world.
A Selection of French Proverbs & Quotes
À vaillant coeur rien d’impossible.
“For a valiant heart nothing is impossible.” ~ Jacques Cœur
Dans une grande ame tout est grand.
“In a great mind everything is great.” ~ Blaise Pascal
Chacun voit midi à sa porte.
“Everyone sees noon at his own door.” ~ French proverb
On ne change pas une équipe qui gagne.
“One does not change a winning team.” In other words, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” ~ French proverb
Je pense, donc, je suis.
“I think, therefore, I am.” ~ Rene Descartes
Prouver que j’ai raison serait accorder que je puis avoir tort.
“Proving that I am right would be admitting that I could be wrong.” ~ Pierre Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais
On n’est point toujours une bête pour l’avoir été quelquefois.
“Being a fool sometimes does not make one a fool all the time.” ~ Denis Diderot
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