France is a country located in Western Europe that is known for its rich history, culture, and contributions to the arts, cuisine, fashion, and architecture. The country is home to iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Palace of Versailles, and the Louvre Museum. It is also famous for its culinary traditions, which have been passed down for centuries and have influenced the cuisine of many other countries. In addition to its cultural significance, France has played a significant role in world history, from its colonization of Africa, the Americas, and Asia to its involvement in various political and economic unions such as the European Union.
Today, France is a leading economic power and a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors every year who come to experience its diverse regions, landmarks, and traditions. Overall, France is a country with a rich cultural heritage, a complex history, and a beautiful landscape that continues to inspire and captivate people from all over the world.
We may never truly know, but this article contains the 10 most fascinating and little-known facts about France, one of which is particularly significant. Locals actually know some of these facts pretty well, while others have only recently been discovered. From the mysterious medieval city of Carcassonne to the Parisian catacombs, each hidden fact reveals a distinct facet of France that is largely unexplored. Join us on a journey of discovery through the fascinating hidden facts of France, or so they actually thought, whether you’re a history buff or just enjoy a good mystery.
#1. A French Person holds the Guinness record for the oldest person to live in the world.
Starting our first not-so-common or unknown fact about France would be about a person named Jeanne Calment, she’s a French supercentenarian and she lived at the incredibly long age of 122 years old and give or take 160 days more. She’s currently holding the Guinness world record for the oldest person to roam around the earth and she has been subject by scientists since they want to learn more about the amazing lifespan of this Woman from French.
#2. France has a law specifically for BREAD
This might sound weird but for real though. France itself has declared a law for bread. Basically, people in France love bread so much that and is a staple to their daily food and diet, so bread became so important that they banned people from baking bread starting 10 pm to 4 am in order for people to only consume fresh bread. Since this rule has been intact more fresh bread is being baked and consumed. Also, the batch of baking must be timed so people can always get fresh bread no matter what time of the day.
#3. France’s language is a language for lots of international organizations.
Little do most people know that it is not a common fact at all that France’s main language “French” is not a country-specific language but instead it is one of the most widely spoken languages in the whole wide world. Not only that but it is the official language most of International Organizations such as the United Nations, the International Olympic Committee, and more. Also, it is widely spoken in other countries such as African countries for they are a former part of the French empire.
#4. The country with multiple time zone!
This fact is a fact that you would list expect especially when we are only covering one country. For most countries, there is only one time zone or maybe up to 3 time zones, especially in large countries, but for Paris alone? It has more than 5! Well, it’s more of not a placement but instead a physical location for the territorials of French people. You see, France spans Central European Time and that’s UTC +1, and also extends to overseas territories of France like Guiana, Guadeloupe, Mayotte, and more which ranges from UTC -3 to UTC +4.
#5. The Eiffel Tower was not supposed to be permanent.
Ah, the infamous Eiffel Tower and the most visited place in the whole of France, but little do people know it was never supposed to be the country’s famous landmark. Basically, Gustave Eiffel constructed it as a temporary exhibit for the World’s Fair in 1889 to highlight France’s technological progress and inventiveness in honor of the significant 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. Though the tower has quickly become the image of Paris and France, it stayed up to this age.
#6. Cheese is a big thing.
Most people know France as a country that loves food, such as bread but it is an unknown fact or less known fact to most of us that they love cheese too. They basically have created 400 or more different types of cheese. It is the country that has the largest and most diverse variety of cheese offered, all-region in France offer their own master of unique cheese and many of these cheeses include the Camembert Roquefort, Brie, Comte, and more!
#7. Diversified Coffee.
Not only does France offer a variety of cheese but did you know they also offered so much of their coffee and food that they have 200 Cafes across the whole country, heck Paris alone even had 10000 cafes to itself. All these fine Cafes offer French cuisine that you can experience in different styles and also feel or have a glimpse of the French way of life through their delicious foods!
#8. They were the first to introduce the word “Restaurant”.
Believe it or not, the French people were the first to use the term “restaurant” which implies a place where you can eat cuisine. Well in the 18th century, a soup vendor named made the term or used it. Basically, for him, it was a feeling of restoration when people eat food; restoration in the sense of health. The actual French verb “restaurer” means “to restore.” Soon after it was widely spread throughout the country and got passed over the whole world.
#9. The amount of nuclear power they have.
It is known to many that most countries have their own power source, especially nuclear power plants. Though what most people don’t know is that in the land of France, they have enough nuclear reactors to generate 70% of the country’s total electricity. How did that come to be? Well, France has been investing in nuclear energies for quite some time now and in fact, to this day they are still investing but they have come around the time when all their investments are paying back.
#10. Multiple dialects inside of France
Earlier in this article, it was stated that the French language was used in a lot of countries and international organization but little do people know that France itself has multiple regional dialects and accents that people can do which makes it hard to understand oneself even though they are from the same country. It happened because most dialects are preserved due to the passing down from generation to generation and they all vary in pronunciation, especially unique grammar.
In conclusion, France stands as a captivating country that effortlessly combines its storied past with a vibrant present. From its stunning landmarks and artistic treasures to its world-class cuisine and refined fashion, France continues to captivate visitors with its timeless allure. Whether you wander through the charming streets of Paris, explore the picturesque countryside, or indulge in the pleasures of French culture, there is an undeniable magic that permeates the very essence of this nation. Its hidden facts and mysteries only deepen the intrigue, revealing a country that goes beyond its surface glamour.
France is a tapestry woven with historical depth, cultural richness, and breathtaking landscapes, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in its timeless charm. So, whether you are exploring the grand boulevards, savoring a delicious croissant, or basking in the beauty of its countryside, France offers an unforgettable experience that lingers in the hearts and memories of all who have the pleasure of discovering its wonders.