France is known to most people for its Eiffel Tower, delicious cheeses and baguettes, but this European country has more interesting secrets that might surprise you.
France is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, which is often introduced with well-known symbols such as the Eiffel Tower, delicious cheeses and beautiful streets of Paris; But this country is not limited to these cases. France has a history full of surprises and innovations that many of us are unaware of. In the following, we discuss 20 interesting facts about this country that will take you to a new world of knowledge about France.
1. The Louvre was once a palace
The Louvre has not always been full of works of art. This building was built in the 12th century as a military fortress and later became a royal palace; But in 1793, it officially became a museum showcasing the rich history of France. Imagine that the rooms that are now home to Mona Lisa were once the residence of kings!
2. France has the largest number of time zones
Believe it or not, France has 12 different time zones, more than any other country in the world! This is due to the dispersion of French territories around the world, from the Caribbean to the Pacific Ocean. When you’re having breakfast in Paris, it might be bedtime in French Polynesia.
3. The French military still uses carrier pigeons
In the age of modern communication with smartphones and computers, the French military still maintains about 150 carrier pigeons. These pigeons are trained to carry messages and are used when modern methods of communication may fail.
Photo source: MSN website Photographer: Unknown
4. In France you can marry someone who has died
In France, it is possible to marry someone who has died. This type of marriage, which is called “marriage after death”, is allowed only in special cases and with the approval of the president. This usually happens when one of the parties dies just before the wedding date.
5. France produces more than 1,500 types of cheese
French people love cheese and have many choices for this love! More than 1,500 different types of cheese are produced in France. From soft Brie to fragrant Roquefort, it’s no wonder that every French person consumes an average of 26 kilograms of cheese per year.
6. The first hot air balloon was invented by the French
In 1783, two French brothers named “Joseph and Jacques Montpellier” built the first hot air balloon. They sent a sheep, a duck and a rooster into the sky as their first passengers. This invention paved the way for human flight and changed the world.
Photo source: MSN website Photographer: Unknown
7. Paris was a Roman city in the past
Before Paris became known as the “City of Light”, its Roman name was Lutetia. This city was founded around 250 BC and became an important center. You can still see some Roman monuments in Paris, such as the Antiquities of Nîmes, which are like a hidden history lesson beneath your feet.
8. The French eat 30,000 tons of snails every year
Eating snails or “escargot” may be strange to some, but it is very popular in France. Every year, the people of this country consume about 30,000 tons of snails, which are usually cooked with butter, garlic and aromatic herbs.
9. France gave the Statue of Liberty to America
The Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor was a gift from France to the United States. This statue was presented in 1886 on the occasion of 100 years of friendship between these two countries and was designed by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, a French sculptor.
Photo source: MSN website Photographer: Unknown
10. The first restaurant in the world was opened in Paris
The first restaurant known today in its modern form was opened in Paris in 1765. This restaurant called “Bolanger” mostly served soup. Before that, people mostly got food in guesthouses or from street vendors.
11. France has the highest mountain in Europe
“Mont Blanc” with a height of 4,808 meters is the highest mountain in Europe and is located in the Alps. This huge mountain also covers the border between France and Italy.
12. The French invented the first canned food
In 1809, Nicolas Eppert was able to find a way to preserve food in cans. He did this to win a prize awarded by Napoleon for finding better ways to feed his army. This invention changed the way food was stored and consumed.
Photo source: MSN website Photographer: Unknown
13. Potatoes were once illegal in France
It is not believable; But potatoes were once illegal in France. In 1748, its cultivation was banned because people thought it caused disease. By 1772, this ban was lifted, and now potatoes are an important part of French cuisine.
14. France has a village with only one population
The small village of Rochefort in south-eastern France has only one permanent resident. This village is the smallest village in France in terms of population. It is interesting to know that despite the small population, this village still has a mayor and local elections.
15. The metric system was invented by the French
The metric system, which is used in most countries of the world today, was invented during the French Revolution. This system is designed based on units of 10 and therefore makes calculations easier. This invention made mathematics easier for everyone!
Photo source: MSN website Photographer: Unknown
16. The oldest bridge in the world that is still in use is in France
The Pont Neuf Bridge in Paris is the oldest bridge over the Seine River still in use. Although its name means “new bridge”, it is actually the oldest bridge in Paris and its construction was completed in 1607.
17. The world’s first photograph was taken in France
The world’s first photograph was taken by Joseph Nicefort Niepce in 1826 in France. This photo took about 8 hours to record! This invention paved the way for modern photography.
18. France is the most popular tourist destination in the world
Every year more people travel to France than any other country in the world. In 2019, before the Corona pandemic, about 90 million people visited this country.
19. The French invented the first stethoscope
In 1816, the French doctor René Lancs invented the stethoscope. Before this, doctors had to put their ear directly on the patient’s chest to hear the heartbeat.
20. France has the highest rate of pet ownership in Europe
French people love pets! About 49% of French households have at least one pet, which is the highest rate in Europe.
Cover photo source: MSN website Photographer: Unknown
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