1. The Oldest Bridge in Paris is called the 'New Bridge'
Despite its name, Pont Neuf or 'New Bridge', is in fact, the oldest bridge across the river Seine in Paris. It dates back to 1607 and was the first stone bridge in Paris not to support houses in addition to a thoroughfare.
2. France Literally Runs on Cheese
France takes its cheese very seriously. In fact, there are approximately 1600 distinct types of French cheese classified into eight categories 'les huit familles de fromage'. That means you could try a different cheese almost every day for more than four years!
3. France was the First Country to Introduce a Vehicle Registration Plate
In 1893, France was the first country in the world to introduce license plates on vehicles, followed by Germany. Guy-Count de Dion was issued with the first vehicle registration plate '1' by the French police.
4. The Term 'Bistro' Has a Russian Origin
Following the Russian occupation of Paris in 1814, standing impatiently at French taverns, Russian Cossacks would shout "bistro, bistro" meaning "quickly, quickly" in Russian. Thus, the French word 'bistro' used to refer to small cafes came into being.
5. A French Postman Built a Palace with Stones He Collected on His Mail Route
Over a period of 33 years, a French postman named Ferdinand Cheval collected stones during his daily mail route and gradually built an exquisite and intricate 'Palais Idéal' or 'Ideal Palace'. Today, it stands as a striking example of naïve art architecture.
6. The Louvre is the Most Visited Art Museum in the World
The Louvre in Paris, known for housing Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, the Mona Lisa, is the most visited art museum in the world. It welcomes about 10.2 million visitors annually.
7. It is Actually Illicit in France to Kiss on Railway Platforms
To prevent delays in departures, French law since 1910 has made it illegal to kiss on railway platforms. The regulation insists that canoodling couples do their farewells before heading to the train.
8. France is the Largest Country in EU and Second Largest in the World
France is the largest country in the European Union and the second largest in the world, after Russia, in terms of land area covered.
9. France's Literary Might
France has won more Nobel Prizes for Literature than any other country in the world, with a total of 15 won to date.
10. French Toast is Not French
French toast isn't a French invention. The practice of soaking bread in eggs and milk and then frying it has been found in culinary literature dating back to Ancient Rome.
11. The Life Expectancy in France is one of the highest in the world
The average life expectancy in France is 82 years which makes it rank among the highest in the world and neck-to-neck with countries like Australia, Italy, and Canada.
12. It's the Law to have a Breathalyzer in the Car
In France, it is legally required for all motorists to carry a breathalyzer in their vehicles or face a fine.
13. France is the Most Visited Country in the World
According to the World Tourism Organization, France is the most visited country in the world, with over 89 million tourists annually.
14. France Uses 12 Different Time Zones
Though mainland France uses just one time zone, the entire French Republic, counting all the overseas territories, covers 12 time zones; more than any other country in the world.
15. Tour de France: Oldest and Most Prestigious Cycling Race
The Tour de France, originated in 1903, is the world's oldest, longest, and most prestigious cycling event covering a distance of approximately 3,500 kilometers throughout France.
16. Home to The City of Lights
Paris is often referred to as 'The City of Lights’ but not only due to its early adoption of street lighting. It's also because it was a vast center of enlightenment in the 18th century.
17. Eiffel Tower: A Global Cultural Icon
The Eiffel Tower, designed by Gustave Eiffel, stands as a symbol of France globally. Interestingly, it was initially criticized for its design but is now the most-visited paid monument in the world.
18. France has a Festival for Throwing Oranges
Every year, in the small French town of Cournonterral, people participate in a festival called Pailhasses where they throw oranges at each other.
19. France is the Birthplace of Cinema
France is the birthplace of cinema. The Lumière brothers, Auguste and Louis Lumière, are credited with the invention of the cinématographe, the first true motion picture camera and projector, in 1895.
20. France has One of the Oldest Universities in the World
The University of Paris, founded in the 12th century, is one of the oldest universities in the world. It was split into 13 autonomous universities in 1970.