How was france known

What is France famous for? 11 Top things to know about!

France is famous for so many beautiful things that it’s no wonder the country is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. With about 90 million tourists per year (before 2020 anyway), tourism significantly contributes to France’s economy — an 82-billion-euro direct contribution to France’s GDP. If you’re like me, you can’t wait to be able to get out and about again and support France via your vacation, so if you plan to visit France, what towns and attractions are at the top of your list? What is France famous for? Let’s take a look at some of my favorites….

What is France famous for?

» data-medium-file=»https://www.ouiinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/what-to-know-about-vacation-rentals-in-paris-300×200.jpg» data-large-file=»https://www.ouiinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/what-to-know-about-vacation-rentals-in-paris.jpg» loading=»lazy» src=»https://www.ouiinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/what-to-know-about-vacation-rentals-in-paris.jpg» alt=»what to know about vacation rentals in paris» width=»820″ height=»547″ srcset=»https://www.ouiinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/what-to-know-about-vacation-rentals-in-paris.jpg 1000w, https://www.ouiinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/what-to-know-about-vacation-rentals-in-paris-300×200.jpg 300w, https://www.ouiinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/what-to-know-about-vacation-rentals-in-paris-768×512.jpg 768w, https://www.ouiinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/what-to-know-about-vacation-rentals-in-paris-735×490.jpg 735w, https://www.ouiinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/what-to-know-about-vacation-rentals-in-paris-600×400.jpg 600w» sizes=»(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px» data-jpibfi-post-excerpt=»» data-jpibfi-post-url=»https://www.ouiinfrance.com/what-is-france-known-for/» data-jpibfi-post-title=»What is France famous for? 11 Top things to know about!» data-jpibfi-src=»https://www.ouiinfrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/what-to-know-about-vacation-rentals-in-paris.jpg» >

Photo credit: Shutterstock.com / Elena Dijour

France will make you fall in love with it even after just one trip. From the food and culture to the well-known tourist attractions and more, it would be hard for France to not to knock you over with charm and leave you in awe. While it would be nearly impossible to hit all of the places on my list in one short vacation, it’s the perfect excuse to come back to France to discover the rest.

What is France famous for, and what do tourists like to see and do? Well, France has no shortage of incredibly well-known attractions that will interest even the most discerning tourist — Francophile or not. Here are 11 of the most famous things in France (and five other things that France is famous for). They are all worth your time!

Famous things in France: Iconic landmarks & attractions

These are the iconic buildings, places, and events that make France so popular among travelers, scholars, and romantics and top the list of what France is known for.

1. The Eiffel Tower

When it comes to famous things in France, we have to begin with the most well-known attraction France has to offer and a must-visit when in Paris. The Eiffel Tower, the iconic Paris landmark, is the most visited monument globally, so it’s rather obvious why I should have it at the top of this list of famous French things to see.

Whenever you think of France, or Paris to be specific, the first thing that comes to mind is the Eiffel Tower and I first saw it in person during a high school trip at age 16. Designed by French engineer Gustave Eiffel as a temporary exhibit for the World Fair of 1889, the Eiffel Tower is part of what makes Paris, well, Paris and is not to be missed.

But simply knowing about this grand structure isn’t enough. Seeing it is oh-so-amazing and go at night for a real treat! Its sheer magnitude will blow your mind at 324 meters high. Did you know you can also splurge and enjoy a meal in the Eiffel Tower? The Michelin-starred Jules Verne restaurant is worth it for the views and experience if you’d like to celebrate the occasion with a very special meal. Check out the reviews on TripAdvisor here.

Yes, there are lots of crowds and crazy lines on your way to the top, but it’s all worth the breathtaking views and thrilling atmosphere you’ll enjoy from above.

Top 7 fun things to do in Paris at night >>

2. Carcassonne

Have you heard of the fairytale walled castle city in France? This is it — Carcassonne. This medieval walled city is quite something and in the Aude department not terribly far from Toulouse and Perpignan if you’re into road trips. With 53 towers, uneven stone buildings, gray cobblestone paths, and two massive walls, the spectacular fortress has an unmistakable enchanting beauty that’s worth exploring.

For all you history buffs, Carcassonne should be on your bucket list. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is rich in both architectural beauty and history. But being one of the famous French destinations, you’ll want to avoid it during the peak summer months if at all possible, which is when most tourists visit in droves.

3. Notre-Dame de Paris

What is France famous for? Well, Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris of course! It is the most famous of all Gothic-era cathedrals. Part of the building was gutted by a fire in 2019, but the building remains one of France’s most loved and cherished icons.

Notre Dame was officially the most visited monument in Europe before the fire and is a must-see once it reopens. Its architectural designs and rich history are why this ancient attraction attracts many tourists.

4. The Champs-Élysées

The Champs-Élysées, “the world’s most beautiful avenue,” was created in the 17th century. It runs for just over a mile and is 70m in width. This is a hub for luxury shopping and sightseeing, including the Lido cabaret. You can find both French and international brands here if shopping is on your agenda. Louis Vuitton, for example, has a huge store here in the French capital. And if you’re looking for jewelry and watches, Cartier is also located a few doors down.

This famous avenue is also known to offer several entertainment opportunities, whether cinemas, exhibition, or theater. There are many more things to see and do along Champ-Élysées, so do yourself a favor and plan to visit. Don’t miss the spectacular view of the Arc de Triomphe if you walk all the way to the end (and the crazy driving around the roundabout there!).

5. The Côte d’Azur

On the southeastern coast of France is the Côte d’Azur (aka the French Riviera), another one of the most famous things in France. This stunning Mediterranean coastline is home to some of the most elegant resorts, breathtaking beaches, and glorious views and I can’t wait to visit one day.

With over 300 days of sunshine each year, you can be sure to enjoy cozy warm weather in Nice (one of the Riviera’s most beautiful cities and a retirement hotspot) or the extravagant towns of Cannes, St-Tropez, and Monte Carlo. And before you leave the area, treat your nose to the fragrant winds of the world’s perfume capital, Grasse, a short drive away.

6. Provence

Provence is another famous French destination where you should let your nose lead the way together with your eyes. Top on the list of amazing things you’ll find here are the lavender fields, seaside towns like Cassis, and a relaxed way of life. Not only are the lavender fields heavily scented, but they also make a drool-worthy view.

The miles of vineyards, olive groves, and brilliant blue waters add to this picturesque region. Outside of Paris, it would be one of my top picks to visit if you have some extra time. Be sure to hit Avignon and Moulin Castelas for a proper olive oil tasting. I’ve been there twice and their olive oils do not disappoint.

7. The Louvre

OK, back to Paris. For art lovers, The Louvre is a must-visit French attraction. The world-famous museum has over 35,000 pieces of art by some of the most renowned artists in the world. The pieces are displayed in a massive exhibition area of over 652,300 ft2 (60,600 m2). You can spend the whole day marveling at the stunning creations and still not go through half of what there is to view, so start early!

The building itself is a grand architectural creation with a castle-like vibe that makes it just as attractive as the art pieces displayed inside. Even if you aren’t an art fan, the Louvre is worth a trip, at least once. Two things stand out the most at The Louvre: the glass pyramid and Mona Lisa. And if for nothing else, these are worth visiting The Louvre for so you can you’ve been there, at the very least.

8. Mont Blanc

France is a beautiful country with gorgeous natural features, including the famous Alps. Mont Blanc is the highest peak in the Alps and is legally shared by France and Italy, but the highest point on the mountain is on the French side, so we can consider it France.

This magnificent mountain is particularly famous for its splendid ski resorts that France is famous for. In winter, you’ll find the immaculate-white, snow-covered slopes dotted with skiers and snowboarders. In the summer, travelers can enjoy a refreshing hike up the mountain, not to mention biking is also common. No matter the year, the Alps are spectacular and it’s one area of France I’ve yet to visit.

9. Le Mont Saint-Michel

It’s hard to imagine any other historical site that beats Mont Saint Michel in terms of beauty and charm. I wrote a guide on it here FYI. It’s also the second most-visited place in France (after Paris) so it’s definitely a place France is known for. If you’ve not been here, you’ve probably seen some photos of this magical-like UNESCO World Heritage Site. I can only compare it to something out of a Harry Potter novel.

Le Mont Saint-Michel is a stunning island settlement in Normandy, less than a mile off the coast. Its narrow, cobbled streets are always bustling and crowded with tourists, and that makes it all the more exciting to tour. And once you get to the abbey and get a close view of its stunning architecture, you’ll be more than glad you visited. I went earlier this year when there were no crowds due to the pandemic. It was almost eerie but incredibly special. Check out my YouTube live stream from there and read up on my travel tips for Le Mont Saint-Michel in this post.

10. The Palace of Versailles

Until the French Revolution, the French kings lived in this magnificent palace in the suburbs of Paris. Today, you have the opportunity to walk where the French royalty walked and see the beauty of their luxury.

The gardens are one of the highlights of the Palace of Versailles. They are some of the swankiest and largest in the world and something Franc is famous for. The Hall of Mirrors is another spectacle to behold in this ancient place. There are 357 mirrors in total. If you’d like to have a taste of what living in a royal homes, then visiting the Palace of Versailles should be on your travel list and is an easy RER ride from Paris.

11. Tour de France

France is famous for several sports, like soccer, rugby, and tennis. But the most popular sport has got to be cycling, with the Tour de France being the world’s largest annual sporting tournament. During the summer months, for three weeks straight, France is all abuzz with riders bringing their A-game to roads all around France as onlookers shout and cheer them on from the sidelines.

It’s more than just a race. It’s a party and dominates the news cycle. The excitement of watching this world’s greatest race is out of this world and something you’d want to experience in person. The photo snapped above is when the Tour came to my area of France in the Maine-et-Loire in 2018.

What is France famous for?

What is France known for? Here are five more things associated with France that the world adores.

French wine, bread and cheese

France takes its wine seriously. And experts agree that bottle for bottle, France still makes the most outstanding wines in the world. The fromage is just as important. I did a French market video here so you can see for yourself some of what makes French food culture so special.

The French Revolution

The event that reshaped Europe into a democracy-driven ideology is also known for its gory dispatching of ‘enemies of the state’ by guillotine.

Napoleon Bonaparte

One of history’s most famous (or infamous) military leaders became Emperor of France and King of Italy. Under his leadership, France became a major European power.

French cuisine

French fine food is known for its particularly sophisticated method and taste. Some believe it is the foundation in the simplicity of and quality of the ingredients that sets it apart. Some say it’s a lifestyle. Most agree that it is among the best in the world and absolutely one of the things France is famous for.

The Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor was a gift from the people of France. Designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi with the iron framework built by Gustave Eiffel, the statue has stood tall in the New York Harbor since it was dedicated on October 28, 1886.

France’s history, buildings, museums, and natural beauty are iconic. There’s no shortage of things to answer the “What is France known for” question. As the country that inspired the Age of Enlightenment, it seems fitting that travelers regard France so highly and consider it to be among the top most desired countries to visit. France’s influence can be found all around the world. I’m grateful to live here.

Where are you going on your next trip to France? Will you be seeing any of the things France is famous for?

PIN my what is France famous for post:

What is France Famous For? 33 French Icons (2022)

This beautiful country on the west side of Europe is renowned for its beauty, home to some of the world’s most iconic structures and buildings, and of course famous for its incredible food, wine, and fashion. The country has featured heavily in some of the world’s best-loved literature, films, plays, and television so its culture and characters can be familiar even to those yet to visit.

France is famous for many things – here are 33 of the most iconic.

Sunrise in Paris from the Trocadero Fountains

What is France Famous For? 33 French Icons

Table of Contents

1. Notre Dame Cathedral

The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris was initially erected in the 14th-century to honour the Virgin Mary. The French Gothic cathedral is located in the heart of Paris on Île de la Cité island in the middle of Seine and is considered one of the most famous and beautiful in the world.

Notre Dame’s full name is Notre Dame de Paris. This means Our Lady of Paris.

With its grand facade and equally awe-inspiring interior, Notre Dame was certainly built to impress. From its noble church bells, marvellous sculptures, bell tower, stained glass windows to one of the world’s largest music organs.

Notre Dame was damaged during the French Revolution in the 1790s. But it was Victor Hugo’s novel The Hunchback of Notre Dame that really drove interest in the cathedral.

In April of 2019 Notre Dame caught fire whilst it was being restored. Serious damage was done but restoration plans began quickly. The aim is for Notre Dame to be restored to all of its glory for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

notre dame de paris

2. Cannes Film Festival

The city of Cannes is located on the French Riviera. It is a popular summer destination and home to just over 75,000 people. However, it is best known for its world-famous film festival which has been held every Spring since 1946. Winning awards at Cannes can result in amazing success for films – and its red carpet and paparazzi turn actors and actresses into stars. The highest prize awarded at the Cannes Film Festival is the Palme d’Or.

3. Croissants

Is there anything more French than a croissant? It is believed that croissants originated in Austria and that they were brought to France by Marie Antoinette. The croissant was named for its crescent shape and is made of layered dough Modern technology has been incorporated into the process and today between 30 and 40% of croissants sold in French boulangeries are made from frozen dough.

The Seine River

The croissant is the cornerstone of the European continental breakfast and it would be rare to find a boulangerie in France that didn’t have a supply of freshly baked croissants in the morning. However, be aware that the traditional French way to consume a croissant is to dunk it in your coffee. Butter and other condiments are generally not added.

4. Mont Saint Michel

Mont Saint Michel is found nestled on a small island beside Normandy’s coast. This impressive landmark was first erected in 708 and was one of the first monuments first inscribed as a Unesco World Heritage site in 1979.

From afar, together with the Abbey, it looks like one magnificent medieval structure. However, as you get closer, you’ll find an entire town whose medieval features are still intact.

Although it’s nestled on a rock, this incredible place turns into an island when the tide comes in, making it an even more incredible sight.

A great way to experience this impressive medieval architecture is to climb to the Abbey. You can also walk around the ramparts and explore its only street, Grand-Rue. If you’re coming from Paris, there are some incredible day trips to explore Mont Saint-Michael.

5. The Eiffel Tower

Undeniably the most iconic structure in France and the by far, the most photographed, the Eiffel Tower. Standing in sheer wonder, the incredible edifice nestled in Champ de Mars‘s centre is the tallest structure in Paris. It stands 324 meters (1,063 ft) tall.

Stunning view from the Eiffel Tower in the French Capital

Built between 1887 and 1889 by French engineer Gustave Eiffel, the Eiffel Tower is made of iron rather than steel. It was built to be one of the main attractions at the Paris World’s Fair in 1889.

Parisians quickly fell in love with The Eiffel Tower and more than 2 million visited in the first year that it was open. The tower symbolised French know-how and industrial genius.

The lesser photographed underbelly of the Eiffel tower

Today nearly seven million people visit The Eiffel Tower every year. The top of the Eiffel Tower which can be visited is at 276 metres. The other key viewpoint is on what is called the second floor which is at 116 metres.

6. Mont Blanc

Mont Blanc, also known as White Mountain, is the highest peak in the Alps, reaching a lofty 4,804 meters (15,774 ft) above sea level. The Massif is located between France and Italy and is a must-see for outdoor lovers and nature enthusiasts.

mont blanc

For a gobsmacking scenery, take a cable car up to the top of Mont Blanc, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Alpine range. As well as some popular ski resorts like Chamonix in France and Courmayeur in Italy.

There are also different excursions to uncover spectacular viewpoints of alpine lakes, glaciers, and ice falls. Such as taking the Tramway or embark on a Tour du Mont Blanc hiking trip, one of the world’s most luxurious trails.

mont blanc

7. French Revolution

The French Revolution lasted from 1789 to 1799 and completely changed France. It turned France into a democratic republic. People took to the streets to protest against the French royalty. Famines had destroyed crops and bread prices had skyrocketed. Revolutionaries broke into the prison and captured and killed the governor of the Bastille. Many more faced the guillotine including Marie Antoinette.

There are no more guillotines outside museums in France today, but the French are still fond of a protest and of a strike.

8. Chateaux

The French countryside is filled with stunning chateaux or what we would call castles. Many of France’s medieval and historic chateaus and palaces survived and are major tourist attractions today. The Loire Valley in particular is famous for its chateaux including Chateau de Chambord.

Chambord Palace

9. Pere-Lachaise Cemetery

Often considered the most famous cemetery in the world., Pere-Lachaise is also perhaps the most visited cemetery in the world. It is home to the graves of more than one million people including Jim Morrison from the Doors and Oscar Wilde. It is also a strangely beautiful spot.

10. French Riviera

Also known as the Cote D’Azur, the French Riviera is located in the southeast of France. It has been a popular holiday destination with the upper classes for centuries. Indeed, each year it hosts 50% of the world’s superyachts so it is very rarefied air!

The largest city in the region is Nice, the gateway to some of the most popular cities in the area including Saint Tropez, Montpellier, and Marseille to name a few. The French Riviera is also home to the principality of Monaco and its famous casinos.

Nice France

11. Napoleon

Napoleon Bonaparte was one of the greatest military leaders that the world has ever seen. He crowned himself the first Emperor of France and today his tomb is located in the Les Invalides in Paris. Napoleon reigned as emperor from 1804 to 1815 and the Napoleonic Wars raged during most of this time. Apparently, he wasn’t quite as short as history has made out but he was incredibly vain.

12. Tour de France

The world’s most famous bicycle race has been held in France in July every year since 1903. The race covers approximately 3,500 metres and takes over 21 days. It finishes under the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

13. Claude Monet

Perhaps the most famous of the Impressionist painters, Monet lived between 1840 and 1926. His most well-known painting is “Water-lilies”. He used to visit the Louvre to surround himself with beautiful art. One of my favourite places in France is lovely Giverny, a small town outside Paris where Monet was based for some years. It is possible to visit his gardens which are most stunning in the Spring.

14. Baguettes

Baguettes are purchased at a boulangerie in France and are a long thin loaf with a crisp crust. In April of every year, Le Grand Prix de la Baguette is held in Paris to determine who bakes the best baguette in Paris. The French consume 320 baguettes every second, the equivalent of half a baguette per person per day.

In 1993 France passed Le Decret Pain (the Bread Decree) which stated that by law an authentic baguette must be made by hand, sold in the same place it is baked and made only with water, wheat, flour, yeast and salt.

15. Lavender Fields

Lavender fields are to France what cherry blossoms are to Japan – and they have become even more important in the age of social media. I think we have all seen photos of influencers like myself hanging out in lavender fields, often from behind and wearing a hat!

lavender fields in provence

The most famous area of France of lavender is Provence. Lavender begins to bloom at the end of June and tends to be at its peak mid July. This is also when harvesting starts and the fields will be empty by the middle of August so time your visit carefully.

Lavender fields in provence

There are several lavender farms in Provence which offer tours during the peak season. Some of the best places to visit are the Valensole Plateau, Salut, Notre-Dame de Semanque and Drome.

16. Le Louvre

When you’re in Paris, you’ll certainly not want to miss attending the most visited museum in the world: The Louvre Museum. It first opened in 1793 with an exhibition of 537 paintings, and today, it houses around 38,000 historic objects.

This iconic structure is the world’s largest art museum and is famously known for housing Mona Lisa. The original of this famous painting hangs in the Louvre today and has been since 1804.

Apart from Leonardo Da Vinci’s jaw-dropping painting, you’ll find plenty of other interesting antiques in this mega museum and symbol of Paris.

17. Cheese

Every region in France has its own cheese specialties and there are more than 1600 cheese varieties in the country. These vary from hard to soft cheeses and goats cheese to blue cheese. Some of the most well known types of French cheese are Brie de Meaux, Camembert, Roquefort, Reblochon, Pont l’Eveque and many more. Cheese is served at lunch and at dinner, just before dessert, in France. And remember in France cheese is eaten with bread, not crackers.

If reading about cheese is making you hungry check out this article on 43 Facts about French Food.

18. Fashion

Paris is known as the home of fashion and the women of Paris as the most stylish in the world. Fashion is a big industry for the French and has been since the 15th century. Paris Fashion Week happens twice a year and features shows by some of the biggest names in French fashion. And Paris is home to designers such as Yves Saint Laurent, Dior, Hermes, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and many more.

19. Wine

The history of wine in France can be traced back to the 6th century and the country is one of the biggest wine producers in the world. Wine is intrinsic to the French culture and it is traditional to serve wine with food rather than on its own. The quality of the wine produced in France is recognised as some of the best in the world. Some of the most famous wine regions in France are Bordeaux, the Loire Valley, Burgundy and Cotes du Rhone.

bordeaux france

20. Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe sits at the western end of the Champs-Elysee in Place Charles de Gaulle and in the middle of one of the scariest roundabouts in the world.

This famous European landmark is a tribute to those who died fighting for France in the Napoleonic and Revolutionary Wars. The names of all French victories as well as the generals are inscribed on the arc. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War 1 lies underneath the Arc de Triomphe.

The Arc de Triomphe was commissioned in 1806 by Napoleon. However, it was not completed until 1836. By this time Napoleon had been banished to Elba. He was never able to see the Arc de Triomphe but his remains passed through it on the way to Les Invalides.

Every year the Bastille Day parade on July 14 starts at this triumphal Arch and the Tour de France also finishes here.

⇒ If you like beautiful European towns check out my posts on Saint Antonin Noble Val and Tarn et Garonne in France, 30 Famous Landmarks in France, 25 Famous Paris Monuments, 37 Fascinating Facts About Paris, 32 Most Beautiful Cities in France, What is France Famous For? 33 French Icons, Best Hotels in Paris with a View, 10 Beautiful Bridges in France, 35 Things to do in Bordeaux, 15 Highlights of the South West of France, 10 Beautiful Lakes in France and the 6 Best Places to Watch the Sunrise in Paris

21. Perfume

France is well known as the centre of the world of fragrance, particularly Grasse in southern France. France is home to some of the world’s most famous perfume brands included Chanel and Christian Dior. Paris is home to the perfume creators but Grasse is home to the fragrances themselves. Grasse is known for its amazing natural scents as well as for producing synthetic scents. Chanel No 5 is perhaps France, and the world’s, most famous perfume.

22. Literature

From Voltaire (The Human Comedy) to Alexandre Dumas (The Count of Monte Cristo, The Three Musketeers) to Victor Hugo (Les Miserables) to Jules Verne (Around the World in Eighty Days) and so many more, France has produced the writers of some of the world’s most well-known literature.

23. The Palace of Versailles

What once was the official residence of France’s royals – before the French Revolution – is now a jewel of French Baroque architecture and is by far one of the most beautiful palaces in Europe. The Palace of Versailles contains 2,300 rooms of many kinds and is spread over 63,154 m2.

The Palace of Versailles France

Feast your eyes on dazzling chandeliers and the painted ceiling in the Hall of Mirrors; it’s truly remarkable. The palace is surrounded by stunning French gardens designed by the famous landscape designer, André Le Notre. You’ll find sculptures, fountains, and water features dotted throughout the area.

Palace of Versailles France

With nearly 10 million visitors every year, I highly recommend you book a tour to discover Versailles Palace and Gardens to learn more about this incredible French landmark.

24. Champs-Elysees

This famous avenue is one of the most well-known streets in the world. It is located in the eighth arrondissement and is nearly 2 kilometres long. The Champs-Elysee is filled with shops, cafes and theatres. It is bookmarked by Place de la Concorde at one end and Place Charles de Gaulle and the Arc de Triomphe at the other.

The city of Paris at Sunrise

25. Champagne

This iconic sparkling wine is synonymous with celebrations all over the world. The Champagne wine region is in the north east of France. The terms champagne cannot be used to describe a sparkling wine unless it has been produced in the region of Champagne in France. Dom Perignon is perhaps the most famous French champagne brand but it is followed closely by Moet & Chandon, Tattinger and Veuve Cliquot.

26. The consumption of Snails and Frogs

The French are known for eating both frog legs and snails. Frog legs are generally served only in restaurants but snails are served all over France particularly for Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Snails don’t have much taste as they are small, chewy little things so they are served with garlic butter.

27. Romance

Paris is known as the City of Love and both the country of France and its beautiful language are said to be the most romantic in the world. Add to that the stunning historic buildings and general impressive architecture plus the atmospheric cafes and the amount of greenery and France is a country filled with romance. Many of the English words for love and affection come from the French language such as amorous and amour.

28. Bonjour

It is customary in France to say “bonjour” to all as you walk down the street. It is also considered good manners to say “au revoir” when you leave say a store or a restaurant. The French do kiss people on both cheeks when they say hello although this may often be air kissing which is called bisou in French.

29. Bastille Day

July 14 is France’s biggest public holiday, Bastille Day. The date commemorates the start of the French Revolution in 1789. Today there are big celebrations held on Bastille Day, much singing of the French national anthem La Marseillaise and fantastic fireworks displays.

30. Berets

This flat hat was originally part of military uniforms and is intrinsically linked with France. However, you are unlikely to come across many Parisians or French people in general wearing Berets today. Perhaps they will return to style at some point in the future.

marseille france

31. Scarves

I have already mentioned fashion in this post but I do feel that France and scarves deserves its own mention. French women are renowned for their fantastic sense of style that seems to be impossible to replicate by those who weren’t born in France.

A key element of this style is their ability to tie a scarf in different, nonchalant ways that look fabulous. And France is home to the makers of the world’s most famous scarves, Hermes.

32. Disneyland Paris

Somewhat strangely, the only Disneyland in Europe is in France and it is about 32 kilometres outside Paris in Marne-la-Vallee. Disneyland Paris first opened as a theme park in 1992 and ten years later Walt Disney Studios Park opened. In addition to the parks there are many hotels, resorts and even a golf course.

Colmar France

You might enjoy reading my posts on 37 Fascinating Facts about Paris, 37 Facts about Greece, and What is Italy Known For? 35 Italian Claims to Fame, What is France Famous For? 33 Icons, 31 Facts About Venice, What is Ireland Known For? 35 Irish Claims to Fame, What is Japan Famous For? 31 Japanese Claims to Fame, 67 Fascinating Facts About London, What is Spain Known For? 31 Spanish Claims to Fame, 47 Fun Facts about Canada, What is Germany Famous For? 31 German Claims to Fame, What is Portugal Famous For? 22 Things?, 55 Fascinating Facts about Rome You Probably Don’t Know.

33. Moulin Rouge

One of Paris’ most popular tourist attractions, the Moulin Rouge was first built in 1889. This iconic cabaret is well known for the red windmill on its roof and it has been in many films, movies and books. In the 20th century, well-known French singers like Edith Piaf performed at the Moulin Rouge and it is still operating today.

Related Posts:

I covered all of the costs associated with writing this article. However, this what is France famous for post includes affiliate links. That means if you click through and end up making a purchase I will receive a small commission. I wanted to make sure you were aware of this.

What is France known for?

What is France known for? France is one of those countries everyone dreams with going. You will sure know about Eiffel Tower or Croissants, but there are many other things France is famous for. Today we are going to tell you all of them, but before we get started, below you can find the most popular french things divided in different cathegories.

This is why we love France

Famous food you must try in France

Best places to visit in France

Famous Animals that live in France

20 Famous things in France

France has been the most visited country in the world for the last 20 years and that´s because they have incredible places, food, festivals and more. As we have just said there are many reasons why France is such a famous country. We are sure you know about some of them, but to make your life easier we have done a list with the top 20 things France is known for.

What are the most famous places in France?

Paris, Marseille, Eiffel Tower, Mont Saint Michel, Bayonne… We could spend an hour telling you about popular places in France and we would still miss many others. Their monuments, landscapes and different destinations are probably the biggest reason why France is famous. Next you will find the top 3 most famous places in France:

🗼 1) The Eiffel Tower

When you think about France, the first thing that comes to your mind is the Eiffel Tower, as it´s one of the most iconic French things.

With around 7 million visitors per year it has become one of the most visited monuments in the world, plus since It´s the symbol of the country, absolutely no one misses it when they travel to France. Being the highest tower in Paris makes it perfect for photographers as they will be able to take amazing pictures of it from many different perspectives.

🌺 2) French lavender fields

Although everyone relates the famous places in France with cities, monuments and cathedrals, there are other regions like Provence,where you will beable to enjoy a more natural atmosphere.

France is famous for its Blue Coast and its olive groves, but what resigns the most are their purple lavender fields. It´s incredible how many travellers visit the country just to admire these beautiful flowers that shine in Provence from May to July.

🕍 3) Notre-Dame Cathedral

We need to go back to Paris to talk about one of the most famous cathedrals in Europe (tight with “La Sagrada Familia).

Notre-Dame is for sure another of the things France is famous for, it´s a medieval Catholic cathedral that represents perfectly the French Gothic architecture.

It´s the third most visited attraction in Paris and probably in France, but unfortunately in 2019 the cathedral caught on fire and now part of it is destroyed and in a process of reconstruction.

France is also famous for its food

We bet many of you have heard about their cheeses, the popular baguettes and of course the tasty macarons. Well, all of these are part of the extremely delicious French cuisine. As you may know, France is popular for its gourmet and classy dishes, plus they are the ones who invented the Michelin guide. Is just impossible to not have your mouth watering when you think about the famous food of France:

🥐 4) Croissant, crepes, and macarons:

Just by saying these names you can already tell that the French desserts are incredible. You can start your day having a croissant, eat macarons after lunch and a crepe in those street markets as a snack in the afternoon.

These French sweets have three things in common: All of them are popular in France, the taste is delicious and all of them are very stylish. French people are so classy that even desserts are dressed in a stylish way.

🥖 5) French cheeses and baguettes

Without any doubt, one of the things France is most known for is their cheese, well, cheeses, as they have more than a thousand varieties of them.

You probably have heard about some very typical like the Camembert, the Brie or the Roquefort cheese, but these are just the famous ones. We find impossible to try them all.

Other than cheeses, the baguettes are also traditional from the French cuisine and now they are so popular that you can see them all over the world.

What wine is most popular in France?

Other than the food, one of the most famous things in France are their wines. It is said that Spain, Italy and France are the countries with better wines in the world, and although the French ones may not be as popular as the Spanish Rioja wine, you will be able to enjoy the Bordeaux, the Burgundy and of course the Champagne, known all over the world.

🍾 6) Champagne

The champagne is also one of those typical french things and it´s the most famous drink in the whole country. You won´t just find it in France, but in most of the countries in the world as it is a very common drink for celebrations like New Year´s eve.

A curious fact about champagne is that although in many areas, any kind of sparkling wine is considered champagne, in some other countries like the US, this one must come from the champagne wine region of France and follow their fermentation rules.

What sports is France famous for?

Definitely France is known for sports, and not just for football, which is trending during the last years as they were the last team to win the World Cup, but they are also famous for other sports like cycling, tennis, rugby and skiing.

⚽ 7) French football national team

As we were saying, the football in France is the most common sport, and many kids play it every day. The national French team was the last one winning the World Cup in 2018, and they also won in 1998. With 2 titles they have become one of the best national football teams in the world.

The football clubs are not as good as the national team, but the French league is still one of the top 10 best leagues in the world. The PSG from Paris is the best team in France.

🚴 8) The Tour de France

Another sport French people is good at is cycling. The Tour de France is the biggest cycling tournament and is celebrated every year during the summer months.

It´s a race of many cyclers who compete during 23 days covering around 3.500 kilometres of the whole country.

Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault and Miguel Indurain are the cyclers who have won the Tour de France more times (5 each)

Fashion in France

France is recognized as one of the most influential countries when talking about fashion. Paris, with New York, London, and Milan, is one of the fashion capitals and where most events take part. Other than the runways, the French fashion is also famous because most of the best designers are originally from the country, including some very popular ones like Dior, Chanel and Louis Vuitton.

💃 9) Paris Fashion Week

It´s true that there are many events related to fashion, and more in France, but the best one without any doubt is the Fashion Week.

The Fashion Week is celebrated in 4 different cities, it starts in New York, then London and Milan and it finishes in Paris. It is celebrated two times per year, one in spring/summer and the other one in autumn/winter and each of the designers presents their different collections.

French art

France has been through the history a country specialized in art, not just because they have the Louvre in Paris, but also because many artists were born in France or have been living in the country at some point of their lives. A very good example is Pablo Picasso, he arrives to Paris in 1900, being just a 19-year-old kid who ends up becoming one of the greatest artists in the history.

Some of the most famous French paintings are “Dance” from Henri Matisse and “Liberty leading the people” from Eugène Delacroix

🏛️ 10) Louvre

The Louvre is one of the most important reasons why France is famous! For the ones who still don´t know about the Louvre (hopefully you all know about it), it´s the most important museum in the world, and over 10 million people visit it every year. Although it´s also known for its exterior shape (a glass pyramid), what truly makes it so popular is the huge amount of paintings you will see there, specially one: The Mona Lisa from Da Vinci.

If you are thinking on going, we advise you to get your tickets with enough time, if not you will have to wait a long queue and sometimes you may not be able to go inside.

🎨 11) Claude Monet

Monet is one of the greatest artists in the history of France. He is considered the founder of Impressionism movement and his most famous work is Impression, Sunrise (a paint that gave name to the movement).

Claude Monet started his journey with a realist style, and he was a very popular artist, but in 1860 he decided to focus on his impressionist paintings. This led him to a hard financial situation, and it was years later when his work started to be appreciated.

What are the French known for?

As it happens with every nationality, French people are known for its stereotypes, but not for who they really are. Next, we will tell you all about the things the french are famous for and about which things are true and which ones are false:

🗣 12) Do French people speak English?

We don´t know why, but one of the things French are known for, is for not speaking a very good English. French people CAN speak English!

Of course, as it happens in Spain, China or in other countries where their language is very popular, they may not be as fluent as in other countries, but the majority will be able to have a conversation with you.

Just so you can have an idea, at the age of 10 years old, they are already studying English at their schools.

🍷 13) Do French drink a lot of wine and eat a lot of cheese?

As we said, another of the famous things of France are their wines and cheeses…Believe it or not, many French people normally have a glass of wine to accompany each of their lunchs, and yes cheese and baguettes are also part of their daily life.

It´s more like a cultural thing and they don´t normally drink it to get drunk.

A curious fact about it, is that French people are allowed to drive after drinking one glass of wine.

France is famous for its history

The history of France is huge and there are many events and historical people who have been important not just in the country, but all over the world. Next you will find some of the most remarkable ones:

💪 14) French Revolution

The French revolution needs to be included on this “What is France most famous for?” list, as it is one of the most important events on the history of the country. It was a 10-year revolution, and it influenced many people from other countries in Europe to ask for more liberties and rights. This war also ended up with the feudalism and took a big part of the church´s power.

⚔ 15) Napoleon Bonaparte

He was one of the greatest military leaders on the history of France. His most important Role was during the French revolution and after it, when he placed himself as the leader of the French government.

His battles and acts were so important that more than 200 places in France are named honouring him or his soldiers.

Other things associated with France

What you have just seen is a list of the most famous ones, but there are many other things that are French. Next, we will tell you some other stuff that you will probably associate with France, but these are less popular than the ones we have already tell you:

👸 16) Famous French people

We have already mentioned some famous characters in the history of France like Monet. There are also famous sport players like Zinedine Zidane, (one of the greatest football players) and also very popular designers like Coco Chanel. See below a list with some very popular people on the French history:

Nostradamus: He was known for having the ability of predicting the future Claude Monet: the founder of French impressionist painting style Roman Polanski: one of the best film directors of XX & XXI century (the pianist) Coco Chanel: she became famous for its dressing style and now the brand she built is one of the biggest fashion brands in the world Zinedine Zidane, who is one of the greatest football players in the history.

🎈 17) The only Disneyland in Europe is in France

Other of the most famous French things is Disneyland Paris. There are six Disneyland Castle parks in the world: California, Tokyo, Florida, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Paris. If anyone from Europe wants to go to Disneyland, the closest option is in France as is the only resort in the old continent.

🚗 18) What is France famous for producing?

The production and industrial development were very good during the years after the war and during the 50´s and 60´s it was a major thing on the French economy. This lasted until mid-70´s when the deindustrialization lowered the production levels to the minimum.

The industry of tourism has ended up being the key of the French economy and almost all the famous products of France are somehow related to tourism now. For Example, the production of wines and cheese is still very effective. Some others like the vehicle industry are still holding and being competitive with other brands from out of France.

📯 19) What music is France famous for?

Although France is a big country with a lot of musicians and many different styles, the French music is best known for its classical music. Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel and Gabriel Fauré are some of the best classical music composers in the history of France.

Nowadays this is starting to change, and other music genres are starting to show up. Hip-Hop, electronic music and pop are some of the styles that are succeeding the most. David Guetta is an international DJ, who is known for being probably the most famous musician in France nowadays.

📽 20) The Cannes Film Festival

To end our list of the top 20 most famous French things, we are going to talk about the Cannes Fil Festival. It´s a film event founded in 1946, where many celebrities from the film industry get together and preview the new films of the time.

This event is also very famous in France because it´s where they give one of the most important film awards: The Palme d´Or.

Hope you enjoyed reading about the famous French things

That´s all you need to know about “What is France best known for?”, hope you have enjoyed reading about it and if you are going to France any time soon, have a wonderful trip!

If you have any other question about the popular things in France, please let us know!

30 Things France is Known and Famous For

We’ve all had days where we fancied getting on a plane and waking up in France. Encourage those dreams to become reality by finding out 30 things that France is known and famous for!

France is famous for the Eiffel Tower in Paris and sweet-scented lavender fields in Provence. It’s a well-known tourist destination that offers museums, art galleries and fine cuisine. France is also known for its varied landscapes, from the mountains in the Alps to the dazzling beaches of Marseille, Corsica and Nice.

But that’s just the beginning. Alors, let’s dive in to some of the things France is known for!

Table of Contents

1. Paris

The capital of France, Paris is famous for so many things that it’s almost impossible to cram them all in here. It symbolizes much of what we expect about France – romance, food, beautiful buildings, and of course, plenty of sightseeing.

Some of the most popular tourist hangouts in Paris are the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame cathedral, Sacré-Coeur steps, the river Seine and Jardin Du Luxembourg. But Paris is more than just tourist heaven. It embodies that French phrase we’re all familiar with – je ne sais quoi – that something (I don’t know what).

It’s a place to dream big, dress well, and feel a part of something massive. Paris is quietly confident and boldly unique. There’s something for everyone, and I can assure you that you won’t go hungry.

There are also five statues of liberty in Paris. The only thing Paris hasn’t got is a red stop sign – more on that later!

2. Tourism

Of course, Paris isn’t the only tourist destination in France, but it’s probably the most well-known. France is famous for having more tourists than anywhere else in the world!

The most visited paid attraction in the world is the Eiffel Tower, which comes as no real surprise. On the contrary, it’s surprising that when it was built, many Parisians actually hated the look of it! The novelist Guy de Maupassant ate lunch there every day he hated it so much.

Seem strange? Well, he did it, in his words, because it was the only place he could eat without his view being impeded by the sight of the Eiffel Tower!

Outside of Paris, there’s a whole country up for exploration. Tour vineyards, prehistoric caves, ski, beach-hop – you name it, France has its own unique version of whatever you’re into.

3. Châteaus & palaces

For many, the historical splendor of France is what entices them the most. France is famous for its many surviving medieval and historic châteaus and palaces. If modern life has drained you, good news – you can go back in time by visiting these incredible sites!

The most famous palace is that of Versailles, located about 16 kilometers (10 miles) southwest of Paris. It was the final home of the French monarchy and has amazing tours that show you how the French royals lived. Check out Marie Antoinette’s flashy private apartments “Trianon” or wander around the Hall of Mirrors to see what all the fuss is about.

Budding historians should also visit Château D’Angers in Angers, western France. There’s been a castle there since the 900s, but the building you can see today was finished in the 13th century. If you want to see some truly spectacular historic art, Château D’Angers also houses a 100 kilometers (62 miles) long medieval tapestry, called the Apocalypse Tapestry.

4. Painters

It’s easy to see why France is known for being the muse of many celebrated painters. Some of the biggest names in the art world lead back to France’s countryside and cities, including Claude Monet, Édouard Manet, Auguste Renoir, and Henri Matisse.

Claude Monet is perhaps one of the most famous of these names. He used to visit the Louvre in Paris frequently to surround himself with beautiful art so he too could capture the magic of nature on a canvas. He founded France’s Impressionism movement, and today his work is still admired all over the world.

Pablo Picasso, although Spanish by birth, moved to France permanently in 1904. In the 20s, he hung around the same haunts as his famous contemporaries, including Hemingway, Matisse, and Fitzgerald. One of their favorite restaurants is still open today, called La Rotonde Montparnasse, close to Jardin du Luxembourg.

5. Marseille

France is also known for its oldest city, Marseille. Located on the south-eastern coast, Marseille has plenty of beaches, history, and excellent Mediterranean food.

Traditionally, Marseille is where you’ll find the best locally made bouillabaisse, a delicious seafood stew. The city is built around its port which was originally a trading hotspot before it became a popular university city.

Marseille is also renowned for its soap which has been produced the same way since 1370. Although it’s located a stone’s throw away from the lavender fields of Provence, Marseille soap is made with 72% vegetable oil, soda, and usually no perfume. This natural home remedy sorts out everything from dry skin to stained clothes, and is still a valuable commodity.

6. Perfume

Just because Marseille soap isn’t heavenly scented, that doesn’t mean the nearby lavender fields of Provence aren’t! France is famous for its perfume industry, and the Perfume Capital of the World is the small town of Grasse, southeast France.

French perfume brands make up a huge chunk of what’s available in stores today, including Givenchy, Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Lancôme, and Guerlain. France didn’t invent the perfume, but it certainly popularized it.

Grasse used to be the center of leather tanning, which if you don’t know involves marinating cowhide in animal excrement. No wonder, then, that in the Middle Ages the Grasse locals wanted to get rid of the terrible smell!

Wild jasmine, myrtle, lavender, rose, orange blossom, and much more flourish in the Mediterranean climate of Grasse. They took extracts from the plants and made the first modern perfumes we use today! You can take perfume tours of France’s oldest perfumeries still in use today, including Fragonard, Galimard, and Molinard.

7. Nice

The city of Nice, southern France, is one of the country’s most stunning metropolises. Nice combines much of what France is famous for, beaches, wine, excellent food, and an abundance of culture. It belonged to Italy until 1860, and you’ll hear both Italian and French spoken among the locals.

The city of Nice was founded by the Greeks, and they named it after Nike, the goddess of victory. You can walk on the Promenade Des Anglais, a stretch of road beside Nice’s coastline, or check out what France’s second most museum-filled city has to offer. There are also many art galleries, some of them displaying works by Matisse and Chagall.

There are so many culinary flavors to Nice, and experiencing them is a pleasure. Be sure to order ratatouille, a French vegetable stew, or a salade Niçoise – an anchovy salad made with eggs, olives, and summer veggies. You also haven’t tried the best apple pie before you’ve eaten Tarte Pomme, a flaky crust apple pie served with vanilla custard.

8. Wine

You’ll hear and see a lot of trivia thrown around about French wine, but one thing is certain: France is famous for drinking, making, and being pretty serious about wine.

The French consume 60 liters (15.8 gallons) of wine per person annually – more than anybody else in the world. They’re also the third largest producers of wine – Italy and Spain take spots one and two respectively.

The French are famous for swilling wine glasses and sniffing it before they drink – this is done to determine whether the wine will “pleurer” (cry) or not. If droplets fall, it’s a good wine. If not, feed it to a nearby pot-plant.

Different regions are famous for different wine types, and contrary to popular belief it’s got very little to do with the grapes. For the French, it’s the soil and where the wine’s been made that counts.

Lastly, check out the back corners of French supermarkets: I’ve been to a Carrefour (French supermarket chain) with a wine-tasting corner so you can try it before you buy. Seriously!

9. Cheese

If you’re dairy-intolerant, living in France might be difficult for you. Not only was pasteurization invented there, but France is famous for having over 1000 types of cheese!

The French eat the most cheese in the world per capita, around 20.4 kg (45 lbs) of it per year. There are three so-called “families” of cheese in France: pressed, soft, and blue cheeses.

You’ll recognize some favorites that have exploded in popularity in other parts of the world, such as Brie, Camambert, and Comté, but every region is famous for its particular type and brand of cheese.

Note that in France, it’s common to be served cheese as a prelude to dessert, rather than as a side dish. Oh, and crackers don’t often come into it, either!

10. Health

If you’re a gym bunny, you’ll have to adapt to life in France. Gym culture is next to non-existent in many parts, and the cool, casual French people have a great mantra when it comes to health: existing, not exercising.

Only one in ten French people are obese, and compared to the four in ten in the U.S, they’re not doing too badly! Not what you might expect from the world’s largest consumers of cheese and wine, is it? Well, the secrets (apparently) are eating less but often, taking more time to eat, getting nine hours of sleep, and staying active.

“Existing not exercising” encompasses all that we envy the French for. Walking everywhere, taking bike rides, making an effort to do chores rather than head to that spinning class. Turns out it’s a lot easier to be active if you just live your life – at least, that’s what the French say.

11. Sleeping

Talking of sleep, one French thing that almost all of us recognize is the song Frère Jacques: “Frère Jacques, frère Jacques, dormez-vous?” It turns out the answer to this age-old question is probably a resounding yes.

The song asks our good friend Frère Jacques (He’s called Brother John in English) if he’s sleeping. France is famous for being among the nations that get the longest night’s sleep in the world, at a dreamy sounding nine hours! Other nations with locals that get over 8 hours of sleep a night are Belgium, New Zealand, and Australia.

If you can’t remember the last time you slept that long, you’re not alone. Singapore and Japan sleep the shortest amount of time at just seven hours and 24 minutes. The U.S falls in at just under eight hours, along with China and Italy.

12. The Alps

France is known for having two parts of the European mountain range known as The Alps.

In French, these regions are called Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, and Provence-Alpes-Côte D’Azur. Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe, is partially located in France on the French-Italian border (the Italians call it Monte Bianco). This region is particularly famed for its excellent ski resorts and conditions.

Skiing and snowboarding are popular winter pastimes in The Alps. In summer and spring, you’ll find plenty of hikers, bikers, and mountaineers making the most of the fresh air!

13. Driving

Driving stereotypes exist all over the world, but France is famous for being a country where drivers are laws unto themselves. It’s an unfair stereotype for the most part, but some facts about French roads don’t do much to stifle the rumors!

I mentioned that there are no red stop signs in Paris, well that’s true! There used to be one but it was removed in 2012. Half of the world’s roundabouts can be found in France and at 30,000 of them, you may feel like you’ve been going round in circles for hours.

Even registration plates have a place in French history. In 1783, King Louis XVI made it mandatory for coachmen to have metal plates attached to their coaches in Paris. In 1901, France became the first country to introduce motor vehicle registration which was later adopted by the rest of the world.

14. French: The language of love

France is known for being one of the most romantic countries in the world, helped by its language. French is literally a romance language, although all that means is that it belongs to a Latin language family, along with Italian and Spanish, for example.

Many English words for affection come from French. “Amorous” comes from “amour”, the French word for “love”. Some romantic French words translate to English seamlessly: “mon ange” becomes “my angel” for instance.

Others… not so much. “Mon chou” is a serious term of endearment, but don’t take offense to the English translation: “my cabbage”.

Want to learn French? Dive into the best French learning apps, books, and podcasts, or this list of awesome resources to learn French.

15. Movies

Romance movies might be to blame for the modern obsession with connecting love with France. The French love their movies too, and there are more movie theaters per person in Paris than anywhere else in the world! France is famous for its booming, unique film industry.

In 2013, France was the second largest exporter of movies behind the United States, impressive considering the population difference. The Cannes Film festival is a huge celebration of international movies every year, held in Cannes, France. It started in 1946 and continues to this day. Actors, directors, and producers hold it in high esteem.

Some of the biggest names on the red carpet also come from France, including Audrey Tatou, Marion Cotillard, Léa Seydoux, and Jean Dujardin. If you’re up for a French movie binge, some of my favorites are Rust and Bone (2012), Amelie from Montmartre (2001), and La Vie En Rose (2007).

16. Greetings

Remember at the beginning of Beauty & The Beast, when Belle walked down the street saying “bonjour” to everyone she saw?

Well, that’s one thing Disney doesn’t need to be embarrassed about stereotyping the French for. People really do greet everybody and anybody in France, and it’s considered extremely rude not to do it yourself.

France is known for their customary air-kiss greeting, called bisou in French. One or two air kisses are usually enough, if you’re formally introduced to someone or you know them already.

Otherwise, the rules on greetings are pretty simple. If you walk into a shop, say “bonjour”. When you leave, you can say “au revoir!” which means goodbye, or a fancy “bonne journée” which means have a good day.

France is not a place to be shy. It could even end up costing you, find out how next!

17. Manners

Avoid being stared at and keep your wallet healthy by being polite! Strange as it may be to us, France is known for going viral on the internet for its tongue-in-cheek signage and menus trying to teach better manners.

If you’ve worked in catering, you’ll know that politeness can be pretty rare. It seems that some French café owners had enough, however, and increased the prices of coffee for customers who did not say hello or please!

One example, posted on Twitter, shows a snapshot from a French menu:

“Coffee: €7. A coffee, please: €4,25. Hello, a coffee please: €1,40.” Apparently, it started as a joke but people actually changed their behavior after it stayed. So, unless you want to pay €5,60 ($6,63) more for your coffee, best to smile and impress with a “salut” and a “s’il vous plâit” when you order a drink!

18. Bread & pastries

France is famous for its signature bread, the baguette and its love of bakeries. In France, most main meals are served with bread and “croutons” aren’t just for soup – although it’s delicious to eat them with a French onion soup.

The croissant on the other hand was actually an Austrian invention that Marie Antoinette brought with her from her homeland. Pain au chocolat followed a few years later, although the French are credited with making the croissant somehow even more delectable by adding chocolate.

One thing’s for sure, you’ll be eating a lot of French pastries. Just don’t turn a baguette upside down as some older-generation French believe it will bring you bad luck!

19. Literature

One place you can find peace and quiet in France is in a library or a bookshop. France is famous for inspiring many authors of different centuries, and the French are great book lovers. There are 830 libraries in Paris, and bookshops like Shakespeare & Co are renowned all over the world.

Author Victor Hugo is particularly honored in France, and there’s an unwritten rule that every town and city must have a street named after him. If you don’t know who Victor Hugo is, he wrote Les Miserables and The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

From novelists to playwrights, France has produced so many huge names in the literary world it would take forever to list them all. If you want to check out some legendary French books before you go, take a look at Albert Camus, Marcel Proust, Voltaire, and Charles Baudelaire’s works!

20. Napoleon Bonaparte

Did you know that Napoleon Bonaparte wrote a romance novel? It wasn’t his literary prowess that put France on the map, though. France is famous for its military achievements under the acclaimed general, Napoleon Bonaparte.

Yes, he conquered huge chunks of Europe, but he’s also responsible for why we have street names and house numbers. He even managed to fit in popularizing sidewalk layouts with guttering down the side whilst he commandeered the French army! You’ll find statues of him all over France, and to this day it’s illegal to name a pig Napoleon there.

Unfairly, Napoleon’s reputation outside of France lingers today for being a short, angry little man. In reality, Napoleon was of average height and very smart. He was however extremely vain. It’s well-known that he would disguise himself and quiz random people on the street about “what they thought of that guy…Napoleon Bonaparte, did he say his name was?”

21. Corsica

Yes, Napoleon has gone down in history, alright. But so has his birthplace, and not just because of him! France is known for its fantastic beaches, and some of the best can be found on the French-owned island of Corsica.

Halfway between Italy and France, it’s sometimes hard to tell which country Corsica resembles most. If you’re looking for great hiking trails and abundant, undisturbed nature, head to the northern parts of the island. Plage de Bodri and Arinella are two wild beaches that only really get tourists during August – and the north is much cheaper, too.

The south coastline of Corsica feels made for sun-seekers and city-dwellers. If you like a bit of noise and commotion, the beaches of Palombaggia and Santa Giulia await you. They’re both situated near bubbling metropolises so you can experience nightlife as well as bountiful sand and sun.

22. Bastille Day

We all know the French love to party, and the biggest public holiday, Bastille Day, in France is famous for its bloody history and show of national pride! On 14 July 1789, the French Revolution started with a violent uprising that targeted the military fortress and prison called Bastille.

France was in turmoil in the 18th century; the famine destroyed crops and bread prices peaked so high that workers could spend up to 88% of their wages on one loaf of bread. The French took matters into their own hands and revolutionists broke into the prison and dismantled it. They captured the governor of Bastille, Bernard-René de Launay, executed him, and paraded his head around Paris in victory.

These days, the celebrations are much less grizzly. On 14 July, expect plenty of sightings of the tricolor flag, and crowds singing La Marseillaise (The French national anthem) – both of which were born out of the French Revolution. There are also spectacular firework displays all over France on Bastille Day!

23. Snails

France is famous for its many delicacies but snails, called escargots in French, is one that won’t appeal to everyone. Certainly not of interest to vegetarians and vegans, but snails are a national French dish with regional differences.

Traditionally, snails are served as either an appetizer or an entrée with garlic and parsley butter. This dish is sometimes called Escargots á la Bourguignonne, because it’s believed to originate from the Burgundy region.

Snails are also occasionally served in a puff pastry dish, or even grilled in southern France. They’re also usually accompanied by a baguette basket on the side to fill you up. And anyway, even though it’s land snails that are served in France, how different is it from eating shrimp or mussels anyway?

24. Garlic

An enduring stereotype is that France is famous for putting garlic in just about every dish. Some even still believe that they wear it around their necks – which incidentally, they certainly don’t. But the French love of garlic goes way back – and it’s a less appetizing story than you might think.

In the 15th century, French cooks were using liberal amounts of garlic as seasoning – not so much for the flavor, but because of its ability to disguise the foul odor and taste of spoiled food. It was also believed to have medicinal properties, which as we know it today, it does!

The Romans introduced garlic to France, bringing the bulbous plant back from Asia. The French word for garlic is “ail”, so if you’re not a fan of it or you’re out of chewing gum, stay away from dishes containing “ail”!

25. Fashion

If you know anything about fashion, you’ll know France is famous for being home to some of the greatest fashion designers of all time. My mom and I describe good fashion as “very Coco” and bad fashion as “not very Coco”. We’re talking of course about Coco Chanel, a French pioneer who fought for comfortable women’s clothing.

Some of the biggest French names in fashion other than Chanel are Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, and Isabel Marant. Although high fashion is what dominates fashion weeks from “The Big Four” – Paris, London, Milan, and New York – it’s French street style that has influenced the masses.

Both men and women look to France as a country of fashion icons, from designers to models and photographers. Men’s fashion has been highly influenced by French style – it’s thanks to the French brand Lacoste that the polo top is still popular today!

26. Protests

France is famous for its national slogan: Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité (Freedom, equality, fraternity). The French are particularly outspoken when it comes to politics, and in recent years have made headlines with pronounced protests.

Even in the early days, the French persisted to make themselves heard. The October March in 1789 saw thousands of Parisian women march to Versailles to demand the French Royal Family accompany them back to Paris over the price of bread. They succeeded, and the march was seen as a pivotal step toward the French revolution.

More recently, in 2012, France made headlines for protesting against limiting freedom of speech. Charlie Hebdo, a weekly French satirical magazine went viral online with many joining in the protest using the hashtag “JeSuisCharlie” to show allegiance. In 2019, French protesters nicknamed “Gilets Jaune” or “Yellow Vests” protested against a planned tax increase on fuel.

27. Music

Do you like French music? I hope the answer’s yes if you’re going to listen to the radio. France is famous for its law that 40% of all the songs played on air must be in the French language!

Luckily, France has produced some artists that have risen to fame all over the world. The most famous for younger readers will be David Guetta, although most of his music has English lyrics attached.

I quite like this controversial law – Listening to French music is a great way to practice your language skills. I listened to a lot of Stromae and Yelle during high school, and later I felt really smart/cool when I understood the chorus from “Montreal” by The Weeknd. True story.

And no, Harry Styles’ song “Cherry” doesn’t count according to French radio’s standards, even with its cameo appearance from Camille Rowe.

28. Not so “French” food

We’ve already mentioned a few of the dishes France is famous for, but some things taste so good people have assumed they must be (or just incorrectly named) French!

Take french fries for example – no, we can’t credit the French with the “frites” we all know and love. They’re actually Belgian, from the Meuse region. The first record of french fries is from 1686.

Similarly, French toast is a total misnomer. In France, French toast is called “pain perdu” meaning “lost bread”. There’s evidence the Romans ate a variant of French toast, but the reason we call it French is thanks to a New York innkeeper called Joseph French. He served it in 1724, forgot the apostrophe to indicate it was named after himself, and the rest is history.

29. Food sustainability

Authentically French or not, French people sure hate wasting food. France is known for being the best in the world when it comes to food sustainability. In the U.S, annual food wastage per person comes out at 95.6 kg (212.7 lbs). In France, that number is just 67.2 kgs (148.1 lbs).

The French government wanted to tackle food wastage at the source. In 2016, it became illegal in France for supermarkets to destroy or dispose of food that was still in, or just past, its sell-by date. Instead of lining trash cans, that food must be donated to charities, food banks, or be reused as animal feed.

The Food Sustainability Index shows how well 67 nations in the world handle food wastage, sustainable agriculture and health, and nutrition. After France, The Netherlands, Canada, Finland, and Japan come in pretty close behind. The U.S and U.K have never been among the top 20.

30. The weird & wonderful

Lastly, if I can’t persuade you to visit France with city breaks, gorgeous countryside, delicious food or dazzling beaches, maybe this’ll work. France is known for its many quirks – and a few of these might entice you more than another art gallery.

Why not check out a 17,000-year-old cave art instead? Near the Pyrenees, southern France, you can trek inside la Grotte de Niaux, an 8-mile cave adorned with paintings, as well as 400-year-old graffiti. You can visit the Cave of Forgotten Dreams, a natural arch formation cave with prehistoric paintings in Vallon-Pont-D’Arc, also in south France.

If you’re truly fed up with art, you can check out the world’s oldest basketball court from 1893 in Paris. If you’re in the capital and don’t mind being creeped out, visit the Museum of Vampires and Legendary Creatures. Jacques Sirgent, an eccentric collector obsessed with vampirism and esotericism, opened it to display his eclectic collection of creepy objects!

Those were just 30 of the amazing things that France is known and famous for, but we want to know what you love about France in the comments! Let us know below.

If Paris is too far away from you right now, check out our guides to the Paris’ of the North, East, South, and West.

30 interesting facts about France

Is it true that France invented the hot air balloon? And is it really illegal to kiss on train platforms? Find out with these 30 fun facts about France.

Whether you’re living in France or just visiting, learning some facts about the country will help you get to know it better; not to mention impress your friends at your next trivia night. So prepare to put your French knowledge to the test as we share 30 facts about France that might just surprise you.

Cigna Global

Cigna Global provides international health insurance to over 180 million customers and patients throughout the world. Their global network of 1.65 million hospitals and healthcare professionals offer expats access to medical support in over 200 countries and territories. Cigna plans can be tailored to suit the needs of you and your family in France and beyond.

1. France is the largest country in the EU and sometimes called the hexagon

France is the largest country in the European Union, covering a total area of 551,695 square kilometers. However, it is only the third-largest country in Europe, behind Ukraine and the European portion of Russia. Around a third (31%) of France is forest and it is the fourth most forested country in the EU, after Sweden, Finland, and Spain. The country is also sometimes referred to as ‘l’hexagone’ due to its six-sided shape.

2. France is the world’s most popular tourist destination

It might be time to brush up on your French language skills, because France is the place to be, according to the latest tourism figures. A whopping 89.3 million people visited the country in 2018, making it the most visited destination in the world. The country’s capital, Paris, is also the third most visited city in the world, behind Bangkok and London. Time to get packing!

3. French was the official language of England for about 300 years

It’s hard to imagine that French was the official language of England between 1066 and 1362. But after William the Conqueror led the Norman conquest and subsequent occupation of England in 1066, he introduced Anglo-Norman French to the nation. This was spoken by royalty, aristocrats, and high-powered officials, some of whom couldn’t speak any English! In 1362, however, parliament passed the Pleading in English Act, making English the official language of government. This was because Norman French was used for pleadings, but was largely unknown to the common people of England, who had no knowledge of what was being said in court.

4. Louis XIX was the king of France for just 20 minutes, the shortest ever reign

Yes, you read the right. The French king only enjoyed 20 minutes of royal fame after his father Charles X abdicated, leaving him to ascend the French throne in July 1830. After this brief period, Louis-Antoine also abdicated in favor of his nephew, the Duke of Bordeaux. This makes him the joint shortest reigning monarch in history. He shares the astonishing record with Crown Prince Luís Filipe, who technically became king of Portugal after his father was assassinated. But he also died from a wound 20 minutes later.

5. ‘Liberté, égalitié, fraternité‘ or ‘liberty, equality, fraternity’ is the national motto

The famous motto first appeared around the time of the Revolution (1789–1799) and was written into the constitutions of 1946 and 1958. Nowadays, you’ll still see it on coins, postage stamps, and government logos; often alongside ‘Marianne’ who symbolizes the triumph of the Republic. The legal system in France is still largely based on the principles set down in Napoleon Bonaparte’s Code Civil after the revolution, in the 1800s.

6. The French Army was the first to use camouflage in 1915 (World War I)

Now here’s an interesting fact about France. The word ‘camouflage’ actually comes from the French verb meaning ‘to make up for the stage’. This is because the French Army was the first to create a dedicated camouflage unit in 1915. Guns and vehicles were painted by artists called camofleurs. The following year, the British Army followed suit and established its own camouflage section under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Francis Wyatt. It was known as the Special Works Park RE (Royal Engineers).

7. In France, you can marry a dead person!

One rather shocking fact about France is that under French law, you can marry posthumously in exceptional cases. This is on the condition that you can prove that the deceased had the intention of marrying you while they were alive. You must also receive permission from the French president. The most recent approved case was in 2017 when the partner of a gay policeman gunned down on Paris’s Champs-Elysees by a jihadist was granted permission to marry his partner posthumously.

8. The French invented tin cans, the hairdryer, and the hot air balloon

It turns out we have the French to thank for many of the useful inventions we know and love today. For instance, French inventor Nicolas Appert came up with the idea to use sealed glass jars placed in boiling water to preserve food in 1809. Pierre Durand later invented the tin can. Braille was also developed by Louis Braille who was blinded as a child. Meanwhile, physician René Laennec invented the stethoscope at a hospital in Paris in 1816 and Alexandre-Ferdinand Godefroy patented the world’s first hair dryer in 1888. The majestical hot air balloon was also pioneered by the Montgolfier brothers Joseph and Etienne who unveiled the world’s first public display of an untethered balloon in 1783.

9. France was the first country in the world to ban supermarkets from throwing away food

Now, here’s a French fact to feel proud of. In February 2016, France became the first country in the world to ban supermarkets from throwing away or destroying unsold food. Stores must now donate surplus groceries to food banks and charities. Supermarkets larger than 400 square meters that are caught binning good quality food approaching its best-before date face hefty fines of up to €75,000 or two years of imprisonment. Furthermore, all French supermarkets are also banned from destroying food as a way to prevent ‘dumpster divers’ from foraging in garbage bins. Nice one, France!

10. The first public screening of a movie was by the French Lumière in 1895

The Lumière brothers, Auguste Marie Louis Nicolas and Louis Jean, were famous for their Cinématographe motion picture system and the short films they produced between 1895 and 1905. The famed duo held the world’s first pub­lic movie screening on December 28, 1895, at the Grand Café in Paris. Their directorial debut was La sortie des ouvriers de l’usine Lumière (Workers Leaving the Lumière Factory). The five-second-long black-and-white film simply showed workers leaving the Lumière factory and left the audience completely flabbergasted. In 1895, Louis Lumière supposedly said that cinema is “an invention without a future.” Oh, how little did he know…

11. The oldest person who ever lived was a French woman named Jeanne Louise Calment

The greatest fully authenticated age to which any human has ever lived is 122 years and 164 days. Jeanne Louise Calment was born in France on 21 February 1875 and died on 4 August 1997. She lived through the opening of the Eiffel Tower in 1889, two World Wars, and the invention of television, the modern motor car, and airplanes. Interestingly, life expectancy for women in France stood at 85.3 years in 2018 and 79.4 years for men. France also ranks 14th in the world for life expectancy with men and women living on average until 83 years old. Mmm, must be something in the water!

12. France legalized same-sex marriage in 2013

When President Françoise Holland signed the bill into law on 18 May 2013, France became the ninth country in Europe and 14th in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. Although polls at the time showed that around 50% of French people supported it, not everyone was happy about it. In fact, thousands of people defending the so-called ‘family values’ took to the streets in protest.

Crowds at the 2013 Paris Pride Parade, just weeks after France legalized same-sex marriage

13. France has more Nobel Prize winners in Literature than any other country

With 15 French individuals winning the prestigious award since 1901, it’s fair to say that France has produced some of the world’s most influential writers and thinkers. French poet and essayist Sully Prudhomme became the first-ever winner of the award that year. Among France’s most celebrated poets, novelists, and writers are René Descartes, Voltaire, Charles Baudelaire, Blaise Pascal, Gustave Flaubert, and Victor Hugo.

14. Europe’s highest mountain is Mont Blanc in the French Alps

Standing at a height of 4,807m, Mont Blanc is officially the second-highest mountain in Europe. It takes an arduous 10 to 12 hours to climb to the summit. But if you’re not up for that, you can take a leisurely 20-minute trip up on Europe’s highest cable car on the nearby Aiguille du Midi to get a brilliant view from the top. Discover other amazing places to visit in France.

15. The world’s first artificial heart transplant and face transplant both took place in France

The heart transplant occurred in December 2013 at the Georges Pompidou Hospital in Paris. The bioprosthetic device, which mimics a real heart’s contractions, is powered by an external lithium-ion battery and is about three times the weight of a real organ. French surgeons were also the first to perform a face transplant in 2005.

16. The Louvre is the most visited museum in the world

With a whopping 9.6 million visitors in 2019, the famous Louvre is the most visited museum in the world. Located in the heart of Paris, the magnificent museum is home to around 38,000 works of art and artifacts dating back to prehistoric times. These include the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and IM Pei’s famous glass Louvre Pyramid which sits in the courtyard. Unsurprising, the Louvre is one of the busiest places to visit in Paris.

17. French gastronomy was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status in 2010

France is famous for its’ exquisite food, which was added to the list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO in 2010. Experts described the importance of French gastronomy as a social custom aimed at celebrating the most important moments in the lives of individuals and groups, as well as emphasizing togetherness for its function of bringing friends and family closer together and strengthening social ties.

18. France produced the most expensive bottle of wine in the world

19. You might get a ‘fish’ stuck on your back on April Fool’s Day

Now, here’s a whacky fact about France. If you happen to be in the country on 1 April, don’t be surprised if children try to stick paper fish to your back and call you a ‘Poisson d’Avril’ (April Fish). This tradition is supposed to have started in the 16th century when King Charles XIV of France changed the calendar and those who continued to celebrate the end of the New Year at the end of March were ridiculed as fools. So watch your back!

20. The French eat around 30,000 tons of snails a year

Here’s a slimy fact about France. According to Reuters, the French eat about 30,000 metric tons of escargot yearly. However, around two-thirds of all the snails eaten in France come from eastern Europe and the Balkans. So if you’ve eaten snails in France, chances are they have traveled a long way to get to your plate. The classic French delicacy (served with garlic, parsley, and butter) remains a popular staple of French cuisine.

21. Live snails must have a ticket to ride high-speed trains

No, we’re not making this up – we promise! According to French law, it is against the law to carry live snails on a high-speed train in France without them having their own tickets. In fact, any domesticated animal under 5kg must be a paying passenger. In 2008, a Frenchman was actually fined when a ticket inspector caught him carrying the critters on board a TGV. Luckily, though, France’s state-owned rail company SNCF ended up waving the fine.

22. The croissant was actually invented in Austria in the 13th century

That’s right, believe it or not, the beloved French pastry that we all know and love is actually an adaptation of a kipferl; a Viennese specialty that dates back to the 13th century. As the story goes, Austrian artillery officer, August Zang, founded a Viennese bakery in Paris in 1839. He began serving the kipferl and it quickly became popular with the locals. So much so, in fact, that French imitators began creating their own French version which they called the croissant due to its crescent shape. And the rest, as they say, is history. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, after all.

23. Turning a baguette upside down is seen as unlucky in France

Oh, the French are a suspicious bunch! According to folklore, placing a baguette or a loaf of bread on the table upside down puts the people around you at risk of misfortune, or worse – death. This quirky superstition supposedly stems from medieval times when executioners were allowed to grab things in shops without paying for them. Hence, bakers would leave an overturned loaf of bread out for them. And if you came to touch the bread or placed a loaf upside-down yourself, you then had to mark it with the cross before eating it to ward off bad luck. Yikes!

24. France produces around 1.7 million tons of cheese a year in around 1,600 varieties

To say the French love to eat cheese is a huge understatement. The dairy-munching nation produced around 1.7 million tons of cow’s milk cheese in 2018 alone. There are also around 1,600 distinct types of French cheese to try, which are grouped into eight categories. Thankfully, the French don’t keep it all for themselves. In 2018, the country exported more than 679,000 tons of cheese, while almost 895,000 tons were sold on the French retail market in 2017. Merci beaucoup!

25. French law forbids couples from kissing on train platforms

Speaking of seemingly crazy laws and decrees, this one is totally bizarre. In France, it is actually illegal to kiss while a train is on the platform. This old law was introduced in 1910 at the request of rail chiefs who wanted to prevent the amorous French from delaying the departure of trains. All kissing on the platform must now be done before the train arrives. There goes that dramatic Hollywood movie kiss!

26. Paris Gare du Nord is Europe’s busiest railway station

While on the subject of trains… Gare du Nord in Paris is the busiest railway station in Europe and in the world (outside of Japan). More than 214 million passengers pass through it each year. The original station was built in 1846 but became too small for operations and was therefore demolished and rebuilt in 1889. Further extensions were carried out between the 1930s and 1960s. The station is also due to undergo more expansion work in order to prepare for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris. This is to increase its capacity for an additional 200,000 daily passengers. Better avoid rush hour!

27. The French rail network is the second largest in Europe ninth biggest in the world

At a total length of 29,000km, the French railway network is the second biggest in Europe and the ninth biggest in the world. France was one of the world’s first countries to utilize high-speed technology. The state-owned Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF) introduced the TGV high-speed rail in 1981. France’s high-speed long-distance passenger services are known as Train à Grande Vitesse (TGV) and the standard long-distance passenger services are called Intercités. The country’s current high-speed network exceeds a length of 1,550km. The Tours-Bordeaux high-speed rail project adds another 302km onto the network.

28. The world’s greatest cycle race, the Tour de France, is more than 100 years old

On 1 July 1903, 60 cyclists embarked on the first-ever Tour de France from the Parisian suburb of Montgeron. More than 100 years later, the event has grown to become the world’s greatest cycle race, with around 198 cyclists racing some 3,200kms; primarily around France in a series of stages over 23 days. The 2013 Tour de France was the 100th edition of the Tour de France and around 15 million spectators lined up to watch the 21-stage course for the centennial celebration.

29. The tradition of wearing a white dress originated in France in 1499

Most brides dream of walking down the aisle in a beautiful white wedding gown. But until the nineteen-hundreds, they rarely bought a special wedding dress and opted for their best outfit instead. The popular tradition actually originated in France with the marriage of Anne of Brittany and Louis XII of France in 1499. She wore a white dress to the wedding, marking the start of the popular Western custom. However, it wasn’t until 1840, when Queen Victoria married Prince Albert, that the white dress really took off in popularity and the tradition was cemented.

30. At least 35% of all music played on private radio stations must be French

If you’re not a fan of French music then you might want to stick with your own playlist rather than tuning in to the local radio station. After all, more than a third of the songs you will hear will be French. The French government initially introduced a 40% quote in 1994 to protect France from what the government considered the Anglo-Saxon cultural invasion. However, after a 24-hour rebellious boycott by French radio stations, French MPs voted in favor of reducing the quota to 35% in 2016. Radio stations specializing in foreign music also have a 15% quota.