There is more to France than just the Eiffel Tower and croissants—it is historically, culturally, and naturally rich.
With its world famous cuisine, charming villages, rolling vineyard country, and rich culture, it's little wonder that France ranks as one of the world's most popular tourist destinations!
There are quite a number of fun facts that you can learn if you travel to France. If you are interested in learning about France or even studying there, here are 30 fun facts about France that will amaze you!
1. The Hexagonal Shape of France
France's unique six-sided shape earned it the nickname l’Hexagone. France is the largest member state of the European Union and the third largest country in Europe, with a size of 551,695 square kilometers, only surpassed by Russia and Ukraine.
2. Tourists Love France
Did you know that France is actually the most visited country worldwide? It hosted 100 million travelers in 2024, and its culture, cuisine, and history are definitely unmatched.
Time to bring out your French phrase book and organize a trip or study in France!
3. People Actually Say "Ooh La La!"
Believe it or not, "ooh la la" is a real expression people use—though it’s often denied. More commonly, you’ll hear the shorter “ooh la!” or, in moments of high excitement, the dramatic “oooh la la la la la la!” often shouted by sports commentators during an intense soccer match.
4. The Lumière Brothers and the Birth of Cinema
Film enthusiasts, rejoice! The very first public movie screening happened in France.
The Lumière brothers, Auguste and Louis, invented the Cinématographe, a groundbreaking motion picture system, and held their debut screening in Paris on December 28, 1895.
5. Putting a Baguette Upside Down is Unlucky
This French superstition dates back to medieval times when bakers placed baguettes upside down to symbolize death and reserved them for executioners.
Today, an upside-down baguette is still seen as bad luck.
6. Mont Blanc Is Europe’s Highest Peak
For adventure seekers, Mont Blanc in the French Alps is a bucket-list destination.
Towering at 4,807 meters (15,774 feet), it’s the highest mountain in Europe and attracts climbers from all over the world. If scaling mountains isn’t your style, you can take the Aiguille du Midi cable car for breathtaking views of this majestic peak.
7. Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité: The Heart of France’s Identity
Liberty, Equality, Fraternity—three words that carry the heart of France’s identity. This motto became popular during the French Revolution, when people united against the monarchy in the late 1700s.
Over time, these words grew into more than just a revolutionary chant—they became a symbol of what France stands for.
8. France Banned Supermarket Food Wastage
France is leading the fight against food waste. Since February 2016, French supermarkets have been legally forbidden from throwing away unsold food.
Instead, surplus food must be donated to charities or food banks, sparking a wave of global admiration. Supermarkets caught wasting good-quality food can face penalties of up to €75,000.
9. France Has the Most Nobel Prize Winners in Literature
France boasts 15 Nobel Prize winners in Literature, more than any other country. Since the prize’s inception in 1901, legendary figures such as Sully Prudhomme, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Albert Camus have shaped the literary world with their works.
10. Thank France for Everyday Essentials
Life as we know it wouldn’t be the same without French innovation. From tin cans and the hairdryer to Braille and the stethoscope, many groundbreaking inventions trace back to France.
The Montgolfier brothers even gave us the hot air balloon, first demonstrated in 1783!
11. France has a World-Class Higher Education System
France offers one of the most accessible and high-quality education systems in the world. Its universities and Grandes Écoles are not only renowned globally but also affordable, thanks to significant government funding.
It’s a prime destination for international students seeking exceptional academic opportunities.
12. France’s Strong Ties to the English Language
Between 1066 and 1362, French was the official language of English royalty after the Norman Conquest. Although the 1362 Pleading in English Act ended its official use, its influence remains today.
Ever wondered why so many English words sound French? This is why!
13. The Louvre Museum: A Global Icon of Art
The Louvre, the world’s most visited museum, represents France’s dedication to art and culture. Originally a medieval fortress, it was converted by King Louis XIV into a center for the arts.
Now, it houses legendary works like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, inviting millions of visitors through its iconic glass pyramid entrance.
14. Jeanne Calment – The Oldest Person to Ever Live
France is home to longevity royalty. Jeanne Louise Calment holds the record for the oldest verified human lifespan, living to an incredible 122 years and 164 days!
15. France’s Commitment to Sustainability and Science
France isn’t just one of the world’s cultural hotspots; it’s also a leader in science and sustainability.
Visionaries like Louis Pasteur, the father of microbiology, and Marie Curie, a pioneer in radioactivity, showcase the nation's rich scientific legacy.
16. French Gastronomy is UNESCO-worthy
French gastronomy earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 2010 for its role in bringing people together through fine cuisine and shared celebrations. Bon appétit!
17. France’s Influence on the White Wedding Dress
The tradition of wearing a white wedding dress started in France. When Anne of Brittany married Louis XII in 1499, she broke fashion norms by wearing a white gown for her big day.
This set the stage for what would become a classic wedding tradition in Western culture.
18. The Most Expensive Bottle of Wine is French
France has earned a reputation as one of the top wine producers in the world, and it also holds the record for the most expensive bottle of wine.
A 1945 bottle of Romanee-Conti Burgundy sold for an astonishing $558,000 at Sotheby’s.
19. Is the Croissant from France?
The quintessential French pastry, the croissant, is actually an adaptation of Austria’s “kipfel,” a crescent-shaped specialty introduced in the 13th century.
An Austrian officer brought the recipe to Paris in 1839, and the French later made it their own delicious version.
20. The French Eat 30,000 Tons of Snails a Year
Escargots (snails) are an iconic part of French cuisine. Each year, the French consume around 30,000 metric tons of these delicacies, often prepared with garlic, parsley, and butter.
21. The Truth About French Friendliness
Most people have been told that French people are not friendly, but this couldn't be farther from the truth.
A smile, an offer of eye contact, and a welcoming “Bonjour” greet visitors and show consideration for them. Shopping expeditions are no different, with clerks greeting shoppers with a warm welcome and bidding them a courteous “Bonne journée” or “Have a good day.”
22. Live Snails Need Train Tickets
According to French law, any domesticated animal under 5 kilograms must have its own travel ticket on the country’s high-speed TGV trains—including snails!
This law made headlines in 2008 when a Frenchman was fined for taking his snails aboard without tickets.
23. France Operates an Emergency Baguette Rota
Baguettes are such an integral part of French life that the country has an emergency bakery rota!
This ensures everyone has access to fresh bread, even during holidays. You’ll never have to worry about missing your daily baguette fix.
24. Paris Gare du Nord is Europe’s Busiest Train Station
Paris’s Gare du Nord isn’t just busy; it’s the busiest railway station in Europe. Over 214 million passengers pass through it annually.
25. France is Home to 500 Varieties of Cheese
With over 500 varieties, varying from as small as Apérobic to as large as Emmenthal, French cheese is not only food but a pillar of culture.
As Charles de Gaulle famously quipped, “How do you govern a country that produces 246 kinds of cheese?” Little did he know there were more!
26. Louis XIX Was King for Only 20 Minutes
Louis XIX holds the record for having had the briefest reign ever on a throne, with only a 20-minute reign during July 1830, at which time he abdicated the throne to his nephew.
Speak of a brief reign!
27. France Loves Its Coffee Culture
France boasts a symbolic coffee culture that is world-famous. There's drinking at classic street cafés as well as spending hours with friends engaged in conversation.
In France, coffee is not only a drink but a ritual reflecting the relaxed French lifestyle.
28. France is Famous for Its Weather
With geographical diversification, France enjoys a temperate climate throughout the entire year. It is warmer to the south, and its mountainous regions are a winter wonderland with snow.
29. The Tradition of the “Grand Tour”
Always at the forefront of culture, art, and design, France has made its impression around the globe.
The traditional Grand Tour, under which prospective artists and students traveled to Europe's centers of culture, ended with France.
30. Accessible Landmarks for Students
Studying in France comes with perks for history and art lovers. Students often gain free or discounted access to iconic attractions like the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre Museum.
Exploring and studying in France doesn’t have to break the bank when you’re a student.
Get to Know France with Fun Facts
From its stunning scenery and historical landmarks to its scientific and artistic contributions, France is indeed a wonder of the contemporary world.
For international students seeking to study in France, this rich tapestry of culture and technology inspires in every way. Whether you stroll the streets of Paris, stand atop Mont Blanc, or indulge in a heavenly croissant, something is always waiting to be found and learned in France.
If you're considering studying in France, check out programs, find guidance on your application, and talk to our experienced advisors to turn your educational aspirations into a reality.
