Ten
lesser-known facts about France
When we think of France, we usually picture the Eiffel Tower, wine, cheese, and fashion. However, there is more to France than meets the eye. Here are ten lesser-known facts about France that may surprise you:
1. The French capital was not always Paris. In ancient times, Lutetia, now known as Paris, was a small village on the banks of the Seine. The city was later renamed Paris in the 4th century.
2. France is responsible for the creation of the modern Olympic Games. The founder of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Pierre de Coubertin, was French.
3. French is the official language of 29 countries, making it the second-most widely spoken language in the world after English.
4. The longest land border in the European Union is between France and Spain. The border stretches for 623 kilometers.
5. The oldest bridge in Paris is not the famous Pont Neuf but the Petite Pont, which dates back to 857 A.D.
6. France has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other country in the world, with a total of 41.
7. The national symbol of France, the rooster, was chosen because of its association with the Gallic tribes that once inhabited the country.
8. French writer, Albert Camus, was the second-youngest person to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature, at the age of 44.
9. The largest carnival in France, the Dunkirk Carnival, takes place in the northern city and lasts for several weeks, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
10 France is home to the largest surfing destination in Europe, Hossegor. Despite not having a tropic climate, the Basque region of France offers some of the best surfing conditions in the world.
In conclusion, France is a country full of surprises, and there is always more to discover beyond the popular landmarks of Paris. These ten lesser-known facts about France showcase the country's diverse history, culture, and traditions.
