Bonjour, and welcome to our list of crazy facts about France today! The beautiful country is a melting pot of culture and scenic beauty, but it doesn’t fail to surprise and intrigue as well. We know about the French and their sophisticated tastes but even a country that refined cannot give crazy the miss. After all we all are a little crazy underneath, right?
France is known for its rich history, its beautiful streets, its tasteful wines and delicious fresh bakes. From warm isolated villages to the vibrant and bustling fashion capital of the world, all of it lies in the heart of this country. And its tryst with art is something that the world cannot ever get over. All of it already makes it one of the places in the world that is always found on the traveler’s wish-list, while a honeymoon in Paris has been the most coveted achievement for many newlywed across the world. But, it is the little enticing and sometimes astonishing facts that will make your French experience a really interesting one. It might have you to look at the country in an entirely different light. And, if you have already been to the country and are planning to go again, this time around you might look at things a little differently.
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France is not alone on the unbelievable fact account though. Every country has some unique and quirky truths about them that make them so different from others. That is what adds a little personality to them! Likewise, here are some 50 Crazy Facts about Japan You Won’t Believe.
So, Monsieur and Mademoiselles reading this, would you like to know the crazy facts about France now?
11. Medal of the French Family!
Or the Médaille de la Famille française, is a medal that the Government of France presents to citizens who have successfully raised several children with dignity. Reward for parenting done right, now that’s something that should catch on, right?
10. Cat Burning
Dozens of cats would be gathered in a net and set ablaze by being thrown in an open bonfire in the 1800s France, as a form of entertainment and public spectacle. Only because cats were believed to be associated with witchcraft! We bet the cat lovers will be squirming in their seats right now.
9. The Baguette Law
Over ten million baguettes are baked in France every year. And, they have a law in place that prescribes the dough requirements!
8. The Eiffel Tower- To be or not to be?
The Eiffel Tower was originally meant to be a temporary structure and had only been built for the purpose of the 1889 World’s Fair. However, the officials changed their mind after it became popular among the citizens.
7. Beer vs. Wine
The country is the biggest producer of wine. And, Bordeaux has over 9000 vineyards! While, beer is considered to be a luxury drink and stored away for special occasions only wine is drank freely and served with almost every meal.
6. The Eiffel Tower during the French Revolution
The French Resistance actually cut the elevator cable on the Eiffel Tower during the Nazi occupation of Paris, to deter the German soldiers from climbing it and hoisting their flags.
5. Online Shopping in 1980s
You thought online shopping was new? The French had their version of it as far back as 1984! The Minitel was a mini internet service which the French citizens used to pay bills and shop.
4. What does ‘Louvre’ mean anyway?
Another crazy fact about France is that no one really knows what the word ‘Louvre’ means in France. Apparently, it’s not French at all.
3. Statue of Liberty’s French Connection
The idea for the Statue of Liberty originated in 1865 and was furthered by engineer Gustav Eiffel and sculptor Auguste Bartholdi, who received support from the French People. The Statue is considered to be a gift from the French population who funded the project along with the citizens of USA.
2. Invention of Jeans
The French invented jeans while trying to create a cotton corduroy fabric for the Genoese Sailors. Jeans is said to have received its name from the town of Genoa were it was first made. It was then exported to USA, by Levi Strauss.
1. It is illegal to call a pig Napoleon
It had probably been added to the constitution during Napoleons’ reign but apparently nobody has been attentive enough to change it since then. So it is still illegal to call a pig by Napoleon’s name. There are also other crazy laws prevailing in the country, like the prohibition on kissing in a train and people being able to marry a deceased person! The craziest of crazy facts about France we have come across!
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