France is the largest country in Western Europe, and it is a little smaller than the state of Texas. It is a beautiful country with a long history and a diverse landscape. The country is famous for its wines and cheeses. Each region in France produces a different style of wine and/or cheese for which it is known. This is so important to the French that they even have an official organization that guarantees that a cheese or wine actually comes from its specific region and is made by craftsmen rather than in factories. The organization that guarantees origin is called Appellation d’Origine Protégé (AOP).
The Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous monuments in the world. It is a giant and beautiful iron tower in the heart of Paris. It was created by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World’s Fair. At first, many people were against the tower, some even called it ugly. But now people from all over the world come to the city just to see it. The tower is 1,050 feet tall. In France, it is sometimes referred to as La dame de fer, which means the Iron Lady, and millions of people visit and climb it each year.
Here are some interesting facts about France:
• Paris is the capital of France.
• The official language is French.
• They use the Euro for money.
• The official motto translates to
“Liberty, Equality, Fraternity.”
• France was ruled by kings until 1789 when a revolution transformed it into
a republic.
• France is famous for its delicious food.
• Escargots, or snails, are a popular dish in France.
• The oldest café in the world is in Paris. It is called the Le Procope and was opened in 1694.
• The official name of the country is The French Republic.
• France has the world’s tallest bridge, the Millau Bridge, which is 1,125 feet above the ground.
• France comes from a Latin word “Francia.” This translates to “country of the Franks.”
• More people visit France than any other country in the world.
• Paris used to be a Roman city called “Lutetia.”
• French toast isn’t actually French; it is named after Joseph French.
