Euro 2016 Edition: 24 Facts about France

Euro 2016 has kicked off with France, the hosting country winning its first match against Romania. Some of you maybe football fans and some may know the famous names such as Thierry Henry, Cristiano Ronaldo and so forth. Instead of mind – numbing some of the latter with how football works, I thought of sharing 24 facts about France would be a great idea. Why 24? There are 24 national teams whom are contesting in Euro 2016. Well, at least if you don’t know the game, you know something about the hosting country.

So, let’s begin or shall I say “Commençons“…

1. Situated in the Western Europe, France is the most visited country in the whole wide world. Who wouldn’t want to visit the country with the famous Eiffel Tower and Musée du Louvre?

   

2. A little do you know that Paris, France’s capital was originally a Roman city known as “Lutetia”.

3. Despite being one of the most visited country in the world, sadly, France is also one of the most depressed country in the world.

4. A café in Nice, France called La Petite Syrah café encourages politeness among people by decreasing the cost of a cup of coffee. An order of a cup of coffee without a “hello” or “please” can cost you a whopping €7 (RM32) and the similar order with a hello will only cost you €1.40 (RM6.40). Well, bad manners has its way of costing you extra.

   

5. France is the first country in the world to introduce license plate.

   

6. France also uses most time zones compared to any other country in this world, 12 time zones. The metropolitan France uses Central European Time, however, France also has dependencies and overseas territories all over the world, hence the 12 time zones.

   

7. For over 200 years until 2012, it was illegal in France for women to wear trousers.

8. If you have traveled to France, you will notice that there are few cabs around in Paris. This is because it costs almost 200000 Euros to get taxi license.

   

9. The national animal of France is a Gallic rooster.

   

10. The Louvre was built in the 12^th century as a defense against Viking raids.

    

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

12. When it comes to the Europe’s busiest railway station, many would think of the London Waterloo station, however Paris Gare du Nord is the busiest railway station in Europe.

    

13. Not only that, Paris Gare du Nord is also one of the oldest railway station in the world. It was inaugurated in 1846.

14. When it comes to football, if the national team reaches final or win, celebrations are held in Les Champs Elysée, one of the most famous boulevard in Paris.

    

15. There is only one stop (Arrêt) sign in the entire city of Paris.

16. One of the most important fact is that French toast is not French after all. It was invented by Joseph French who forgot an apostrophe. Ohhh, what a spoiler to the “French – themed” breakfast!!

    

17. To add a little more spice to the spoilers, croissants are not French actually. It was invented in Austria as Kipferl and the idea was brought into France by an Austrian artillery officer. Kipferl is known as the ancestor of croissants.

    

18. The shortest reign of a king was actually in France where Louis XIX was the King of France for only 20 minutes.

19. King John I of France was proclaimed king five months before his birth. However, he only lived for 5 days.

20. In the 19^th century, for approximately 16 years the flag of Kingdom of France was plain white.

21. Michelin guide where the Michelin stars is the hallmark of fine dining quality and restaurants which is now adapted all over the world. Even though, Michelin Guide was originally started to boost the demand for cars and car tires.

22. There are around 350 – 450 distinct types of French cheese. To make everyone’s life easier, they have been grouped into 8 categories which is also known as ‘les huit familles de fromage’ (eight families of cheeses).

    

23. French was the official language of England for about 300 years from 1066 to 1362.

24. And last but not least, for all you sport enthusiasts, Tour de France, the famous cycle race, has been going on for almost 100 years.

    

Sources of all 24 facts: FactSlides.com; Roughguides.com; insidethetravellab.com

Despite writing an article about France entirely, the author is an avid fan of German national football team. Comment here or on our FB page which team you’re supporting this Euro.