5 French Facts To Enlighten Your Mind

The Eifel Tower, the Louvre, the culture, the cuisine; what isn’t there to love about France.  Every year tourists flock to France to see the sights; so it’s no surprise it is considered one of the top tourist destinations in the world. The country is filled with local attractions, history, and laid back appeal that keeps people coming back for more. Before hopping a plane to visit this exquisite country, enlighten yourself with these five French facts. 

The National Motto Is Liberté, Égalitié, Fraternité

‘Liberté, égalitié, fraternité’ means ‘liberty, equality, and fraternity’. Appearing close to the time of the French Revolution, the motto is written on coins, logos, stamps, and is even in the country’s constitution. 

France Has the Fourth Highest Birth Rate in Europe

Although French women tend to have their first children later on life, that hasn’t stopped them from having more. In fact, the only countries in Europe with a higher birth rate are Albania, Ireland, and Iceland. 

The Shortest Reign in France Was 20 Minutes Long

Although many kings had longer reigns, King Louis XIX of France had the shortest. During the French Revolution both he and his father abdication the thrown, and thus was king for only the 20 minutes between him and his father signing. 

April Fool’s Day Is Big

The day of pranks dates all the way back to the 16th century in France. The tradition supposedly started after France’s King Charles IX changed the calendar. After which anyone who continued to celebrate the New Year during the end of March were consider fools and ridiculed. 

The French Government Originally Wanted to Tear down the Eifel Tower

With millions of people coming to view the popular attraction, it may sound shocking to hear it was originally built for a fair. The popularity of the tower is what made the French government decide against the destruction of this historical wrought-iron structure.