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Learn about one of europe’s most amazing countries.

Ooh la la ! Ready for the lowdown on one of Europe’s most amazing countries? Then check out our fascinating facts about France …

Facts about France

Official Name : French Republic Form of government : Republic Capital : Paris Population : 67, 092, 056 Official languages : French Monetary unit : Euro Area : 543,965 square kilometres Major mountain ranges : Alps, Pyrenees, Massif Central Major rivers : Seine, Rhine and Rhône

French flag

Map of france, france: geography and landscape.

The largest country in Western Europe, France has long been a gateway between the continent’s northern and southern regions. Its lengthy borders touch Germany and Belgium in the north, the Atlantic Ocean in the west, and the Pyrenees mountains and Spain in the south. It also borders the Mediterranean sea in the southeast, and the Alps , Switzerland and Italy in the east.

France has a very diverse landscape. There are beautiful beaches on the southeast coast, home to the French Riviera , and towering mountains in the south and east, where the snow-capped French Alps rise to the sky. Europe’s tallest peak, Monte Blanc , is found in the French Alps, standing at a massive 4,810m tall!

Wide, fertile plains dominate most of the north and west, making France the agricultural epicentre of Europe. The sprawling, forested plateau of the Massif Central – a range of ancient mountains and extinct volcanoes – occupies France”s southern interior.

France’s nature and wildlife

France has lots of land area to provide habitat for a wide variety of plants and animals. More than 25 percent of its territory is covered with forest, and another 50 percent is countryside or farmland.

Lowland forests are home to deer and wild boar, while the woodlands of the Alps and Pyrenees provide refuge for rare chamois antelope, ibex, brown bears and alpine hares, among many other species. The Mediterranean coastline is a stopover for millions of migrating African birds, too, including flamingos, vultures, egrets and bee-eaters.

The French government has made a broad commitment to preserving open spaces and the wildlife they contain. In fact, about ten percent of the country has been set aside as national or regional parklands and nature reserves.

The history of France

There is evidence that early relatives of humans first settled in France nearly two million years ago. By 300,000 B.C., Neanderthals arose there, and by 40,000 B.C., Cro-Magnons had arrived.

Over time, Celtic tribes from central Europe moved into the region, and when the Romans occupied the territory in the second century B.C., they named it Gaul . Julius Caesar established full Roman control over Gaul in 51 B.C., but by 400 A.D. Rome was in decline. Gaul was attacked by neighbouring tribes, including Visigoths, Vandals and the Germanic Franks, from which France would eventually get its name. In 843 a treaty created the territory of West Francia , which would later become France.

Over the next thousand years, West Francia was ruled by a series of powerful kings. Several wars were fought over who would rule France, including the Hundred Years War , from 1337 to 1453. In 1789, a violent period of change called the French Revolution began, eventually ending in the overthrow of the monarchy.

Napoleon Bonaparte , a general during the French Revolution , declared himself leader of France in 1799. He began a campaign of wars with neighbouring countries, and built a large French empire that ruled over much of continental Europe. But France’s domination in Europe came to an end in 1815, when Napoleon was defeated at the Battle of Waterloo .

France later suffered great losses in both World War I and World War II . It has since emerged, though, as an important and prosperous world power.

France: people and culture

France is one of the oldest nations on Earth and the most ethnically diverse country in Europe. These deep and broad influences have made France a world leader throughout history in different aspects of culture, including cuisine, philosophy, music, art, film, fashion, literature and sport.

France: government and economy

Over the years, France has been through many political crises. Its current government is a combination of presidential and parliamentary systems. The president is elected by the people and is head of state. A prime minister, chosen by the president, works with the elected parliament to pass laws.

France is among the world’s largest economies. The country produces many items that other countries buy, including its most famous products – wine and cheese. Other exports include automobiles, electronics and clothing. Tourism is also a huge industry in France. More than 80 million people visit the country every year, more than any other country on Earth!

What did you make of our facts about France? Let us know by leaving a comment, below!

Credits map of france: national geographic maps. eiffel tower on a sunny day, paris: silvian tomescu, dreamstime. beach at the french rivieria: lucian milasan, dreamstime. arc de triomphe viewed from the champs-élysées, paris: giancarlo liguori, dreamstime. colourful flowers in the tuileries garden, paris: victorua, dreamstime. glass pyramid entrance to the louvre, paris: lsantilli, dreamstime. french alps and palace of versailles: getty images uk, leave a comment.

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France, the largest country in Western Europe, has long been a gateway between the continent's northern and southern regions.

France, the largest country in Western Europe, has long been a gateway between the continent's northern and southern regions. Its lengthy borders touch Germany and Belgium in the north; the Atlantic Ocean in the west; the Pyrenees Mountains and Spain in the south.

Wide fertile plains dominate most of the north and west, making France the agricultural epicenter of Europe. The sprawling, forested plateau of the Massif Central, a range of ancient mountains and extinct volcanoes, occupies France's southern interior.

Map created by National Geographic Maps

PEOPLE & CULTURE

France is one of the oldest nations on Earth and the most ethnically diverse country in Europe. These deep and broad influences have made France a world leader throughout history in nearly all aspects of culture, including cuisine, wine-making, politics, philosophy, music, art, film, fashion, literature, and sports.

France has ample land area to provide habitat for a wide variety of plants and animals. More than 25 percent of its territory is covered with forest, and another 50 percent is countryside or farmland.

Lowland forests are home to deer and wild boar, while the woodlands of the Alps and Pyrenees provide refuge for rare chamois antelope, ibex, brown bears , and alpine hares, among many other species. The Mediterranean coastline is a stopover of millions of migrating African birds , including flamingos , vultures , egrets, and bee-eaters.

The French government has made a broad commitment to preserving open spaces and the wildlife they contain. About 10 percent of the country has been set aside as national or regional parklands and nature reserves.

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France is a large country in Europe. It is bordered by both the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

France generally has cool winters and mild summers. However, along the Mediterranean they have hot summers.

The north has cool weather. In the south it gets very hot in summer. Fruits such as oranges and lemons grow in the south.

There are mountains in parts of France. Some mountains are snow-capped all year round. France's highest mountains are the French Alps and Jura Mountains , bordering Italy and Switzerland, and the Pyrénées , along the frontier with Spain.

The highest mountain is Mont Blanc in the French Alps. It rises to 4,807m (15,771 ft). Mount Blanc is also the highest peak in the whole of Europe.

French Cheeses

More than 350 kinds of cheese are made in France.

What is France Famous for?

France is famous for cheese (Camembert, Brie, Roquefort) wine , perfume (Chanel, Dior, Givenchy) and cars (Renault, Citroen, Peugeot).France is also famous for the Tour de France and the Eiffel.

Famous Landmarks of Paris

Symbols such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Cathedral of Notre Dame, the Latin Quarter, Montmartre, and the Georges Pompidou Center make Paris one of the most visited places in the world.

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I teach computers at The Granville School and St. John's Primary School in Sevenoaks Kent.

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France Facts

Interesting facts for kids.

Here are some interesting France Facts which were chosen and researched by kids especially for kids.

• Population : 68 million people live in the country (2023)
• Capital : Paris, with 11 million inhabitants
• Name : R é publique Française (French Republic)
• Motto : ' Libert é , Egalit é , Fraternit é '  (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity)
• Government : Democracy
• Language : French
• Religion : mainly Christians  65%, Muslims 8%
• Currency : 1 Euro = 100 cents, until 2002 French Franc
• History : In 700 - 500 BC the Celtic Gauls arrive in France. In 58 - 50 BC Roman Emperor Julius Caesar defeats the Gauls and France becomes part of the Roman Empire until 476 AD. French was ruled by kings for many centuries until the storming of the Bastille during the French Revolution in 1789. Then Napoleon becomes Emperor of the French Republic until he is sent to exile.

• Flag : blue, white and red. The French refer to the flag as 'Tricolore' (French for 'three colours')
• Anthem : La Marseillaise

France Map | France Geography

France is the largest country in Western Europe. The capital city of France is Paris.

On the map you can see France and the French island Corsica in the Mediterranean Sea.

France shares land borders with eight countries. The bordering countries of France are Belgium ,  Germany ,  Luxembourg, Switzerland , Italy , Monaco, Andorra and Spain . The longest border is shared with Spain and the shortest with Monaco.

Continental France is slightly smaller than the state of Texas in the USA.

It takes a one-hour-flight from London/England to reach Paris via airplane and a flight from Paris to New York/USA takes about 5.5 hours.

France is known for its stunning landmarks and attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe , Sacre Coeur Cathedral or the Loire castles. France is a country also known for its ' haute couture ' designers and fashion houses such as Dior, Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent, and the French car manufacturers Renault, Peugeot and Citroën.

France Geography | Superlatives of France

• The Loire is the longest river of France with about 1,006 km/ 625 miles. The river passes through the cities Orleans and Nantes.
• The Pyrenées are the longest mountain range in France. The mountain range is located in the South of France and forms a natural border between Spain and France. The Pyrenées are 430 km/ 270 miles long.

• The highest mountain in France is the Mont Blanc, that is 4,810 m/ 15,780 ft high and stands at the border between France and  Italy . This is the second highest mountain in Europe after Mount Elbrus.

France is generally a flat country with coastal plains and rolling hills in the north and west and high mountains in the south and south eastern parts.

Mainland France, also referred to as Metropolitan France, is divided into 27 regions and these into 101 departments. Of the 101 departments there are also 5 ROM (' régions d’outre mer ' meaning overseas regions) that belong to France.

The 5 overseas departments of France are:

• French Guyana in South America
• Guadeloupe, an island in the Caribbean
• Martinique, an island in the Caribbean,
• Mayotte, an island in the Indian Ocean in Africa
• La Réunion , another Indian Ocean island in Africa - click here to read more about Reunion

France Facts Tourist Attractions in France

• Paris : The capital city houses the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Montmartre, Arc de Triomphe, the river Seine, the Louvre Museum and many other great attractions. The Eiffel Tower in the centre of Paris is often referred to as the "Iron Lady" and is 324 m high/ 1,063 ft. Built in two years by Gustave Eiffel and his collaborators for the Universal Exhibition of Paris in 1889, the tower has become the symbol of the French capital.

• Versailles Palace : Located in the outskirts of Paris, this palace was embellished by several generations of designers. French monarchs from Louis XIV to Louis XVI have lived there. For more than a century, this palace was the model of what a royal residence should be. There is still a lot of gold inside this awe-inspiring "château"

• Mont Saint Michel : The gothic-style, Benedictine abbey is located in the Normandy. The cathedral has been built on a rocky islet surrounded by powerful tides. 

• Pont du Gard : This ancient 50 m high three-level bridge is a technical masterpiece in Occitanie. It was  built shortly before the Christian era to allow the Nîmes aqueduct, nearly 50 km long, to cross the Gardon river. This tall and magnificent bridge is almost a thousand years old!

• Château de Chambord : Built in 1519, Chambord is the largest of the Loire Valley castles and has 440 rooms! There are about 300 castles in the Loire Valley. The origin of most of the Loire Valley castles comes from the Hundred Year-War between France and England. 

Read more about castles in France here.

There are so many more exciting places and landmarks, gorgeous beaches, historic cities and villages, ancient ruins and majestic castles to visit. Among these are:

• C ô te d’Azur for turquoise blue sea and great beaches
• Corsica: island in the Mediterranean sea, known for being the birth place of Napoleon
• French Alps: great for hiking, skiing and snowboarding
• Provence: region with lavender fields and old historic towns like Avignon
• Lascaux Caves: for 17,000 years old rock paintings

And here are 10 Attractions in France everybody should know about:

France Facts | French Language

French is the official language in France and it is also the second major language in Europe.

French is one of the  Romance languages. The Romance languages, which include Italian and Spanish, have their origins in  the Latin language. Today, French is the second most studied language after English and spoken by more than 300 million people around the world as first or second language.

Try these five useful expressions in French:

• bonjour - good day
• salut - hello
• merci - thank you
• je m'appelle ... - my name is....
• bon appétit! - enjoy your meal!

And here is the French Alphabet. Enjoy!

France Facts | French People

Most of the French people in Metropolitan France (on the European continent) live in cities and urban areas. The three largest cities is France are:

• Paris: 11 million inhabitants
• Lyon: 1.7 million inhabitants
• Marseilles: 1.6 million inhabitants

Lille, Toulouse and Bordeaux each have about 1 million inhabitants.

About 10% of the French people are unemployed and roughly 15% of the population live below the poverty line.

France Facts Famous French People

French has made a lot of the world’s renowned inventions like the creation of the vaccinations and the pasteurization process by Louis Pasteur, the first hair dryer, the hot air balloon and many other useful things. Now, they are building the first prototype of nuclear fusion reactor in France, called ITER (International Thermo-nuclear Engine Reactor) with the collaboration of 35 other countries. 

France is famous for the ' beaux-arts ' (fine arts). The city was and is still home for many artists and great painters, artisans and sculptors.

Gustave Eiffel  (1832-1923), a French engineer who designed the famous Eiffel tower in Paris. The Eiffel tower is named after him. He also worked together with Auguste Bartholdi, designer of the Statue of Liberty in New York. 

Famous French painters are:

• Claude Monet
• Pierre-Auguste Renoir
• Edgar Degas
• Paul Cezanne

and  Auguste Rodin  is certainly one of the most famous French sculptors.

Among the most famous French composers are  Maurice Ravel  (composer of ' Bolero ') and  Georges Bizet  (composer of the opera ' Carmen '). Children all around the world love French literature, like the famous “The Three Musketeers” by  Alexandre Dumas  and “The Little Prince” by  Antoine de Saint-Exupery .

French political leader  Napoleon Bonaparte  (1769-1821) was born on Corsica. He reformed the French laws. He declared himself Emperor of the French in 1804. Napoleon’s army was defeated by the British in the Battle of Waterloo (now in Belgium) in 1815. Napoleon was exiled to the island St. Helena in the South Atlantic where he died in 1821.

The current president of France is  Emmanuel Macron who in 2017 became the youngest president in the history of France, with 39 years of age. Now President Macron is 45 years old.

France Facts | French Food

The French main dishes contain: fresh vegetables, meat and cheeses. French cuisine is well known for its freshness and high quality dishes. The French people enjoy their main meal in the evening and this meal often consists of three courses starting with a 'hors d’oeuvre', a starter dish which often is soup or a salad and bread, then the main course and afterwards some cheese or fruit.

The bread you will buy in France in a typical French boulangerie (bakery) is mostly white wheat bread or bread sticks, called baguette .

Make sure to read our separate article on  'Food in France' , but let's quickly tell you some typical French food:

• Baguette : long thin white bread stick
• Croque Monsieur : grilled sandwich with ham and cheese. Croque Madame is the more heavy version with ham, cheese and a fried egg on top
• Escargots : snails cooked in garlic butter are considered a delicacy in France
• Crêpes : very thin pancakes with sweet or savoury fillings

• Foie Gras : goose liver paté
• Ratatouille : vegetable stew
• Pain au chocolat : similar to a croissant filled with chocolate
• Cancoillotte : this is a liquid creamy French cheese typical for the East of France. It is eaten hot or cold and delicious when added to sausages and potatoes. 

Click here to read more about 10 Typical French Dishes

Try to visit a patisserie for the wonderful sweet like cakes like the petit fours or pain au chocolat. Not to forget to eat some pancakes in the many creperies. In Paris, you will find the oldest café or coffee shop in the world which was opened in 1694. It is called ' Le Procope'.

Here is a good picture of a typical boulangerie (bakery) in Paris. You can see the white church of Sacre Coeur in Montmartre in the background.

More France Facts: And here is another unique fact about the French cuisine: Every meal has an "order", thus we begin with the starter followed by a main course, then it's cheese with bread and only after all that, the dessert. 

France Facts | Did you know…?

…the  Tour de France , which is the world’s most famous cycle race, was first held in 1903. The participants of the next tour de France which takes place from 1 - 23 July 2023 will ride their bikes over 3,404 km/ 2,115 miles from Bilbao/ Spain to Paris.

The winning bike rider gets to wear a yellow shirt to show that he is the leader of the race. In 2020, the winner of the Tour de France  was 21-year old Tadej Pogačar from Slovenia. He is the second youngest champion of this prestigious cycle race!

Popular Pages

Resources for France Facts

• Central Intelligence Agency. "France."  CIA WorldFactBook . Last updated 24 January 2023. Last accessed 27 February 2023
• Estate of Chambord. "Chambord - Presentation Pack.” Chambord.org  3 September 2018. Last accessed 27 January 2023

Many Thanks go to Estelle Lin of EAC School of Languages, and for this article special thanks to the students Augustin Bailly, Julien Thoumy and Anais Erman for their fabulous insights and unique France facts.

We hope you enjoyed reading our France Facts. Please bookmark this page and spread the word. We will add more information about France in the near future.

Picture Credits on France Facts: All Pictures, own and if not otherwise mentioned from sxc.hu and  shutterstock.com

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France Facts & Worksheets

France, known officially as the French Republic, is a unitary sovereign state comprising territory in western Europe and several overseas regions and territories.

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See the fact file below for more information about France   or download the comprehensive worksheet pack which contains over 11 worksheets and can be used in the classroom or homeschooling environment.

Facts & Information

Capital: Paris Population: Nearly 67 million people Currency: Euro (EUR) Area: 640,679 sq. km Government: Unitary senatorial semi-presidential republic Language: French

The Country of France

• France is located on the western edge of Europe, bordered by the North Sea in the north, the English Channel in the northwest, and the Bay of Biscay (North Atlantic Ocean) in the west.
• France is recognized as one of the oldest nations on Earth and the most ethnically diverse country in Europe.
• It has a total land area of 211,208 square miles (547,030 square kilometers) and a coastline of 2,130 miles (3,427 kilometers) with the largest land area of any Western European nation.
• France also borders eight countries, namely Spain , Andorra , Italy , Monaco , Switzerland , Germany , Belgium , and Luxembourg .
• Due to its shape, France is often referred to as l’Hexagone (“The Hexagon”).
• The capital of France is Paris, the language of France is French, and the currency is the Euro (EUR).
• France’s population is more than 68 million.
• France is a representative democracy, a Unitary senatorial semi-presidential republic.
• France is divided into 18 administrative regions, 13 regions in France, and five overseas.   
• French Guiana, on the northeastern coast of South America,  
• Saint Martin in the northeast Caribbean Sea  
• French Polynesia in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean, approximately 6,000 kilometers east of Australia and 7,500 kilometers west of Chile.   
• Adelie Land in eastern Antarctica.
• France is one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and is a member of the EU, NATO, the WTO, and many other organizations.

History Of France:

• The oldest evidence of human life in France, found mostly in caves, dates back to 1.8 million years ago.
• Present-day Marseille (at the time called Massalia) was founded in 600 BCE and is France’s oldest city.
• Around this time, the idea of “Gaul” emerged, which was the name for a region of Western Europe filled with Celtic tribes during the Iron Age.
• During the French Renaissance , from 1400-1650, the French language became the official language of France, and there was a large cultural movement.
• Also, during this time, Jacques Cartier and Samuel de Champlain claimed native land in the Americas for France, which marked the beginning of the expansion of the French colonial empire.
• The French Wars of Religion were a result of the rise of Protestantism in Europe, which was a huge change from the Holy Roman Empire, which had dominated in prior years.
• Louis XIV, aka Louis the Great or the “Sun King”, reigned as King of France from 1643 to 1715, when he died.
• Once he died, a line of successors led France until the French Revolution in 1789, starting with the storming of the Bastill e on July 14, 1789, which became France’s National Day.
• Napoleon Bonaparte took control of the French Republic from 1799 to 1815. His armies conquered much of continental Europe, which led to the expansion of French ideals and reforms around the world.
• France was part of the Triple Entente with Russia and Great Britain during World War 1 (1914 – 1918) and lost 1.4 million French soldiers.
• In 1940, France was occupied by Nazi Germany .
• France fought alongside the Allied forces during World War II (1939 – 1945) and participated in the French Resistance.
• French sovereignty was restored with the Provisional Government of the French Republic, established by Charles de Gaulle, pictured to the right.
• In recent years, France has been the target of some terrorist attacks, including the 1995 Paris Metro bombings and the Charlie Hebdo attack, among others.

Geography, Climate, Flora & Fauna

• France has different climate zones, Mediterranean, oceanic and continental. 
• In the South, the climate is Mediterranean, with hot summers and dry, mild winters. 
• In the mountains, temperatures drop below 0 degrees Celsius, accompanied by snow.
• France’s flora and fauna are as varied as its range of climate and topography.
• As plant life is dependent on climate, France’s flora ranges from wildflowers and grasses in the alpine regions to fir, spruce, and pine trees in the coniferous forests and oak, beech, and chestnut trees in the lower deciduous forests .
• The fauna of France is similar to most of western Europe.
• Among the larger mammals are wild boar, roe deer, and red deer.
• In the high Alps, one will find the rare chamoix (a species of goat-antelope) and the reintroduced ibex (a species of wild goat).
• The topography in France provides a major source of water and hydropower, and France is the third largest European producer of hydroelectricity. 
• The Alps encompass seven European countries, France, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, and Slovenia.
• The French Alps are famous for their alpine skiing, mountaineering, paragliding, and mountain biking.

Economy & Tourism

• The economy of France is a highly developed and market-oriented one, with France being part of the European single market.
• France’s large, mixed economy includes infrastructure sectors, railway, nuclear power, and much private enterprise.
• Electricite de France produces 22% of the European Union’s electricity, primarily from nuclear power.
• Wine, dairy, poultry, and wheat are agricultural exports of France.
• Louis Pasteur (a microbiologist renowned for his discoveries of the principles of vaccination and pasteurization)
• Rene Descartes (a mathematician and scientist who invented analytic geometry), 
• Blaise Pascal (who started pioneering work on calculating machines/ calculators)  
• Marie Curie (whose discovery of radium and polonium contributed to finding treatments for cancer)
• France is also recognized for its rich and traditional culture. It has thousands of protected cathedrals, historical castles, statues, and gardens. 
• France is considered one of the world’s fashion capitals. It is home to many well known designers including Pierre Cardin, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Yves Saint Laurent, Thierry Mugler, Christian Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier, Hermès, and Céline.
• French cuisine is renowned for being one of the finest in the world. Renowned French delights include quiche, champagne, and macarons.
• Popular sports in France include football , rugby , and tennis .
• The traditional symbol of the French people is the Gallic rooster which widely shapes the representation of the French.
• France is the world’s most popular tourist destination receiving over 90 million tourists each year.
• The Eiffel Tower , a wrought iron lattice tower in Paris
• The Château de Versailles , a former royal residence located in Versailles, outside Paris
• The Pont de Gard, an ancient Roman aqueduct bridge built in the first century CE
• The Arc de Triomphe , a monument in Paris built to honor all those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars .
• The Museum of Natural History

France Worksheets

This bundle contains 11 ready-to-use France Worksheets  that are perfect for students who want to learn more about France, known officially as the French Republic, which is a unitary sovereign state comprising territory in western Europe and several overseas regions and territories.

Download includes the following worksheets:

• France Facts.
• France Acrostic.
• Lost in Translation.
• France Crossword.
• Matching Activity.
• Napoleon Biography.
• France Wordsearch.
• The Philosophical French.
• True or False?
• French Food.
• Sketching the Eiffel Tower.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does france have a national flower.

The national flower of France is the fleur-de-lis (translates as “lily flower”).

It is inextricably linked with the history of France.

What color is France’s flag?

The national flag of France is a tricolor flag featuring three vertical bands colored blue, white, and red. 

What interesting food do the French eat?

The French eat more than 25,000 tons of snails (escargot) each year. The production of snails for consumption is called snail farming or heliciculture. They are also lovers of cheese, and France produces over 1,500 different types of cheese.

In which other countries is French spoken?

French is spoken in 29 countries around the world, and there are over 220 million French speakers worldwide. The countries include Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Madagascar, Mali, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, and Seychelles.

Is there a Disneyland in France?

Yes, there is a Disneyland in France. It is called Disneyland Paris, is 32 km east of Paris, and opened in 1992. It has, amongst other things, theme parks, resort hotels, an entertainment complex, and a golf course. 

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Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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Free Geography of France Worksheets

Last Updated:  22 February 2021

On this page, you will find a number of worksheets to help with learning all about the Geography of France.

Each of these “Geography of France worksheets” is free to download and print off in PDF format for use in homes and in schools.

We have made them colourful and easy to use and they make an excellent tool to help learn about the Geography of France.

To find out more about the Geography of France, check out our comprehensive fact article designed for children. This is where you’ll find the answers to the worksheet activities.

We regularly update and add more France worksheets and resources on the blog so check back often 🙂

Download the Geography of France worksheets today and start discovering France!

Geography of France free worksheets!

From rivers to cities and regions to mountains, start your exploration of France!

France Fact File

These activities ask you to complete a fact file about France. Headings are all set out to guide and help you.

Find all the information you need on our web page on the Geography of France for Kids .

The location of France

Find the names of the neighbouring countries, oceans or seas, and the location of Paris and three major cities in France.

The PDF includes a second worksheet with French names of the geographic landmarks.

Landscapes and mountains of France

Here’s a number of worksheets to help you locate the different landscapes and mountains of France.

This blank map of France only reveals the relief (plains, plateaus and mountains):

Rivers of France

These worksheets help you identify the correct location of the river systems in France.

This blank map only reveals the river system of France:

Find all the information you need about the rivers of France on our web page on the Geography of France for Kids .

Cities of France

This activity helps you locate the major cities of France as measured by population.

Find all the information you need about the cities of France on our web page on the Geography of France for Kids .

Regions of France

These worksheets help you locate the 13 administrative regions of France on a map and their capital cities.

This activity is about researching the names of each region of France, the capital city, the population and landmarks:

This worksheet includes 5 pages and looks at each region of France in more details (name, capital city, population, landmarks and traditional dish/food/local produce):

Use this blank map to locate the different regions of France:

A little activity about the French départements :

Find all the information you need about the regions of France on our web page on the Geography of France for Kids .

Blank and outline maps of France

This map of France can be used to locate different geographic features like mountain ranges, rivers or landscapes.

You can also use them to show human features, for example, cities, ports or major roads.

Download more blank maps of France below!

The relief of France:

The river system of France:

The regions of France:

Download the Geography of France Workbook!

Have a question? Please send me an email at info @ frenchmoments.com!

Check out our curated magazine on Flipboard for exclusive stories & insights on France!

About the author

Pierre is a French/Australian who is passionate about France and its culture. He grew up in France and Germany and has also lived in Australia and England. He has a background teaching French, Economics and Current Affairs, and holds a Master of Translating and Interpreting English-French with the degree of Master of International Relations, and a degree of Economics and Management. Pierre is the author of Discovery Courses and books about France.

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Great resources! I went ahead and bought the booklet! You did an amazing job putting this together. I am going to use it with my high school French I and II students. Thank you

Thank you very much, Gerline for taking the time to write this comment. Really glad this resource will help your students. I’m planning to work on publishing a similar booklet about the history and culture of France so stay tuned!

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France Facts for Kids | Country of the Franks

France, the largest country of Western Europe accommodates a population of 65 million residents as of 2011. Officially named Repeublique Francaise, the French Republic, the country’s government is a unitary semi-presidential Republic. This ancient country was populated by Gauls in 500-700 BC and was a part of the Roman Empire until 476 AD. Governed by a long line of monarchs, the country finally became a democracy in the bloody revolution of 1789. The country has been a stage of world politics for centuries. It is the most visited country in the world, attracting almost 81 million tourists in the year 2012. Such a country would undoubtedly have interesting information that children would find interesting. You would be amazed to read all these facts about France for kids. 

France Facts For Kids

Mont Blanc is the highest mountain in the European Union. At a height of 4,810 meters, it oversees the Graian Alps. It is located on the border of France and Italy. Chamonix a developed urban city lies near the base of the mountain. Every year events such as Black Weekend, Chamonix Adventure Festival, Marathon Du Mont-Blanc and the famous Tour De France are conducted in the city. As a major tourist hotspot, the Mont Blanc deserves a highlight.

Iron tower:

The Eiffel tower is arguably amidst the most notable attractions of Europe. Standing a height of 323 meters, it is approximately equal to a seventy story building. Nicknamed the “Iron lady” by French architects, it was constructed in 1889.

Learn more: Eiffel Tower Facts for Kids

Originally built as a fortress in 1190, it was reconstructed in the 16 th century as a royal palace. In 1793, Louis XIV declared it as an art museum to display the royal collection of artifacts. With more than eight miles of galleries, the museum displays Greek sculptures, Egyptian antiques, Roman paintings, crown jewels and artwork of the Old Masters. More than 35,000 works are on display at any given time. The most famous work of art is Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa without a doubt.

Revolutionary heroes:

Marseillaise , the French national anthem of France is renowned worldwide. Written by Claude Joseph Roget de Lisle in 1792, it was originally sung by soldiers who arrived from Marseilles to Paris to strengthen the Revolution of 1789 against the monarchs. An ode of freedom of the people, the song was sung again and again until it became the national anthem.

Home of the great French political leader Napoleon Bonaparte, French history is hand in hand with this man.  He was born in Corsica in 1769. He reformed the French constitutional framework to gain control of the French Empire, which he did in 1904 when he finally declared himself the Emperor after toppling over the government. After his defeat in the historic Battle of Waterloo in 1815, he was exiled from his home country. As a decorated French war hero, many monuments have been dedicated to him placed in the Les Invaildes.

Learn more: Arc De Triomphe Facts For Kids

Interestingly, the American symbol of Democracy, the Statue of Liberty wasn’t made in USA, but France! Created by the celebrated sculptor Fredric Auguste Barthold, the statue was national gift from France to USA on its 100 th anniversary of independence. The statue’s face was modeled after Isabelle Boyer, the wife of Issac Singer, a renowned manufacturer of sewing machines. The statue was completed after 9 years of laborious work and presented to the American people on the fourth of July 4, 1884.

Geniuses: France facts for kids

France is famous for the intellectuals it has produced over the years. With a total of 65 Nobel Prizes, it has won more prizes in literature than any country in the world in literature.

Country of love:

France is known globally as a country of love for its exotic scenery, friendly sidewalk cafés and great boulevards.  A kiss on the cheek is a casual form of greeting. In Corsica, people kiss up to 5 times on average per day.

Invented the internet:

The French invented the early version of the internet known as Minitel. It is considered to be the most successful pre-world wide web online service. At the end of 1999, 25 of 60 million French citizens utilized its services to pay bills, shop online, access phone directories, mail letters and purchase airline tickets.

Need for speed:

The French GTV is argued to be the fastest train in the world. Accelerating with an average speed of 263.3 kilometers per hour from station to station, the train holds its record since 2007. The train is capable of picking up its speed up to 575 km/h. It also holds a world record for endurance on long distance travels, running from Calais to Marseille in 3 hours, 29 minutes. The train travelled a distance of 1067 kilometers in a very small time frame.

Kids would find the above facts really interesting. No wonder the country has fascinated people across the globe to travel and visit this amazing land. If you are curious enough to know more about France or want develop the very same enthusiasm in others, try sharing these facts with them. Friends and family come first as always.

The largest country in western Europe,France stretches from Pyrenees in south to the English Channel in the north.A founder member of the European Economic Community (now European Union), France plays a key role in world affairs.It is a leading nation,although some five percent of the population works in farming. The first of modern republics, France includes Corsica , Guyana, and various islands in the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean.

History of the Franks

France has dominated European history ever since the Franks conquered the country in the 5 th century.Its vast natural wealth and large population have enabled a succession of rulers, such as Charlemagne in the 9 th century, Louise XIV in the 17 th and Napoleon in the 19 th , to create powerful empires that spanned Europe.

Despite three bitter wars with Germany between 1870 and 1945, France emerged as one of the world’s superpowers.

Renaissance:

Joan of Arc, who fought the English for independence, was burnt at the stake in 1431.Suring the 15 th Century, the French king drove out the English, and united their country.Also crushed the power of nobles.The next century was privileged by the fresh ideas of renaissance.

Bourbons: Under the Bourbon kings, France emerged as the major power in Europe during the 17 th century.

Habsburg-ruled Spain and Austria – enemies of France- were defeated, and all power was centralized under the king. Industry and commerce were supported, and France established colonies in North America and India.

Palace of Versailles:

In order to increase his own power and reduce that of the nobility, Louise XIV built this vast new palace outside Paris.

Timeline for the state:

59-81 BC: Gaul (present day France) becomes the part of the Roman Empire.

AD 468: The Franks take control of the country.

1337-1453: France and Britain fight the Hundred Years’ War.

1589: Henry IB becomes first Bourbon king.

1643-1715:France reaches height of its power under Louis XIV

1789: Revolution breaks out in Paris.

1848: After a revolution, the short – lived second Republic is established.

1870-71: Third Republic set up after internal indifference among moderates, radicals, socialists, and royalists.

1914-18:France fight Germany in world war I.

1946:Fourth republic established after world war II.

1958: De Gaulle takes power and introduces fifth republic.

1950s-1990s: France is a leading member of European Union.

Physical features:

France’s landscape varies from undulating fields in the north to sparse hills in the Massif Central, and mountains in the Alps and Pyrenees to the south separating it from Spain.

Northwest France, particularly Brittany, is mild but damp. The east has hot summers and stormy winters. Summers in the South are hot and dry with forest fires being a common scene.

In the mountain ranges like Pyrenees and Alps snowfall is heavy making it ideal for skiing.

Corosia is the third largest Mediterranean island.Fragrant, thorny scrub called maquis covers the slope of towering granite peaks, and rich fertile valleys are used to graze sheep and grow vines.

From its source in the east, the River Seine crosses Paris, before winding its way north to the Atlantic Ocean. France’s river network which also includes the Loire and the Rhone is used for transport and for irrigating farmland.

People and industry of a strong economy

People of France  descent make up about 94 percent of the population.Among these are several groups who speak their own language and have strong independence movements.

Transport: France boasts the world’s fastest train, the TGV, which can travel at speed upto 300 Kmh. A direct service now runs to England via the Cannel Tunnel.

Learn more: England Facts

Car production: Most French drivers buy French cars such as Renault Espace. Other makes include Peugeot and Citroen.

The French car industry ranks fourth in the world.

Tourism: the fashionable resorts of the Cote d’Azur in southeast France attract thousands of tourists every summer.France is now the world’s leading tourist destination, attracting 75 million visitors every year.

Farming: The French grow a variety of crops, such as wheat , barley, sugar beet and grapes for making wine.About a third of all farmland is pasture land.

Cities attracting tourists

Paris: The lourve Museum lies on the fashionable right Bank of the River Seine, which divides the city. Symbols such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Cathedral of Notre Dame, the Latin Quarter, Montmartre, and the Georges Pompidou Center emerges Paris one of the most visited places in the world.

Chartres Cathedral: The near about perfectly preserved Chartres Cathedral in the city of Chartres is one of the finest examples of the French High Gothic style.

Its notable that France’s five million immigrants include mainly North Africans Muslims and economic migrants from south and Central Europe.Most live and work in the cities.

Industry: France has a strong chemical, steel, electronics and manufacturing industries, and an active aerospace programme.

Nuclear power provides three-quarters of the country’s electricity.Perfume and fashion are also majot source of income.

Perfume: French perfumes such as Chanel. Are world renowned.Many are made from the fragrant oils extracted from rose, jasmine, and lavender that grow in the southeast of the country.

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26 Fun Facts About France for Kids

• Teaching Strategies, Tactics, and Methods

As one of the most influential nations in the world, it is always important for developing children to learn about the country of France. From its mountainous Alps to the sun of the Southern Riviera to the romance of Paris, this beautiful country has a lot to offer and learn about. And this is not to mention the groundbreaking inventions and societal advances French people have given to the world.

Here, we’ll run through some of the most interesting France facts for kids and guide you to some excellent teaching resources that will help you approach topical lessons in the country.

Top 26 fun facts about France for kids

Here are 26 fun and interesting facts about France that you may choose to relay to your students:

• Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite : The national motto of France is  Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite, which translates to ‘Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.’ The origin of this motto dates back to the French Revolution in the 18th century, but it didn’t gain popularity until the end of the 19th century.
• Tour de France : One of the most famous sporting events in the world is the Tour de France, which has been running for over 100 years. The Tour, which was first held in 1903, is the most prestigious cycling race in the world and runs every two years. The only time the Tour de France has not run on the schedule was during the two world wars. Even in 2020, with the coronavirus pandemic, the Tour de France was not canceled but postponed later.
• The Camera Phone : While it’s hard to imagine the world without them, there was once a time when camera phones did not exist. The first-ever camera phone was invented in France in 1997 by an entrepreneur and inventor named Philippe Kahn. The first photo that Khan took with his camera phone was of his newly born daughter, Sophie, which he then sent off to his family and friends. What a heartwarming fact about France!
• The Louvre : The Louvre art museum in Paris is the most visited worldwide. In 2019 alone, a staggering 10.2 million people visited the Louvre. One of the main reasons why tourists flock to this museum is that it is home to the world-famous ‘Mona Lisa painting by Leonardo da Vinci. Tourists can gather around to stare at the magnificent image from a distance of a few meters.
• Nobel Prize Winners : The Nobel Prize for literature is arguably the most prestigious, highly-regarded prize a writer can get. As a country, France has won the most Nobel Prizes for literature in history. The French writer Sully Prudhomme won the first Nobel Prize for literature in 1903. Following this, 14 other French writers were awarded the Nobel Prize for literature.
• Are tourists Galore : While it is well known that people love to holiday in France, did you know that it is officially the most popular tourist destination in the world? Every year, around 89 million tourists make their way to France to experience its vibrant cities, rich culture, and breathtaking countryside.
• L’Hexagone : Amongst its residents, France is fondly known as L’Hexagone, which translates to ‘the hexagon.’ This is due to the country’s geometric, hexagonal shape that can be seen clearly on a map. Corsica and France’s overseas territories are not included in its hexagon. However, it is just the mainland that makes this shape.
• French was the official language in England : Nowadays, there are far more French people who speak English than English people who speak French. However, for around 300 years, between 1066 and 1362, French was the official language of England. This coincided with William the Conqueror’s invasion and occupation of England in 1066, where he introduced the Anglo-Norman French language to the country. Anglo-Norman French was spoken mainly by royalty, aristocrats, and high-powered officials. In 1362, parliament passed the Pleading in English Act, which made English the official language of the government. This was because pleadings, simple statements of cases or motions for new laws, were being made in French, which many of the country’s residents did not understand.
• France has the record for the shortest reign of a King : In 1830, King Louis XIX was the king of France for just 20 minutes, the shortest reign of any monarch in history. King Louis XIX ascended to the throne after his father, Charles X, abdicated (stepped down as King). Louis soon followed in his father’s footsteps, abdicating the throne after just 20 minutes as King. Louis XIX shares the title of the shortest reigning monarch with Crown Prince Luís Filipe, who became king of Portugal after his father was assassinated. After just 20 minutes on the throne, Luís Filipe was assassinated and died.
• France is the largest country in the EU : France has a surface area of around 547,000 square kilometers, which makes it the largest country in the European Union.,
• It is bad luck to turn a baguette upside down : Baguettes are a trademark food of France, seen in every boulangerie (bakery) and supermarket around the country. There is a superstition that it is bad luck if you turn a baguette upside down. This superstition is believed to date back to medieval times. Historically, when execution was to be had in town, the executioner would be too busy to go to the bakery before work, so the baker would reserve a loaf for him by turning the baguette upside down. This led to an upturned baguette being associated with death and, thus, bad luck.
• Croissants weren’t created in France : While, much like baguettes, croissants are viewed as quintessential French cuisine, they were invented in Austria, not France. The Kipfer, the earliest ancestor of the croissant, was first created in the coffee shops of Vienna in the 13th century. The Kipfer was different from the croissants we have now, as it was made with a denser, less-flaky pastry.
• It is illegal to throw food away in France : No one likes to waste food, but in France, it is unlawful to throw away your leftovers. In 2016, a law declared it a crime to throw away unsold, edible food. Instead, the food must be donated to those that need it most. This is a fantastic fact about France that should inspire all of us to be more conscious about food waste!
• The average French citizen consumes 500 snails each year : Another staple of French cuisine is escargot, which is snails. Snails are typically served as an hors-d’oeuvre with garlic, which may not seem appetizing to you, but is very popular in France. It is so popular that it is estimated that the average French person consumes 500 snails every year.
• Over 400 kinds of cheese are made in France : A love of cheese is synonymous with France for a good reason. French people are the biggest consumers of cheese in the world, with almost half of the country’s population eating cheese every day. Furthermore, many of the French people consume are made in their home country, as France produces over 400 different types of cheese.
• Kilts originated in France, not Scotland : When you think of kilts, you automatically think of traditional Scottish dress. However, skirts were invented in France, not Scotland. While the kilts in early France were not a replica of the Scottish kilts we know today, they were still long skirts worn below the knee, with some even going down to the ground. The first tartan kilts that resemble the ones we know today did originate in Gaelic lands at the start of the 18th century.
• The French Army was the first to use camouflage : Camouflage is a great tool for soldiers in war, allowing them to blend into their surroundings. ‘camouflage’ originates from the French verb, ‘camouflage’ meaning ‘to veil or disguise.’ This is because the French Army was the first to create a dedicated camouflage unit in the First World War in 1915. In this unit, guns and vehicles were painted camouflage by painters called ‘camofleurs.’ However, it was not until a year after this that the British Army adopted the same technique and created their camouflage section known as the Special Works Park Royal Engineers.
• French people can marry the dead : This fact about France is a bit of a weird one. In France, it is legal to marry someone who has already passed away. This is only acceptable in exceptional cases, which require that you prove the deceased had the intention of marrying you while they were alive. For the marriage to take place, you must also receive permission directly from the president of France at the time.
• The first public screening of a film was in France in 1895 : Film is another thing associated heavily with France, as the country has a rich history in cinema. In the 19th century, some of the biggest talents in French cinema were the Lumière brothers, Auguste Marie Louis Nicolas and Louis Jean. August and Louis were famous for their Cinématographe motion picture system and the short films they produced between 1895 and 1905. On the 28th of December 1895, at the Grand Café in Paris, the brothers held the first-ever public viewing or screening of a film. They showed their directorial debut, La sortie des ouvriers de l’usine Lumière (Workers Leaving the Lumière Factory), a black-and-white film showing workers leaving the Lumière factory that was just 5 seconds long.
• French is not the only official language of France : French has been the official administrative language of France since 1539, but it is not the only official one. There are over 25 different languages that are spoken in wider France, which are divided into different subgroups. In modern times, largely due to increased immigration, France has more languages than ever, with up to 2% of people speaking Arabic.
• The Tricolour : The French flag, as illustrated above, is called the ‘Tricolour,’ or, in French, ‘Le Tricolore.’ It was first adopted after the Storming of the Bastille during the French Revolution of 1789, with the blue-white-red stripes inspired by the Paris coat of arms. It has been the primary flag virtually continuously since 1830.
• France has four distinct climate regions : The climate of France is as varied as any country in Europe. This is because it has four different climatic regions, with the mountainous areas experiencing low temperatures and lots of rainfall at high altitudes, the coastal regions getting average rain, and the Mediterranean region having long, hot summers. ThAs a result, the weather in France is ge
• Paris is France’s largest capital city: France’s capital is its capital, Paris. Although it has over 10 million inhabitants within its urban area, its symmetrical architecture and famous landmarks have helped make it one of the world’s top tourism hotspots. Its fame increased even further after the construction of the Eiffel Tower, which, although it was not immediately popular, became a symbol not just of Paris but of France as a whole.
• Football is the most popular sport in France : Many sports are popular in France, with rugby, cycling, and handball all enjoying a lot of attention in wider society. However, the most popular sport in France is football, with the national team, nicknamed ‘Les Blues,’ winning two world cups in 1998 and 2018.
• War and Peace : France’s history is a fascinating tale of wars, revolutions, and subsequent peace. Perhaps the most significant event in the history of modern France was the French Revolution, which took place from 1789 to 1799. Inspired by the American Revolution, which took place just six years before, it led to the dissolution of the French Monarchy. Other major events in French history include World War 1 and World War 2, which partially took place in France.
• Famous Residents : Many notable people have called France home over its long history. Some of the most prominent figures include Napoleon Bonaparte, Joan of Arc, Zinedine Zidane, and Nostradamus.

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France Facts for Kids | For Your School Project

Are you on the look out for some fun facts about France? Whether you’re planning a trip there, or you’re here for a school project, or for your own enjoyment, you’re in the right place . Continue reading to find out the size and population of France, famous French celebrities, foods, animals, sports, and the best places to visit as a tourist. Below are some quick facts to get you started! 

But first, here are some rapid-fire fast facts about France.

• The capital city of France is Paris.  
• France’s official name is the French Republic, as their government system is republic. A republic is a form of government in which a state is ruled by a group of representatives of the citizen body. 
• The main language spoken in France is French. French is the official language of over 29 countries in the world. 
• The French flag is blue, white, and red.

Where is France?

France is located in Western Europe. It’s neighbouring countries are Germany and Belgium on the north, the Atlantic Ocean in the west, and Spain and the Pyrenees Mountains in the south.

How big is France?

France has a total land area of 549,087 km² and a total coastline of 3,427km. Therefore, France is the largest country in Western Europe! France is also the third largest country in all of Europe, and the 49 th largest country worldwide. 

How many people live in France?

As of January 2023, France is estimated to have a total population of over 68 million people.  

Famous French people 

Below is a list of some of the most famous French people in history, and some fun key facts about each of them. 

Victor Hugo 

• Victor Hugo (1802-1885) wrote poems, novels, plays, short stories, and novellas during the Romanticism period in France. 
• His works include Les Misérables (1862), The Hunchback of Notre-Dame (1831), Rigoletto, and others. 
• Besides being one of the most influential French authors, Hugo was also a politician. He tackled issues such as the death penalty and poverty. 

Marie Antoinette 

• Marie Antoinette (1755-1793) was born an Austrian but became the dauphine of France in 1770 following her marriage to Louis-Auguste. 
• In 1774, Antoinette became the queen of France as her husband became king. They were the last monarchs to rule the country due to the French revolution.
• Antoinette was known and widely disliked for leading a lavish lifestyle whilst the rest of the country was impoverished. Both her and her husband, King Louis XVI were executed by guillotine. 

Coco Chanel 

• Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel (1883-1971) is most widely known as Coco Chanel. She is one of the most influential and famous French designers in the fashion industry. 
• Coco founded her eponymous brand in 1910, starting off a millinery boutique. This went on to become a couture house, most famously known for selling luxurious French handbags and jewellery.  
• She later ventured into creating fragrant perfumes, which are still widely popular to this day. 

What currency is used in France? 

France has been using the euro banknotes and coins since the 1 st of January 2002. France is part of the 20 European countries that use euro as their main currency. 

Geography of France 

France has a varied topography, ranging from wide, very fertile plains and low rolling hills in the north and west to mountainous in the rest of the country. The Pyrenees are in the south, whilst the Alps in the east. The diversity of the land is typical to Western Europe. Mont Blanc is the highest point in France, at 4,807m. 

Famous attractions to see in France 

France is arguably one of the most popular holiday places in Europe. Below is a list of 5 of the most famous tourist attractions to see in France, and some fun facts about each. 

The Eiffel Tower 

• The symbol of Paris, the Eiffel Tower is arguably the most popular tourist attraction in all of France. The tower is constructed of over 8,000 metallic pieces, standing at 320 metres tall. 
• Designed by Gustave Eiffel as a temporary exhibit in 1889, the tower was originally despised by critics. It has since garnered the love of both tourists and locals alike. 

Are you looking for some cool stickers to embellish your homework wth? Click here for some Eiffel Tower ones.  

Musée du Louvre

• The Louvre Museum is located in a stately palace that was once a royal residence. Monumental artworks, including Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, the Wedding Feast at Cana by Veronese, and the iconic sculpture dating back to 1 st century BCE Venus de Milo by Alexandros of Antioch. The Louvre displays a total of around 35,000 artworks. 
• The Louvre Museum is the largest art museum in the world. If you spent 30 seconds looking at each work of art, it would take around 100 days to get through the entire museum. 
• Provence is a region in south-eastern France known for it’s diverse, breath-taking, vibrant landscapes. Artists such as Picasso, Cézanne, and Matisse are said to have been inspired by the landscape’s beauty. 
• One of the many attractions in Province is the Mediterranean cuisine: olive oil, vegetables, and aromatic herbs. 
• Chamonix -Mont-Blanc is a resort area at the base of Mont Blanc, the highest summit in the Alps. 
• Well-known as the top destination for skiing, snowboarding, climbing, and sightseeing, Chamonix offers stunning panoramic views. Tourists from across the globe travel to experience the dreamy view year-round. 

Château de Versailles

• Located on the outskirts of Paris, the Palace of Versailles was previously the residence of French kings and queens for over a hundred years. 
• Visitors are able to explore the luxurious interiors and well-kept gardens. The palace’s historical artifacts can also be seen in an on-site museum. 

What foods are popular in France? 

Croissants .

A croissant is a traditional French buttery flaky pastry inspired by the shape of the Austrian kipferl. 

Click here to find some really cute croissant plushies.  

Baguettes 

A baguette is a long, thin type of French bread that is typically made from basic lean dough. 

Boeuf Bourguignon

Beef Bourguignon is a French beef stew braised in red wine and beef stock. It is most commonly flavoured with carrots, onions, garlic, and garnished with pearl onions, mushrooms, and bacon.

Crepes 

A crepe is a very thin sort of pancake popular in France. Crepes can be served both sweet and savoury, depending on the topping chosen.

Escargot 

Escargot is made of any of the several species of edible land snails, and are seen as a luxury of French cuisine. 

Éclair 

An éclair is an oblong shaped French pastry made from choux dough filled with cream, typically vanilla, and topped with flavoured icing, typically chocolate. 

What sports are played in France? 

There are various different sports played in France, the most popular of which being cycling, football, handball, skiing, boules, and golf. Below is a list of traditional French sports, and a brief description of each. 

Jeu de paume français

Jeu de paume français is first ever racket sport, and it inspired well-known modern day sports such as badminton, tennis, and squash. 

Pétanque  

Pétanque is a traditional French form of lawn bowling, typically played on coarse ground using steel balls. 

Savate 

Savate is a French kickboxing combat sport that is more graceful than English boxing. 

Famous holidays in France

France has a total of 11 official public holidays each year, as well special celebrations that are not national holidays. Below is a list of some French celebrations, and a description of each. 

• Epiphanie (Epiphany) is celebrated on the first Sunday of January every year. This holiday commemorates the arrival of the three wise men to baby jesus. Galette des rois and other special pastries are shared and eaten.
• Chandeleur is French holiday celebrated annually on February 2 nd , celebrating the day that Jesus was presented at the temple. This is seen as a very superstitious day. 
• Carnaval is also known as Mardi Gras, and it involves eating rich fatty fruits and a public parade. This holiday is celebrated as many people go on a fast during Lent, and Carnaval is seen as the last time for a while to enjoy and celebrate treats. 
• Bastille Day is celebrated annually on July 14 th , and it commemorates the turning point in the French Revolution. 

10 Fun Facts about France 

• France is the most visited country on Earth, with Paris also being the most visited city. 
• The camera phone was invented in France in 1977 by Phillipe Kahn. The first photo he took was of his new-born daughter. 
• The citizens of France eat on average 25,000 tons of snails each year. That equals to one person eating 500 every year. 
• It is considered bad luck to turn a baguette upside down.
• Over 1,500 types of cheese are produced in France. 
• Additionally, France ranks in the top ten countries for their amount of cheese consumption. 
• The French drink over 11 million glasses of wine every year. This places France as the country with the second highest wine consumption in the world, second to the United States. 
• The French often refer to France as “L’Hexagone”, translating to the hexagon. This is due to the country’s geometrical shape. 
• In 2016, a law was passed forbidding supermarkets in France from throwing away food when it gets close to the expiry date. They are bided by law to donate it to a charity or food bank. 
• The French army invented camouflage in 1915, during World War I. 

Fun facts for kids about France 

We hope you have enjoyed these fun facts about France. Make sure to check out our other fun facts about different countries. Au revoir!

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Introduction

Places of Interest

Paris has many famous landmarks. The soaring curves of the Eiffel Tower can be seen from far away. It has become a symbol of the city. The Arc de Triomphe is a large arch honoring the military. The cathedral of Notre-Dame is a church built from the 1100s to the 1300s. It is known for its windows of colored glass and for its tall stone arches. The cathedral was heavily damaged by a massive fire in 2019, but the city planned to rebuild the church.

The most important of Paris’s many museums is the Louvre. It has a huge collection of art, including Leonardo da Vinci’s painting, Mona Lisa .

Many large companies have headquarters in Paris. It is a major banking center. Tourism, government, insurance, and other service industries are also important to the economy. Factories in the city make clothing, jewelry, and cosmetics.

In 987 ce Paris became the capital of France. The city and its economy grew. In the 1300s, however, a disease called the plague killed many of its people.

Paris began to grow again in the late 1500s. The major events of the French Revolution took place in the city in the late 1700s. Paris was then the site of great violence. In the 1800s construction projects made Paris more modern and beautiful.

German troops took control of Paris in the 1940s, during World War II. After the war the city rebuilt its economy. In the late 1900s large building projects added new landmarks to the city. Population (2017 estimate), 2,187,526.

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France is a country in western Europe. It is the third-largest country in Europe , about twice the size of the United Kingdom.

The capital city is Paris and the main language is French.

France is the most visited country in the world, with more than 80 million tourists a year!

France has a long and interesting history and is famous for its food, fashion, culture, art and advances in science and philosophy . It is a major economic power and also known for its sporting success.

Top 10 facts

• The official name of France is République Française (French Republic).
• Paris, the capital city, has 2.2 million inhabitants (a fifth of the French population).
• There are lots of different landscapes in France, from grassy plains to mountain ranges and a very long coastline.
• The currency used in France is the European euro.
• France is famous for its food, especially its breads, cheeses and cakes.
• On 14 July French people celebrate Bastille Day, the national day of France, with parties and fireworks.
• France used to be an important colonial power, and 29 countries in Africa and the Caribbean still retain French as their official language.
• The Gallic rooster is the national symbol of France and the main religion is Christianity.
• The Tour de France is a famous cycling race in which cyclists travel over 3200km in 21 days. Around 15 million people line the route to watch the race!
• The French Revolution, which began in 1789, ended the monarchy (the rule of kings and queens) in France and established many of the basic human rights that are at the heart of our modern world.

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France is home to two of the most important mountain ranges in the world , the Alps and the Pyrenees. Mont Blanc in the Alps is the tallest peak in Europe, 4,810 meters above sea level. France takes its name from the Franks, the group of people who lived in France after the Romans. The famous Louvre Museum in France has over eight miles of galleries! A third of French land is farmed. France is one of the world's largest wine producers. There are over 400 different varieties of French cheese. Every year 2 million tonnes of cheese are consumed in France (26kg per person, per year)! One French cheese, Epoisses de Bourgogne, is so smelly that people aren't allowed to take it on public transport. When the Eiffel Tower was completed in 1889 it was only supposed to be a temporary monument. Since then around 250 million people have climbed it. At night the Eiffel Tower is lit by 20,000 light bulbs! Popular sports in France are cycling, skiing and pétanque , a lawn bowls game. Jeans are made of a special type of material called denim, which originally came from the French city of Nîmes (in French, 'de Nîmes' means from Nîmes). The Channel Tunnel linking Britain and France, which has been named one of the wonders of the modern world, took more than 13,000 UK and French workers more than five years to complete. The world-famous abbey of Mont St Michel was built around 500 years ago. The royal palace of Versailles has 700 rooms and 67 staircases!

Look through the gallery and see if you can spot the following:

• Paris at night
• The Louvre Museum in Paris
• Courchevel is a skiing resort in France
• The Palace of Versailles
• French cheeses
• The French flag
• Château de Chambord at Chambord, Loir-et-Cher
• The Tour de France
• The Pont du Gard in Provence
• Mont Saint Michel in Normandy
• The Eiffel Tower
• The French Alps
• Lavender fields in the south of France

One of the largest and most influential countries in Europe , France shares borders with Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Italy and Spain . The Western side of France borders the English Channel and the Atlantic Ocean and the southern coast is with the Mediterranean. The Channel Tunnel, which links Britain to mainland Europe, opened in 1994. French territories are not all close together! Corsica is an island off the south-east coast which belongs to France, even though it is closer to Italy than it is to France. La Réunion is a French island off the coast of Madagascar, 9000km from France! Paris, the French capital, is the largest city, but there are more than 800 cities and towns in the country (Marseille, Lyon, Toulouse, Nice and Nantes are the largest). Today, France is a republic, with a government elected by French voters . For a thousand years, however, France was ruled by a monarchy. In the late 18th century there was an uprising of ordinary people in France, tired of the way the royal family and the court lived in splendour while poor people suffered. On 14 July 1789 the people stormed and captured the Bastille prison in Paris, beginning the French Revolution. Thousands of aristocrats and royals were executed and the people took control of the government of the country. After the Revolution a new person came to power: Napoleon Bonaparte, a military man, ruled France from 1799 to 1814 . He declared himself Emperor and began to conquer other areas of Europe. After the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, when Napoleon was defeated by the Duke of Wellington, Napoleon was sent into exile. In 1871, France became a republic. France has more farmland than any other country in Western Europe. Crops include wheat (used to make many different kinds of bread, which are baked fresh every day), apples and grapes, olives, tomatoes, citrus fruits, herbs, onions and garlic. The region of Normandy is famous for its dairy products; France produces so many cheeses that you could eat a different one every single day of the year! France is famous for its delicious food and drink. There are lots of regional specialities, including frogs' legs, quiche Lorraine (egg and bacon tart), coq au vin (chicken and wine casserole),  cassoulet (a stew made with beans and meat), escargots (snails cooked in garlic butter) and  moules (mussels). In mountain villages, people eat fondue (bread dipped in hot melted cheese) and on the coast a popular dish is bouillabaisse (fish soup).  Macarons are brightly coloured sweet treats. French industry leads the world in aviation and space technology. Michelin, the world's largest tyre producer, has its headquarters in France. Perfume is also a very big industry; fragrant plants like lavender are grown in France and used to produce fragrances. There are lots of festivals and parades in France. Bastille Day, 14 July, is a national holiday. Most people in France are Roman Catholics , and many of the festivals and feasts are linked to religious celebrations. During Mardi Gras (French Carnival, at the beginning of Lent which is the 40 days before Easter) people dress up in costumes and have street parties. On the Fête des Rois , celebrated on 6 January, Christians remember the three kings who visited baby Jesus and brought him gifts. Everyone in France eats a special cake on la Fête des Rois – it has a charm hidden inside it and whoever finds it on their plate can wear a crown and be a king or queen for the day! Football is the most popular sport in France; Thierry Henry is a very famous player. The Tour de France is a world-famous cycling race which takes place every year. The cyclists travel all around France and people line the route to watch them cycle past. France has produced lots of actors, musicians, writers and composers. Works by French painters like Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Paul Cézanne and Pierre-Auguste Renoir are exhibited in museums all over the world.

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Try cooking (and eating!) some delicious French cuisine specialties Do some French-themed colouring-in French printables and crafts from Activity Village Make your own miniature Paris in paper  or make your own paper models of the Eiffel Tower , Notre Dame or the Arc de Triomphe Find out how children celebrate Epiphany Day in France French songs, quizzes and information to download Asterix is a world-famous French cartoon character Learn to sing some children's songs in French Practise your French with lots of French-language wordsearches and puzzles

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Find out more

Read the National Geographic Kids guide to France Listen to a Penguin Explorers podcast about France from Fun Kids Look through the France Facts for Kids in the Kiddle Encyclopedia Watch a BBC Primary Geography introduction to France video Bake your own Galette Des Rois and find out about this Epiphany cake's traditions Read about French traditions at Christmas  and at Easter April Fool's Day is celebrated in France. What jokes would you play on family and friends? Explore the lives of famous French people A kids' guide to the Tour de France

See for yourself

Lonely Planet has a guide to the most famous French sites and experiences   Every evening, the Eiffel Tower sparkles with lights for 5 minutes every hour on the hour: see pictures! Discover French regions like Brittany, Normandy and Provence

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28 Interesting Facts about French Schools

• Post category: French Parenting / Moving to France
• Post author: Nassie Angadi

Whether you are planning to move to France with kids, or are just curious to know how life is like elsewhere, you may be interested in hearing about schools in France.

Beyond an overview of the French education system , I thought I would mention a few facts about French schools so you get a better flavor for how it works, beyond the reading, writing, and arithmetic. So let’s get to it, shall we? Allons-y!

1. The School year

The school year in France starts in September and ends the 1st week of July . The first day of class is known as the Rentrée , and it is such a big deal that many offices give their employees the day off to take their (small) children to school.

2. The French School week

School starts at around 8:30am every morning and continues until 4:30pm. There is a 2-hour break in the middle of the day for lunch and recreation.

Older middle school and high school children will have varying hours based on the classes they are taking.

3. No School on Wednesdays

Most preschool and primary school students don’t have school on Wednesdays. It is supposed to be the day for extra-curricular activities, to rest, etc. There was a move in 2018 by the government to insist on Wednesday morning classes, however, the teacher unions and parents protested.

This led to some towns having school on Wednesday mornings and reducing hours on other days, while other towns did not.

☞ READ MORE: Should everyone protest like the French?

In junior high (collège) and secondary school (lycée) , the schedule is much more variable depending on the school. Some schools have classes on Wednesday, for a 1/2 day or full day, while others even have classes and exams on Saturday mornings .

As you can imagine, these varying timetables can leave a lot of families in France scrambling, especially if both parents work.

4. Activity and leisure centers

For working parents who cannot keep their children home each Wednesday, or pick their kids up at 4:30pm, there are the leisure centers.

Each town offers a centre de loisirs (activity and leisure center), where parents can drop off their children on Wednesdays at a minimal cost that is based on income levels. In real terms, the cost is around €5-20/day including lunch.

These leisure centers are in the same school that the child attends, with animateurs watching the kids and proposing a variety of activities. These leisure centers are also open in the mornings for parents who need to head to work early in the morning.

These centre de loisirs hold a variety of craft activities, sports , dance, and other programs based on the age of the child. They also sometimes do field trips to nearby farms, the cinema, museums, etc.

5. Study Hall

In addition, starting in primary school, children are offered an accueil des études (study hall), where they can do their homework afterschool while waiting for their parents. It usually lasts an hour, after which they can join the regular centre de loisirs.

There are two types of study hall, étude surveillée and étude dirigée . Etude surveillée is supervised study hall, where the child works somewhat independently on their homework, rather than waiting to get home to do it.

Etude dirigée, on the other hand, is more of a directed study hall for students in difficulty, who would benefit from small class size and more personal attention. The type of study hall offered depends on the school.

6. School holidays throughout the year

French kids have a 2 week holiday every 6 weeks.  This means all kids in France are off of school for 2 full weeks during each of the following months:

• December ( Christmas holidays )
• February ( for ski holidays ),
• April   

This is part of the regular cycle of holidays in France, and many parents also take the time off to go somewhere with their kids, for at least one week out of the two weeks. (French adults usually have between 6-10 weeks holidays , and so can afford to do so.)

☞ READ MORE: French Holiday Calendar: All the Official and Quirky celebrations

To reduce the number of people going on holiday at any one time, the map of France is divided into 3 zones, A, B & C. The school holidays (other than Christmas) are staggered within a few days, so that the entire country is not on holiday at the same time.

Nevertheless, if you are holidaying in France around that time, expect higher prices, more drivers on the road , and longer lines at tourist attractions. School holidays are an “event” in France.

During all school holidays including each summer , the centre de loisirs is open to look after preschool and primary school kids whose parents are working. The centers are usually run by some of the same animators who run the Wednesday programs so children are usually already familiar with the process.

7. Cursive Handwriting

Handwriting still matters in France. Kids in maternelle are taught to draw in boucles (curls) in order to later learn to write in cursive. By the time they finish primary school , students are expected to master the cursive and write beautifully.

☞ READ MORE: 5 Written style differences between French and English

8. Dictation

Along with beautiful handwriting, la dictée (dictation) is also a big part of French learning. Unlike English, French is a language with a lot of accents and hidden sounds and accords.

As such, learning to write with the teacher dictating a paragraph of French literature is part of the culture.

9. Memorizing Poetry

Along with dictation, students study famous French poets and classic poetry in school, and at times are expected to be able to memorize it and recite it in class. The idea is to listen to understand “the diversity of language”.

It starts early in maternelle with nursery rhymes and french songs, before moving to poetry as they move into primary school. You can read some examples of French poetry for kids here.

☞ READ MORE: Top French Songs for Kids

10. Learning English

The joke among French people is that they don’t know how to speak that “universal language”, English. It may certainly be not as well as the Dutch or Scandinavians do, but French children actually do get exposure to English at a young age.

Even babies in crèche get some exposure to English, as do kids in maternelle and up.

11. Philosophy exams

Unlike the U.S. or U.K., one of the subjects that is mandatory in France is philosophy. It is obligatory in the final year of high school, to emphasize “the learning of freedom through the exercise of reflection”.

The first exam in the BAC series of exams is always philosophy. Here is a recent question from that exam:

Est-il possible d’échapper au temps ? – Is it possible to escape time? Essay Question on BAC exam

12. Home schooling is legal in France but discouraged

If this all sounds overwhelming to you, homeschooling is legal in France although not widely encouraged.

The Mairie in your town will require you to make an annual declaration, as will the  rectorat  (school inspector). Parents must cover roughly the same curriculum as a French school.

13. Public Schooling is free

If homeschooling is not for you, you will be pleased to know that the normal schooling system is free in France. Parents only pay for the lunchtime canteen, as well as if they use the early morning drop-off or late evening pick-up services.

These services are income-based and tax credits are available as well. The average cost is as cheap as €1-7/day.

14. No school uniforms

Unlike the U.K., students in France don’t wear school uniforms, at least not in public schools. There has been some debate about bringing back uniforms, but none seriously.

15. Boys and girls together

In addition, boys and girls are not separated in separate classes or schools as they are in the U.K. or other countries. Even private schools in France are usually integrated.

16. School canteens

Lunch time is considered part of schooling, and French schools take it quite seriously. No picky eaters allowed here. From a young age, children are introduced to a wide variety of healthy meals and taught to try everything.

Here is a maternelle and primary school sample menu:

☞ READ MORE: French food that all kids will love

And one thing you will not find in a French school canteen: Ketchup. The French government banned it from being allowed in school canteens in 2011, in an effort to combat obesity.

17. Outside the classroom

Beyond classroom learning, students are offered Class Verte or Classe Blanche , which are experiences outside the classroom.

In Classe Verte (green class) is exploring the countryside, with activities such as hiking, canoeing, horseback riding, etc.

Classe Blanche (white class) is usually for skiing and snow-related activities. Students who live the French Alps usually also have day trips to nearby ski resorts in winter as part of their schooling.

These classes are usually in primary school, but are also sometimes offered for Grand Section in maternelle or middle school students. These can be daytrips or overnight trips over 1-3 weeks, where the entire class is expected to participate.

The teacher accompanies the trip with regular lessons in the morning, and the afternoon used to concentrate on the physical activities.

High school students are also offered trips in France and around the world, depending on the town’s resources. Recent trips in high schools in Paris have been to China, India, New York, etc.

18. Education grants from the government

Parents receive aid to send their children to school for supplies, clothing, etc. Allocation de rentrée scolaire  (ARS) is an income-based allocation available for children aged 6 to 18 from modest families. It is approximately €400/year per child.

☞ READ MORE: The Surprising benefits large families get in France

19. Boarding schools

While boarding schools are common in the U.K., they are not common in France, especially in big cities. However, in the French countryside where the closest middle school or high school may not offer all the classes the student would like, boarding schools are available.

These schools are called internats , and offer a variety of options such as full days with meals, overnight stays, etc.

20. Grading

Starting in collège , the French grading system becomes quite hard. A 12 out of 20 is considered a pretty decent mark. Unlike North America, where a good portion of the class is expected to be in the 70%-90% range, this is not the case in France.

The official grading for the BAC shows at what point the student can earn a “mention”:

21. No grading on a curve

As you may have guessed with such a difficult grading system, there is no grading on a curve. If all the students in the class failed, there is no curve to bring them up, even if it shows that something has clearly gone.

22. French teachers cannot be fired

Teachers in France are government employees known as fonctionnaires and cannot be fired (unless there are really exceptional circumstances such as criminal offences, etc.)

Most teachers are hardworking and passionate about their jobs, but this strong job protection does leave a few bad apples in their posts.

23. Parental approval

Parents must give their approval for child to move up a grade. At the end of each year, parents receive two forms for the Poursuite de Scolarité . The first form is the Proposition du conseil des maîtres with the decision of teacher and school to either promote the student or keep him/her behind. Parents have a few days to approve or appeal the decision.

A few days after that, parents will get a 2nd form with la décision of Conseil des maîtres . This decision can then also be approved or appealed by the parents to the Appeals Commission and the School Board.

24. Doubling school years (Redoublement)

Redoublement , meaning to redoing the scholastic year, is not uncommon in France. In addition, there is no social stigma to doing so. This is especially the case for the scholastic years that are at the end of a learning cycle (in CE2, 6ème, 3ème).

A child will be held back if he cannot demonstrate the necessary competence in that cycle. The idea is to have the student catch up before he gets any further.

25. Teaching assistance

Foreign students who don’t speak French are provided a teaching assistant through Français Langue Etrangère (FLE) .

In addition, children who have learning or physical disabilities are provided special assistants to help them navigate the system ( Services d’éducation spéciale et de soins à domicile ).

☞ READ MORE: Raising bilingual children: A Brit in Paris

26. Elite schools: Henri IV and Louis le Grand

In the heart of the Latin Quarter and the 5th arrondissement sits two of the most famous schools in France , the Ecole Henri IV and Louis le Grand.

Ecole Louis le Grand was founded in the early 1560s by the Jesuits as the  Collège de Clermont , was renamed in 1682 for the Sun King Louis XIV during Louis’s reign.

Ecole Henri IV was founded in the early 1796 after the French revolution , and was named King Henri IV in 1815. It is located on Rue Clovis , a street named after the 1st King of the Franks .

After the revolution, names of royalty were not popular. Both schools changed names several times, before finally being restored. Today they remain two best high schools in the country, offering scholarships and taking the best students from all across France.

27. Lycée Français overseas

The French government tries to promote French language education around the world, including funding schools for expatriates who want their children to continue learning French.

The schools known as Lycée Français receive funding from the French government, for locations as far and wide as New York in the USA to Ho Chi Minh city in Vietnam.

28. No Graduation Ceremonies

Congratulations you’ve gotten through school! There is no graduation ceremony however, no gown and gown or getting a diploma from the school principal. This can be a shock to North Americans where schools celebrate this event at every level, from elementary to middle school, middle school to high school, etc.

French parents may hold a small party for their kids, but that is about it. You would be hard pressed to find graduation cards and ballons at your local French grocery store , but I suppose that is life!

So is the French school system similar to schooling where you are from? If you enjoyed that article, you may enjoy reading more about the French school system and about living in Paris . A bientôt!

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