France is located in Western Europe, which is bordered by the English Channel in the north, the Atlantic Ocean in the west and the Mediterranean Sea in the south. France borders Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Spain. The island of Corsica also belongs to France. The highest point of Western Europe, Mont Blanc, is located in the French Alps.
Basic information
Sea
Summer stays
Why go to France
France is visited annually by approximately 70 million tourists from all over the world, as it is one of the most visited countries in the world. This is no wonder, because France offers many different reasons to visit. From beautiful nature through sand dunes, sea waves suitable for surfing, lovers of culture and history will also enjoy themselves here, and most importantly you will taste the real French cuisine that the whole world desires. One of the most visited places in France is also the highest mountain Mont Blanc, from where we offer a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside. Families with children, young couples, the elderly go to France, in short, it is suitable for all ages and you will place this place among your favorite destinations.
The capital of France
The capital Paris or the most romantic place in Europe. Paris is the capital not only of France, but also the capital of fashion and the metropolis of love. Paris has its charm and many women leave the city with a ring on their left hand. YES, many couples get engaged here, most often asking for hands at the Palais de Chaillot and Martova Pole or during a romantic evening cruise on the river Seine.
- Paris boasts more than 1,800 monuments, 170 museums, half a million trees and a few replicas of the Statue of Liberty.
- Paris is a major world cultural, commercial and political center.
The city is divided by the river Seine on the left and right banks. The city also includes the three islands Île de la Cité, Île Saint-Louis and the artificial island Île aux Cygnes.
Flag of France
The national flag of France has the form of a vertical tricolor composed of a blue, white and red stripe. The white color follows the traditional white royal flag, red and blue are the colors of Paris, which form the city flag. The roots of the French flag go back to the French Revolution. It was officially recognized as the national symbol of France in 1790 .. During the revolution of 1848, the red flag was used on the barricades. Subsequently, the tricolor was adopted as the national flag.
Population
France’s population is around 65,072,000, including overseas territories. According to estimates, France will have about 70,608,998 inhabitants in 2050, but it will not surpass Germany.
Approximately 51 million (85%) Caucasians of European descent, 6 million (10%) people from North Africa, 2 million (3.5%) blacks and 1 million (1.5%) people of Asian descent, including all generations, live in France. with immigrant origin.
By law of 1872, France forbids distinguishing between its citizens on the basis of race or religion during the census.
Holidays in France
Public holidays in France are usually accompanied by military parades and fireworks over the Eiffel Tower.
- January 1 New Year - one of the biggest celebrations of the year
- Easter Monday (moving date) - During Easter, there are many different events, especially for children looking for eggs either in the garden or in the park. Disneyland Paris also offers a children’s program. Then begins the great pilgrimage of the Foire du Trone in the Vincennes Forest. Impressive and unforgettable Masses are held in the churches, and one of the most visited is the Mass in Notre Dame Cathedral.
- May 8 Victory Day - every year the President of the Republic lays a flower on the grave under the Arc de Triomphe and revives an eternal fire in honor of an unknown soldier. Most monuments and museums are open on this day, only at the Arc de Triomphe is with restrictions.
- Ascension Day 39 days after Easter - Shops are closed, monuments are usually open
- Whit Monday - 50 days after Easter - this holiday is celebrated by the locals in their own way, mostly enjoying a picnic in the park or in the gardens. Shops are closed, some museums offer free admission this day.
- July 14 Celebrations of the fall of the Bastille - these are the most spectacular celebrations of France on the anniversary of the beginning of the Great French Revolution and the fall of the fortress of the Bastille. In this story you will see on the Champs-Elysées one of the largest parades in the world accompanied by firefighters and soldiers. He performs acrobatic flights in the sky, which draws a tricolor on the sky of Paris. There is fireworks over the Eiffel Tower in the evening.
- August 15 Assumption - Impressive Masses are held again at Notre Dame Cathedral
- November 1 Feast of All Saints
- November 11 Armistice - celebration of the end of the First World War. The museums are war-oriented and in many places you will see the French tricolor.
- December 25 Christmas - a visit to France during Advent and the Advent holidays offers the most magical experiences and memories. You will enjoy the Christmas atmosphere the most at the Advent markets on the Champs-Elyséée, but prepare in advance for large crowds. On this day, most museums and monuments are closed to the public.
Coat of arms of France
The coat of arms of France as an official symbol of the state does not currently exist. The only official symbol of the state is the tricolor. But, for example, an unofficial coat of arms can be seen on French consulates and passports. This “emblem” has been an unofficial symbol of France since 1953, although it has no legal status as an official emblem. It appears on the cover of French passports and was originally accepted by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a symbol for the use of diplomatic and consular missions in 1912 using a design by sculptor Jules-Clément Kaplanen. This Coat of arms is more of an emblem, as it does not respect heraldic rules.
The emblem consists of the following parts:
- Wide shield - at one end a lion’s head and at the other an eagle’s head, bearing the monogram “RF”.
- Laurel twig
- Oak branches - symbolizing wisdom.
- Fasces - a symbol associated with the judiciary.
Currency in France
In France, as in many European countries, you pay in euros.
Here we stumble upon similar prices in all areas as in England. Whether it’s a shopping in the store or when we visit a restaurant.
Tipping is usually already included in the price. If you were satisfied, you can add another 10%. Tipping is also expected by a taxi driver or hotel staff.
Prices in France
Approximate prices (converted to GBP):
| Quantity Price in GBP EUR | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Bottle of wine 0.75l | 4.9 | 5.5 | |
| Local beer from the shop 0.5l | 1.6 | 1.8 | |
| Food in a cheaper restaurant 1 person 13 | 15 | ||
| Three - course menu in a mid - level restaurant 1 person 22.2 | 25 | ||
| Beer in a restaurant 0.5l | 4.9 | 5.5 | |
| Cappuccino | 3 | 3.4 | |
| Coca Cola | 0.33l | 3 | 3.4 |
| Water 0.33l | 2.2 | 2.5 |
Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and most visited places in France is mont Saint-Michel. It is a small island on the Normandy coast, which offers a truly breathtaking spectacle. The extremely strong tides in the bay of Baie du Mont Saint Michel can be used as a natural defense. Water is still rising and falling depending on the lunar calendar. A bridge was built between the mainland and the island in 2014. At high tide, the water always cut off the island. And at low tide the sea was so far away that it could not be seen with the naked eye.
Farms where snails graze
There are currently around two hundred snail farms in France. Up to fifteen species of snails of the genus Helix are bred on them. The most delicious is the garden or speckled snail, but they are rarely bred on farms, because carcass sizes do not grow until three years later. That is why you will most often come across farms focused on African snails, which weigh the required 10 g in just three months, when they can already reproduce. You can also find it under the name snail caviar, because it produces larger eggs, used for caviar. Breeding takes place in buildings with artificially maintained microclimate, tunnel houses and greenhouses and outdoors. Soil quality is especially important for the proper development of the snail, ie slightly calcareous soil with 80% humidity and more than 80% air humidity at an ideal temperature of 15 to 25 ° C. If the snail is exposed to too cold or too hot, it will retract into his house where no one can access it.
Opponents of snails argue that snails evoke a similar aversion to them as mushrooms. Yes - snails and mushrooms have only one leg. But this is the end of the similarity. The flesh of the snail is very soft, reminiscent of something between mussels and harder beef. Gourmets who love it, eat the snail liver and the smallest caviar in addition to the muscular legs.
Toulouse
The French call Toulouse a pink city. But it could also rightly be called purple after the ubiquitous violets.
Toulouse is the fourth largest city in France, its streets are full of young people, because there is one of the largest universities in France, which is also one of the oldest in Europe. They meet here in front of the gigantic brick palace Capitole, the seat of city councilors, with a history dating back to the 12th century. Its construction, like many other houses, is made of flat Toulouse brick, the typical color of which gave the town the nickname Pink City. It was made of clay from the bottom of the Garonne River.
Interesting facts about France
The guillotine, digital calculator, hot air balloon and Braille come from France.
France is setting fashion trends for the whole world.
The shortest reign was only minutes of King Louis XIX of France. He abdicated his throne in favor of his nephew.
Since 1634, the French Academy has been protecting French from foreign words such as: e-mail, hashtag, blog, etc.
France holds the most Nobel Prizes in literature.
The average Frenchman eats up to 500 snails a year.
In every city in France, there is a street named after Victor Hugo.
Important contacts
Where to call in case of emergency in France?
Rescue service, fire brigade, police: 112
The telephone code for France is +331.
Contacts at the Embassy of the United Kingdom in France:
Address:
Embassy of the United Kingdom
35 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris,
Phone: +33 1 44 51 31 00
Email: france.enquiries@fcdo.gov.uk.
Further contacts can be found at https://www.gov.uk/world/france
Thanks
Fotografie od Augustina de Montesquiou, Unsplash
