New Delhi: France, victim of two terrorist attacks within a year, is known for its free spirit and lively culture. From its landmark architect to its exotic language, France is known for many things around the world.
French people have impacted humanity around the world through their philosophies and art. But still there are still a few things you probably don't know about France.
Here are 10 awesome facts about France and French people that will change the way of your thinking towards them:
1-There is only one ‘stop sign' in the entire city of Paris
It is amazing to know that there is only one stop sign in city of Paris and the sign can be found at the exit building company in the rich 16th arrondissement (an administrative district of certain large French cities)
2-You can marry a dead person in France
Marrying to a dead body is known as ‘posthumous marriage' in France. It was started in 1950s when few women were married to soldiers that had died a few weeks earlier and this practice was extended to civilians.
Nowadays, anyone can file for posthumous marriage in France.
3-During WWII, the French cut the lift cables on the Eiffel Tower so that Hitler would have to climb the steps
When Hitler visited Paris during WWII, the French cut the lift cables on the Eiffel Tower so that Hitler would have to climb the steps if he wanted to reach the top.
They thought Hitler would be too lazy to climb all the steps, but he “surprised” everyone by making it to the top.
4- Cheaper coffee for customers who use “hello” and “please” in this cafe
In a coffee shop of France, if a customer is polite and humble are charged less than those who do not use the words like hello and please.
In simple words, a coffee ordered with no greeting will be more expensive than with those ordered using humble words.
5-Louis XIX was King of France for just 20 minutes
Louis XIX was the eldest son of King Charles X of France. Louis abdicated the throne to his nephew a mere 20 minutes after receiving it and set a record that is likely never to be broken in the future.
6-Potatoes were illegal in France between 1748 and 1772
In France, farmers considered the potato poisonous, and they used to believed that Potatoes causes leprosy and other terrible diseases.
Potatoes were given to the animals as people were afraid too afraid to eat them.
French Parliament passed a law in 1748 barring anyone to grow Potatoes but later the law was abolished.
7-In France, nearly 96% of high schools have condom vending machines
In France, nearly 96% of high schools have condom vending machines as part of educating students about sexuality and HIV protection.
The Headmasters of the schools in France say that the move is about “prevention and education” of students against the risks of HIV and pregnancy.
8-There is a town in France called Condom
Deep in the south of France there is a town called ‘Condom' which now a days is a tourist spot. It has lively atmosphere which makes tourist to do plenty of things as It is pleasant to the eyes and the buildings are gracefully constructed here which attracts people across the world.
9-It was illegal to wear trousers for women in Paris
In Paris, women were not allowed to “dress like a man” and wear trousers under 214-year-old law which was imposed in November 17, 1800.
10-France, a sleepiest country in the world
According to a data, the average person in France sleeps 8.83 hours per day which is the most in the developed world.
French needs to cut their sleeping hours as according to a survey conducted by Organization for Economic Cooperation & Development (OECD) France is lacking behind in terms of its social habits.
