A summer approaches, lots of people are planning summer vacations. France is a very popular destination for summer travel.

Here are 10 interesting things you might not know about France:

1. The French Eat Over 30,000 Tons of Cheese Every Year

France is home to more than 1,000 types of cheese, and they consume over 30,000 tons annually. From creamy Brie to sharp Roquefort, cheese is a staple in daily French life!

2. There’s a Village in France That Has No Roads

The village of Éze on the French Riviera is unique in that it’s entirely pedestrianized. Located high on a cliff, the only way to get to it is by foot, making it a hidden gem for travelers.

3. France Has the Oldest Active Lighthouse in the World

The Phare de Cordouan, located in the Atlantic Ocean near Bordeaux, has been in continuous operation since 1611, making it the world’s oldest still-functioning lighthouse.

4. The French Revolution Led to the Creation of the Metric System

The metric system was officially adopted by France during the French Revolution as part of the new government’s effort to rationalize measurements and move away from older, often inconsistent systems.

5. The French Take Their Vacation Time Seriously

France has one of the most generous vacation policies in the world. Workers are guaranteed at least 5 weeks of paid vacation per year, and many people take their full allotment.

6. The Louvre Was Originally a Royal Palace

Before becoming the world’s largest art museum, the Louvre was a royal palace. It wasn’t until the French Revolution in the late 18th century that the Louvre began its transformation into the museum we know today.

7. France Has the Most UNESCO World Heritage Sites

With more than 40 sites recognized by UNESCO, France has the most World Heritage Sites in the world, ranging from ancient Roman ruins to stunning medieval cities and famous landmarks like Mont-Saint-Michel.

8. French Toast Isn’t Actually French

Despite its name, French toast didn’t originate in France. The dish is believed to have roots in ancient Rome and was likely popularized in Europe much earlier than in France.

9. The Eiffel Tower Was Once Meant to Be Temporary

The Eiffel Tower was initially built for the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris as a temporary structure. Gustave Eiffel, the engineer, planned to dismantle it afterward, but it became so popular that it was kept and is now one of the most iconic landmarks in the world.

10. France Is Home to the World’s Oldest Wine Cellar

The Maison des Vins in the Burgundy region has wine that dates back to 1478! The French have a long history of winemaking, and Burgundy is one of the oldest and most renowned wine regions in the world.

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