France is a very interesting country. For hundreds of years of its existence, it has developed a unique culture, customs and history. Much is already known to everyone. For example, millions of tourists come to Paris every year to enjoy the Eiffel Tower and eat a croissant in a nearby cafe.
But just as much remains hidden from view. After all, a country is not only tourist destinations and advertised places. Arriving for a week in the city of love, tourists do not notice many interesting features.
We bring to your attention a list of the 10 most interesting facts about France for children of the 3rd grade: short and amazing stories about the country.
10. Army pigeons
Carrier pigeons still in service in Francedespite the development of new technologies. The main reason is that if all the necessary equipment fails, the pigeons will be able to quickly transmit information.
Most often, the descendants of those pigeons who still participated in military campaigns are in the service. They contributed to the outcome of the events by passing cards, letters and orders. Some were even used as scouts, attaching a camera to them, and then studying the frames obtained.
Currently, if a civilian in France decides to have a carrier pigeon, he is notified of when the military will ask him to lend this pet to maintain communication.
9. Homeland of Gothic Arts
France is considered the birthplace of Gothic art., because in the North of this country around the XII-XIII centuries Gothic was born. Its appearance is due to the fact that the unification of the country began just at that time.
The beautiful Gothic stone cathedrals have become symbols of the fact that the kingdom is centralized, and cities are becoming more and more independent. It was there and at that time that the Gothic cathedrals acquired their classical form.
Since the center of France, Ile de France, is considered the cradle of Gothic architecture, here you can see the best example of early Gothic art - Notre Dame Cathedral.
8. 12 time zones
France does not boast of its enormous size (although it is the largest of the EU countries). But, despite the occupied territory, it covers 12 time zones.
Yes, the country is in the same meridian, but if we take into account all the islands belonging to it, then it becomes the champion among European countries in the number of time zones occupied. Here, the transition to winter and summer time is still practiced.
France is in the zero time zone, but in order to avoid problems with the rest of the European countries, Central European time is used here.
7. The fastest king
The most “fastest” king is Louis XIX, this is the legitimate eldest son of Charles H. His father reigned six years before the Second French Revolution (the event is also called “Three Glorious Days”).
King Charles X abdicated. Only he did not want to transfer all power to his son, but relied more on his grandson. Therefore, he demanded that Louis XIX renounce.
Thus, Louis signed the necessary documents after his father on August 2, 1830, having been king for 20 minutes.
6. Rooster - an unofficial symbol of the country
Rooster, or rather Gallic Rooster, became an unofficial symbol of the country at a time when France was not in sight. Initially, these were the tribes of the Franks, who united in the state of "Gaul". If you translate the word "gallus" from Latin, then it will have two options: "Gaul" or "cock". Therefore, the Romans only called the inhabitants of these places.
In the fifteenth century, the cock becomes the emblem of France thanks to one of the kings. And now it remains an unofficial symbol of the country, and the French proudly believe that it means independence and freedom, as well as arrogance and invincibility.
5. Love for baguettes
Baguette and France are almost synonyms. Here they are sold everywhere, and you can notice the fragrant long bread peeking out of the grocery bag at almost every Frenchman who comes from the store.
Interesting fact: why did they start making bread in such a strange shape? There is an interesting version that the first baguettes appeared in the years when the French metro was laid. Work was carried out slowly due to constant clashes between workers. These clashes were overshadowed by the fact that every worker carried a knife for cutting bread. It was then that bakers and came up with a shape that does not require a knife and is conveniently divided or torn into pieces.
4. 90% of Frenchmen drive their own cars
A huge part of the French use cars made in their home country. The production of such brands as Peugeot, Renault and Citroen has been established here.
On the street it is not often possible to see other brands of cars, although they, no doubt, are also present. But most often these are top-class cars in rich areas. But the population with an average income prefers domestic manufacturers.
Interesting fact: the first license plate was invented and used right there in France.
3. The Louvre Museum - the most visited museum in the world
The Louvre Museum has become no less popular tourist destination than the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame or Disneyland. It is not only the most visited, but also one of the largest museums in the world. About 38 thousand works of art are exhibited in its halls, and 422 thousand are stored in storage rooms.
It was originally a royal residence, so it was built for a long time. Each next king considered it his duty to complete something. This building began to be used as a museum in 1993, although before that, some exhibits were stored there, including military trophies brought by Napoleon from other countries.
But, despite its already huge collection, the Louvre continues to acquire masterpieces by masters to show them to tourists in its halls.
2. World leader in the manufacture of jewelry, cosmetics and perfumes
Perfumes, jewelry and cosmetics from France are well-known to everyone. French perfumes have become the most popular souvenirs as a gift. And this is fully justified, because France is the standard of perfumery.
They say: "Paris is a city where aromas are created for prestige. Grass is a city where the best fragrant flowers are grown. "The Cote d'Azur is a place where professionals work, making the best perfume compositions."
Indeed, in this country there is everything to create the most magical aromas. For this reason, they have been professionally engaged in perfumes since about the XVIII century. During this time, many names, firms and smells appeared and disappeared, but France does not lose its leadership to this day.
1. The world's leading agricultural producer
One of the leading agricultural producers in the world is France. She has developed both livestock and crop production. This country is one of the leading in numbers of cattle, pigs and poultry.
One of the first on the lists for the production of milk, eggs and meat. She also leads among countries producing grain crops: wheat, barley, corn. France took these positions not at the expense of large territories, but thanks to the development of technology.
Today, agriculture is very highly industrialized. It was through the provision of new technology that France increased its level of self-sufficiency.