17 Fun Facts About France for Kids

Want to help your child foster a love for the French language and culture? Fun facts can be the key to making connections that no textbook exercise could ever achieve! 

In this blog post, we’ll share 17 exciting facts about France and French culture for kids that will help bring the language to life! We’ll also show you how to get a free online French class for kids.

Let’s begin!

#1 The Eiffel Tower was built for a world’s fair.

Did you know that the Eiffel Tower in Paris wasn’t always there? It was built as a temporary structure for a big world’s fair in 1889! Now, it’s one of the world’s most famous landmarks and lights up the “City of Light” at night.

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#2 French food is amazing!

French cuisine is famous worldwide for its delicious flavors and culinary traditions. Kids can savor delightful French dishes, including classics like escargot, quiche, and ratatouille.

France is also renowned for its mouth-watering pastries, such as pain au chocolat and macarons. Visiting a French patisserie is like entering a sweet wonderland!

Learn more: French food for kids: popular dishes to win them over

#3 France is the home to some of the most famous artists.

France has been a source of inspiration for some of the world’s most celebrated artists. Visionaries like Henri Matisse, Claude Monet, and Paul Cézanne created captivating artworks in France, drawing inspiration from its diverse landscapes and vibrant culture. 

Exploring French art can ignite your child’s creativity and inspire them to see the world through an artistic lens. Who knows, perhaps your child will discover their own artistic talent along the way!

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#4 French is a global language.

Learning French is like having a passport to explore multiple countries with a single language! Why? Because French isn’t just spoken in France. It’s the key to communication in nearly 30 countries around the world! 

So, when your child learns French, they’re not just learning a language – they’re unlocking doors to a whole world of diverse cultures, from the charming streets of Paris to the vibrant markets of Madagascar and the tropical beauty of Tahiti. 

Learn more: Online French Classes for Kids

#5 French people have fun celebrations and festivals.

Bastille Day, on July 14th, is one of the most popular French holidays, with parades, fireworks, and parties everywhere! It celebrates the storming of the Bastille, a famous prison in Paris. In Paris, people gather along the Champs-Élysées to watch a spectacular military parade and enjoy the colorful fireworks that light up the Eiffel Tower.

On January 6th, French people enjoy a special cake called a “galette des rois.” It’s filled with almond cream and has a hidden charm inside. If you find the charm in your slice, you’re the king or queen for the day! Many French children love this tradition and even wear crowns during the festivities.

Learn more: Holidays in France that your children will love 

#6 The Provence region of France also has a unique Christmas tradition.

In the region of Provence, people celebrate Christmas with a special tradition called “Les Treize Desserts” (The Thirteen Desserts). Families gather to enjoy a festive meal that includes thirteen different desserts, symbolizing Jesus and the twelve apostles. It’s a delicious and meaningful way to celebrate the holiday season.

Learn more: Thirteen Desserts Facts for Kids 

#7 France has cool castles!

France is home to some of the world’s most captivating castles, known as châteaux. These castles aren’t just historic; they’re like pages torn from a fairy tale. Some even come complete with moats and drawbridges, making you feel like you’re in a medieval adventure!

Among these incredible châteaux, Château de Chambord stands out as one of the most famous. It boasts a remarkable double-helix staircase, a true masterpiece believed to be designed by Leonardo da Vinci.

Learn more: Castles in France | French Castles for Kids 

#8 France is also home to the world’s tallest bridge

The Millau Viaduct, located in southern France, is the tallest bridge in the world. It stands taller than the Eiffel Tower! 

This stunning engineering marvel offers breathtaking views of the French countryside. Kids with a sense of adventure will be amazed by this towering bridge! 

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#9 French cats are fancy.

Did you know that Chartreux cats are a special breed from France? They have lovely blue-gray fur and are known for being friendly and loving. These cats have charming smiles and are often called “smiling cats” because of their sweet expressions.

Learn more: Fun Chartreux Facts For Kids

#10 France is famous for ballet.

France is renowned for its enchanting ballet performances, where graceful dancers take center stage, twirling and leaping in stunning costumes.

Behind these breathtaking performances lies a world of dedication and discipline. Ballet dancers devote years of rigorous training to master their craft, perfecting every move to deliver awe-inspiring performances on stage.

Learn more: Five Fun Facts about Ballet! 

#11 The movie camera was invented in France.

Did you know that the Lumière brothers, who were French inventors, created the first movie camera in the late 19th century? This invention paved the way for the birth of cinema as we know it today. French cinema also has a rich history, with legendary directors like Jean-Luc Godard and François Truffaut.

Learn more: History of French Cinema 

#12 Soccer is very popular in France.

In France, soccer, known as “football,” is more than just a sport; it’s a way of life! Across the country, you’ll find parks and fields buzzing with the excitement of young French children honing their soccer skills.

But the passion for soccer doesn’t stop there. France boasts a rich soccer tradition. Its national team, Les Bleus, has achieved greatness internationally, winning the FIFA World Cup two times. The football stadiums come alive with cheers, flags, and songs as fans from all walks of life gather to support their favorite teams.

Learn more: France national football team Facts for Kids 

#13 France has beautiful beaches.

France has stunning beaches along the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The French Riviera, also known as the Côte d’Azur, is famous for its glamorous beaches where celebrities like to relax and soak up the sun. The beaches in France are also perfect for family vacations!

Learn more: France’s 10 Best Beaches – France Today 

#14 The fashion capital of the world is in France.

Paris, the capital of France, is the fashion capital of the world! Exploring French fashion can be a fun way for your child to express their personal style. 

France is also home to some of the world’s most famous fashion designers, like Coco Chanel and Louis Vuitton. These designers have created iconic clothing and accessories that are worn by people all around the world.

Learn more: The French woman’s guide to dressing your child like a mini Parisienne 

#15 France has its own Disneyland.

France has its very own Disneyland theme park called Disneyland Paris. It’s just as magical as the one in the United States, with exciting rides and beloved Disney characters! 

Meeting Mickey Mouse, exploring Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, and riding thrilling roller coasters are just some of the adventures kids tend to love at Disneyland Paris. It’s another great destination for a fun family vacation in France!

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#16 There are floating gardens in France.

In the city of Amiens, you can find the Hortillonnages, which are floating gardens on the canals. These gardens are made up of small plots of land separated by waterways, and they are cultivated by local gardeners.

If you and your family visit France, you can explore these enchanting gardens by taking a traditional flat-bottomed boat ride.

Learn more: The ancient French town of floating gardens

#17 France is a land of diverse landscapes.

From the lavender fields in Provence to the snowy peaks of the French Alps, there’s a lot to explore in France. Exploring these landscapes is like journeying through different worlds without leaving France’s borders.

By helping your child learn about the French landscapes, you can help them imagine traveling there one day! 

Learn more: 11 Breathtaking Natural Landscapes in France | Culture Trip 

How to get a free online French class for kids

As a parent eager to introduce your child to the wonders of France, we’re sure you also want them to learn the language! 

At LingoCircle, we offer dynamic and engaging online French classes for kids. Our team of certified, native-speaking educators uses innovative teaching methods to keep young learners motivated and excited about learning how to speak French.

We offer full immersion or dual language options for multilingual families, classes aligned with traditional French preschool and elementary education curricula, and French as a Foreign Language courses for English-speaking families with children aged eight and above.Want to see how much fun learning French online can be for your child?  Sign up for LingoCircle’s free trial class!