10 Interesting Facts About France You Probably Didn't Know: Complete Travel Guide & eSIM Tips

France is the most visited country in the world, and one can easily guess the reasons behind it. Apart from the picturesque streets of Paris, the beautiful vineyards of Bordeaux, and the splendour of the French Riviera, France is a country with many exciting customs, impressive history, and interesting legal subtleties.

From historical mystery lovers to travellers getting ready for their first trip abroad, read on to find out the most interesting facts about France, together with useful travel tips and mobile data solutions from SIMZY.

1. Facts About the Eiffel Tower: Growth Spurt, Night Photos, and Temporary Designs

As the Eiffel Tower may be a famous landmark in a city like Paris, there is still so much more to the story than what one sees at first glance:

• The Eiffel Tower Grows Taller in Summer: As the tower is made of iron, thermal expansion comes into play; the tower literally expands in summer heat, which makes it grow in height! During winter, however, the iron shrinks because of cold temperatures.
• The Eiffel Tower Was Never Meant to Last for More than Two Decades: It was built as an arch for the World's Fair that took place in Paris in 1889, and many artists from the city complained about it. The tower was supposed to be demolished in 1909, but the officials of the city found an alternative use for it as a radio telegraph antenna.
• In the past, copyright laws limited nighttime photos. Although daytime images are considered public property, because of copyright law in the EU, the artistic light display in nighttime photography is protected. Therefore, people who want to use these photos commercially must obtain the necessary permits.

1. Facts About French Food: UNESCO Heritage, Baguettes, and Cheese

French cuisine is well-known globally, but its principles are also quite intriguing:

• French Cuisine is Under Protection of UNESCO: As of 2010, the "French gastronomic meal consisting of several dishes" has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. French people treat eating as a cultural ceremony rather than just a way to nourish the body.
• Never Put a Baguette Upside Down: According to a superstition, in the Middle Ages, bakers handed the upside-down baguettes to executioners to show people that these people shouldn't be touched. Today, the French still believe that it is unlucky to put a baguette upside down on the table!
• More than 1000 Types of Cheese: French cheeses can be divided into eight categories, but they still count more than a thousand varieties of cheese.
• Supermarkets are not allowed to dispose of excess food: France has introduced a novel regulation that prohibits supermarkets from either destroying or wasting any food that is obviously edible, hence making it mandatory for them to donate it to charities and food banks.

1. Fun Facts About France: Unique Laws, Time Zones, and History

Here are some interesting pieces of information about France, mentioned to showcase its significance globally.

• France has the Most Time Zones Worldwide: Owing to its several overseas territories (like Réunion, Guadeloupe, and French Polynesia), France has the maximum number of time zones in the world at 12 - more than Russia or the United States.
• Croissants Originated in Austria: Croissant is something that every person associates with French cuisine; however, it has its origins in Austria - in Vienna, the Kipferl.
• French Shows and Radio Stations Have a French-Language Quota: To preserve their cultural identity, French radio channels must comply with the regulations and air at least 40 percent of the songs in French.

1. Essential France Travel Tips: Staying Connected with SIMZY eSIM

Travelling in the Paris Metro, checking the opening hours for the Louvre, translating the menus in bistros, or ordering an Uber at night requires a stable mobile connection. Rather than paying high fees for international roaming with your local carrier or waiting at the airport in long lines for a plastic SIM card, the best option is to get a France eSIM from SIMZY.

SIMZY France eSIM Data Plans

Option 1: Data-Only Plans (Ideal for Apps, Navigation, & Social Media)

Option 2: Data + Calls & Texts Plans (Complete Connectivity)

Why Choose a SIMZY France eSIM for Your Trip?

• Immediate E-delivery: Buy your subscription online, scan the QR code and connect as soon as your plane lands at Charles de Gaulle or Orly Airport.
• Two-SIM feature: Keep your main SIM active for urgent calls or 2FA codes while you are using your French eSIM for speedy 5G internet access.
• Convenient Recharge Options: If you change your plans and spend longer in France’s beautiful countryside, you can recharge your balance online without reconfiguring anything.

Get Connected for Your French Adventure Today

Set to discover the charming streets of Paris, savour exceptional food, and discover iconic monuments? Don't let expensive roaming or connection problems hold you back from having this experience. Go to SIMZY, choose the suitable France eSIM package for you, and enjoy hassle-free and fast connectivity throughout your trip!