National symbols

Flag: Vertical tricolor of blue, white, and red from left (Tricolore)

France Flag

Emblem: National emblem combining bundled fasces with laurel and oak branches and "RF" monogram

France Emblem

Trivia & facts

  • Eiffel Tower was initially built as 20-year temporary structure
  • Baguette weight and length are legally regulated
  • Louvre Museum collection exceeds 380,000 items
  • World''s first film screening occurred in 1895 at Paris Grand Café basement
  • Over 1,000 cheese varieties said to require "3 years at one per day"
  • Official French standards determined by Académie française
  • Paris underground contains 300km-long catacombs
  • Post office has issued scented stamps
  • Only Champagne region products can be called champagne
  • French high-speed train TGV reaches commercial speed of 320 km/h