When all of France’s possessions around the world are taken into account, including French Polynesia, French Guyana, and Martinique, France occupies the most time zones of any country: 12 of them. France is widely known for its culture, cuisine, art, and history, but beyond the Eiffel Tower and fine wine, the country has some quirks and surprises that are less well known. France produces over 1,200 different types of cheese, more than any other country in the world. Some regions even have protected designations for local cheeses. The variety ranges from famous ones like Camembert and Roquefort to obscure local varieties you may never have heard of.
In 1993, France passed a law known as the “Décret Pain” to protect traditional French bread. A true French baguette must be made on-site from just four ingredients: flour, water, yeast, and salt. No additives allowed! While handshakes are common, it is traditional in some regions for French people to greet friends and family with a kiss on the cheek (“la bise”), sometimes even in public places, which can be awkward for foreigners.
