The French Army was the first to use camouflage. During World War I, artists painted vehicles and equipment to blend into their respective backgrounds. In the Second World War, when Hitler visited the Eiffel Tower, the French cut all of the lift cables. This forced him to climb the stairs if he wanted to enjoy the view from the top. From 1910 to 1994, France banned kissing on train platforms to prevent delays. Romantic gestures had to wait until passengers were on the train!
There are several abandoned villages in France, like Oradour-sur-Glane, left untouched since World War II as a memorial to the atrocities committed there. Walking through them feels eerie yet historically poignant. In France, lunch is often a two-hour affair, especially for workers in traditional sectors. Skipping meals or eating fast is seen as unusual, and many restaurants close mid-afternoon to honor this tradition.
