Between 1814 and 1830 the official flag of the Kingdom of France was simply a plain white field with no other colors, symbols, or borders. The commune of Saint-Remy-en-Bouzemont-Saint-Genest-et-Isson in northeastern France has the longest official place name in the country—perfect for tongue-twisting challenges! France is a country full of tradition, elegance, and history—but it also has a delightful collection of quirks, odd laws, and unusual facts that make it endlessly fascinating. From banning kissing at train stations to tiny towns with hilarious names, the country never ceases to surprise.
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.
