France is a very large and lively country, with many a regions that are each remarkably different in their own way. In some parts of France there are huge mountains, while in others there are forests, wide rivers, ancient castles, or medieval towns overlooking amazing coasts with beaches. But what the French have in common throughout the country is a love of cuisine alongside a liking for long leisurely meals, with many courses, and a good discussion. The French love to talk! Here is a list of some interesting facts about France:

• The Eiffel Tower has been sold twice for scrap. A con man named Victor Lustig made a lot of money by selling the Tower to gullible people. He did this twice.

• Letter boxes and postal vans are yellow.

• Post offices have a blue bird logo against a yellow background. They are never found in a newsagents or a grocer’s.

• You will find sometimes see elegant ladies with fancy poodle dogs.

• Café is part of the French way of life. They often have a bar. Children can go into any part of the café including the bar. The French like children. So expect a little bit of patting on your kid’s head.

• The French drive on the right side of the road, so to avoid being squashed, you must first look left, not right!

• French restaurants serve cheese before, not after pudding, so that a sweet taste is left in your mouth at the end of the meal.

• Marche aux Puces de la Porte St Ouen, or the flea market, in Paris is the biggest market of this type in the world.

• You can read more interesting facts about France at Citizen of the World.