France by Sophie Mc Nicholl Facts about France

France by Sophie Mc. Nicholl

Facts about France • Population: more than 65. 7 million people live in the country (2012) • Capital: Paris, with 2. 2 million inhabitants • Government: Democracy • Currency: 1 Euro=100 cents, (French Franc until 2002)

Holiday Destination • France has many amazing sights !!! • Such as the Eiffel Tower (La Tour Eiffel) • The Alps are good for mountain walking in the summer and skiing in the winter • The Mediterranean sea • There are so many exciting places, historic villages, ancient Roman ruins and majestic castles to visit

French food • France has delicious foods such as: croissants, bread, cheeses and much more. • Snails • A thin pancake with filling (crêpe) • A “pain au chocolat” similar to a croissant with chocolate filling • Bon appetite !!!

Tour de France • Tour de France is the world’s most famous annual cycle race, which started in 1903. The winning bike rider each day gets to wear a yellow shirt to show that he is the leader of the race. You cycle most of the day and you stay in a hotel at night. They have loads of training so they are not feeling ill and have to drop out of the race. At the start they are in a big bunch and they fight for position.

Geography • Mainland France belongs to the continent of Europe. Bordering countries are Andorra, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, Spain, and Switzerland

Capital City • Paris is the capital of France. It lies in the North Central part of the country. It has a population of just over 2 million. • Paris has been in place for more than 2000 years. Paris is on the Seine river and has two natural islands, Ile de la Cite and Ile Saint-Louis, which are connected to the city by bridges. • The city of Paris has many monuments which tell the history of Paris. Some of these include the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Louvre Museum which houses the famous painting the Mona Lisa, Arc de Triomphe and Versailles Palace. Can you tell if the Mona Lisa is happy or sad? ? ?

Christmas in France In many parts of northern and eastern France, Christmas celebrations begin on the 6 December - also known as Saint Nicholas' Day. The celebrations take place because, once upon a time there were three children who got lost in the countryside. An evil butcher kidnapped them. Luckily, Saint-Nicolas rescued the children and returned them to their parents. This is why Saint Nicholas is known as the protector of children. Another name for him is Santa Claus! “père noël”

French Christmas Traditions In one French town called Saint-Nicolas-de-Port, the parade on 6 December leads Saint Nicholas to the Town Hall where the Mayor welcomes the saint and gives him 'the key of the city'. After this, watched by the families of the town, there is a fireworks display

Merry Christmas “Joyeux Noel”