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nce is known for its iconic landmarks and cultural significance, but there are some lesser-known facts about this amazing country that will surprise you. From strange traditions to bizarre laws, here are ten strange and intriguing things you might not have known about France.
1. The Haunted Catacombs The catacombs of Paris are one of the most famous landmarks in the city. Beneath the streets of Paris, these underground tunnels are home to the remains of six million people. But the catacombs are also said to be haunted, with stories of ghostly apparitions and strange, unexplained occurrences.
2. The Mystery of the Beast of Gévaudan In the 18th century, a mysterious creature terrorized the countryside of the Gévaudan region. Known as the Beast of Gévaudan, this creature was said to be a wolf-like creature with razor-sharp teeth, that would attack and kill people indiscriminately. To this day, the true identity of the Beast remains one of France's greatest unsolved mysteries.
3. The French Foreign Legion The French Foreign Legion is a unique military unit made up of foreign soldiers who have pledged their loyalty to France. Made up of soldiers from around the world, the Legion has a reputation for being tough, resilient, and fiercely loyal to France. They have fought in some of France's most difficult conflicts and are considered one of the toughest military units in the world.
4. The Strange Tradition of Olympic Flame Lighting Every four years, the Olympic flame is lit in Greece before being transported around the world to the site of the Olympic games. But the torch lighting ceremony is actually based on ancient French traditions. During the Middle Ages, a flame was lit at the tomb of Saint Denis, the patron saint of France, and used to light fires throughout the country as a symbol of the unity of the French people.
5. The Bizarre Law of the Reverse-Switched Mortgage In France, there is a unique law that allows property owners to take out a loan on their homes and not pay it back until they die. But the catch is that the loan amount keeps increasing over time, meaning that by the time the owner passes away, the bank will likely have taken ownership of the property.
6. The World's Oldest Working Clock The world's oldest working clock can be found in the town of Beaucourt in eastern France. Originally built in 1390, the clock has been ticking for over 600 years and is still on display for visitors to see today.
7. The Strange Laws of the French Language The French language is known for its complexities and strange rules, but did you know that there are laws in place to protect the purity of the language? For example, it is illegal to use any language other than French in official government documents or to name your pig Napoleon.
8. The Legend of Marie Antoinette's Diamonds Marie Antoinette was known for her love of jewels, but her prized possessions have a dark history. According to legend, her famous necklace was made using diamonds stolen from the French Crown Jewels, which were then smuggled out of the country and sold abroad.
9. The Town of Strasbourg, the City of Christmas Strasbourg, in eastern France, is known as the capital of Christmas. Every year, the city hosts a Christmas market that attracts millions of visitors from around the world. The market has been held every year since 1570, making it one of the oldest in Europe.
10 The Strange Legacy of Marcel Petiot Marcel Petiot was a doctor and serial killer who operated in Paris during World War II. He is said to have lured over 60 of his patients to their deaths and then burned their bodies in his furnace. Despite his grisly crimes, Petiot remains a fascinating figure in French history, and his legacy lives on in books, films, and popular culture. In conclusion, France is a country full of intrigue and surprises, and these ten cold facts only scratch the surface of what makes this country unique. From the mysteries of the catacombs to the strange laws of the French language, there is always something fascinating to learn about France.