5 Fun Facts About France Kids Will Love
Published June 5, 2025
France might be known for fancy cheese and the Eiffel Tower, but there’s so much more hiding beneath the surface — and some of it is just plain weird in the best way. If you're traveling with kids (or you’re just a curious grown-up), these five fun facts about France are sure to surprise you, make you laugh, and maybe even make your next trip more fun.
Ready to learn something you won’t find in your schoolbook?
1. The Eiffel Tower Gets Taller in the Summer
Yes, really. The Eiffel Tower actually grows a little bit when the weather gets hot. It's made of iron, and when metal heats up, it expands. On a warm summer day, the tower can stretch a few centimeters taller than usual.
It’s science, not magic. Though it still feels magical when you’re standing under it!
Why it’s cool for kids:
You can impress your friends by saying you visited when the Eiffel Tower was taller than normal.
2. There’s a Tiny French Town Named ‘Y’
Just one letter. That’s it. Y. And yes, it’s a real place in northern France, near the Somme region.
During World War I, it was smack in the middle of some pretty intense fighting, and soldiers gave it the nickname “the crossroad of Hell.” These days, it’s a sleepy little village surrounded by farmland.
Why kids love it:
It’s short, it’s strange, and it’s something you can point to on a map with a grin. A town with a name shorter than your nickname? That’s something to remember.
3. French Bread Has Its Own Secret Language
Walk into a French bakery and you’ll hear a whole vocabulary most tourists don’t know. A ficelle is like a skinny baguette. A couronne is shaped like a crown. And pain de campagne means rustic country-style bread.
French kids grow up knowing this stuff the way American kids know their pizza orders. Some even dream about becoming boulangers (bakers) when they grow up.
Why kids love it:
Once you learn the names, going into a bakery feels like a treasure hunt. And you get to eat the treasure.
4. France Had a King Who Ruled for Only 20 Minutes
His name was Louis XIX. He became king in 1830. And 20 minutes later, he gave up the throne.
No battle, no big speech. Just a quick step in, quick step out. Probably the shortest reign in royal history.
Why kids love it:
Because it’s funny. And unexpected. And a great reminder that history isn’t just about wars and dates. Sometimes it’s about someone realizing, “Nope, this job’s not for me.”
5. Disneyland Paris Was the First Disney Park Outside the U.S.
Before Tokyo, Hong Kong, or Shanghai, there was Disneyland Paris. It opened in 1992 and is still one of the most popular theme parks in Europe.
Mickey is still Mickey. The rides feel familiar. But there’s a Sleeping Beauty castle inspired by real French castles, and you can buy Mickey-shaped macarons. It’s both Disney and deeply French at the same time.
Why families love it:
It’s the magic you know with a new twist. And it’s a great place for kids to burn off energy after a few too many croissants.
France Has More Surprises Than You Think
We all know about the Louvre and crepes and the Eiffel Tower. But the things that make France unforgettable are often the ones that don’t make it onto postcards.
A town named Y. Bread with secret names. A king who ruled for less time than it takes to brush your teeth.
Next time you’re planning a trip, keep your eyes open. France is full of details that make kids curious and grown-ups smile. Sometimes, the best memories come from the weirdest facts.
As Jean-Paul likes to say:
“You think you know France. Then it teaches you something new. Usually over a fresh baguette!”
