France – Largest Country in Western Europe

France is the largest country in Western Europe and one of the most beautiful countries in the world. It is the third most-populous European country. It is also the largest country in the EU.

Due to its shape, it is often referred to in French as l’Hexagone or The Hexagon.

France is a country located in Western Europe. It is known for its rich history, culture, and cuisine. France is famous for landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre Dame Cathedral. The country has a diverse landscape, ranging from beautiful beaches on the French Riviera to picturesque countryside in regions like Provence.

France is also known for its wine production, with regions like Bordeaux and Champagne producing some of the world’s finest wines. The French Revolution and World War II are significant events in France’s history. Today, France is a member of the European Union and has a strong economy.

French culture for kids

Let’s explore French culture for kids. It’s a fascinating mix of history, art, and delicious food.

Picture yourself in a quaint French village. You’re walking through cobblestone streets, passing by beautiful art galleries, and smelling the intoxicating aroma of freshly baked baguettes from local boulangeries. You can’t resist trying some, and they’re as delicious as they smell!

You’re also learning about famous French artists like Monet and Picasso, and their significant contributions to the art world. You’re introduced to French history, filled with intriguing tales of kings, queens, and revolutions. And don’t forget the iconic Eiffel Tower, a symbol of France’s rich past and innovation.

French culture nurtures curiosity and creativity, and it’s all waiting for you to discover. So, what are you waiting for? Dive in and start exploring!

Famous landmarks in France

There’s no denying that the Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous landmarks in the country. But France is more than just this iconic iron structure. You’ve got a whole lot to explore, from historical monuments to natural wonders.

Here are four other famous landmarks you should know about:

1. The Louvre Museum: It’s the world’s largest art museum and a historic monument in Paris.
2. Palace of Versailles: It’s an opulent royal residence in the city of Versailles.
3. Mont Saint-Michel: It’s a small rocky island in Normandy, topped by a gravity-defying medieval abbey.
4. The French Riviera: It’s an upscale resort area known for its stunning Mediterranean coastline.

French history for children

We’re about to delve into a simplified and engaging story about French history, perfect for young learners. Imagine, you’re stepping into a time machine, traveling back thousands of years! You’d see the ancient Celts, known as Gauls, who first lived in France. Then, you’d watch as the mighty Romans conquer Gaul, bringing their language and culture.

Fast forward to the Middle Ages, you’d witness knights and castles, and the construction of magnificent cathedrals. You’d be there during the French Revolution, a time of great change and turmoil. And finally, you’d see two World Wars that deeply impacted France and the world.

That’s a quick tour of French history, full of exciting twists and turns. Remember, every era has shaped the France we know today. So, keep exploring and learning!

French language learning for kids

You’re about to embark on an exciting adventure of learning the French language, a skill that’ll open up a new world of opportunities. It might seem daunting at first, but don’t let it intimidate you. Here are three steps to get you started:

1. Start with the Basics: Learn the French alphabet and numbers. They’re the building blocks of the language and will help you understand and pronounce words correctly.
2. Expand your Vocabulary: Start learning common French words, phrases, and greetings. Children’s books or language apps can be very helpful.
3. Practice Makes Perfect: Speak French as much as you can. Don’t worry about mistakes, they’re part of the learning process.

Kids’ guide to Paris

Next up, let’s explore the city of Paris, a place that’ll captivate your imagination with its towering monuments, charming streets, and delicious food.

You’ll be amazed by the Eiffel Tower, an icon of France that’s a sight to behold, especially when it’s lit up at night.

Don’t miss the Louvre, a world-renowned museum housing thousands of artworks, including the mysterious Mona Lisa.

Take a leisurely stroll down the Champs-Élysées, the city’s main shopping street, and indulge in a sweet crepe from a street vendor.

And of course, you can’t leave Paris without trying a fresh croissant from a local bakery.

In Paris, every corner you turn offers a new adventure, making it a city you’ll never forget.

French food for kids

Let’s dive into the scrumptious world of French cuisine that’s both delightful and kid-friendly.

Imagine yourself in a quaint Parisian café, tantalizing your taste buds with a flaky, buttery croissant. You’re not limited to just pastries, though; France’s culinary landscape is varied and vast.

You’ll love the savory crêpes, filled with cheese and ham, and the beloved Ratatouille, a vegetable medley that’s as fun to eat as the movie is to watch. And don’t forget about the quiche, a tasty egg pie that you can customize with your favorite fillings.

But the real star might be the pain au chocolat, a chocolate-filled pastry that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

French holidays and traditions for kids

Shifting gears, let’s delve into the exciting world of French holidays and traditions. These colorful celebrations are sure to captivate your imagination.

For example, Bastille Day is celebrated on July 14th and is like their 4th of July. It features grand fireworks that light up the night sky.

Another fascinating tradition is Epiphany, which involves eating a cake called ‘galette des rois’. Inside the cake, there is a hidden figurine, and the lucky person who finds it becomes the king or queen for the day.

Mardi Gras is another festival that you’ll enjoy hearing about. It is full of bright costumes and lively parades that fill the streets with excitement and joy.

And of course, we can’t forget about Christmas. It’s just as magical in France, with enchanting markets, beautiful illuminations, and special meals shared with loved ones.

French traditions are truly fascinating and fun. Get ready to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of France!

Children’s books about France

You’re going to love exploring children’s literature that beautifully captures the spirit and culture of this intriguing nation. France’s charm is not just in its rich history and picturesque landscapes, but also in its enchanting tales.

Books like ‘Madeline’, ‘Anatole’, and ‘A Walk in Paris’ are not just stories, they’re immersive experiences. They’ll transport you to the heart of France, introducing you to the country’s traditions, its delightful cuisine, and its people’s unique way of life.

You’ll stroll through the bustling streets of Paris, share a baguette with a Parisian mouse, and maybe even save the day like brave little Madeline. It’s not just about reading a book, it’s about living a French adventure.

French educational system for kids

Understanding the educational system for young ones in the land of croissants and the Eiffel Tower can be quite fascinating. You’ll find that schooling starts at a very young age in France.

Kids can attend École Maternelle, similar to preschool, from just two years old. They’ll learn basic social skills along with some academic fundamentals.

Next, they’ll move onto École Élémentaire, which is like primary school in the US or UK. Here, they’ll start learning more complex subjects. It’s also here that they’ll start learning a foreign language, usually English.

At the age of 11, they’ll progress to Collège, or middle school. You’ll notice how serious the French are about education. It’s not just about academics; they’re also keen on shaping well-rounded individuals.

France geography for kids

Let’s journey through the diverse landscapes and regions. You’ll see that it’s an amazing place for young explorers to discover.

France, you’ll find, is more than just Paris and its iconic Eiffel Tower. It’s a country that boasts a variety of geographical features.

From the breathtaking Alps and Pyrenees mountains perfect for skiing, to the sunny beaches of the French Riviera, your adventure never ends. You’ll love the lush vineyards of Bordeaux and the beautiful lavender fields in Provence.

Don’t forget the vast farmlands and forests that make up the French countryside. You’ll even find a few active volcanoes in the Auvergne region!

France’s geography is truly diverse, making it a fascinating place for young adventurers like you. Dive in and explore!

Their rich farmland produces many delicious French food. France is known for bread, cheese, wine, pastries and fruit. Marseille, which lies on the Mediterranean coast, is known for bouillabaisse, a type of garlicky fish soup.

France is bordered to the south by Spain. To the southeast lie Italy and the Pyrenees Mountains. The eastern border is flanked by the Alps and Switzerland, Luxembourg and Belgium.

France is famous for its wine, perfume and fashion. Millions of people visit every year. They come to go shopping, eat in restaurants and visit the Eiffel Tower and other famous landmarks.

 

Fun Facts About France for Kids

• The capital city of France is Paris.
• France has 212,394 square miles of land.
• Over 65 million people live in France.
• Most people in France are Christian.
• France has a multiparty democracy.
• The currency France uses is Euro.
• People in France can expect to live for 78 years.
• Emmanuel Macron is the current president of France, he took presidency on May 14th 2017.
• More tourists visit France every year than any other country. Over 80 million tourists per year are estimated to visit.
• In 1998 France won the FIFA World Cup, and better again they were the host country.
• On July 15th 2018 France won the FIFA World Cup again, beating Croatia 4 – 2.
• The iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris welcomes over 7 million visitors per year and stands at an impressive 324 m in height.
• The Louvre Museum in Paris welcome 8.1 million visitors in 2017.
• In Latin France translates to Francia (land of the Franks).
• The Rhine is the longest river in France.
• Mont Blanc is largest mountain in France standing at 4810 m tall. Mont Blanc is also the highest mountain in the Alps.
• In 2016 France brought in a law banning all supermarkets from throwing away unused food. It must be distributed to charities – what a wonderful idea, I think all countries should adopt this law.
• France has Europe’s busiest railway station: Paris Garis du Nord.
• There is over 400 different French cheeses.
• Do you like croissants? I love them, however, they are not a French invention, they are actually Austrian.
• Beziers and Marseille are the two oldest cities in France.

 

 

France Vocabulary

1. Pastry: a light, crusty bread or dessert
2. Bouillabaisse: a French fish soup
3. Flanked: bordered
4. Fashion: stylish clothing

FRENCH Video for Kids

Watch this awesome video for kids about the famous landmarks of France:

France Q&A

Question: How do the French make perfume?

Answer: In southern France lie hundreds of fields full of lavender, roses, jasmine and other flowers. Perfume makers use the essential oils from these flowers to make perfumes.

Map of France

Here’s a map of the country of France and all its cities and villages. Zoom in to get into street level or zoom out to see other countries around France! You can see the terrain, but also see the roads, images of the buildings and even take a 3D tour through the streets of the cities of France, as though you are actually there!