France

Popular French Cities

Featured Cities in France

Paris

Nice

Lyon

The French Flag

The colors of the French flag, known as “Le Tricolore” with three equal vertical bands, have powerful symbolic meaning and are deeply embedded in French culture and history. You’ll see these iconic colors celebrated throughout France, from official buildings to patriotic pastries in bakery windows.

Blue represents liberty and is traditionally associated with Saint Martin, a noble who shared his blue cloak with a beggar. White symbolizes equality and peace, connected to the monarchy and later adopted as a symbol of national unity. Red represents fraternity and the passion of the French Revolution, recalling the blood shed for freedom.

Dating back to the French Revolution in 1789, these colors merged the blue and red of Paris with the royal white to create a symbol of national unity that continues to inspire pride across France today.

Language: French

French is the official language of France, and the locals take great pride in their beautiful language. While English is taught in schools and commonly understood in Paris and other tourist destinations, you’ll find that using even simple French phrases opens doors and warms hearts. In smaller villages and countryside areas, English becomes less common, so having a few key phrases is especially valuable.

The French genuinely appreciate visitors who make an effort to speak their language—even a cheerful “Bonjour” (Hello), “Bon après-midi” (Good Afternoon), or “Merci” (Thank You) can transform an everyday interaction into a delightful cultural exchange. Learning to count to 5 in French is also practical and fun for children to practice.

Consider bringing a phrasebook or downloading a language app to help your family navigate menus, transportation, and interactions during your French adventure. These small linguistic efforts will enrich your travel experience immensely!