~The Four Ranges of France~

~The Four Ranges of France~

Ready for Rock Climbing?? … Ever thought you might go climbing in France? Not your first idea when planning a vacation to this lovely country. Continuing the fun facts of France I have discovered and interesting fact… France has a total of four complete mountain ranges. A good portion of the surface area of France is covered in mountain range, even some of Europe’s highest mountains border the country of France.  The four ranges are The Massif Mountain Range, The Alps Mountain Range, The Jura Mountain Range, and The Pyrenees Mountain Range. 

            The Massif Mountain Range takes up an area of 91,000 km², which is equivalent to 15% of the total surface area of France. This mountain range is most distinct among the others of the country due to an exquisite chain of extinct volcanoes entwined into the range. 

            The Alps Mountain Range is the most famous range of the four and the most famous in Europe. They form a border with Spain in the southwest. This Mountain range runs from the Mediterranean coast to the Atlantic coast, running a total of four hundred fifty Kilometers. Highest peak in the Alps is called Mont Blanc. This stands at 4807 meters, the highest point in Europe. France above the altitude of 2800 meters Snow will always and permanently be seen.

            The Jura Mountain Range is north of the Alps Mountain range in France. Made mostly of limestone rock this Interesting Mountain range is 1700 km along the border with Switzerland. 

            The Pyrenees Mountain Range is the last of the ranges in France. It has a highest peak of 3400 meters and runs from the Atlantic coast to the Mediterranean coast, totaling 450 km. 

           

A Story in a Cave

Found near Montigac, France, are “The Lascaux Caves” .Fun Fact- These Caves were actually found by a group of teenagers searching for their dog! They just stumbled across these captivating paintings!
These fascinating cave paintings were dated back up to 17,000 years ago. These Paintings include pictures of large animals some more recognizable than others. One of these animals is the 'auroch', an early relative of the ox, is an interesting specimen to have been painted because today this great animal is extinct. There are many other animals painted and carved into the walls of the tunnel but oddly enough very few men. One of the most  distinct painted images created, is what appears to be a bison hunt. There is total of more than 1000 images within the cave system making it a excellent cultural experience to see.
After the conclusion of the Second World War the caves were opened for tourist visitation. Unfortunately in 1963 these paintings began to whether. Due to lack of preservation, the breath of many spectators and visitors faded the paintings through time. 

Recognizable Game, Unrecognizable name

At a young age we all learn little games that stick with us for years. A good example of one of these fun games is Hopscotch. This is an excellent children’s game played in the U.S. by many but did you know France has their own version played by their children. Inspired by the United States simple boxed T shape hopping game the French took the idea and make it their own for their children. As stereotypical as it seems, the French teach their children this game but instead of the traditional T shape of the U.S. it is in the shape of a snail and they call it Escargot! Using the same square shapes as in U.S. hopscotch in a spiral. How to play: Each child hops from one square to the next on one foot one at a time. If you land on another person’s square or a line you may not move and must stay were you are. If you land in the middle defeating these two obstacles you may proceed. There are fifteen to twenty squares in this strange French Escargot as opposed to the ten in U.S. Hopscotch. That’s makes for a long outdoor game! Hope you Enjoyed this fun fact about France, Enjoy your Day!

France- It Leaves you Cheezin

If you visit France you may recognize the brilliant variety of cheeses you can endeavor in. France has a long history of serving cheese after a meal and before the dessert. Some of the delectable cheese's found in the county are Bleu, Chèvre, Boursin, Brie, Camembert, Neufchâtel, Morbier, Emmental, Cantal, and Mimolette. The true french cheese is high on nutrients and big on flavour. There are over four hundred  French Cheese varieties made that can be used in a spectacular menagerie of dishes special to the country.To close I'll give you some fascinating statistics! Ninety six percent of French people eat cheese.Only a mere four percent of French people never or seldom eat cheese and a good forty seven percent of French people eat cheese on a daily basis.

Learn About France! The Fleur De Lis and the City of Louisville.

Did you know Louisville and France are actually historically connected? Ever Wondered why you see the Fleur De Lis everywhere you go in Louisville, Kentucky? Ever wonder why Kentuckians get so upset when strangers call the great city "Louis-ville"?

 Digging into the history of Kentucky, Louisville was named after the the great King Louis XIV of France. He assisted in a major war for the colonies Independence. Strangers to the state call the state Louis-ville, rather than the true pronunciation the Kentucky dwellers know so well. To explain this the central city was named after the great king Louis or  in the times of war called king Louie XIV. This is why it is called "Louie- ville" after the great king, rather than "Louis-ville". Now to explain why the Fleur De Lis is everywhere you go and its connection with Louisville. It's connection has to do with King Louie and his assistance. I have learned through research that The Fleur De Lis is actually the symbol of the City of Louisville, it is a French royalty symbol signifying the crown  as a ally .There is also a famous Statue of King Louie that can be found in the city of Louisville outside the down town courthouse that one may read to tell of the nobility and courage the king had assisting Kentucky in their great historical war for Independence.