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20 Things That Are So Odd In France

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Deborah Bine

The Barefoot Blogger


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When American friends ask, “How’s life in France?” I have to be honest. I find there are some very odd things in France.

Odd Things in France

When you first arrive in France, you might be greeted with unexpected kisses on the cheek. If you think the kiss on the cheek, orย  “Bise” greeting, is odd, they’re just being French and friendly! As an ex-pat in France, believe me, there are things you run into daily that are much different from what you’d expect. Here are just a few.ย 

1: Cemeteries

Cemetery in 
france
odd things in France
Cemeteries in France are above the ground.

2: Stairs

Narrow spiral staircases are everywhere
Narrow spiral staircases

3: Air conditioning

Fans
Fans

4: Fashion

"Bobo Chic" is in styleodd things in France

ย 

5: Hot chocolate

odd things in France

 

6: Coliseumsย 

NIMES
Arenas from the first century

ย 

7: Door locks

DOORodd things in France

 

8: Manicures and pedicuresย 

Water-less manicures and pedicures
Water-less manicures and pedicures

9: Toilet paper holders

TOILET PAPER
odd things in France

ย 

10: Flushing toilets

TOILET

 

11: Washing machinesย 

Tiny washer and dryer all-in-one

12: Hard Water

faucet head
Faucet head soaking in vinegar to remove calcium that clogs hot water

 

13: Streets

ย 

Narrow streets
Narrow streets like this one in Uzรจs

14: Coffee

Coffee in tiny cups
Coffee in tiny cups

15: Rooftops

Rooftops in Uzes
Rooftops in Uzรจs

16: Street Signs

2013-06-24 14.26.22

ย 

17: Crepes

2013-06-18 20.09.56

ย 

18: Carousels

IMG_0168

 

19: Wine caves

odd things in France

ย 

20: Public toilets

odd things in France

ย 

ย Yes, there are odd things in France.

What might seem odd to outsiders may be a cherished part of the culture and history. I’m learning to appreciate the differences in France.ย 

That’s why I love it!

odd things in France

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