Happy Valentine’s Day! France is an ideal place to celebrate love, and as I’ve mentioned before, the country has no shortage of romantic places to escape to.
But if you want to really impress a francophile at your galentine’s brunch or on your next date, try sharing one of these interesting little stories about France.
1. The Town of Saint Valentin
Did you know there’s a town in France called Saint Valentin? Located in the Loire Region, this little town has a big heart. Dubbed “The Village of Love,” this town takes their namesake seriously. During the month of February, red hearts abound. Lovers flock to this town for a weekend of festivities, with many couples choosing this spot to renew their wedding vows. The Saint Valentin post office even has special Valentine's cards to send to the one you love.
2. Exchanging Valentines
It’s no surprise that the concept of exchanging Valentine’s Day love notes was started by a Frenchman. Following the battle of Agincourt in 1415, France’s Duke of Orléans penned the first Valentine to his wife while imprisoned in the Tower of London. The letter reads: “Je suit desja d'amour tanné Ma tres doulce Valentinée” which translates to “I am already sick of love, my very gentle Valentine.” This letter is currently preserved in the British Library.
3. Paris Love Locks
Prior to the infamous love locks being taken off the Pont des Arts in 2015, the 700,000 locks weighed roughly 45 tonnes. That’s nearly the equivalent of 20 elephants. It’s no wonder a section of the railing eventually collapsed under the weight. While lovers can no longer display their affections by affixing a lock to the Pont des Arts in Paris, there is no shortage of other memorable and less damaging activities couples can do in the City of Love. One example would be to head over to Montmartre and take a photo together in front of the Wall of Love (Mur des je t’aime), which has “I love you” written across it in 250 different languages.
4. Annecy’s Pont des Amours
Legend has it if you share a kiss on Annecy’s “Pont des Amours,” or Lover’s Bridge, you and your love will stay together forever. But did you know the real name of the bridge is actually much less romantic? The bridge’s official name is “Passerelle du jardin public.” Some sources even claim the bridge got its nickname long ago for its use as a meeting point for those seeking services from so called “ladies of the night.”
5. Oscar Wilde’s Tomb
Oscar Wilde’s tombstone in Paris’ Père-Lachaise cemetery was being subjected to irreparable damage from decades of red lipstick oils seeping into the stone. Since the 1990’s it had become somewhat of a tradition for women to kiss the “Flying Demon Angel” funerary monument with red lipstick. And despite efforts to curb this act with the threat of hefty fines and a new kiss-proof glass barrier, the kissing persists. Also, interesting fact about the sculpture… Originally unveiled in 1914, it caused shock amongst men and women of the day due to it’s anatomical correctness and it was quickly covered back up. In the 1960’s, the male parts were cut off and stolen. They remain missing to this day.
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Which anecdote did you find the most interesting? Share the best stories you've come across about France or elsewhere in the comments.
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