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  Day 3250 (Saturday) 2 nd May 2026 This is Tourettes sur Loup, north of Saint-Paul de-Vence and this is Villefranche-sur-Mer. It was a lovely sunny day again today but that pesky cool wind is still blowing. We went to Le Phare where had a giggle with some of the locals and then went to Bobbie’s for lunch. The square was quite busy with lots of tourists. We are back to some more fun facts about France… More Amazing Inventions French hairstylist Alexandre-Ferdinand Godefroy invented the first mechanised hair dryer in 1888. Eugène Poubelle invented the trash can (a bin) in 1884, promoting better waste management and public sanitation. Antoine Redier’s adjustable alarm clock (1847) helped people start their days on time, becoming a bedside essential. Georges Claude invented neon lighting in 1910, illuminating cities and signs with vibrant colours. Dr François Merry Delabost introduced the shower in 1872, promoting better hygiene and becoming a daily essential. The septic tank, invent...
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  Day 3249 (Friday) 1 st May 2026 This is the Negresco Hotel in Nice This is the Old Town of Nice. Our flowers are really looking good, especially these two. We’ll have a day off from French fun facts to concentrate on May 1 st – back to the facts tomorrow. Demos and flowers: What May 1 st really means to the French The traditional May Day demonstration in Paris. Photo by LIONEL BONAVENTURE / AFP May Day is celebrated around the world, but it has particular significance in France, as well as some quirky traditions from flowers to trees to bonfires. First and foremost. It's a day off. May 1 st is steeped in tradition in France but the reality is, most of the country just see it as a day off, or  jour ferié,  which means relaxing with friends and family or taking a long weekend, if it falls on the right day. It has a special status in law as a 'non working day', which means that only employees in essential industries can work, and must be paid double. For this reason,...
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Day 3248 (Thursday) 30 th April 2026 This is Villefranche-sur-Mer and this is Nice.   The weather wasn’t very nice again today and there was a cruise ship in the bay – poor passengers. I found this great article about interesting French facts, it’s quite long so I’ll post it over a few days…  Over 100 Interesting and Unusual French Facts France is filled with charm  and intrigue, from the busy streets of Paris to the scenic Bordeaux vineyards and the bee-filled lavender fields in  Provence . In this article, we invite you to explore over 130 fascinating facts about France, digging into its past, cultural treasures and innovative spirit that have shaped the world as we know it today, with a few random facts for good measure. Whether you’re a history fan, a foodie or simply curious about the wonders of France, this collection of facts will take you on a journey through time.  Discover the origins of iconic landmarks, the stories behind inventions and the quirky t...
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