Country facts
- Capital
- Paris
- Population
- 66,351,959
- Languages
- French
- Currency
- euro (EUR)
From the Wire
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June in France
5 entries- 4National Cheese DayFrance has over 1,600 types; Switzerland fondue is a national identity; Wisconsin takes it personally. Aged, fresh, or melted — cheese is one of humanity's oldest fermented foods.Food→
- 6D-DayOn June 6th, 1944, Allied forces launched the largest seaborne invasion in history — 156,000 troops crossing the English Channel to storm the beaches of Normandy. Operation Overlord marked the beginning of the end of World War II in Western Europe. The 'D' in D-Day is simply military shorthand for the designated day of any operation.History→
- 21World Music DayLa Fete de la Musique began in France in 1982, when the Ministry of Culture decreed that June 21st — the summer solstice — should see free concerts across the country at all hours. The concept spread to over 120 countries. The rules are unchanged: all music is free, amateur and professional play side by side, and nobody can be arrested for trumpet noise after midnight.Culture→
- 21Fête de la MusiqueFrance's summer solstice music festival, launched in 1982 by the Ministry of Culture. Free concerts on every corner, balcony, and park bench. The idea has spread to 120 countries.Culture→
- 21Father's DayHonors fathers and fatherhood. Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane proposed it in 1910 to match Mother's Day; took until 1972 to become a US federal observance. Most countries that celebrate it picked the third Sunday of June.Observance→