Who doesn’t love a good trivia night? I’ve put together this collection of France trivia questions that’s perfect for your next game night, classroom activity, or when you’re just looking to challenge yourself with some fun facts about this fascinating country.
I remember hosting a French-themed dinner party last year where we played some France trivia, and it was such a hit! Everyone learned something new while having a blast. That’s the beauty of trivia – it’s entertaining AND educational.
In this article, you’ll find over 100 questions covering everything from French history and geography to food, culture, and famous personalities. I’ve made sure to include a mix of easy wins and challenging brain-teasers to keep things interesting for everyone.
French History Trivia
France has one of the most fascinating histories in the world, filled with revolutions, monarchs, wars, and cultural transformations. Here are some questions to test your knowledge of French historical events and figures.
- What year did the French Revolution begin? Answer: 1789
- Who was the Sun King of France? Answer: Louis XIV
- What was the French royal prison that was stormed at the beginning of the French Revolution? Answer: The Bastille
- Which French leader was finally defeated at the Battle of Waterloo? Answer: Napoleon Bonaparte
- What was the name of the French royal dynasty that ruled before the Revolution? Answer: The Bourbons
- What treaty ended World War I and was signed in France? Answer: The Treaty of Versailles
- Who was the last queen of France before the French Revolution? Answer: Marie Antoinette
- What was the period of mass executions during the French Revolution called? Answer: The Reign of Terror
- Who sold the Louisiana Territory to the United States in 1803? Answer: Napoleon Bonaparte
- What year was the storming of the Bastille? Answer: July 14, 1789
- Who was the first President of the Fifth Republic of France? Answer: Charles de Gaulle
- Which French king was known as “Louis the Beloved”? Answer: Louis XV
- What was Napoleon’s final place of exile until his death? Answer: Saint Helena
- Which French king was called “the Well-Beloved” before becoming unpopular? Answer: Louis XV
- In what year did France become a founding member of the European Union? Answer: 1958
- What was the name of the French resistance movement during World War II? Answer: La Résistance
- What was the main slogan of the French Revolution? Answer: “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity”
- Which French king was executed during the French Revolution? Answer: Louis XVI
- What significant construction project was completed in Paris in 1889? Answer: The Eiffel Tower
- Which French king was known as “the Spider King”? Answer: Louis XI
Learning about history can help us understand the world today so much better! Would you rather explore more historical questions about different time periods and countries?
French Geography Trivia
France is known for its diverse landscapes, from the beautiful Mediterranean coastline to the majestic Alps. Let’s see how well you know the geography of this European nation!
- What is the capital city of France? Answer: Paris
- Which mountain range separates France and Spain? Answer: The Pyrenees
- What is the longest river in France? Answer: The Loire River
- Which sea borders France to the south? Answer: The Mediterranean Sea
- What is the highest mountain in France? Answer: Mont Blanc
- Which French city is known as the “Capital of the Alps”? Answer: Grenoble
- What is the largest French island in the Mediterranean Sea? Answer: Corsica
- Which famous wine region is located in northeastern France? Answer: Champagne
- What channel separates England from France? Answer: The English Channel
- Which French city hosts the famous annual film festival? Answer: Cannes
- What is the second-largest city in France? Answer: Marseille
- Which region in France is known for its lavender fields? Answer: Provence
- What is the name of the famous palace located near Paris? Answer: Palace of Versailles
- Which French overseas territory is located in the South Pacific? Answer: French Polynesia
- What is the name of the famous French Riviera? Answer: Côte d’Azur
- Which famous wine region is located along the Gironde estuary? Answer: Bordeaux
- What is the name of the famous prehistoric cave paintings in southwestern France? Answer: Lascaux Caves
- Which mountain range runs along the border between France and Italy? Answer: The Alps
- What is the name of the island where Napoleon was born? Answer: Corsica
- Which city is considered the gastronomic capital of France? Answer: Lyon
Did you know that France has territories on almost every continent? I was surprised to learn they have land in South America (French Guiana) and islands in the Indian Ocean! Deep topics to talk about geography and territorial history can be fascinating conversation starters.
French Food and Cuisine Trivia
One of my favorite things about France is definitely the food! French cuisine is renowned worldwide for its sophistication and influence. Let’s test your knowledge of French culinary delights!
- What is the French term for a traditional breakfast pastry made of layered, buttery dough? Answer: Croissant
- Which French soup is made with onions and topped with melted cheese? Answer: French Onion Soup
- What is the name of the French egg dish similar to an omelet? Answer: Quiche
- Which French cheese is known as “the king of cheeses”? Answer: Roquefort
- What is the dish consisting of raw beef mixed with seasonings and sometimes raw egg? Answer: Steak Tartare
- Which French pastry is filled with cream and has a caramelized sugar top? Answer: Crème Brûlée
- What is Ratatouille? Answer: A vegetable stew from Provence
- Which French bread is known for its long, thin shape? Answer: Baguette
- What is Coq au Vin? Answer: Chicken braised with wine, mushrooms, and garlic
- Which famous French chef is known for popularizing French cuisine in America? Answer: Julia Child
- What is the name of the French sauce made from egg yolks and butter? Answer: Hollandaise
- Which French region is famous for its mustard? Answer: Dijon
- What is the name of the French pastry filled with almond cream? Answer: Galette des Rois
- Which French dish consists of sea snails cooked in garlic butter? Answer: Escargot
- What is the name of the classic French dish made with chicken, wine, and mushrooms? Answer: Coq au Vin
- Which French cake is traditionally served during Christmas? Answer: Bûche de Noël (Yule Log)
- What is a “cassoulet”? Answer: A slow-cooked casserole with meat and white beans
- Which French region is famous for its champagne production? Answer: Champagne
- What is the traditional French sauce made from butter and reduced vinegar? Answer: Beurre Blanc
- Which French dish consists of raw fish marinated in citrus juice? Answer: Ceviche
I tried making a soufflé once, and let’s just say it didn’t exactly rise to the occasion! Interesting topics to talk about food and cuisine can really bring people together, don’t you think?
French Culture and Arts Trivia
France has given the world incredible contributions to art, literature, fashion, and more. Let’s explore some questions about French culture!
- Who painted the Mona Lisa? Answer: Leonardo da Vinci (Though Italian, the painting is housed in the Louvre)
- What is the name of the famous Paris museum that houses the Mona Lisa? Answer: The Louvre
- Which French novelist wrote “Les Misérables”? Answer: Victor Hugo
- What famous French fashion designer revolutionized women’s fashion with the “New Look”? Answer: Christian Dior
- Which French artist is known for his water lily paintings? Answer: Claude Monet
- What is the name of the famous cabaret in Paris known for the cancan dance? Answer: Moulin Rouge
- Which French sculptor created “The Thinker”? Answer: Auguste Rodin
- What is the name of the famous French mime who performed worldwide? Answer: Marcel Marceau
- Which French playwright wrote “Tartuffe”? Answer: Molière
- What is the name of the famous French film festival held annually? Answer: Cannes Film Festival
- Who wrote “The Three Musketeers”? Answer: Alexandre Dumas
- Which French fashion house was founded by Coco Chanel? Answer: Chanel
- What is the traditional French dance music played with an accordion? Answer: Musette
- Which French architectural style features flying buttresses and pointed arches? Answer: Gothic
- Who was the French philosopher who said “I think, therefore I am”? Answer: René Descartes
- What is the name of the famous Paris opera house? Answer: Palais Garnier
- Which French artist is known for cutting out shapes from colored paper? Answer: Henri Matisse
- What is the name of the museum in Paris dedicated to Impressionist art? Answer: Musée d’Orsay
- Which French fashion designer is known for the “little black dress”? Answer: Coco Chanel
- What is the name of the famous French pantomime character with a white face? Answer: Pierrot
When I visited the Louvre, I was amazed by how much bigger the Mona Lisa was than I expected! Just kidding – it’s actually quite small, which surprises most visitors. Philosophical questions about art and its impact on society can lead to fascinating conversations.
Famous French People Trivia
France has produced many influential figures throughout history. Test your knowledge of famous French personalities!
- Who was the French military leader who became Emperor of the French? Answer: Napoleon Bonaparte
- Which French scientist discovered radium and polonium? Answer: Marie Curie
- Who was the famous French fashion designer with the initials YSL? Answer: Yves Saint Laurent
- Which French actress won an Academy Award for “La Vie en Rose”? Answer: Marion Cotillard
- Who was the French philosopher who wrote “The Social Contract”? Answer: Jean-Jacques Rousseau
- Which French soccer player is known for his headbutt in the 2006 World Cup final? Answer: Zinedine Zidane
- Who was the French general who later became president and founded the Fifth Republic? Answer: Charles de Gaulle
- Which French singer was known as “The Little Sparrow”? Answer: Édith Piaf
- Who was the French chemist who developed pasteurization? Answer: Louis Pasteur
- Which French writer is known for “The Stranger” and “The Myth of Sisyphus”? Answer: Albert Camus
- Who was the famous French oceanographer and explorer? Answer: Jacques Cousteau
- Which French author wrote “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea”? Answer: Jules Verne
- Who was the French sculptor who created the Statue of Liberty? Answer: Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi
- Which French designer created the iconic “New Look”? Answer: Christian Dior
- Who was the famous French actor known for mime? Answer: Marcel Marceau
- Which French mathematician and physicist worked on probability theory? Answer: Blaise Pascal
- Who was the French impressionist painter known for his ballet scenes? Answer: Edgar Degas
- Which French philosopher wrote “The Second Sex”? Answer: Simone de Beauvoir
- Who was the famous French chef who modernized French cuisine? Answer: Auguste Escoffier
- Which French tennis player has won multiple Grand Slam titles? Answer: Yannick Noah
It’s amazing how many French people have shaped our world in so many different fields! Fun and silly questions to ask your boyfriend about who his favorite French personalities are might lead to some interesting discoveries about his interests!
French Language Trivia
French is one of the world’s most beautiful languages and is spoken by millions around the globe. Let’s test your knowledge of the French language!
- What does “Bonjour” mean? Answer: Hello/Good day
- How do you say “thank you” in French? Answer: Merci
- What is the French word for “love”? Answer: Amour
- How do you say “goodbye” in French? Answer: Au revoir
- What does “bon appétit” mean? Answer: Enjoy your meal
- How many countries have French as an official language? Answer: 29
- What does “déjà vu” literally translate to in English? Answer: Already seen
- What is the French word for “water”? Answer: Eau
- How do you say “please” in French? Answer: S’il vous plaît
- What does “c’est la vie” mean? Answer: That’s life
- How do you say “cheers” in French? Answer: Santé
- What is the French word for “cheese”? Answer: Fromage
- How do you count to five in French? Answer: Un, deux, trois, quatre, cinq
- What does “je ne sais quoi” literally mean? Answer: I don’t know what
- How do you say “my name is” in French? Answer: Je m’appelle
- What is the French phrase for “I love you”? Answer: Je t’aime
- How do you say “goodnight” in French? Answer: Bonne nuit
- What does “RSVP” stand for in French? Answer: Répondez s’il vous plaît (Please respond)
- How do you say “breakfast” in French? Answer: Petit déjeuner
- What is the French word for “friend”? Answer: Ami
I started learning French a few years ago, and I still struggle with the pronunciation sometimes! Random questions to ask a girl about languages she might speak or would like to learn can lead to great conversations about travel and culture.
Why France Trivia Is Perfect for Any Gathering
There’s something about France that captures everyone’s imagination, whether it’s the romantic allure of Paris, the country’s rich history, or its incredible contributions to food, art, and fashion. I’ve found that France trivia questions are a fantastic way to spark conversations and create connections, even among people who’ve never been to France!
My family loves playing trivia on road trips – it keeps everyone engaged and turns travel time into an opportunity to learn something new. You might be surprised at how much you already know about France, and how much more there is to discover!
If you’re planning a French-themed party, teaching a lesson about France, or just want to test your knowledge, these questions are perfect for you. Let’s dive in!
Final Thoughts
That’s a wrap on our French trivia journey! I hope you had as much fun testing your knowledge as I did putting these questions together. Whether you’re planning a trivia night with friends, teaching students about France, or just wanting to learn more about this amazing country, I hope these questions sparked your curiosity.
My family loves using these questions on road trips, and they always lead to interesting conversations about travel, history, and culture. The best part is that everyone learns something new!
How many questions did you get right? Were you surprised by any of the answers? I’d love to know which category you found easiest and which was the most challenging!
If you enjoyed these France trivia questions, you might also like exploring our philosophical questions that can spark deep conversations about life, knowledge, and culture. Or if you’re looking for something lighter, check out our fun and silly questions to ask your boyfriend for a good laugh!