Want to put together a quick France unit study? Also, grab more ideas on my best homeschool unit studies page.
The culture, food, art, language, unique architecture, people, and beauty of France lend themselves to a wonderful study.
You can easily adapt for a short study or add on to create a large immersive study.
Grab your favorite books, and a crusty loaf of French bread (recipe below), and let’s pack our bags to cross over the Atlantic Ocean to learn about this elegant and exotic culture.
I have some facts, activities, recipes, and more to help you on your journey.
5 Fabulous French Facts For Your France Unit Study
- The capital city of France is Paris, and it also happens to be the largest city.
- France is the largest country in Western Europe.
- The world’s greatest cycle race, the Tour de France, is more than 100 years old.
- The national motto of France is Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite, which means- Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity,
- Some of the amazing things the French invented were tin cans, the hairdryer, the parachute, the stethoscope, photography, and the hot air balloon.
Also, add some of these fun books and resources.
Books and Resources for Studying About France
Add some of these books and resources to your unit study about France or the French Empire.
- Discover the world’s landforms and bodies of water, the highest and lowest elevations, and learn more about ocean currents, and wind patterns.
- Thematic maps cover diverse topics such as continental drift, ocean floor, climate, natural resources, and population density.
- Features up-to-date statistics and global information.
Learn about the Eiffel Tower, beloved and iconic symbol of Paris, France, and one of the most recognizable structures in the world!When the plans for the Eiffel Tower were first announced, many people hated the design of the future landmark, calling it ungainly and out of step with the beautiful stone buildings of the city. But once it went up for the World's Fair in 1889, the people of Paris quickly fell in love with the tower. Today it seems impossible to imagine Paris without the Eiffel Tower, which greets millions of visitors each year who climb up its wrought-iron stairs, ride its glass elevators, and enjoy the wonderful views of the city spread out below it.
Nothing frightens Madeline—not tigers, not even mice. With its endearing, courageous heroine, cheerful humor, and wonderful, whimsical drawings of Paris, the Madeline stories are true classics that continue to charm readers, even after 75 years!Ludwig Bemelmans (1898-1962) was the author of the beloved Madeline books, including Madeline, a Caldecott Honor Book, and Madeline's Rescue, winner of the Caldecott Medal.
An alphabetical exploration of the people, geography, animals, plants, history, and culture of France.
Claude Monet is considered one of the most influential artists of all time. He is a founder of the French Impressionist art movement, and today his paintings sell for millions of dollars. While Monet was alive, however, his work was often criticized and he struggled financially. With over one hundred black-and-white illustrations, this book unveils a true portrait of the artist!
You know you’ve never learned French like this before!
Learning a new language is a new way of meeting new people, opening doors in your professional career and attracting fresh opportunities when traveling around the world, as you may know. Spoken by over 280million people all over the world, French is the fifth most spoken language on the planet, so learning it will blow up your social and business circles!
Bonjour, mon ami! So, you want to learn French but don't know where to start? Start ici, with The Everything Kids' Learning French Book. Inside, you'll find simple exercises, fun facts, tips on pronunciation, and popular phrases that enable you to read and speak French in no time at all.
- Celebrate Architecture - LEGO Architecture sets celebrate the world of architecture, design, and history through the medium of the LEGO brick, ideal for travel enthusiasts
- Relaxing Building Experience - This LEGO set is designed for adults and kids aged 12+, providing a rewarding and relaxing building experience, perfect for home or office décor
PLAY 100 PICS FRANCE: Keep your kids entertained with our card games! 100 PICS is a fun game that can teach your children about the beautiful country of France! Perfect for family game night at home or on the go to take as a vacation essential.
Next, look at some of these hands-on ideas.
France Unit Study Hands-on Activities and Resources
- Paint your own version of the Eiffel Tower in watercolor or sketch it out in chalk pastels.
- France Mini Books are ideal for younger learners with simple pictures to color and a little info on landmarks, food, and symbols.
- Taste test some authentic treats from France. Grab this French Gourmet Snack Mix – Snacks From France.
- Unit Study: French Revolution + Free Storming the Bastille Game
- France STEM Challenges.
- Learn a few words or more with the Duolingo App
- Make Fun Edible Eiffel Tower
- Try making a delicious crusty loaf of French Bread with the recipe below!
- Make a Sun King Fun Medallion – Louis XIV, also known as Louis the Great or the Sun King, was King of France from 1643 until his death in 1715
- Free Homeschool History Cards – French and Indian War
- 15 Hands-on History Ideas for Kids Studying the French and Indian War
- French Revolution Unit Study + Free Copywork
- If you have a child who loves LEGO and everything about France you should grab a Paris Skyline LEGO set to complete as you work through your unit study
- Print this free French Matching Game
- Listen to some French Music to compare to what you listen to, and see if you can figure out any of the words, or what the song means.
- If you love the book, Madeline, make your own little yellow hat.
- Work in some STEM with an Eiffel Tower Craft.
Also, watch a few videos to make the experience a little more real, to show day-to-day life, landmarks, food, and more.
- France for Kids – an amazing and quick video about life in France – on YouTube to
- France Culture | Fun Facts About France – YouTube
- The Animated History of France – YouTube
- All About France | Fun Facts about France – YouTube
More About the Life, Geography, and History of France
Additionally, look at some more fun facts about everyday life in France.
- Grapes are grown in France to make wine.
- Wine is drunk with most meals in France.
- Some of the famous wines grown in France are beaujolais, burgundy, and sauternes.
And some of the foods eaten in France are:
- fish, sea urchins, shrimp, snails, clams, mussels, lobster
- roast beef, turkey, goose, boar, quail, lamb, chicken,
- cheese like camembert, brie, boursin,
- all types of bread
- pates, goose liver,
- pastries like tartlets, pies, eclairs, petit fours, Napoleons,
France is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, and the Mediterranean Sea, the Alps, and the Pyrenes.
The French geography is composed of low lying plains, plateaus, and older mountains or massifs.
Vocabulary Words About France or French Empire
- absolutism – A political theory that absolute power should be vested in one or more rulers.
- Huguenot – A member of the French Reformed communion in the 16th and 17th centuries.
- bourgeoisie – Members of the middle class.
- bastille – A prison or jail.
- aristocracy – Government by a small privileged class.
Also, look at this post 8 France Crafts For Kids And Make Fun Vocabulary Bracelets.
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Finally, look at how to make french bread.
France Unit Study Easy French Bread Recipe
You will need:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 Tablespoons oil-vegetable or olive
- 2 Tablespoons sugar
- 1 packet or 2 ¼ teaspoons rapid-rise instant yeast
- 1 ½ teaspoons of salt
Begin by stirring in sugar into the water until dissolved in the bowl of a stand mixer.
Add yeast and let sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
Stir in oil, half of the flour, and salt.
Put the dough hook on the mixer and mix until just combined, add flour a little at a time until it is all mixed in.
Remove from the mixing bowl and form into a ball, kneading it into shape.
Place the ball into a pre-oiled bowl, swirl it around once or twice, and then flip the dough so that all sides are oiled.
Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
Roll bread into a rectangular shape and then pinch the ends to form a long football shape.
Transfer the bread loaf to a pre-greased pan.
Score the bread by creating a shallow angled slice across the top 3-4 times.
Cover and let rise on the pan for 45 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and crusty.
