Have you ever played “Petit Bac” and embarrassingly struggled with the category “City starting with F”? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Whether it’s to shine in your next quiz or just to discover the hidden gems of our beautiful country, I’ve compiled a list of French cities that start with the letter F. And believe me, some will really surprise you!
List of French cities starting with “F”: From Fontainebleau to Fréjus
France is quite a patchwork of city names. And those starting with F are no exception. Here’s a little selection to help you broaden your horizons:
- Fontainebleau: Ah, the city of the famous castle and forest. Ideal for a romantic getaway or a picnic day.
- Fréjus: Located in the south, it is THE destination for sun and Roman history lovers. The arenas of Fréjus are just magnificent!
- Foix: A little gem in the Pyrenees, known for its medieval castle. Perfect for a historical immersion.
- Figeac: History enthusiasts will love this place, known for its links with Champollion, the father of deciphering hieroglyphs.
And for those who enjoy more unusual discoveries:
- Fleurbaix: A village in the north with typical charm. Small but charming!
- Flins-sur-Seine: If the name rings a bell, it’s probably because of the Renault factory located there.
Spotlight on must-see cities starting with “F”
Fontainebleau: between nature and history
Imagine yourself in a royal setting, surrounded by sumptuous gardens and a castle that takes your breath away. Welcome to Fontainebleau! This city is a true gem, ideal for those who want to combine a forest walk with a dive into history.
Don’t miss:
- A stroll in the Fontainebleau forest: over 22,000 hectares of greenery!
- The castle and its famous François Ier gallery.
Fréjus: sun, beaches, and ancient stones
Head to the French Riviera! Fréjus is a perfect blend of relaxation and culture. Between its beaches and Roman heritage, there’s plenty to do.
Why go there?
- Its Roman arenas, dating back to the 1st century.
- Fine sandy beaches to chill out on.
Foix: a return to the Middle Ages
For fans of Game of Thrones (or not), Foix is a small medieval spot that transports you straight back to the time of knights.
To explore:
- The Foix castle, perched on its rock.
- The charming narrow streets.
Cities starting with “F” for Petit Bac: surprise everyone!
We know that Petit Bac is serious. So, to give you an advantage, here are some suggestions for lesser-known cities (but just as valid):
- Falaise: A nod to William the Conqueror.
- Ferrières-en-Brie: Less known, but ideal for scoring points.
- Fléac: Who would have thought? A little commune perfect for your game.
How many cities start with “F” in France?
Did you know there are nearly 300 French communes whose names start with the letter F? Impressive, isn’t it? To give you a clearer idea, here’s a table that lists them by region:
| Region | Number of cities starting with F |
|---|---|
| Île-de-France | 12 |
| Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur | 25 |
| Occitanie | 30 |
| Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes | 28 |
Where do these names come from? A little etymology lesson
Some city names starting with “F” have a fascinating history. For example:
- Fontainebleau: The name comes from “fontaine” (obviously) and “Bleau”, an old word meaning a wooded area.
- Fréjus: Its Latin name, “Forum Julii”, refers to its Roman origin.
Why not visit a city starting with “F” this weekend?
So, ready to take action? Choose a city from this list and embark on a little getaway. Who knows, maybe you’ll fall in love with the region!
Before you go, share this article with your friends. Who knows, it might inspire them too for their next trip or their game of Petit Bac!
Céline, a passionate blogger about news and travel, I decode the trends that make the world buzz. Whether it’s exploring hidden corners of the planet or analyzing the hottest topics in the news, I share my discoveries here with a curious and authentic perspective. Join me to travel through words and ideas!
