A competition was organised in 1996-1997 to choose the design of the national sides of the euro coins.
A panel, chaired by the Minister for Economic and Financial Affairs and made up of experts in numismatics, artists, members of parliament, one former member of the European Commission (Christine Scrivener), the French Mint Director Emmanuel Constans, the General Engraver Pierre Rodier, actress Irène Jacob and members of professional bodies, chose the winning designs from over 1 200 entries received from 97 participants.
On the €1 and €2 coins, a tree symbolising life, growth and stability is framed by a hexagon – France – and surrounded by the motto of the French Republic: ‘Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité’ (Freedom, Equality, Fraternity). The edge lettering on the €2 coin is ‘2**’ repeated six times, alternately upright and inverted.
The 10, 20 and 50-cent coins depict a sower, a traditional feature of French coins and stamps since 1898.
The 1, 2 and 5-cent coins show a modern portrait of Marianne, the personification of the French Republic.
As of 2022, France issued 1 and 2 euro coins with new designs. The modified designs are in line with the symbolism of the previous designs of the 1 and 2 euro coins: the tree of life. They represent a mixture of the two species that make up the emblem of the Republic: the oak, image of strength and solidity, and the olive tree, symbol of peace.
The designs of the other denominations remained unchanged.
1 and 2 euro coins from previous years featuring the old French national face remain valid.
FAQs
Fun facts about France
- France is known as "L'Hexagone" ⬡
- French gastronomy is recognised as a UNESCO cultural heritage.
- The French consume around 25,000 tons of snails each year.
- The French consume around 40 litres of wine per person per year.
- In France you can eat a different cheese every single day of the year.
France is one of the oldest nations on Earth and the most ethnically diverse country in Europe. These deep and broad influences have made France a world leader throughout history in nearly all aspects of culture, including cuisine, wine-making, politics, philosophy, music, art, film, fashion, literature, and sports.
What is the full name of France? ›
France, officially the French Republic, is a country located primarily in Western Europe.
What are the old names for France? ›
Gallia and Gaul
Before being named France, the land was called Gaul (Latin: Gallia; French: Gaule). This name continued to be used even after the beginning of the reign of the Franks' Kings Clovis I, Charles Martel, Pepin the Short, and Charlemagne.
What is France popular about? ›
Renowned for its iconic landmarks, picturesque landscapes, and long legacy, France has a unique place globally. With its proud heritage as the birthplace of legendary artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Claude Monet, and Vincent van Gogh, the country stands as a living testament to the evolution of art and creativity.
Why is France so popular? ›
The Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. “People are drawn to France for the exquisite cuisine, culture, pure beauty of the country and, ultimately, the way they feel when there. There is a certain romance to France,” she added.
Why is French so popular? ›
France's territorial expansions throughout history, combined with the country's continued status as a regional power, are just two reasons why the language is one of the three procedural languages of the EU (alongside English and German), as well as an official language in Switzerland, Belgium, Luxembourg and Monaco, ...
What US state is most like France? ›
New Orleans, Louisiana
From the French bread used in the city's iconic po'boy sandwiches, to street names, and holiday celebrations like Mardi Gras and Bastille Day, a visit to NOLA is about as close to France as the U.S. gets. The overall feel and layout of the city is European all on its own.
What is a rare French boy name? ›
Dieudonné. This unique French boy's name means “given by God,” and is pronounced DYUU-DAW-NEH.
Why is Paris called Paris? ›
The name Paris is derived from its early inhabitants, the Parisii, a Gallic tribe from the Iron Age and the Roman period. The meaning of the Gaulish ethnonym remains debated. According to Xavier Delamarre, it may derive from the Celtic root pario- ('cauldron').
Otherwise, Marie-Madeleine, Christine, Sophie, Caroline, Virginie, Marguerite, Anne, Rosalie, Clémentine, Blanche, Françoise, Félicité, Élizabeth, Eugénie, Julie, Thérèse, Alice, Charlotte, Jeanne…. “Classical” French names.
What do French people call themselves? ›
One phrase I hear often is “C'est comme ça.” “It is like that.” Yes, the French call themselves "les Français." In French, this is the most common name for the French people. It is a gender-neutral term that can be used for both men and women.
