Explore 5 verified weird and obscure laws from France, each fact-checked and sourced.
France passed a real 2011 regulation restricting how ketchup is served in school cafeterias — but it was never a full 'ban.' The rule prevents ketchup from being freely available at self-serve stations; it may only be served alongside dishes where it is appropriate (essentially, with fries).
The Eiffel Tower's iconic nighttime light show is protected by French copyright law as an original artistic work, meaning commercial use of night photos requires prior authorization from the tower's operating company. However, simply taking the photo — or sharing it for personal use — is not illegal.
France legally permits 'posthumous marriage' (mariage posthume) under Article 171 of the French Civil Code. A surviving partner can marry their deceased fiancé(e), but only with presidential approval and under strict conditions proving the deceased had clearly consented to the union before death.
MYTH! Historian Sophie Muffat researched every law from the First Empire (1804-1815) and Second Empire (1852-1870) and found no such statute.
PARTIALLY TRUE (HISTORICAL)! SNCF enacted regulations in 1910 discouraging prolonged farewells on platforms due to train delays. Some stations had "no kissing" signage and designated "kissing zones."
