First (in the world)
– The world's first secular republican system, enshrined in a constitution (1791)
– The world's first museum open to the general public (Louvre, 1793)
– The world's first international film festival with a competition program (Cannes, 1946)
– The world's first state project to protect gastronomic heritage as a cultural value
– The world's first law on the protection of architectural monuments at the national level (1840)

Records (the "most" in the world)
– The highest museum attendance rate among European countries
– The largest collection of Impressionist works (Orsay, Paris)
– The highest density of castles and palaces per square kilometre (in the Loire Valley)
– The highest share of tourists per capita among G7 countries
– The highest share of perfume and cosmetics exports in the world

Records (one of the most) in the world
– One of the most famous brands of fashion and haute cuisine
– One of the most popular cultural tourism routes (Paris, Provence, Côte d'Azur)
– One of the most stable wine markets
– One of the most active participants in international art biennales
– One of the most developed rail transport markets (TGV)
– One of the most influential centers of philosophy and humanities
– One of the most stable levels of preservation of architectural heritage

Anti-records (the "most" in the world)
– The highest proportion of strikes in the public sector among EU countries
– The highest cost of living in the capital among continental European countries
– The highest density of tourists is in certain areas of Paris

Anti-records ("one of the most" in the world)