Really French

Golden Autumn

A gentle stroll along the calm and very picturesque Burgundy Canal in the Auxois region close to Dijon in the heart of the county "Cote d'Or" (the Gold Coast). The weather is exceptionally warm for late October. Busy ladybirds and bees are hunting for pollen on flowers which have blossomed for a second time this year. (more…)

France, a land of contrast and variation

As you travel from the north to the south and then the east to the west, you'll rapidly understand that France is a country of many contrasts and changes with every mile that you make. (more…)

French Composers

France is the birthplace and welcomed many classical composers. The work of many of them was lost through history, others became famous worldwide during their lifetime or posthumously. Here are the stories of two lesser-known French composers. (more…)

The Camargue… magnificent & wild

Discover the French Camargue After a visit to historic town of Aigues-Morte we travel into the heart of Camargue, an extraordinary part of France. (more…)

Summer in the south of France

Summer holidays are here, so many of us are thinking about southern France. We all know about Cannes, Nice and of course Saint Tropez. So we've decided to go the other side and discover the Languedoc-Roussillon region. (more…)

Heading to the South of France

We're preparing a trip to the South to the historic town of Aigues-Morte and Les Saintes Maries de la Mer, the departure date is Friday the 26th of June, the objective is to collect as many photos of the Camargue, the rice fields, horses, the beaches and of course the barges and canals. You can read an older article about the Camargue on our other site Bookmark this page.

The Fête de la Musique (World Music Day)

The Fête de la Musique is a music celebration taking place every year on the 21st of June in many countries . June 21 is the summer solstice day, the longest day and shortest night of the year, marking the beginning of a new summer season. (more…)

Three famous people who fought in the First World War

The First World War mobilized millions of men and women across the world. Among them were famous people, famous from before, during or after the conflict. The following list contains the name and short story of some of these men who served in the French army : (more…)

22nd of March 1421: Battle of Vieil-Baugé

The Hundred Years' War is among the most famous conflicts in history. Some battles that took place during this war helped to forge the identity of the belligerents. The names of astonishing battles are well known today, however, many armed engagements are no longer famous despite having dramatic consequences which altered the the war. (more…)

The Natzwiller-Struthof concentration camp in Alsace

The 21st of April 1941 saw the official opening of the Natzwiller-Struthof, a concentration camp located in the annexed region of Alsace. Though the numbers are not precise, it is estimated that among the 52,000 people that were deported in the camp around half of them did not survive. (more…)

Six very old French movies

The movie history and industry have been linked to France since its beginnings in the late 19th century. A Frenchman, Louis Aimé Auguste le Prince, who mysteriously disappeared during a train journey from Dijon to Paris, is credited with having produced the oldest movie that has survived until today. (more…)

The Silver Tower: the oldest French restaurant

In Paris stands La Tour d'Argent ( the Silver Tower ), a restaurant considered to be the oldest in France and amongst the first European restaurants. Between myth and reality, La Tour d'Argent has received some of the most influential people of the last centuries, served millions of meals and offers a stunning view on the Seine River and Notre Dame Cathedral. (more…)

XVIIIth and XIXth centuries in France part II

LOUIS XVI AND THE BEGINNING OF THE REVOLUTION The next monarch of France was the grandson of Louis XV, Louis XVI. He had two older brothers who died young and before their grandfather. Louis XVI was not born to rule but had to accept his fate. (more…)

XVIIIth and XIXth centuries in France part I : The twilight of the Sun King and Louis XV

The XVIIIth and XIXth centuries in French history are often very confusing for foreigners. Revolutions, restorations, changes of governments and government types can be difficult to understand. This article will serve as reminder and time-line for those of who have a hard time distinguishing the various changes that occurred in France in these two centuries. (more…)

Evolution of family names in France

Like many other countries, family names in France have evolved for centuries and still are. It is closely linked to the history of the country and reflects its evolution from Roman times to today. (more…)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year !

How to say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in French? Like many other countries, December is a month of celebration in France. Christmas and New Year's Eve are the main festivities. (more…)

Normandie-Niemen

Out of 97 volunteers, 42 never came back. They became living legends feared by the Germans and admired by the Soviets. They were a fighter group named Normandie-Niemen. (more…)

The Death of King Henri II of France

The 31st of March 1519, at the castle of Saint-Germain-en-Laye in the actual department of the Yvelines was born Henri de Valois, Duke of Orléans. Henri is the son of King François I and Claude de France and is the godson of the English monarch Henry VIII. Such a high birth called him for great deeds but not for reigning as a King of France since he had an older brother, the Dauphin François, Duke of Brittany. (more…)

An October day beside the river

The wonderful thing about town of Chalon sur Saone (or Saône if you like accents), is that you are almost in the south of France, but not quite. Lyon typically marks the boundary between the north and Latin southerners. However when you are heading towards the Mediterranean and arrive in Chalon, the adrenaline begins to build, you're almost there, a few more miles to go... The majestic river Saône flows towards the Rhone The town is divded by the river Saône, which flows from the north to the south. The river is still used for cargo barges and also vacation cruises. You can head upstream to the Rhone or southwards to eventually find the river Rhone…

News : The marriage contract of Napoléon Bonaparte and Joséphine de Beauharnais

Last week the Second Imperial Jubilee was celebrated. To this effect several historical documents and objects from the era of imperial France were put on auction. (more…)