France – History, Sightseeing, Curiosities

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Liberty Leading the People

The famous ‘Liberty Leading the People’ by Eugène Delacroix depicting events that took place in Paris in 1830, the sceond wave of the French Revolution. Let us recall some historical events in revolutionary France that for good changed this country and entire Europe.

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French Revolution

from 1789 to 1799, had profound and far-reaching effects on Europe. It ignited the spread of revolutionary ideals, challenging traditional monarchies and inspiring nationalist movements. The principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity resonated across borders, influencing political thought and sparking demands for constitutional reforms. Napoleonic conquests further disseminated these principles, introducing legal and administrative reforms that left a lasting impact on European governance. The revolutionary and Napoleonic era redrew the map of Europe, dismantling old feudal structures and fostering the rise of modern nation-states. While the Congress of Vienna in 1815 aimed to restore stability, the revolutionary spirit endured, contributing to the rise of liberalism, nationalism, and the eventual transformation of European political landscapes in the 19th and 20th centuries.

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The unfinished … Cathedral of Beauvais

It looks very impressive when you approach it, especially if seen from the historical streets at its Northside. It is dominating the perspective. From far away, you can clearly see the enormous Gothic apse. And you cannot wait till you see how its whole structure is looking like. 

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Waiting for the summer. Memories from Normandy

Longing for the summer sun, I found photos taken in Normandy, France some time ago. The August heat surrounded us. We were in the right place at the right time, traveling and enjoying the summer. In enclosed town areas, the heat was unbearable. But we were on the Atlantic coast. Occasionally, a fresh, cool breeze gave us some soothing comfort.

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Eiffel Tower

One of the most famous symbols in Europe is the Eiffel Tower. It was built for the 1889 Exposition Universelle in Paris and attracts 7 million visitors every year. The tower was designed and constructed by Gustave Eiffel, a well-known expert in metal construction. This is why it bears his name.

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France – History, Sightseeing, Curiosities

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Mont St. Michel

Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy, France, is an island commune topped by a medieval abbey. It is famous for the tides, which can isolate the island from the mainland. The abbey, dating back to the 8th century, is an architectural gem of Norman and Gothic styles, which has served both as a pilgrimage site and a fortification.

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Cooking French. Beauf Bourguignon

Boeuf Bourguignon is a beloved French comfort dish that hails from the Burgundy region. It’s made by slowly braising tender cuts of beef in red wine – usually a good Burgundy- together with beef stock, carrots, onions, garlic, and herbs. Finished with pearl onions and mushrooms, it’s the kind of rich, warming stew that’s perfect for a long evening and a crusty piece of bread. In this post, I share the way I prepare it at home

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Mulberry harbour

Many people around Europe when asked about Normandy in France, will quickly associate it with the D-Day. D-Day was also a large logistics operation. As the regular ports were in Nazi hands, the allied forces had to construct a provisional harbor.

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Notre Dame. A devastating moment to see

While inside, you might have thought it was eternal. And it is. But on Monday night it was a devastating moment to watch it burn.

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France – History, Sightseeing, Curiosities

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Other reads and photos

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Vers la glorie

Following our tour of the Pantheon crypts in Paris, France, I saw a painting of a battle. Normally, I’m used to seeing paintings of ancient stories or religious scenes. So, I took some photos quickly and then rushed downstairs to join the rest of the group without thinking too much about it.

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France – History, Sightseeing, Curiosities

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Sacre Coeur

Perched atop the highest point in Paris, atop the Montmartre hill, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, stands as a beacon of spirituality and architectural splendor seemingly watching the city. Its elevated position not only makes it visible from almost any point in the city.

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Rocky shores of Quiberon

The Quiberon Peninsula is a thin strip of land located in the Morbihan department of Brittany, France. Its geology is characterized by a variety of rocks that contribute to its unique landscape.

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Beauvais

Beauvais has a rich history that dates back to Roman times. It became prominent in the Middle Ages for its textile industry, especially for the production of fine woolen tapestries. Over the centuries, Beauvais was a site of several conflicts, including the Hundred Years’ War, and it played a significant role during both World Wars due to its strategic location.

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Exploring the Historic Town of Morlaix in Brittany

Morlaix is a historic town located in the Finistère department of Brittany, north-western France. It developed as a key trading and shipbuilding centre in the Middle Ages, and is known for its striking 19th-century railway viaduct, medieval centre, and well-preserved half-timbered houses.

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Le Roi Soleil

Luis XIV, the King of France  is one of the most prominent monarchs in European history. His reign lasted for over 70 years. Technically it was around 60 years as he inherited the throne at the age of 6. He was able to influence the French policies and social life for many centuries ahead

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The great and the controversial

Napoleon Bonaparte was a prominent French military leader who became Emperor in 1804. Known for his strategic skills, he expanded his empire across Europe through the Napoleonic Wars. His legal reform, the Napoleonic Code, had a global impact. However, his reign ended in 1815 after his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo, leading to exile on Saint Helena.

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An evening in a Paris style cabaret

Paris is one of the cities where whenever you come in winter or in summer you have much to do. Much sightseeing indoors and outdoors at light-time. Partying at night-time. Below, some scenes we have seen on an evening in Lido, one of the Paris cabarets.

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The Louvre

The Louvre was originally a fortress built in the late 12th century. It later became a royal residence for French kings and is now one of the most famous museums in Europe. The last king to live in the Louvre was Louis XIV, who moved to Versailles in 1682 and transformed the Louvre into a place to showcase the royal collection. The museum officially opened during the French Revolution in 1793 following a decree by the National Assembly.

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France – History, Sightseeing, Curiosities

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Carolingian Renaissance

flourishing in the 8th and 9th centuries under Charlemagne’s rule, marked a revival of learning and culture in Western Europe. Recognizing the significance of education, Charlemagne established a palace school inviting scholars from all over Europe. Monasteries became hubs for preserving and copying classical manuscripts. The development of the Carolingian script, a clear and legible handwriting style, enhanced the readability of manuscripts, making knowledge and later witten communication more accessible, Latin emerged as a common language for religious, scholarly, and administrative purposes. This linguistic standardization ultimately reinforced Latin as a universal language in the European continent. This period laid the groundwork for medieval scholasticism, impacting European intellectual traditions.

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Charlemagne, the King of Franks

Charlemagne (Charles the Great) is one of the most influential figures in French and European history of the early medieval time. He was a skilled military commander and a shrewd politician. 

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