Blog Masonry
Gothic Architecture
The abbey church (or basilica) of Saint Denis, just north of Paris, is considered to be the world’s first example of gothic architecture. According to legend, around 250AD, Denis, the bishop of the Parisii, was decapitated at the top of the hill at Montmartre*. Not being […]
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
Europe’s busiest airport for cargo traffic is Charles de Gaulle International in Paris, and is actually the 6th busiest, in terms of cargo, in the world. With an average speed of 263.3km/h (163.6 mph) from station to station, the French TGV is the fastest train in […]
Three French Wine Myths Debunked
The first thing that comes to mind when anyone mentions French drinks is wine, so of course, with France being the world’s second largest wine producer (Italy comes first), wine rightly deserves to be at the top of anyone’s list of boissons françaises. It should come […]
Constructing The Iron Lady
January 28th 1887 was an auspicious day for Gustave Eiffel, and for Paris as a whole, for it was the day that construction began on what was to become one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. However, Eiffel’s great iron pylon was never meant […]
French Wine Facts and Figures
Since Roman times, wine has been made in France. In the North (e.g. Alsace), wines are usually made from a single variety of grape (e.g. Pinot Noir), whereas further south (e.g. Provence), they are typically blends (e.g. Cabernet Sauvignon + Merlot). With 450 different appellations, there […]
Paris Diary Dates For February
Are you visiting the City of Light next month, and wondering what to do? Wonder no more, for here’s our round-up of some of the best events in February. Au temps de Klimt. La Sécession à Vienne Although he’s known as one of the Vienna Secession […]
French Luxury Goods
The world leader in luxury goods, including perfumes, cosmetics, fashion accessories, and haute couture, France is also the top producer of liquors on the planet, and second only to Italy in terms of wine. L’hexagone produces some of the world’s most famous liqueurs; Armagnac, Chambord, Chartreuse, […]
Three French Food Myths Debunked
Mention the French, and the first thing that usually comes to mind is fine wine and equally fine dining. Indeed, marketers know that if you want to make a particular type of food seem really upmarket, just add the word, ‘French’ in front of it, and […]
Upcoming Events in France: Q1 2015
There may be a lack of sunshine in some parts of France at the moment, however, there’s no shortage of things to see and do while on a visit between now and March. Please note that while we’ve made every effort to ensure that the information […]
What Do France’s Nuclear Power and Crocodiles Have In Common?
France is the top producer of nuclear electricity in Europe, and second in the world, after the United States. L’Hexagone produces as much nuclear electricity as Spain, the UK, Russia, and Germany combined. The Tricastin Nuclear Power Center supplies hot water to La Ferme aux Crocodiles in […]