France Travel

Heavenly  Stone Masons

Heavenly Stone Masons

Medieval masons created almost magical architecture with their magnificent mastery of stone and geometry.

The Psychology of Strongmen

The Psychology of Strongmen

We are seeing a global rise of strongmen leaders. We take a look at what make strongmen tick and why they gain followers.

How Mountains Move

How Mountains Move

Mountains grow, shrink and change shape both slowly and suddenly, and human behavior is changing them in alarming ways.

The Style that Went Around the World

The Style that Went Around the World

Most Gothic architecture was built in the 19th and 20th centuries when the medieval style underwent a global revival. Now, Gothic is trending again.

How to Read Stained Glass Windows

How to Read Stained Glass Windows

Stained glass windows, one of the most durable types of art, have long imparted both powerful religious and secular messages.

Saint Sulpice Church - Paris’s Temporary Cathedral

Saint Sulpice Church - Paris’s Temporary Cathedral

Saint Sulpice Church in Paris has a turbulent history dating to the 7th century. Today, it is Paris's temporary cathedral amidst the pandemic.

The Sustainable Culture of Yogurt Jars

The Sustainable Culture of Yogurt Jars

Cute little glass and ceramic yogurt jars have become a DIY trend and recycling strategy.

The Rosetta Stone

The Rosetta Stone

The Rosetta Stone, which revolutionized the study of Egypt and ancient languages, continues to court controversy today.

Versailles’ Checkered Legacy

Versailles’ Checkered Legacy

Versailles has an image of lavish opulence under the Sun King, Louis XIV, but the palace also has a history of revolution and American ties.

Gothic Architecture - Imagining Infinity

Gothic Architecture - Imagining Infinity

Gothic architecture has been called both magnificent and monstrous. We examine why.

The Panthéon of Paris

The Panthéon of Paris

The Panthéon in Paris, France's national mausoleum, embraces the contradictory themes of the nation's turbulent history.

Translating the Bible

Translating the Bible

Millions of Christians will turn to the Bible this week to read the Christmas story in hundreds of languages.

Resting Place of Kings

Resting Place of Kings

France's dazzling royal necropolis, the Basilica of Saint Denis, is also the birthplace of Gothic architecture.

How Crafts Help Us Cope

How Crafts Help Us Cope

Crafts are booming as people shelter at home during the pandemic. We explore why, as well as ways to learn a new craft without stressing out.

Paris’s Oldest Church Restored

Paris’s Oldest Church Restored

Paris' oldest church, Saint Germain des Prés, is emerging from layers of grime and soot as a meticulous restoration reveals its vibrant color.

Marie Antoinette and Barbie

Marie Antoinette and Barbie

Since she was guillotined in the French Revolution, Marie Antoinette has become one of the most popular icons worldwide.

A Tale of Two Roman Cities

A Tale of Two Roman Cities

The amphitheaters, military garrisons, forums, trade and craft shops of two Roman colonial cities have emerged from the dust.

Paris’s Oldest Food Market

Paris’s Oldest Food Market

Rue Montorgueil in Paris began as a village street with a medieval church and food market. It has retained that character.

The World is Flat (Bread)

The World is Flat (Bread)

Flatbreads are oldest, easiest breads and the most modern - pizza and tortillas are among the most popular foods. See our recipes.

What is the Louvre?

What is the Louvre?

The former palace, the world's largest museum, music video and fashion show venue, and global brand has never been more cool.

China’s  Export Porcelain

China’s Export Porcelain

Chinese porcelain is durable and branded with its history, so it is used to trace China’s trade and cultural ties with other nations.

Yearning for Yogurt

Yearning for Yogurt

Yogurt is one of the oldest and most popular foods and a booming global industry. Here's our recipe for creamy mild yogurt.

The Many Layers of Mona Lisa

The Many Layers of Mona Lisa

Mona Lisa has long been mysterious, not just because of her smile. But was mystery or realism her famous creator's object?

The World Mourns Notre Dame

The World Mourns Notre Dame

Notre Dame Cathedral of Paris, France's national cathedral, was badly damaged in a fire.

Travel is So Daily

Travel is So Daily

As more and more travelers are discovering, travel is more about enhancing the life you have than escaping from it.

Scaffolding the World

Scaffolding the World

Finding a historical site shrouded in scaffolding is disappointing, but it is a valuable tool for preserving the world's heritage.

Treasure Room and Two Palaces

Treasure Room and Two Palaces

In the French palace at Fontainebleau is a treasure room of dazzling artifacts taken by the French army from a palace in Beijing.

Enchanted Land, Part 2

Enchanted Land, Part 2

Old stone houses, leather books with swirly handwriting and a village church mark the second part of our journey to the Rhone-Alps.

Enchanted Land, Part 1

Enchanted Land, Part 1

A search for ancestral roots in southern France leads to a legendary land with a walled medieval town and tales of a magic sword.