The Albigensian Crusade (1209-1229) was part of the Roman Catholic Church’s efforts to crush the Cathars. The Cathars were especially numerous in southern France, in the region of Languedoc. They were termed Albigensians because of the movements presence in and around the city of Albi. Political control in Languedoc was split amongst many local lords […]
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Avignon
Host to France’s favorite summer theater festival, this southern city 4 hours by train from Paris, boasts a rich history, and a varied architecture. Year after year, it ranks as one of the country’s favorite destinations amongst foreign and French tourist
French History: Introduction
The Fleur de Lys,the royal emblem History can be relived all throughout France. Prehistoric paintings decorate the walls of caves in the Southwest, whereas the Southeast is filled with bridges, acqueducts and amphitheaters built by the Romans over 2,000 years ago. The soaring spires of the great cathedrals are expressions of the religious faith […]
Vercingetorix
Vercingetorix (died 46 BC), chieftain of the Arverni, led the great Gallic revolt against the Romans in 53 and 52 BC. His name in Gaulish means “over-king” (ver-rix) of warriors (cingetos). As described in Julius Caesar’s Gallic_Wars, Rome had secured domination over the Celtic tribes beyond the Provincia Narbonensis (modern day Provence) through a careful […]
Notre-Dame de Reims
For many centuries, this cathedral is where the Kings of France have been crowned. Today, it stands as one of the the most perfect architectural masterpieces of the Middle Ages.
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Wars of Religion
The religious wars began with overt hostilities in 1562 and lasted until the Edict of Nantes in 1598. It was warfare that devastated a generation, although conducted in rather desultory, inconclusive way. Although religion was certainly the basis for the conflict, it was much more than a confessional dispute. “Une foi, un loi, un roi” […]
The Politics of France
The ConstitutionA popular referendum approved the constitution of the Fifth Republic in 1958, greatly strengthening the authority of the presidency and the executive in relation to Parliament. The executive branchFrance has an original system with an executive headed by two officials: the President and the Prime Minister. The President of the Republic [img]325|left|Jacques Chirac[/img]Under the […]
Barge Cruises aboard Luxury Boats
You can enjoy France in a safe, confortable and beautiful cruise. It’s an unforgetable experience!
Basque
<!–^~^236|left|Ciboure, Pays Basque^~^–>The Basques are an indigenous people who inhabit parts of both Spain and France. They are found predominantly in four provinces in Spain and three in France. This area is to be found around the western edge of the Pyrenees on the coast of the Bay of Biscay. Besides Spanish or French, a […]