France
On October 14th in the year 1066, a battle took place in England - Battle of Hastings, that in many ways determined the course of the next one thousand years of western history. The Norman army of Duke William of Normandy in France fought the English Army of King Harold II. Harold had been on the throne only a few months, and contested Duke William's right to rule England.
On October 6, 1889, the famous Moulin Rouge opened its doors in Paris’s 18th district. The Eiffel Tower was constructed the same year, showcasing the cultural pioneering that dominated Paris at the time.
In 1791, the French National Assembly was seeking a new method of execution. Former methods were considered too inhumane, such as the infamous "breaking on the wheel". Assembly member Joseph-Ignace Guillotin suggested the construction of a device to decapitate the accused with a steel blade.
On July 14, 1789, an iconic event of the French Revolution took place when revolutionaries stormed the Bastille, a medieval fortress in Paris. At the time, the Bastille was not only a prison but a symbol of the French monarchy's absolute power. Though it held only seven prisoners at the time, its significance lay far beyond the walls—this fortress had come to represent the tyranny and oppression of King Louis XVI's reign.
On June 28, 1919, the Treaty of Versailles was signed in Paris, officially bringing World War I to a close. This landmark agreement was signed by representatives from the Allied powers—Belgium, Britain, France, Italy, the United States—and Germany, with Austria-Hungary already dismantled. The treaty formally ended a devastating conflict that had raged for nearly five years, claiming millions of lives and reshaping the global landscape.
Haven’t been to Monaco yet? Then you’re missing out. There are numerous reasons to visit the principality, including the Grand Prix (usually held in May), Michelin-star restaurants, great casinos, amazing luxury shopping possibilities, and beaches straight from the pages of a travel magazine. However, another that stands out is the fact that the country’s is straight out of a fairy-tale.
Hidden between France and Spain, the gorgeous little country of Andorra is often overlooked by most guidebooks. Andorra is well-known in Europe for its outstanding skiing resorts, spectacular mountain views and picturesque hiking trails.
Vieux Lille, the capital of French Flanders, is a cultural hotspot that travelers just can’t get enough of. Make sure your visit is more than just for a day, as you’ll want to really explore all the city has to offer.
On May 7, 1718, one of America's most vibrant and culturally rich cities, New Orleans, was founded by the French. Originally known as La Nouvelle-Orléans, the city was named in honor of Philippe II, Duke of Orléans, Regent of France.
