France is one of the largest countries, geographically speaking, in Europe. And its influence in European culture and life is clear wherever you are.
Articles about France, by region
Select one of the Czech regions to drill down and see articles and stories connected to it.
All my articles about France
- The lost anti-Viking defence system August 28, 2024 - In the late 10th century, France faced with an economic crisis and an uneasy peace with the Vikings. Would the Vikings attack again? Or was their recent attempt at peace going… Continue Reading
- The Abbey in Vendome July 16, 2024 - Legends underpin so many historical stories it's hard to tell what is fact and what is fiction. I've found a factual explanation for the legend behind the foundation of the… Continue Reading
- The flamboyant chapel in Chartres’ cathedral June 24, 2024 - Chartres Cathedral features a Flamboyant Gothic chapel by Louis de Bourbon, Count of Vendôme, built to honor a vow made during his imprisonment. Continue Reading
- The siege of Barbastro – the pre-crusade June 22, 2023 - In the 11th century, Musim-controlled Spain was under attack from Roman Catholic Europe. One key siege was a turning point in how the church viewed war as a tool of… Continue Reading
- Who would rule Italy? July 7, 2022 - In 1024, Italy tired of German rule and wondered if French nobility would like to be the King of Italy. Would this have been good for France, or would it… Continue Reading
- The ultimate story of Czech heros February 1, 2021 - Many countries have memorials to fallen heros, and stories of bravery from wartime. Czechia is unusual in that it has heros from both sides of World War II. Continue Reading
- Learn how Portugal helped Malta in its time of need July 20, 2020 - If you ask people how Malta fought against French occupation, most will talk about how the British helped the Maltese out. Few know that the Portuguese navy played the decisive… Continue Reading
- Why did the Pope want to move to Malta? June 1, 2020 - In the 19th century, various states on the Italian peninsula united to become a single, new country. While some papal states merged with the others, the Vatican refused to be… Continue Reading
- Preserving Malta’s money supply March 23, 2020 - European geopolitics in the 1930s caused plenty of uncertainty. The British worried about riots in the Middle East, and the possibility of another major war with Germany. They hatched a… Continue Reading
- Spanish steps February 10, 2020 - Rome’s Spanish steps are an iconic image of the city. People have loitered on the stairs since the 16th century. Not everyone knows the reason behind the name. Why would… Continue Reading
- The truth behind the Sudetenland November 4, 2019 - Before living in Prague I thought I knew about the Sudetenland and how Hitler annexed it before World War II. There’s a lot I’ve learnt about the nuances of history… Continue Reading
- The Revolting Slaves of Malta October 14, 2019 - Malta is not known for its revolutions. Unlike other countries, the people preferred other ways of changing history. This article describes one unsuccessful plot to overthrow the Knights of Malta. Continue Reading
- The Lasting effects of the Thirty Years’ War November 26, 2018 - I've written plenty of articles about the effects of the 30 Years' war on Prague and Czechia in general. I knew bits and pieces of the story so I decided… Continue Reading
- For people interested in World War II stories October 22, 2018 - There's a plaque on the wall in the castle in Ghent, Belgium, thanking the city for the symbolic establishment of the SAS. In Belgium. The SAS? Symbolic establishment? I started… Continue Reading
- How did the British take control of Malta? October 8, 2018 - I often discuss Maltese history with others and have written about unusual parts of it here. Often people claims that ‘the British illegally took control’ of the Maltese islands. This is… Continue Reading
- Sychrov Chateau: A Czech-French Chateau January 29, 2018 - Picture the situation: It's the French revolution and you are a member of the French nobility. What's the best way of making sure your head doesn't end up on the… Continue Reading
- The con man who sold the Eiffel Tower April 17, 2017 - One of the smoothest con men who ever lived managed to fool people into buying France's Eiffel Tower from him. Twice. His name is Victor Lustig and he was Czech.… Continue Reading
- How to Drink Coffee Like a Local June 1, 2015 - You can study the tourist guide as much as you like, you can make sure to avoid looking at a map when you're on holiday and you can even perfect your… Continue Reading
- Simple and Stylish European Travel – Eurostar April 6, 2015 - When based in Brussels, one of the joys of life was hopping onto the Eurostar and cruising to London. I often did it for work but I took advantage of it for pleasure… Continue Reading
- Iberian Road Trip Review January 19, 2015 - In December, I wrote about my plans to go on a road trip for my New Year's holiday. The reality did not disappoint as I drove, drank and ate my… Continue Reading
- New Year’s Road Trip December 15, 2014 - A few months' ago, just as the summer was peaking, I turned my mind to thoughts of a New Year's holiday. It's worth planning ahead, even if there are always… Continue Reading
- On The Beach May 23, 2011 - Sun, sea and sand. I am seated on a beach that is quiet for as far as the eye can see. A few lone figures, strangers blotting the landscape walk… Continue Reading