More than a Pit Stop: Le Mans and Europe’s Iconic Motor Race
Gillian Thornton zooms off to Le Mans to discover the legends behind Europe’s most iconic motor race and follow in the treadmarks of action hero Steve McQueen
Late afternoon and my husband and I have...
Out of the Shadows: Omaha Beach Revelations at Maisy Battery
As Europe marks the 75th anniversary of the D-Day Landings, fascinating stories about the hostilities are still coming to light. Gillian Thornton hears Gary Sterne’s Omaha Beach revelations at Maisy Battery
The 75th anniversary of...
12 Iconic Renaissance Sites in the Loire Valley
As the cradle of the French Renaissance, the Val de Loire boasts a wealth of places to explore
Related articles: Cradle of the Renaissance: A Celebration in the Loire Valley
Things to See and Do in...
The Fire of Notre-Dame de Paris
Images of Notre-Dame de Paris engulfed in flames caused shock and dismay the world over. A month on, however, we now know that this beloved landmark will be fully restored to its former glory...
Viva Leonardo da Vinci! Renaissance Events in the Loire Valley
Celebrating the quincentenary of the French Renaissance in Centre-Val de Loire
Related article: Cradle of the Renaissance: A Celebration in the Loire Valley
The 500th anniversary of the French Renaissance will be celebrated in 2019 with...
Reflections on “The Greatest Generation” and D-Day in France
My relationship with the D-Day invasion began before I was born. My father landed on Omaha Beach in June, 1944 and I came along later as part of the ‘post war Baby Boom generation’.
Dad...
The 75th Anniversary of D-Day
The 6th June 2019 will mark the 75th anniversary of the D-Day Landings and The Battle of Normandy with many events taking place throughout Normandy to commemorate the heroes who fought and lost their...
Remembering Balzac on the 220th Anniversary of his Birth
Debtor, caffeine addict and prolific writer, Honoré de Balzac has been all but forgotten by his beloved hometown of Tours. On the 220th anniversary of his birth, Marion Sauvebois joins the quest to put...
Words and Photos for a Devastated Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris
A devastating fire broke out in Notre-Dame cathedral on Monday night, and the world watched in horror as this iconic city monument burned. Thankfully Paris's brave firefighters were able to extinguish the flames late...
Read the Signs: Rue Cler in Paris
An epicurean street and a soldier’s demise
This bustling street in the swish Gros-Caillou neighbourhood of the 7th arrondissement is one of the best foodie streets in Paris. Celebrated American cook and author Julia Child...
