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From young apprentices to accomplished craftspeople, from farmers to Michelin-starred chefs... We meet the people keeping French heritage alive. Saturday at 7.20 am.
With a thousand castles and almost as many churches, France’s south-western Périgord region is a paradise for lovers of ancient stones. Aude, 32, has inherited the fortress of Commarque. The young Parisian left everything behind to protect this 12th-century monument. Gastronomy is also a key part of life in the Périgord. In this region that cherishes quality produce, chef Pierre Corre cooks black truffles like no one else.
Located west of the Baie des Anges, Antibes is one of the pearls of the French Riviera in the south of France. In the 1920s, US novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald took up residence with his wife Zelda in the Villa Saint-Louis to write his masterpiece "Tender is the Night". The villa is now a five-star hotel, the Hôtel Belles Rives. Antibes is also home to a yachting legend: the One Wave, a monohull designed in 1948 and fully restored by its passionate owner. Last but not least, the resort is a paradise for underwater photographers.
The Lot-et-Garonne is a south-western French department created from the union of the land and two rivers: the Lot and the Garonne. It’s therefore not surprising that some of the most beautiful gardens in France can be found here. The stories of these mini Edens are both astonishing and little-known. Impressionist painter Claude Monet came to one in Temple-sur-Lot to buy hundreds of water lilies for his garden at Giverny. Not far away, in Nérac, legend has it that another garden was the scene of a brief but passionate love affair between a certain Fleurette and Henri de Navarre, later King Henri IV, giving rise to the French verb "to flirt". Last but not least, Vincent Beylard's orchards have enabled this local man to become a world champion of jam.
The French region of Alsace is famous for its traditional half-timbered houses. But this centuries-old heritage is threatened by the passage of time and urban development. Every year, 400 of these remarkable old houses are demolished. But a few locals are trying to safeguard their heritage. One young couple have embarked on a project to renovate their old house, using ancestral techniques. Meanwhile, a company near Strasbourg specialises in dismantling the half-timbering of abandoned houses, renovating them and reusing them on new structures. We take a closer look.
Covering almost 9,000 km², the southern French department of Aveyron is one of the country's largest. With its limestone plateaus and vertiginous gorges, the area is full of contrasts: just like its iconic cheese, Roquefort. The blue-veined ewe's milk cheese – one of the oldest and most famous in the world – was born in this region. It became France's first cheese with AOP (Protected Designation of Origin) status in 1925. Making Roquefort requires special know-how, from milking the sheep to storing the cheese in cellars. We take a closer look.
Nestled at an altitude of 400 metres in the heart of the Alps, France's Lake Annecy is considered the purest lake in Europe. On its shores, the medieval old town of Annecy is nicknamed the "Venice of the Alps" for its picturesque canals. Out on the lake, fishermen catch féra, a delicate fish that Michelin-starred chef Jean Sulpice is particularly fond of working with. The forests that surround the lake are also a source of inspiration for the chef, who never misses an opportunity to stroll through them in search of new flavours.
In the creeks near Marseille, 37 metres underwater, lies the only submerged cave on the planet that's covered with cave paintings. On its damp walls, people have painted horses, bison, ibex and even penguins – animals that were present in the south of France during the Ice Age. The oldest paintings date back some 27,000 years.
In the vineyards of France's Anjou region, in the Loire Valley, a ritual takes place every year at the end of the summer. At harvest time, dozens of brave seasonal workers come from far and wide to pick the ripe grapes. Some of them have been regulars for several years and their experience is invaluable to the newcomers. The grape picking is done by hand and in a good atmosphere, but has its own rules. Once collected, the harvest heads to the winery. FRANCE 24 takes a closer look.
The French Mediterranean island of Corsica attracts two million holidaymakers every summer. To properly discover the so-called Isle of Beauty, what better way than on a cruise ship? Aboard a week-long cruise on La Belle des Océans, passengers explore Corsica's most beautiful beaches, as well as the local gastronomy and breathtaking panoramas – such as the medieval town of Bonifacio, perched 40 metres above the Mediterranean. FRANCE 24 brings you a little taste of summer.
In the skyline of France's Provence region, Mont Ventoux culminates at 1,909 metres. Each year, its steep slopes are the setting for an epic stage of the Tour de France cyling race. The bald mountain fascinates professional and amateur cyclists alike. The most determined of them even attempt the "Nutters' challenge": climbing Mont Ventoux three times in one day on the three different roads to the summit. We went to meet some of them.
In the Breton language, its name means "little sea". The Gulf of Morbihan, in the French region of Brittany, is made up of around 40 islands, all of them small paradises. The largest of them, l'Île aux Moines, is the most popular with tourists. Others belong to private owners, who live out their desert island dream. Oysters are farmed all year round on this storm-protected inland sea. We take a closer look.
Located in southern France, the Aubrac plateau is the scene of an explosion of colours and flavours in summer. The Aubrac dairy cows graze in rich meadows. Their cheese, tomme, is the main ingredient in the local specialty dish: aligot. The lush slopes are also home to the narcissus flower, which is harvested in the old-fashioned way with a raking tool. These delicate, fragrant flowers deck the region in white and are used by perfumers for their finest creations. We take a closer look.
Half of the one million oak barrels produced worldwide each year are made in France. French cooperage is a centuries-old tradition that dates back to the Gauls and plays a key role in the excellence of the world's finest wines. Choosing the right oak trees, cutting, seasoning and charring the wood are all delicate stages carried out by the cooper to create a made-to-measure oak barrel. We take a closer look at this expert craftsmanship.
Deep in France's southern Lubéron mountains lies a stunning red and orange landscape reminiscent of the vast plains of America: the Colorado provençal. This spot of wild nature is in fact a former open-cast ochre quarry. Every year, some 300,000 visitors venture through these 30 unusual hectares, between fairy chimneys and strange sculptures, to discover the remains of the site's industrial past. FRANCE 24 takes a closer look.
The southern Camargue region in France is known for its wetlands and flamingos. The region however holds a lesser-known animal sacred: bulls. The bulls of Camargue are reared by enthusiasts called manadiers for one purpose only, which is to become champions of the bullring in the regional bullfighting games. Consisting mainly of participants, called raseteurs, aiming to snatch rosettes tied to the bull's horns, the course camarguaise is harmless for the bulls that live in semi-freedom. FRANCE 24 takes you to uncover the region and its bulls.
Deep in France's Burgundy region lies the Boutissaint wildlife park. Within its 400 hectares of forest, several hundred animals roam free: stags, roe deer and boars, which visitors can observe as they wander through this natural setting with very few fences. The park is the brainchild of the Borione family, which purchased this former priory and its vast abandoned estate in the early 20th century. When it opened in 1968, it was France's very first wildlife park. FRANCE 24 takes you on a tour.
Beaune is the wine capital of France's Burgundy region. Above ground, the old fortified city is already beautiful. But the real treasure is hidden below the surface, down in the cellars. They contain two million bottles of wine, in a total of five kilometres of galleries, all linked together. One of the oldest cellars in Beaune has been occupied for four generations by the Maison Drouhin. It contains traces of the city's ancient past. Meanwhile, the cellars of Maison Champy were once frequented by Louis Pasteur and Gustave Eiffel. The much more modern Jadot winery has an unexpected skylight. FRANCE 24 takes you to discover these hidden treasures.
Agriculture in France is not immune to the digital revolution. More and more farmers are using IT tools to carry out their administrative and technical tasks. But some go much further: from fully robotic milking of cows, to connected cameras, to data gathering and even a digital fruit and vegetable market. FRANCE 24 went to meet some of these farmers for whom technology represents the future of their livelihood.
To discover France's Baie de Somme, on the northern Picardy coast, it's best to venture out at low tide. The River Somme's vast estuary reveals an archipelago of sandbanks and salt marshes: a paradise for migratory birds, but also for sheep farmers. During a canoe trip, tourists can get close to the stars of the bay: the seals. The largest seal colony in France has taken up residence here, much to the delight of visitors.
Of all the Renaissance-era castles that adorn France's Loire Valley, the Château de Chenonceau is perhaps the most refined. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it attracts almost a million French and foreign tourists every year. This success keeps a hundred employees busy at Chenonceau: ensuring the safety of the premises, restoring works of art and composing the bouquets that decorate the corridors. FRANCE 24 takes you behind the scenes of this beautiful château.
Guadeloupe, nicknamed the “butterfly archipelago” because of the shape of one of its central islands, welcomes over 600,000 tourists to its sunny little paradise every year. This French Overseas Territory abounds in opportunities to break from routine: hiking in the heart of the Basse-Terre rainforest, lounging on the deserted beaches of La Désirade island, swimming in its turquoise waters. Guadelupe’s waters are an ideal place to observe dolphins.
Located in France's eastern Lorraine region, Amnéville Zoo is home to some 2,000 animals. These include 40 species that are considered endangered: from Siberian tigers to white rhinos, gorillas and small squirrel monkeys. Behind the scenes, some 150 zoo employees work tirelessly around the clock, taking care of the animals. Preserving endangered species and making visitors aware of the threats to wildlife are also a key part of their daily tasks. FRANCE 24 brings you a glimpse of this vast menagerie.
In a small village deep in central France, the same family has run the "La Promenade" restaurant for four generations. The story began in 1960, when Lucienne created a small bistro. Then Jacky, the son, took over and won the first Michelin star in 1989. Today, the grandson Fabrice watches over this mecca of French gastronomy, and now his son Clément is studying for his chef's diploma. "La Promenade" is a moving family story, whose finest pages are perhaps yet to be written.
We take you to the westernmost point of France; the last piece of civilisation before the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean. Ouessant, located 25 kilometres off the Finistère coast in Brittany, is a rugged and fascinating island, where less than 500 people live all year round. We meet a fisherwoman, a doctor and a photographer who appreciate its raw beauty. The island is also home to no less than five lighthouses that have guided generations of sailors along this fearsome coast. The locals call them the "heroes of Ouessant".
In the heart of the Touraine countryside, in France's Loire Valley, old mechanical wind turbines are being dismantled from their masts to be restored. These turbines are known as éoliennes Bollée – named after their inventor, Ernest-Sylvain Bollée. In the 19th century, they were used to pump water from the ground. Today, they're being given a new lease of life, thanks to retired aeronautical engineer Jean-Claude Pestel and other enthusiasts in the region. We take a closer look.
For more than 75 years, the "Maîtrise de Radio France" choir has been training schoolchildren to become classical singers. Andrélia is one of them. She has undergone demanding training, with music theory, piano and singing lessons. With the other choir members, the teenager is preparing a special concert alongside the Radio France Philharmonic Orchestra. Based in Paris, the choir now has a branch in Bondy, in the north-eastern suburbs of the French capital.
In the sunlight of the French Riviera lies the port of La Ciotat. It's home to the Eden Theatre, the world's oldest cinema. It was there, in 1895, that an audience witnessed the first ever projection of moving pictures: the mythical "Arrival of a Train at La Ciotat" by France's Lumière brothers. A hundred and thirty years later, Michel Cornille is the guardian of this monument of cultural heritage. After being closed for three decades following a deadly hold-up in 1982, the Eden Theatre has been showing films to audiences again since 2013.
Of the 370 long-distance hiking paths that criss-cross the French countryside, some in particular stand out. In Finistère, on the Atlantic, the Chemin du Pouldu merges with the Brittany coast. Its contrasts of green and blue have inspired many artists, such as French painter Paul Gauguin. Down in the Cévennes, Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson gave his name to the Chemin Stevenson, where you can still come across donkeys. As for the route to Santiago de Compostela, one of the oldest long-distance hiking paths in France, it contains delights for the eyes and the soul.
We take you to discover rare French firms where master craftspeople with a golden touch keep alive traditional know-how to create the wonders of today. Tours, in the Loire Valley, is home to the Offard workshop, where printers design exceptional new wallpapers and recreate those from the past. Meanwhile, the Auto Classique Touraine garage specialises in restoring the most prestigious pre-war cars by hand. Finally, Olivier Cottet is a string instrument maker who brings old musical instruments back to life.
Eight decades after World War II, the Atlantic Wall is still breaking up. Along the coast of Brittany, in western France, lie more than 1,000 bunkers. Most of these vestiges of German occupation are abandoned, but some have been given a new lease of life. The submarine base of Lorient has become an ideal location for manufacturing carbon masts for yachts. Further west, on the tip of Finistère, a bunker has been transformed into a museum on the war. Finally, on the Crozon peninsula, a young entrepreneur has decided to convert a network of tunnels built by the Allies into a brewery.
Lined by magnificent French castles frozen in time, the Loire is nicknamed the royal river, with its breathtaking views of these jewels of Renaissance architecture. But the river is also a place to escape, to get back to nature and to discover a lesser-known heritage. In Chaumont-sur-Loire, an association is bringing traditional flat-bottomed boats back to life, in order to offer tourists an exceptional view of the region's castles. Meanwhile, thanks to the development of a network of cycling paths, the most athletic visitors can now choose to admire the beauties of the royal river by bike.
Once important seats of Christian worship, and now treasures of the country's heritage, French abbeys often have surprising histories. That’s the case of Fontevraud abbey, in the former duchy of Anjou. Run by a woman during its heyday, the abbey was turned into a prison after the French Revolution. In Alsace, the abbey of Mont Sainte-Odile is famous for its supposedly miraculous spring water. Finally, on the outskirts of Montpellier, Valmagne abbey used to be a wine cellar. Visitors can still observe the gigantic barrels that were once used to store thousands of litres of wine.
The most beautiful gardens in France are the fruit of monumental work by men and women, in partnership with Mother Nature. In the north of Corsica, the magnificent floral paradise of Parc de Saleccia was born from the ashes of a terrible fire in 1974. Much further north, near Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy, the Château de La Ballue is most remarkable for its listed gardens, where geometric shapes abound. Finally, on the French Riviera, the luxurious Eilenroc villa is especially famous for its rose garden, with varieties named after film stars.
Some artists' palaces are worthy of every superlative. Straight out of the boundless imagination of their creators, unique buildings now fascinate visitors to France: Postman Cheval's Ideal Palace in Provence, the estate of Robert Tatin in Mayenne and the "Bubble Palace" (pictured) on the French Riviera. FRANCE 24 takes you on a journey to the confines of fantasy to discover three palaces that share the fact they are unlike any other.
With its chalk cliffs and its bright green meadows, the French region of Normandy offers stunning scenery but also iconic local produce. It's in this unique landscape that cider producer Guillaume Capelle grows apples, the local fruit, to make the world-famous Calvados brandy. Meanwhile, Pierre Marie is hoping for a good season for scallop fishing – another emblematic product of Normandy, along with Isigny butter and caramels. For the latter two to see the light of day, dairy farmer Pierre Aubril pampers his Normandy cows, who produce up to 1,200 litres of 100 percent organic milk every day.
Thanks to their architecture, history and exceptional heritage, some French villages are the pride of their inhabitants and a joy for tourists. Perched on its Corsican hilltop, the village of Sant'Antonino is not easily accessible. Here, people still ride donkeys and cultivate olives the old-fashioned way. In Brittany, the charming village of Pont-Aven has inspired artists such as Paul Gauguin, earning it the nickname of "city of painters". Finally, down on the French Riviera, flowers have brought renown to the aptly named village of Bormes-les-Mimosas.
Located near the Spanish border, France's Basque Country has no fewer than twelve Michelin-starred restaurants, born of the marriage between local produce and the know-how of top Basque chefs. In Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, regular market-goers easily recognise chef Philippe Arrambide. Another of the region's Michelin-starred chefs is Cédric Béchade, an adopted Basque. FRANCE 24 went to meet them and discovered some of their cooking tips.
Glaciers are increasingly threatened by climate change. The French Alps are home to more than 4,000 of these fascinating natural monuments, of which 80 to 90 percent are set to disappear by 2100 due to global warming. Among the most emblematic glaciers is the Mer de Glace, or Sea of Ice, which retreats a little more each year, under the watchful eye of tourists. Meanwhile, the Bossons glacier reveals aircraft debris that was thought to be lost forever. FRANCE 24 went to meet some of the guardians of the glaciers.
In the northern French city of Dunkirk, thousands of people look forward to carnival season every year. As Mardi Gras approaches, the carnival transforms the city: the Black Cat Ball, fancy dressing and herring throwing from the town hall balcony are all part of the two-month-long festivities. The tradition dates back to the 17th century, when shipowners would host a big party for fishermen before they sailed off to Iceland for six months to fish for cod. Today, the tradition continues and is prepared weeks in advance.
The rose is the top-selling flower in France, with more than 22 million bunches sold every year. It has been grown for four generations by the Meilland family on the French Riviera. A symbol of lovers, the rose is also a favourite of perfumers. François Demachy, a perfume designer and famous Dior "nose", swears by it. Finally, the flower's fragrance and colours may be sensational, but its taste is too. In the medieval town of Provins, in the Seine-et-Marne region, rose petal jelly is a must for discerning palates.
In the south-eastern French region of Vienne, one tomato grower has striven for years to produce the best possible flavours. Jacky Mercier has won over the most demanding of palates, including top Paris chefs like Yves Camdeborde and Iñaki Aizpitarte. They now cannot imagine doing without his traditional tomato varieties. Jacky's secrets are character, authenticity and lots of patience. We went to meet him.
Legend has it that in 1963, France's Vanoise National Park was created to save the last endangered Alpine ibex. With 107 peaks of over 3,000 metres or more, the park in the heart of France's Savoie region attracts thousands of hikers each year in search of fresh air and the great outdoors. In this intact nature reserve, locals have developed alternatives to the usual winter sports. From snowshoeing to discover wildlife, to dog sledding for a unique adventure and even diving into a frozen lake, there's something for everyone!
Under a blanket of snow, the vineyards of France's Côte d'Or region seem asleep in winter. However, it's during this season that their destiny is played out: the vines are pruned and fires are lit to protect them from frost. The coopers make barrels for the next harvest, with a know-how that has earned them international success. Down in the cellars, day after day, oenologists and their keen senses supervise the wine ageing in the barrels.
The 80 dormant volcanoes of the Chaîne des Puys, located deep in France's central Auvergne region, are a geological wonder listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The green slopes attract hundreds of thousands of tourists each year, unfazed by the magma still bubbling 50 kilometres down. The rich volcanic soil also delights Auvergne's cows, whose milk is entirely devoted to the production of Saint-Nectaire cheese. Meanwhile, the petrified lava is turned into a stone that's been worked by local craftsmen for centuries.
It's a school like no other. Since 1822, the Centre of Naval Instruction, in the French port city of Brest, has trained the cadets of the French Navy. Every year, 240 youngsters aged between 16 and 18 join the famous "Mousses School". They board for 10 months, taking theoretical classes and learning about military life: teamwork, discipline and the meaning of commitment. But navy life isn't for everyone, so as a taster, the first sea outing is a crucial moment. During their ten months of training, the apprentice sailors are put through some severe tests, none more so than the daunting field exercises. We take a closer look.
In France, working the soil is often a family business. In the western city of La Rochelle, we meet three generations of cereal farmers who have been working the fields since 1912. A little further north, in the Mayenne region, a whole family has converted to organic farming. For all of them, each working day is a chance to learn or pass on know-how.
It's nicknamed the intense island. Located 10,000 kilometres from the French mainland, in the Indian Ocean, Reunion Island contains a thousand treasures for the senses. Some 40 percent of the territory is a UNESCO World Heritage site. On the coast, whale song punctuates the missions of oceanographers. Meanwhile, on the Grègues plantation, a bright orange root is harvested by hand to make a popular spice: turmeric.
There are some places in France where the destination is less important that the actual journey; beautiful roads that are just delightful to take. The road bordering Lake Annecy is both a challenge and a reward for cycling enthusiasts. Meanwhile on the French Riviera, the Grande Corniche, which has inspired so many filmmakers, is best enjoyed at the wheel of a vintage car. As for the Passage du Gois in the Vendée region, a submersible road that links the Atlantic island of Noirmoutier with the mainland, it is also used to pick shellfish, on foot. But watch out for high tide!
Forests cover almost a third of French territory. While part of this wood is protected, a growing share is transformed into timber or used for heating. The teams from France's National Forestry Office help manage this essential resource. More than simple lumberjacks, they roam the forests every day to ensure the development of this "green gold". Meanwhile, private individuals also come to cut their own firewood, in agreement with landowners. But rest assured: logging is strictly monitored and French forests are experiencing constant growth.
In France, puppet shows attract children and adults alike. All year long, puppeteer Jacky Cartillier and his daughter Carole-Anne criss-cross France with their Guignol show. They have passed down the show from generation to generation for 70 years. Guignol, the most famous French puppet, was created in the city of Lyon in 1808. Two centuries later, Guignol and his sidekick Gnafron have lost none of their banter. Meanwhile, Marie and Sandrine belong to the Talabar puppet theatre company. Since its founding in 1987, the female artist-puppeteers have produced 14 different shows.
In France, puppet shows attract children and adults alike. All year long, puppeteer Jacky Cartillier and his daughter Carole-Anne criss-cross France with their Guignol show. They have passed down the show from generation to generation for 70 years. Guignol, the most famous French puppet, was created in the city of Lyon in 1808. Two centuries later, Guignol and his sidekick Gnafron have lost none of their banter. Meanwhile, Marie and Sandrine belong to the Talabar puppet theatre company. Since its founding in 1987, the female artist-puppeteers have produced 14 different shows.
France is like a box of chocolates: you never know what you're going to get. Each region has its specialty. In Bordeaux, the chocolate-coated cherry known as a guinette delights locals with its soft liqueur heart. Over in Biarritz, the rugged Basque coastline inspired chocolate makers to create the rocher de Biarritz: roasted almonds and preserved orange peel coated with dark or milk chocolate. Finally, in Strasbourg, a chocolatier sought inspiration in the sandstone found throughout the Vosges forest to create a delicious praline emblematic of the city.
France is like a box of chocolates: you never know what you're going to get. Each region has its specialty. In Bordeaux, the chocolate-coated cherry known as a guinette delights locals with its soft liqueur heart. Over in Biarritz, the rugged Basque coastline inspired chocolate makers to create the rocher de Biarritz: roasted almonds and preserved orange peel coated with dark or milk chocolate. Finally, in Strasbourg, a chocolatier sought inspiration in the sandstone found throughout the Vosges forest to create a delicious praline emblematic of the city.
The French region of Burgundy is packed full of treasures of the palate. It's best known for its wine, which is made with passion and know-how, right down to the production of oak barrels to preserve it. But the region also boasts the anis de Flavigny, an aniseed sweet with a centuries-old history, and the legendary nonnette, a gingerbread from Dijon with a secret recipe dating back to the Middle Ages. FRANCE 24 takes you to Burgundy to meet those who perpetuate these delicious traditions.
The French region of Burgundy is packed full of treasures of the palate. It's best known for its wine, which is made with passion and know-how, right down to the production of oak barrels to preserve it. But the region also boasts the anis de Flavigny, an aniseed sweet with a centuries-old history, and the legendary nonnette, a gingerbread from Dijon with a secret recipe dating back to the Middle Ages. FRANCE 24 takes you to Burgundy to meet those who perpetuate these delicious traditions.
One of the most popular holiday destinations for French people is the campsite. Argelès-sur-Mer, in the eastern Pyrenees, is the town with the largest amount of camping accommodation in Europe. In the summer, this Western corner of the Mediterranean sees its population increase tenfold. We meet two brothers who run a campsite in Argelès.
One of the most popular holiday destinations for French people is the campsite. Argelès-sur-Mer, in the eastern Pyrenees, is the town with the largest amount of camping accommodation in Europe. In the summer, this Western corner of the Mediterranean sees its population increase tenfold. We meet two brothers who run a campsite in Argelès.
Off the coast of the French region of Brittany is a picturesque island for all those who want to disconnect. A 45-minute ferry ride separates the island of Belle-Île-en-Mer from the mainland, making it a world apart that attracts 100,000 visitors a year. Tourists also appreciate Belle-île's food, especially its fish. We take a closer look at the island in summer.
Off the coast of the French region of Brittany is a picturesque island for all those who want to disconnect. A 45-minute ferry ride separates the island of Belle-Île-en-Mer from the mainland, making it a world apart that attracts 100,000 visitors a year. Tourists also appreciate Belle-île's food, especially its fish. We take a closer look at the island in summer.
Brocéliande is the largest forest in the western French region of Brittany. Although it covers more than 11,000 hectares, it's best known for being home to the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. With its landscape of moors and deep valleys, the forest is more than a place for rambling. It's a genuine open-air theatre; a magical site brought to life by a whole community of actors, guides and storytellers.
Brocéliande is the largest forest in the western French region of Brittany. Although it covers more than 11,000 hectares, it's best known for being home to the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. With its landscape of moors and deep valleys, the forest is more than a place for rambling. It's a genuine open-air theatre; a magical site brought to life by a whole community of actors, guides and storytellers.
In the southern French city of Nîmes, the passion for Ancient Rome is more alive than ever. For the past decade, the city has been holding the Great Roman Games show every spring. Legionaries, centurions and gladiators invade the city and bring its incredible Roman monuments back to life: in particular the arena, where the Great Games are organised. Thousands of people, young and old alike, turn out to be transported back to the Rome of Julius Caesar.
In the southern French city of Nîmes, the passion for Ancient Rome is more alive than ever. For the past decade, the city has been holding the Great Roman Games show every spring. Legionaries, centurions and gladiators invade the city and bring its incredible Roman monuments back to life: in particular the arena, where the Great Games are organised. Thousands of people, young and old alike, turn out to be transported back to the Rome of Julius Caesar.
Batz is an emerald green island off Roscoff, in France's Brittany region. This land of a few square kilometres has 507 permanent residents; islanders who live off either tourism or farming. There are also day visitors, those who stay longer and a few lucky ones who have the privilege of owning a second home there. In summer, some 2,000 tourists arrive every day, a change of pace that the islanders prepare several months in advance. All the island's inhabitants are supplied by a barge, which makes a daily crossing to Roscoff.
Batz is an emerald green island off Roscoff, in France's Brittany region. This land of a few square kilometres has 507 permanent residents; islanders who live off either tourism or farming. There are also day visitors, those who stay longer and a few lucky ones who have the privilege of owning a second home there. In summer, some 2,000 tourists arrive every day, a change of pace that the islanders prepare several months in advance. All the island's inhabitants are supplied by a barge, which makes a daily crossing to Roscoff.
In the town of Saumur in France's Loire Valley, the riders of the Cadre Noir represent excellence in the world of French equestrianism. The military-style academy trains elite riders who take part in top international competitions. Its expertise has been recognised by UNESCO, which listed it as Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2011. FRANCE 24 takes you behind the scenes of the stables.
This French Renaissance-style castle would probably have remained largely unknown if it hadn't become home to the secret wife of Louis XIV, Madame de Maintenon. Françoise d'Aubigné – her real name – was a woman of humble origins who is often compared to Cinderella. After Louis secretly married her, the Château de Maintenon underwent numerous transformations as she put her own stamp on it. Meanwhile, the French-style garden was designed by renowned landscape architect André Le Nôtre but was only laid out in 2013.
He was a genius who left a lasting mark on France. As military architect to King Louis XIV, Vauban imagined a series of impregnable citadels to protect the country, from Besançon to the Ile de Ré. Each time, the architect reinvented himself to take into account the local geography and landscape. Today, many of these buildings remain key French landmarks. We take a closer look.
Since 2018, a strange creature has been stalking the streets of the south-western French city of Toulouse. Standing 13 metres tall and weighing in at 46 tonnes, Asterion the Minotaur is a giant wood and steel puppet who has become one of the city's emblems. This unusual artistic language is made possible thanks to extraordinary mechanics: a French-made exoskeleton controlled by five operators who move the minotaur's arms, torso and head. The hard work put in behind the scenes by the designers, technicians and operators turns this giant puppet into a genuine work of art.
More than 20 years ago, a community of men and women in the French region of Burgundy set themselves a massive challenge: to build a castle using the techniques of the Middle Ages. The site in the town of Guédelon is open to visitors, offering them an immersion into the 13th century. Today, nearly 40 people work every day on this medieval construction site. Stone quarrying is the first step in building a castle. And to transport the stones to the site, modern machines are banned: everything is done like in the 13th century, with horsepower.
The French port of Rouen hosts some of the biggest cargo ships in the world. But to get there, these giants of the seas have to be guided over the 80 kilometres of the Seine estuary. Navigating the river is risky for these huge ships. To guide them, expert pilots board the cargo ships at sea and take them to port. We go on deck with them.
Some 300 million pairs of socks are sold in France every year. Although most are made in China, some small French firms are carving out a market with their "made in France" offerings. One of them is Broussaud. For three generations, this family-run business based in the Limousin region has been constantly innovating, with increasingly complex designs. FRANCE 24 went to find out the secret of its success.
We take you to discover some of France's most remarkable trees. In the village of Lucheux, in the northern Somme region, two triple-centenarian lime trees have intertwined over time to become one. They have even played a part in village history: for the past 300 years, they have shaped the future of married couples. Meanwhile, in the Seine-et-Marne region east of Paris, a Japanese sophora (pictured) arouses wonder and curiosity in observers. It stands in the grounds of a school for teenagers with learning difficulties, who regularly draw the tree.
In the French region of Burgundy, home to the city of Dijon, it's not just the grapes that are famous. The region's other star fruit is the blackcurrant. A whole market has emerged based on the cultivation of this small berry. Today, the precious black fruit is transformed in many ways. Its best-known use in France is in the production of the famous liqueur known as crème de cassis, but blackcurrant is also used in cooking and even in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. We take a closer look.
A masterpiece of classical architecture, the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, located outside Paris, was the forerunner of Versailles. Contained within its walls are three and a half centuries of history. That legacy is now the responsibility of the three brothers who inherited it on the death of their father: Ascanio, Alexandre and Jean-Charles. The château is regularly the scene of construction sites but some restoration must be done by hand, for instance to restore the central wrought iron gates to their former glory. FRANCE 24 takes you behind the scenes.
The River Seine is the beating heart of Paris. The banks of the river attract 8 million visitors each year, making it one of the busiest places in the French capital. We meet those who take care of the Seine seven days a week, from the technicians checking water quality to members of the river patrol, who respond to emergency call-outs and use radar to explore the river's depths.
Every second in France, 57 kilos of cheese are produced; that's nearly 2 million tonnes a year. In the French city of Tours, the cream of cheesemakers from around the world compete to win the title of World's Best Cheesemaker. From choosing food to go with their cheeses, to blind tests, to putting together a cheese platter, they put their expertise to the test. The Belgians, Dutch and Japanese regularly make it to the podium, providing stiff competition for the French cheesemakers.
The Negresco is a legend in the world of luxury hotels. Located on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, just opposite the Mediterranean, it's emblematic of the French Riviera city. The hotel is not owned by a tourism or hotel group, making it one of the few totally independent luxury hotels in France. From the ground floor all the way up to the top, works of art are everywhere: Eiffel stained glass, a Baccarat chandelier and an official portrait of Louis XIV. We bring you a behind-the-scenes look at this jewel of the Belle Époque.
We bring you the story of the Royal Palace, a family dance hall in the eastern French village of Kirrwiller that has become the country's third-largest cabaret after Paris's Moulin Rouge and Lido. Now famous throughout Europe, the Royal Palace attracts 200,000 visitors every year. Behind its success is Pierre Meyer, a former cook who took over his parents' dance-floor restaurant. On stage, Alla Samorodska, a 35-year-old Ukrainian, excels as the lead lancer.
The city of Bourges in central France is famous for its UNESCO-listed cathedral and medieval city centre. But the capital of the Berry region has another historic asset: its marshes, a labyrinth of vegetable gardens. Located a few minutes from the city centre, the people of Bourges have enthusiastically maintained them for more than a century. This small corner of paradise is now attracting more and more city dwellers looking for peace and quiet. FRANCE 24 takes you to discover this unique but fragile ecosystem.
Strictly regulated for the past two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Guadeloupe Carnival is usually an unmissable event on the French Caribbean islands. From January to March, Guadeloupeans live to the rhythm of the parades, led by dozens of groups of volunteers. For participants, it's often the consecration of a year of hard work. FRANCE 24 went to soak up some of the Carnival atmosphere.
Located on the border with Switzerland, France's Jura region is a wild open land, a paradise for cross-country skiers and snowshoers. Only a few hardy souls come to attempt the Grande Traversée, a hiking-skiing route more than 100 kilometres long. It sets off from Mouthe, the coldest village in France. Meanwhile, from makers of Comté cheese to those who create wooden cladding known as "tavaillons", the region's heritage is lovingly preserved.
The eastern French town of Lunéville has played a key role in France's fashion history. It's the birthplace of Lunéville stitch embroidery, which features on UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list. To teach it, there is only one person left: Aude. Her students come from all over the world to learn the techniques passed on to her by her grandmother. We also take you behind the scenes at Hermès, whose square silk scarves are made by a highly skilled team near the French city of Lyon.
With its 2,500 castles, the Loire Valley is the cradle of the French Renaissance. But this priceless heritage requires constant maintenance. With state-of the-art technology, as well as historical research and know-how, French artists and craftspeople are innovating to return these gems of the past to their original state. We take a closer look.
In the heart of France's Burgundy vineyards, where villages bear the names of grands crus such as Pommard, Nuit-Saint-Georges and Chablis, preparations are underway for the Saint-Vincent tournante wine festival; a tradition that goes back to the Middle Ages. Every year, in the last week of January, some 20,000 people are expected for the two-day festival. This time, the villages of Gilly-lès-Cîteaux and Vougeot are the lucky hosts. We catch up with Élisabeth, the head of the not-for-profit organisation, but also Bernard, a volunteer winegrower.
Every year, almost half a million visitors flock to Chantilly, one of France's most beautiful castles. Located an hour from Paris and built in 1358, its princes greeted Louis XIV for sumptuous banquets. In the 19th century, Henri d'Orléans, Duke of Aumale, restored the château and turned it into an exceptional museum, containing the second-largest collection of paintings in France after the Louvre and more than 45,000 books. From restorers to gardeners and horseriders: behind the scenes, more than 100 people work every day on the upkeep of Chantilly. FRANCE 24 takes you to meet them.
Marie-Hélène Poisson is the only craftswoman to be entirely dedicated to Boulle work. This French technique, invented at the end of the 17th century, consists of inlaying antique furniture with decoration made of brass or tortoiseshell. Marie-Hélène learned the trade from her father and is now passing it on to her daughter. The future of Boulle inlay is safe in their hands. FRANCE 24 takes you to the town of Vendôme, in France's Loir-et-Cher region, for a closer look at this special craft.
Located in Paris's famed Montmartre district, the Moulin Rouge is the most famous cabaret in the world and has entertained revellers for 120 years. Home to the French cancan, it recruits the best dancers, who wear the best costumes. Each show requires 1,000 costumes at a budget of €4 million. Some of them are the most expensive in the world, due to their feathers. We go behind the scenes with dancer Olga.
In this edition, we take you to discover the High Plains of Vercors in south-eastern France. In winter, this area is devoid of permanent human dwellings – only animals roam the mountains. It's an immaculate but hostile landscape spread over 170 km² that forest warden Brice Palhec knows well. He takes us behind the scenes of this wild world, the largest nature reserve in mainland France.
France's Mercantour National Park is a green sanctuary in the heart of the Alps. It’s one of the few untouched sites left in France where wild animals are truly protected from humans. Its unique location, near the French Riviera, brings a Mediterranean touch to the Alpine mountains. This area is also where the wolf returned to France from Italy in 1992. We take a closer look at this wildlife sanctuary.
Between the southern French cities of Marseille and La Ciotat lies a magnificent coastline with 40 kilometres of cliffs and coves. The landscapes of the Calanques National Park are breathtaking. To safeguard this fragile natural heritage and rescue amateur mountaineers who get into difficulty, wardens and firefighters are constantly on a war footing. FRANCE 24 went to meet them.
It began as one of Hitler's craziest ideas: to construct 4,000 kilometres of defences along the entire coastline of mainland Europe. Some 76 years later, local governments, private individuals and companies are trying to give a second life to sections of the infamous Atlantic Wall. In the Finistère department of Brittany in western France, a half-buried bunker now houses a museum featuring the voices of those who lived under German occupation. Meanwhile, an abandoned bunker on Brittany's Cap Fréhel peninsula is now home to a group of bats. FRANCE 24 takes a closer look at these sites and more.
As Christmas approaches, French chef Éric Pras opens up his kitchens to make a special festive meal. As he prepares the main dish, the Michelin-starred chef reveals his secrets. From rural Burgundy to the Gers region, he then takes us to discover the exceptional produce he uses for his creations, from free-range chickens to organic vegetables.
The truffle is a luxury fungus that's become a delicacy in French gastronomy. Being a truffle farmer requires years of patience and hunting for the "black diamond" cannot be done without the unrivalled sense of smell of man's best friend. Today, France produces almost half of the 120 tonnes of truffles sold throughout the world every year, and truffle lovers are prepared to pay up: some black truffles are worth as much as €1,000 per kilo. FRANCE went to sniff out its secrets.
In France, brasseries are an institution. They offer simple, tasty dishes in the style of traditional home cooking. Brasseries were born more than a century ago with the "bouillons" of Paris. Today, their decoration has changed little, but their success is still intact. FRANCE 24 gives you a taste of this timeless constant in French gastronomy, from Paris to Lyon via Saint-Tropez.
Every year in France, thousands of heritage sites are put up for sale and get a second life thanks to slightly eccentric owners. We meet some of the people who have decided to make these monuments their home, from an abandoned lighthouse to a deconsecrated chapel.
At Thoiry park, in the Yvelines region outside Paris, there are many surprises in store. Thoiry is not a typical zoo, since the animals live in semi-freedom. The safari is the main attraction. Visitors get around in their own cars or on board a so-called bush truck to discover 180 different species of animals up close, including lions and elephants. FRANCE 24 takes you behind the scenes of the park, which attracts half a million visitors a year.
Since the end of the 18th century, the French-style gardens of the Château de Chambord, in France's Loire Valley, had disappeared. But months of hard work have brought these 6.5 hectares back to life. From lawns to flowerbeds and rows of trees, FRANCE 24 takes you behind the scenes of a model of perfection where there is no room for approximation.
Every two years for three days, dozens of balloons take to the skies for the European Hot Air Balloon Cup. This year's competition in France's western Charente region has brought together 48 teams, with 14 different nations represented. One the first day of the competition, the organisers check weather conditions with a small balloon and calculate the strength and direction of the wind. Once this is validated, the director can start the competition. Among the many pilots here you'll find Capucine de Sade, one of the top three pilots in France who is attending the event for the sixth time.
Located some 35 kilometres from Paris in the Chevreuse Valley, the Château de Breteuil offers a journey through the history of France. Visitors learn the story of the Breteuil family of aristocrats, who served the greatest French monarchs. The castle also brings to life the world-famous fairy tales of French author Charles Perrault, such as "Cinderella" and "Puss in Boots". FRANCE 24 takes you behind the scenes.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Loire is France's longest river and the last that's still more or less wild. A unique set of flora and fauna live on its banks and islands. But this fragile ecosystem is threatened by climate change and invasive species. What is being done to face these dangers? We take a closer look.
For a century, the French town of Saint-Amand-Montrond, in the central Cher department, was the capital of gold. As France's third-biggest centre for manufacturing gold jewellery after Paris and Lyon, the town of 10,000 inhabitants was best known for its hollow-link gold chains. Today, few goldsmiths remain but the local vocational school is busy training up the next generation of jewellers. FRANCE 24 takes you to discover it.
In 2018, a retired salesman bought the 19th century Pontivy train station, located in the French region of Brittany, in order to save it from demolition. Since then, this train enthusiast has been using all his energy and savings to restore the station and preserve its history. FRANCE 24 takes you on a tour of it.
Close to the Mediterranean Sea in southern France and not far from the Alps, the regional natural park of Sainte-Baume benefits from a unique ecosystem. Since time immemorial, humans have lived in this area. They have long enjoyed its natural riches, from its forest to its water. FRANCE 24 takes you to discover this natural oasis in the heart of the Provence region.
The castle of the counts of Perche stands on a hill overlooking the French town of Nogent-le-Rotrou, in the central Eure-et-Loir department. This thousand-year-old fortress, testament to a wealth of local history, is now a museum. Through nearly 400 objects, it takes visitors on a journey through time, from the Middle Ages to the French Revolution. FRANCE 24 takes you on a tour.
Louis XIV embodies absolute monarchy more than any other French king. The Sun King, who ruled from 1643 to 1715, left his mark on many places in France, from Versailles to Saint-Jean-de-Luz and the Gobelins tapestry factory in Paris. Even today, his legacy lives on in all of them. FRANCE 24 takes you on a tour.
It took 17 years to build the Hermione, a perfect replica of the Marquis de La Fayette's three-masted frigate from the 18th century, on which he crossed the Atlantic to support Americans fighting for their independence. Since her launch in 2014, the ship has travelled 40,000 kilometres. For each outing at sea, the Hermione welcomes on board trainee sailors known as riggers. Professional sailors only represent a quarter of the crew. We bring you a glimpse of life on deck.
Just off the French coast of Normandy lies Chausey, the largest archipelago in Europe. It’s a wild and remote area, where some elderly islanders still live. But with the arrival of warmer days, the area is metamorphosed. Every day, a ferry brings thousands of visitors attracted by these picture-postcard landscapes. FRANCE 24 takes you to discover them.