paris

7 articles

Feb21

1920What became of the other unknown soldiers that were considered for selection of a French 'Soldat Inconnu' in 1920?

In November 1920, eight unidentified soldiers from the Western Front were brought to Verdun to select the French 'Soldat Inconnu' for burial beneath the Arc de Triomphe in Paris—a powerful tribute to all those "Mort pour la France." While one was chosen to represent France's unknown dead, the seven remaining were reverently interred in the 'Section of the Seven Unknowns' (Carré des sept Inconnus) at Verdun’s Faubourg-Pavé cemetery. Their solemn procession through the city, attended by military, civil, and local communities, marked a unique act of national remembrance. Each grave is inscribed with "Soldat français inconnu mort pour la France," and since 2014, a Remembrance Flame burns there, honoring their sacrifice for generations to come.

Feb14

1879What famous sculpture in Paris unites 'Marianne' and the national anthem of France?

At the base of the iconic Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile in Paris stands 'Le Départ des Volontaires de 1792,' more widely known as 'La Marseillaise,' a dramatic sculpture by François Rude. This masterpiece unites the personification of 'Marianne'—the spirit of the French Republic—with the fervor of France's national anthem, commemorating the volunteers who rallied to defend France during the Revolution. Created between 1833 and 1836, the high-relief shows Marianne as a winged warrior, embodying Liberty and urging her compatriots into battle. The sculpture’s dynamic energy and symbolism make it a unique testament to France’s enduring quest for liberty, still celebrated today on anniversaries like February 14, the day La Marseillaise became the official anthem in 1879.

Jan22

1852Which French military decoration is called the "medal of the brave" or "the jewel of the armies"?

The Military Medal (Médaille Militaire), established by Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte in Paris on 22 January 1852, is France’s highest military honor for non-commissioned officers and soldiers, known as “the medal of the brave” or “the jewel of the armies.” Renowned for recognizing courage and devotion, it has been awarded to more than a million individuals, including 950,000 during the First World War—most posthumously. A striking detail is the monument at the Hôtel national des Invalides, inaugurated in 1925, which features a tribute “A LA GLOIRE DES MÉDAILLÉS MILITAIRES MORTS AU CHAMP D’HONNEUR” and continues to be the site of annual remembrance ceremonies, most recently illuminated in 2017 to keep their legacy shining for future generations.

May31

1809Which of Napoléon Bonaparte's generals did he nicknamed the "Achilles" of the Grande Armée?

Jean Lannes, famously nicknamed the "Achilles" of the Grande Armée by Napoléon Bonaparte, was a key general whose fearless leadership shaped the fate of the French Empire. Born in Lectoure in 1769, Lannes rose from humble beginnings to become a Maréchal d'Empire, distinguishing himself in pivotal battles such as Arcole and Montebello. His close companionship with Napoléon and his legendary bravery — documented by his multiple battlefield wounds and his ultimate sacrifice at Aspern-Essling in 1809 — set him apart as a symbol of frontline valor. Lannes was the first Maréchal d'Empire to die in combat, and his remains rest in the crypt at Les Invalides in Paris, commemorated to this day for his extraordinary contributions.

Dec2

1805What monument was erected in Paris in honour of what is considered Napoléon's greatest military victory?

The Colonne Vendôme, standing proudly in the Place Vendôme of Paris, was erected in 1810 to honor Napoléon's monumental triumph at the Battle of Austerlitz in 1805. This iconic monument, inspired by Rome’s ancient Trajan Column, became a symbol of military glory, resilience, and changing eras in French history. Uniquely, its bronze bas-relief was cast from 1,200 captured enemy cannons, spiraling up the granite shaft to recount the dramatic victories and homecoming of the Grand Army. Today, more than 217 years since its completion, the restored column remains an enduring testament to Napoléon's legacy and France's evolving heritage.

Apr4

1791What is the significance of the Panthéon on the Montagne Sainte-Geneviève in Paris?

The Panthéon on the Montagne Sainte-Geneviève in Paris stands as a neoclassical masterpiece designed by architect Jacques-Germain Soufflot, originally built between 1764 and 1790 to honor Sainte-Geneviève, the patron saint of Paris. Its transformation from church to national mausoleum during the French Revolution marked a dramatic shift in its significance, housing the remains of France’s most celebrated thinkers, leaders, and heroes. The Panthéon’s first interment occurred on 4 April 1791 with the revolutionary orator Mirabeau—only for his body to be removed amid scandal three years later, illustrating the memorial's turbulent history. Today, seventy men and five women are entombed within its crypt, embodying the ideals and diversity of the French Republic.

Aug12

1737Which Army pharmacist introduced the potato as a food source for humans in France in 1772?

Antoine Augustin Parmentier, a pioneering Army pharmacist based in Paris, is celebrated for introducing and popularizing the potato as a human food source in France in 1772. Amid widespread suspicion and legal bans against the "pomme de terre," Parmentier's scientific experiments and public advocacy helped overturn superstitions and alleviate food shortages. His creative efforts included hosting dinners with figures like Benjamin Franklin and enlisting the support of Louis XVI, who granted him land—guarded by soldiers during the day but opened for locals to "steal" potatoes at night, accelerating the tuber's acceptance. Today, his legacy lives on not only in scientific institutions and Parisian place names—like Avenue Parmentier and the Parmentier Métro station—but also in the humble potato left on his monument in Père Lachaise Cemetery.