The maquis was one of various forms of Resistance in France’s fight against the German Occupation and the Vichy regime during the Second World War.
During World War II the majority of RAF Evaders made their escape or passed through France on their way from Germany and Occupied countries, heading for the coasts in an attempt to return to England.
There are still lovely tomatoes in the markets in this part of the world. We are so lucky to live in the Pyrénées-Orientales!
Coming from the word ‘l’envers’, (the reverse), Verlan is a well-known form of French slang which involves reversing the syllables.
The poppy is a powerful and iconic symbol of remembrance in England, but did you know that the French have an equivalent, ‘Le Bleuet de France’, their own poignant reminder of the First World War?
Many a Bac (equivalent of A-Levels) student has quivered at the sight of Victor Hugo’s name on the test paper… how will you fare with this 19th century poem?
Toussaint, Castanyadas, Armistice 1918 and how The Unknown Soldier was chosen, and poor old ladies of over twenty-five….
This year we take the time once again to thank all those ordinary men and women who went on to do extraordinary things 100 years ago – and then again just 20 years later.
The word ‘terrorist’ actually sprung up around 1795 during the French Revolution.
How about a bit of cave magic for Christmas?