French Crown jewels heist

 The theft on 19th October 2025, of  the French Crown Jewels from the Galerie d'Apollon of the Louvre is making major headlines.  Whatever the final outcome of investigations, the heist is likely to go down as one of the most daring art thefts of all time....

Marie-Antoinette's jewels

American historian and jewellery expert Lauren Kiehna publishes a post on her "Court Jeweller" blog, dated 11th October, which lists the most spectacular of the known surviving pieces which belonged to Marie-Antoinette. 

AI at Versailles

The Château de Versailles announces the result of a competition to create AI generated personalised visits. 

Le Grand Dauphin at Versailles

The Palace of Versailles presents an exhibition devoted to the Grand Dauphin, Louis de France, the eldest child of Louis XIV; to run from 14th October 2025 to 15th February 2026.

Lunéville bids for UNESCO World Heritage status

On 20th August the candidature of Lunéville in Lorraine for World Heritage status was officially forwarded to the French Ministry of Culture.  Initial reports suggest the bid is looked upon favourably. 

The Queen we love to hate?

 Yet another offering on M.-A.: Deborah Nicholls-Lee asks, Why 'the most controversial queen in history' was so hated?  BBC, 18th September. 

Women and Revolutionary prisons

 Newly published on Age of Revolutions :  Oriane Guiziou-Lamour, "Sex under the guillotine: women, prison, and the French Revolution", posted 08.08/2025.

Gérard Lhéritier fraud trial

The trial  has begun in Paris of manuscript dealer Gérard Lhéritier, former owner of the company Aristophil, who was charged with fraud by French authorities in 2015.

John Hardman podcast

The latest episode of the  "The History with Jackson" Podcast (hosted by Jackson van Uden) features John Hardman on the political history of the Revolution. 

Too much Marie-Antoinette??

 In the wake of the new exhibition at the V & A, Anne Higonnet casts a critical light on the modern obsession with Marie-Antoinette style.  (Article published  in Town and Country Magazine on 4th September).

News from Port-Royal des Champs

 A article by Alexandre Marque on Actu.fr ,17.08.2025, features the National Museum of Port-Royal des Champs, at Magny-les-Hameau (Yvelines) which reopened in July of this year.

Politics and history at Puy du Fou

The Right-wing vision of French history represented by the Puy du Fou theme park  is discussed by Hélène de Lauzun in an article published in The European Conservative on 18th August.