Paris in Bleu Blonde Rouge

The most recognized painting by the Romantic master Éugene Delacroix, La Liberté Guidant le Peuple le 28 Juillet 1830, depicts the event of this day, 196 years ago. Painted in 1830 for the Salon of 1831, the painting commemorates the Paris uprising of 1830, known as the Trois Glorieuses (Three Glorious Days) that ousted King Charles X.  Liberty is the focal point of the painting, an allegorical figure rich with Greek imagery. In this week's newest episode, we go into the events leading up to the July Revolution and the painting it inspired. For more info and photos ClaudineHemingway.com Coming to Paris? Book a walking tour with me at ClaudineHemingway.com Support the show

Napoleon has carried the brunt of most of the blame for the looting of art from Italy and other European countries, but not all of it lies on his shoulders. The looting of art from country to country isn’t a new idea. It all started with the Romans and the Greeks and continues to this day. There are a few more international rules in place to stop this, but not everyone follows them. In the 12th century, Doge Enrico Dandolo looted treasures and the horses later known as the horses of Saint Mark’s while in Constantinople. Something Napoleon would steal as well. Between the Revolution and the fall of Napoleon in 1814, the looting of art from the Vatican, Venice, Tuscany, and other corners of Europe was used to enrich the national museum. Authorized by treaties put in place at the same time, making the seizure legal.After the fall of the First Empire, a large majority of art was returned to its owners, but not everything. What remains, and why is it still here in France? Listen to the episode to get all the details now. Support the show

On July 13, 1793, Charlotte Corday talked her way into the apartment of writer Jean-Paul Marat and plunged a knife into his chest while he soaked in the bath, killing the Voice of the People within seconds.  It was a pivotal moment in the French Revolution and was made famous by the painting by Jacques-Louis David.A painting that is as much propaganda as it is historical and has become the very definition of the event. If you say “The Death of Marat” to anyone, they don’t think of the event itself; they think of this painting, but few know the actual details of the crime. In this week's episode, we explore the event, what led to it, the event and the aftermath, and how it's been depicted in art of the last 233 years. Visit ClaudineHemingway.com for more info and photos Support the show

Few paintings in the Louvre are as unforgettable as The Raft of the Medusa, but behind Théodore Géricault's masterpiece lies one of the most horrifying true stories in French history.In this episode, we uncover the disastrous 1816 voyage of the Méduse, a shipwreck caused by political favoritism, incompetence, and arrogance during the Bourbon Restoration. Stranded on a makeshift raft, 147 people faced starvation, mutiny, murder, and cannibalism in a desperate thirteen-day fight for survival, while the French government tried to bury the scandal.Discover how the testimony of the survivors inspired the young Géricault to spend months researching every detail, creating a monumental painting that became both a masterpiece of Romantic art and a powerful political statement. From the tragedy at sea to the secrets hidden within the canvas, this is the remarkable story behind one of the Louvre's greatest treasures.Support the show

When the giant silver Olympic balloon rose above the Jardin des Tuileries during the Paris 2024 Games, it instantly became one of the city's most unforgettable sights. But in Paris, almost nothing exists without a connection to the past.In this episode, we uncover the remarkable history behind the Olympic cauldron and why a balloon was the perfect symbol. From the daring experiments of the Montgolfier brothers and the world's first animal and human flights to the hydrogen balloon that lifted from the Tuileries before a crowd of hundreds of thousands, the story stretches back more than two centuries.We'll also explore how the balloon fits into the historic heart of Paris, standing along the city's famous Axe Historique, where every monument tells part of France's story. Discover how the 2024 Olympic organizers blended cutting-edge design with one of the greatest chapters in the history of aviation, proving once again that in Paris, the past is never far from the present.Support the show

Poison, black magic, royal mistresses, and murder at the highest levels of French society—welcome to one of the most shocking scandals in French history.In this episode, we dive into the infamous Affair of the Poisons, the dark conspiracy that gripped Paris and the court of Versailles during the reign of King Louis XIV. What began with the crimes of Marie-Madeleine d'Aubray, the Marquise de Brinvilliers, would unravel a vast network of poisoners, fortune tellers, alchemists, and aristocrats willing to kill for love, money, power, and revenge.From secret experiments on unsuspecting patients at the Hôtel-Dieu to the calculated murders of family members, Brinvilliers became one of the most notorious serial poisoners of the seventeenth century. Her arrest, trial, and execution exposed a hidden world operating beneath the glittering surface of Parisian society.But her story was only the beginning.As investigators followed the trail of poison, they uncovered the activities of the notorious Catherine Monvoisin—better known as La Voisin—a fortune teller whose clientele included some of the most powerful women in France. Accusations of love potions, abortions, occult practices, and the infamous Black Masses soon reached the gates of Versailles itself, threatening to engulf the Sun King's inner circle.How far did the scandal reach? Was Madame de Montespan, Louis XIV's celebrated mistress, truly involved in dark rituals designed to hold the king's affection? And why were thousands of pages of evidence later destroyed?Join us as we explore the crimes, trials, and mysteries of the Affair of the Poisons—a tale of ambition, obsession, superstition, and murder that revealed the dangerous underbelly of the Grand Siècle and nearly brought down the court of Versailles.Support the show

She is the most famous painting in the world, and everyone has an opinion of her. Are there better paintings in the Louvre? Sure, but she also deserves every bit of fame she has garnered for many reasons. Sadly, because of the chaos that surrounds her, you aren’t able to truly appreciate her the way you might other paintings. Who is the woman behind the most famous painting in the world? Was she the mistress of Giuliano de’ Medici? Leonardo da Vinci in drag? A wealthy woman of the Renaissance and friend to the artists? Or was she a Florentine woman and wife of a wealthy silk & wool merchant? It is one of the greatest questions in art history, right up there with why she is famous in the first place. You know this lady as La Joconde or as the Mona Lisa. In this week's episode, I share the story of the real woman behind the painting and how she came to France. Check ClaudineHemingway.com for more details.  Support the show

Pont Neuf wasn’t just the “new bridge,” it was so much more. Sure, it was the first in stone, without houses, the widest and the longest, and the first to have sidewalks in Europe. It was also the first celebrity monument in Paris. People traveled from all over Europe to see it, including Peter the Great. In 1717, Peter arrived in Paris after visiting Amsterdam to collect books, check in on Madame de Maintenon after the death of Louis XIV, and see Pont Neuf for himself. While people today line up to view Paris from the Eiffel Tower, in the 17th and 18th centuries, the first place people wanted to see was the Pont Neuf. Long before people bought cheap Eiffel Tower keychains that went home with paintings of the Pont Neuf, brass-and-stone miniatures, and hand fans painted with the bridge's image. The bridge ushered in the new modern age and the birth of the great city we know today. The bridge continues to evolve with art installations by Christo & Jeanne Claude, Kenzo, and JR. for more info, photos and links visit Claudinehemingway.comSupport the show

The debate surrounding the new stained-glass windows of Notre-Dame de Paris has reignited a familiar question: how much of the past should be preserved, and how much should be reimagined? In this episode, we explore the controversial plans to replace historic windows in the cathedral and place the discussion within a much larger story. From revolutions and restorations to political movements and changing artistic tastes, history is filled with examples of cultural treasures being altered, removed, or destroyed in the name of progress. Are the new windows a continuation of Notre-Dame’s long history of transformation, or are we witnessing the loss of another irreplaceable piece of the past? Join us as we examine the latest controversy and the centuries-old struggle between preservation and change.For more info, photos and links visit ClaudineHemingway.comwww.claudinehemingway.com/new-paris-in-bleu-blonde-rouge/2026/6/2/episode-21-the-new-windows-of-notre-dame-and-the-repeated-destruction-of-historySupport the show

The last restored large-format painting by Eugène Delacroix has finally returned to the Pompei red walls of the Salle Mollien at the Musée du Louvre. Since 2019, the Louvre has been restoring the king of the Romantic movement's paintings. Last week, the fifth and final from the master of color was revealed. The Capture of Constantinople by the Crusaders, April 12, 1204. Before the restoration, the painting was very dark. The architectural background of the city and the Bosphorus has almost disappeared under multiple layers of varnish.  Last restored in 1948, the most recent restoration included strengthening the canvas and its edges, as well as a full cleaning of the pictorial layer. In this episode, we go into the history of the commission, the actual event of 1204, and what the painting means. For more, visit ClaudineHemingway.comSupport the show

The jewels of the French Crown were never just glittering ornaments. They were symbols of power, legitimacy, dynasty, and empire. For centuries, they adorned kings, queens, emperors, and empresses, surviving revolution, theft, exile, and war. But after the fall of Napoleon III in 1870, the new Republic feared that these treasures represented something even more dangerous: the possibility that France might once again embrace a monarchy.In this episode, we uncover the extraordinary story of the 1887 auction of the French Crown Jewels, a sale that shattered centuries of history in the name of politics. From the bloody aftermath of the Paris Commune to the heated debates inside the National Assembly, the Republic set out to erase the symbols of royal power forever. Historic crowns were melted down, imperial settings destroyed, and priceless jewels scattered across Europe and America into the hands of royalty, Gilded Age millionaires, and legendary jewelers like Tiffany & Co. and Garrard.We’ll step inside the packed Salle des États at the Louvre, once Napoleon III’s throne room, transformed into the most exclusive auction Paris had ever seen. We’ll follow the jewels themselves: the Regent Diamond, the emerald tiara of Madame Royale, Eugénie’s pearl tiara, the dazzling Grand Corsage Bow Brooch, and the infamous reliquary brooch containing Mazarin diamonds once worn by Louis XIV’s court.This episode also traces the incredible journeys of the jewels that survived, the pieces painstakingly recovered by the Louvre over the last century, and the devastating 2025 theft that once again thrust the Crown Jewels into headlines around the world. Some pieces returned home after more than a hundred years in exile. Others may now be lost forever.The 1887 sale was meant to destroy the memory of the monarchy in France. Instead, it became one of the greatest cultural tragedies in French history.Welcome to the story of the jewels France tried to erase.Support the show

On May 13, 1610, after finally giving in, Henri IV watched his wife, Marie de Medici, be crowned as the queen of France in the Basilique Saint Denis. The next day, his life would endIn this week's episode, we look at the tragic end of the beloved king of France.  With twists and turns that include his skull, which may have been found three hundred years after he died, and where you can find him in Paris. For more info and photos, check ClaudineHemingway.comComing to Paris? Book a walking tour or let me customize your time in Paris. ClaudineHemingway.comIG @claudinebleublonderougeFB @bleublonderouge And find my live from Paris videos and more at my YouTube channel ClaudineBleuBlondeRougeSupport the show

On May 5, 1821, 205 years ago, at 5:49 pm on the remote island of Saint Helene, Napoleon Bonaparte took his last breath at the young age of 51. Between 1814 and his final day in 1821, Napoleon was exiled twice. Toss in Waterloo in the middle, and his last years didn't really play out as he had hoped. In this episode, we take a closer look at his final months, battling cancer and ending in his grand return to Paris and his final resting place at Les Invalides. For more info and photos, check ClaudineHemingway.comComing to Paris? Book a walking tour or let me customize your time in Paris. ClaudineHemingway.comIG @claudinebleublonderougeFB @bleublonderouge And find my live from Paris videos and more at my YouTube channel ClaudineBleuBlondeRougeSupport the show

In 1981, the newly elected president, François Mitterand, announced his Grand Travaux project that would change the face of Paris, and none more so than the Musée du Louvre. Mitterand had one man in mind for the job, the Chinese American architect I.M. Pei, a master architect who blended glass, concrete, stone, and metal. In this episode, we dive deep into the project and the design elements of the pyramid, including just how many panes of glass are really in the pyramid, and one of my favorite movies that adds the pyramid as a main star. For more info and photos, check ClaudineHemingway.comComing to Paris? Book a walking tour or let me customize your time in Paris. ClaudineHemingway.comIG @claudinebleublonderougeFB @bleublonderouge And find my live from Paris videos and more at my YouTube channel ClaudineBleuBlondeRougeSupport the show

It was 6 months ago, on October 19, 2025, on a Sunday morning in Paris, that a brazen heist of the French Crown jewels struck the  Musée du Louvre.  In this week’s episode of the Paris in Bleu Blonde Rouge podcast, we go deep into the details of the theft, the history of the stolen jewels, where they are in the investigation, and what has changed at the Louvre. For more info and photos, check ClaudineHemingway.comComing to Paris? Book a walking tour or let me customize your time in Paris. ClaudineHemingway.comIG @claudinebleublonderougeFB @bleublonderouge And find my live from Paris videos and more at my YouTube channel ClaudineBleuBlondeRougeSupport the show

Seven years ago this week, a moment few will ever forget. At 6:18 pm on Monday, April 15, 2019, flames erupted in the roof of the Cathedral Notre-Dame de Paris, and over the following hours, the 12th- and 13th-century forest would be destroyed.In 7 years, the cathedral came close to destruction and underwent a Renaissance that would return Notre Dame to the 19th century.  Without the fire, you and I, your children, and even your grandchildren would never have seen what was revealed after the restoration. While we still don't have an official cause of the fire, there is a lot that I have recently found that leads to some very possible conclusions.I will also share where they are in the restoration and what is yet to be done over the next five years. Tune in for all the details and check ClaudineHemingway.comSupport the show

Created in the 2nd Century BC, the great statue of the Goddess Venus was uncovered on the Island of Mélos in the south Aegean Sea, part of the Cycladic archipelago, today’s Greece. The Venus de Milo, or more accurately the Aphrodite of Mélos, was found on April 8, 1820, by a farmer, Yorgos Kentrots. The next few figures, which are said to have been part of her discovery, tell a lengthy story. We will dig deep into her story and why she is so famous. Who is she really, and how did she come to Paris? Listen today. Support the show

This spring, the Musée d'Orsay is holding two fantastic exhibits dedicated to Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Renoir and Love of his paintings and Renoir Dessinateur filled with his drawings, pastels, watercolors, and more. In this week's episode, we take a closer look at Renoir's two major paintings, Bal du Moulin de la Galette and The Luncheon of the Boating Party, as well as his trio of dancers united for the first time in decades. For more info and photos, check ClaudineHemingway.comComing to Paris? Book a walking tour or let me customize your time in Paris. ClaudineHemingway.comIG @claudinebleublonderougeFB @bleublonderouge And find my live from Paris videos and more at my YouTube channel ClaudineBleuBlondeRougeSupport the showSupport the show

The Jardin du Luxembourg was created under Marie de Medici, the Florentine wife of King Henri IV. After his death on May 14, 1610, she wanted to create a home that reminded her of her childhood in Florence, at the Medici Palazzo Pitti and its Boboli Gardens. Today, it is one of the greatest places in the entire city to sit and watch the day pass under the quiet plane trees. Listen to the story of the creation of the fountain, how it survived the Revolution and Haussmann, and the mythological tales it has to tell. For more info and photos, check ClaudineHemingway.comComing to Paris? Book a walking tour or let me customize your time in Paris. ClaudineHemingway.comIG @claudinebleublonderougeFB @bleublonderouge And find my live from Paris videos and more at my YouTube channel ClaudineBleuBlondeRougeSupport the show

Notre-Dame de Paris houses many essential items, including the most important relic in the world: the Crown of Thorns. But why is it in Paris, you ask? In this week's episode, I will share the entire story of this precious piece of history. For more info and photos check ClaudineHemingway.comComing to Paris? Book a walking tour or let me customize your time in Paris. ClaudineHemingway.comIG @claudinebleublonderougeFB @bleublonderouge And find my live from Paris videos and more at my YouTube channel ClaudineBleuBlondeRougeSupport the show

Surprise, bringing you a new episode a day early. Two hundred thirty years ago today, on March 9, 1796, Napoleon and Josephine wed in a late, rushed, candlelit ceremony. It's one of the most famous love stories in history. It's slightly misunderstood but fascinating nonetheless. Listen to the story with a little extra history on another event that happened the same day in 1661.ClaudineHemingway.com for more info and to book a walking tour or help in planning your trip to Paris. Support the show

Berthe Morisot was one of the few women of the Impressionist Movement. With her dark locks and stunning gaze, was the perfect model for Édouard Manet.  However, unlike most female models-turned-artists, she is actually known as one of the first incredible female Impressionists.If you are near Cleveland, check out the exhibit opening at the end of March dedicated to Manet and Morisot.For more information, check ClaudineHemingway.com Support the show

She was the last Favorite and Head Mistress of France and the love of Louis XV. Jeanne Bécu would become Madame du Barry and hold court at the Château de Versailles in the last years of Louis XV's life.In this episode, we dive deep into the rise and fall of Madame du Barry. A life that isn't always given a fair shake, but also holds many questions. For more, check ClaudineHemingway.com Support the show

Known as the mistress to the king, Madame de Pompadour was much more than that, and we can thank her still today for beautiful buildings, art, porcelain, and even a diamond.In this week's newest episode, we cover the life of this amazing woman and her influence on French culture. A recent visit to her private apartments at the Chateau de Versailles brings her story to life. Claudinehemingway.com for photos and links Book a walking tour of Paris or get help planning your time in Paris today at ClaudineHemingway.comSupport the show

Bonjour, Bonjour, and welcome to Episode 5 of Paris in Bleu Blonde Rouge. This week, we look back at the fire that destroyed the Petite Galerie but would allow the stunning Galerie d'Apollon to rise in the 17th century. Support the show

For just seven days, under the beautiful glass-and-iron roof of the Grand Palais, there is a sight that hasn’t ever been seen since they were created in the 17th century. Stretched out across the over 650-foot-long nave, 31 of the 93 carpets intended for the Palais du Louvre and created by Charles le Brun under Louis XIV are a sight to behold. On display until February 8th and free to the public, but a timed ticket is needed. Find all the details on my website at ClaudineHemingway.com for photos and more. Support the show

In 1772, jewelers created a lavish necklace of 685 diamonds for Louis XV's mistress, but he died before it was completed. When Marie Antoinette refused the expensive piece, saying "We have more need of 24 ships," con artist Jeanne de la Motte saw her opportunity.Jeanne, an illegitimate descendant of Henri II seeking to reclaim her family's fortune, manipulated Cardinal Rohan, who was desperate to regain the Queen's favor. She forged letters from Marie Antoinette, hired a prostitute to impersonate the Queen in a nighttime meeting at Versailles, and convinced Rohan that the Queen secretly wanted the necklace.On February 1, 1785, Rohan handed over the necklace. Jeanne's husband immediately broke it apart and sold the diamonds across Europe. When the unpaid jewelers approached the court, the scandal erupted. Though Marie Antoinette was completely innocent, the Affair of the Diamond Necklace fed rumors of royal excess and hastened her downfall.Listen to the whole story and what became of her own jewels long after she died. ClaudineHemingway.com for more info, to book a tour, or assistance in planning your trip to Paris. Support the show

On January 22, 1793, at 10:15 am, Louis XVI walked up the scaffolding, and seven minutes later, his life was over. Join me as we explore the fateful story of Louis XVI and the events that led to his death.Hang onto the end for a few tips and tricks for your visit to Paris as well as the newest information on the Louvre Heist that happened three months ago. ClaudineHemingway.com to book tours, plan your time in Paris, and learn more about the history of Paris.https://www.claudinehemingway.com/new-paris-in-bleu-blonde-rougeSupport the show

In my first episode, I share the history and details of the Imperial Crowns of the Second Empire of France. One that was destroyed in 1887, and the other that survived the October 19 heist of the Louvre. We also have some breaking news in the investigation into the heist, hopefully getting us a little closer to finding the jewels. Subscribe today Book a tour of Paris, or let me help you plan your trip. Find more info at ClaudineHemingway.com Support the show

Bonjour all,I am so excited to bring you my all-new podcast, sharing all the stories that make Paris and France the place we love and dream about.Join me every Tuesday for an all-new episode jumping into the history of France.Support the show