FRANCE ~ Saint François Longchamp ~

... Many lovely views of the town, mountains and local animals and flora... Saint François Longchamp 1650 is the higher, bustling main village of this family-friendly iconic French Alpine destinations... famous for challenging road cycling, scenic Tour de France ascents, and year-round outdoor recreation (skiing in winter, hiking/biking in summer)... the ski station of the town is a welcome sight and typically marks the final, grueling 3-4 km stretch up to the summit of the Madeleine... one of the thoughest climbs in the French Alps but also one of the prettiest... Heel Erg Bedankt Ben en Loes! (✿◠‿◠)

Saint-François-Longchamp is located in the Rhône-Alpes in the region of Savoie on the north side of the Maurienne valley. The town is situated between 800 and 2800 meters above sea level.The ski resort  was built in the 1950s with the longest and fastest ski lift in Savoie at the moment.

The Col de la Madeleine 2000m altitude and over is 19 km long with an average gradient of 8%.

Stamp:
 

Marianne 

(Issued 20-07-2018)

FRANCE ~ Santa Claus Letter - Libourne ~

.. 🎅H0H 0H0🎅... a lovely Santa Letter... each year, Santa Claus receives 1.2 million letters and more than 100,000 emails... a total of 120 countries write to Santa Claus in Libourne... the origins date back to the 1950s, when Odette Ménager and Magdeleine Homo, two postal workers, disobeyed their hierarchy who asked them to destroy the letters... they then opened these envelopes and answered the children... since 1962, each letter has received a response...Thanks Santa Claus!💖💖💖

"On 23 December at 19.00 Santa Claus starts his long journey to deliver gifts to children (and I hope to adults too☺️) around the world on the day before Christmas Eve. We all wish him a safe journey and send our Christmas greetings all over the world. "🦌🛷✨

FRANCE ~ Place Stanislas - Nancy - UNESCO ~

... Two nice postcards of a city known for its beautiful squares... the magnificent symmetrical Place Stanislas in the heart of Nancy is an architectural gem... it represents one of Europe's finest examples of classical architecture and city design covering over a hectare... royal in size and allure and high point of Nancy’s outstanding collection of 18th century monuments.... the stateliest buildings, gold-decorated fencing, and richly decorated gates are all around... this elegant square is home to the Hôtel de Ville, Musée des Beaux-Arts, the Opera House, a hotel and numerous restaurants and bars... it feels like all roads in Nancy lead to this vision of pale coloured stone and sparkling gold... Heel Erg Bedankt Ben en Loes! (✿◠‿◠)

Photo: P. Viard
Nancy is located in the east of France in an area known as Grand Es on the left bank of the Meurthe. The city was the capital of the Duchy of Lorraine until the mid-18th century.The three squares and the surrounding monuments were developed under the patronage of the Duke of Lorraine, Stanislaw  Leszczyński. The city became part of France in 1766 after the death of Stanisław I, former king of Poland who was granted the region. The square Place Stanislas was built between 1752 and 1756 based on plans by d'Emmanuel Héré.

Benoit Gaillot
Along with neighbouring Place de la Carrière and Place d'Alliance, it forms a harmonious ensemble, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.

Stamp: 

Marianne - New Design 

 (Issued 20-07-2018)

FRANCE ~ Provins - UNESCO ~

.... Great view of the imposing fortified city walls... built between the 11th and 13th centuries, the ramparts are 25m high, and at the time were 5 km long... one of the most imposing fortified walls in France...  each tower you spot along the rampart is made in a different shape...  this was a way for the wealthy middle age town to signify the ability of their builders... any merchants or travellers to the town would know right away that Provins had money, and talented towns people... today, there is still 1.2 km left in the upper town that you can walk... you can admire them from below or climb up for scenic views... after walking atop the city walls, you can take the stairs down into the moat, no longer filled with water... Provins is a prime example of an intact medieval city... Thanks Nadia!【ツ】

Provins is located the Île-de-France region and dates back to around the year 1000, historically sitting on lands once ruled by the Counts of Champagne. It peaked in the 12th and 13th centuries, thanks to the famous Champagne Trade Fairs, which attracted merchants from all Europe. Unfortunately, in 1314, King Philip IV heavily taxed the city, which eventually ended the fairs and plunged the town into decline.

Thanks to its medieval fortifications, it has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2001.

 

Stamps:

French-Moroccan Culture

(Issued 2001)

The 100th Anniversary of LDH - Human Rights Organization

(Issued 09-05-1998)

Art 

(Issued 03-02-2001)

FRANCE ~ The Lake Bourget - Savoie ~

... Lovely postcard from a vintage style poster... it shows Lake Le Bourget in the Savoie region in soft soothing tones... it celebrates the tranquillity of the lake with calm waters and majestic surrounding mountains... France's largest natural lake, ideal for outdoor activities and scenic beauty... the mountains surrounding the lake offer some of the most spectacular hiking in the French Alps... designed by Madame Rutab & Cie based in Oyonnax... Bedankt Ben en Loes! (✿◠‿◠)

Lac du Bourget is a lake at the southernmost end of the Jura Mountains in the department of Savoie. The lake was formed over 19,000 years ago as glaciers retreated, this aquatic marvel plunges to depths of 145 meters.  The lake’s unique ecosystem supports a diverse array of flora and fauna, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and researchers alike.

The Savoie region is a French department located in the heart of the Alps mountain range, in the Auvergne-Rhône region. This region has a total area of ​​over 6,000 kilometers and is made up of three distinct zones: plains, valleys, and mountains.

 © EDITIONS MADAME-RUTAB

Stamp: 

Marianne - New Design 

(Issued 20-07-2018)

FRANCE ~ Pont du Gard - UNESCO ~

... Beautiful view of one of the iconic masterpieces of Roman architecture and engineering... it is the highest of all Roman aqueducts and one of the best preserved... the only example of an ancient 3-storey bridge still standing today... nestled in a beautiful natural setting with the Gardon River flowing beneath... the bridge was part of the 50 km aqueduct to provide Nimes (Nemausus) with fresh mountain water during the Roman period... it took just 5 years to build and was in use for a good five centuries... a museum have been set up at the entrance of the site and offers greats explanations and testimonies of the Roman life, the building of the bridge and its techniques...it is nowadays one France's most popular tourist attractions with one million visitors every year...Thanks a lot Nadia! (✿◠‿◠)

Photo: © Jürgen Richter
This ancient Roman aqueduct was built in the 1st Century AD made of Shelly limestone. It has three levels of arches stacked on top of each other. The bridge stands about 40 meters tall and 274 m long. The aqueduct was likely used until the 6th century AD.

Over time, it became clogged with minerals and debris. This happened because people stopped maintaining it after the 4th century. Eventually, the water stopped flowing. After the Roman Empire ended, the Pont du Gard was still useful. It became a toll bridge for people to cross the river. Local lords and bishops took care of it for centuries. They charged a fee to travelers who used the bridge. Some of its stones were taken over time, and it was damaged in the 17th century. Many repairs happened between the 18th and 21st centuries.

The Pont du Gard has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1985.

Stamps:

The 20th Anniversary of the Death of Georges Perec, 1936-1982

(23-09-2002)

Wooden Figures of Lambesc

(Issued 09-10-1993)

The 100th Anniversary of the Death of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec 

(Issued 08-09-2001)

FRANCE ~ Roman Theatre - Orange - UNESCO ~

... Great view of the world's best preserved ancient Roman theatre in a village with over 2,000 years of history... even today, its monumental impressive stage wall, over 30 metres high and 103 m long is  perfectly intact with arches and blend arcades... but there are only sparse remains of the original decoration: a few pillars and the imperial statue of Augustus (3,55 m high) in the central niche... due to the acoustics and the structure, 7,000-9,000 spectators could attend performances... there are still concert, opera and ballet events till today... the view from the top on modern day Orange is outstanding... this exceptional site is a must-see for lovers of archeology, combining history, remarkable acoustics and emotion... Thanks a lot Madeleine! (✿◠‿◠)  

Located in the South of France in the Vaucluse region in the heart of the Provence. The Roman theatre of Orange was built around 100 CE and used for plays and performances and served a public function in Roman Orange city. Around 391 CE the Roman theatre was closed down and in the centuries to come, the building was neglected. Mainly used as a stone quarry or refugee place, the Orange city theatre crumbled down. It was only in 1824 that reconstruction started and since 1869 the old Roman theatre of Orange is the backdrop for numerous plays and concerts. 

In 1981, Unesco added the Orange City Theatre to the list of World Heritage Sites in Orange.
 

Stamps:

3X Definitives - Marianne

(15-07-2013)

EUROPA Stamp - Peace

(Issued 09-05-2023)

FRANCE ~ Saint Leocadie Church - Catalonia ~

... Nice view of a very small fortified church dedicated to Santa Leocadia... it is not the most impressive one in the region but a little gem from the 12th century... a church that has remained perfectly preserved... built in Romanesque style, it features a beautiful altarpiece and simple, traditional architecture... with large blocks carved from fossilized shell limestone, without foundations, no chapel... a very old, simple well-used church at the heart of an interesting Pyrenean village... with its old farms, listed church, and dreamlike landscapes it offers a wide selection of sites to discover during a stay in this region full of mysteries and traditions... Thanks a lot Josep&Assumpta! (✿ ♥‿♥)

Sainte-Léocadie is a small village of 140 inhabitants, perched at 1300 meters above sea level, in the heart of Cerdagne and is a commune in the Alta Cerdanya region, in Northern Catalonia.

The church was built in 1173  with a single nave, ending in a semicircular apse and surmounted by a more recent bell tower. The walls of the nave and apse are built of schist rubble. The bell tower, which rises above the triumphal arch, is pierced by two bell arcades. The nave has a pointed barrel vault; the apse has a cul-de-four vault.

Stamp:

EUROPA Stamp - National Archaeological Discoveries

(Issued 12-05-2025)

FRANCE ~ Port de Suffren - Paris ~

... Lovely view of Port de Suffren a scenic riverside location in the heart of Paris... a popular embarkation point for cruise boats on the Seine... offering visitors a unique vantage point to appreciate the beauty of the Seine River and one of the best places to admire the iconic Eiffel Tower, especially at sunset and at night... this charming port area is known for its scenic promenades, where tourists can take leisurely walks while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the city... surrounded by an array of cafes and restaurants that provide an excellent opportunity to indulge in local French cuisine while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding landmarks... with great matching Eiffel Tower stamp👍...Thanks a lot Madeleine! (✿◠‿◠) 

The port of Suffren is a road in the 7th and 15th arrondissements of Paris,located on the left bank of the Seine.

Named after the 18th-century French admiral Pierre André de Suffren, who served as a bailiff in the Order of Malta. The specific quay was officially given the name Port de Suffren in 1905. 

At the port of Suffren you can see a commemorative plaque in tribute to the Hungarian Edmond Szechenyi, who landed here in 1867 after crossing Europe by river. Its location makes the port of Suffren a place of great historical importance.

 

Photo: Peet SIMARD

Stamp:

The Eiffel Tower - Personalized Stamps 

(Issued ??? )

FRANCE ~ Château de Foix - Ariège ~

.... Stunning castle view... high above the town of Foix, on a rocky hill, stands the imposing Château de Foix located in the middle of the Pyrenees... with its sturdy towers and strategic location, this castle is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in southern France... once an important defensive stronghold of the Counts of Foix... it played a central role in the region’s history over the centuries... a fascinating place where you can experience medieval history and the atmosphere of the Cathar period... the three imposing towers offer spectacular views over the Ariège valley and the surrounding Pyrenees... it is now a museum that showcases the history of the Counts of Foix and the Ariège region, featuring interactive exhibits, medieval weapons, and historical artifacts...  Thanks a lot Josep&Assumpta! ヽ(•‿•)ノ

The Château de Foix that stands at the confluence of the Arget and Ariège rivers,was built in the 10th century and became an important centre of power in the region.

 In the 13th and 14th centuries, it played a crucial role during the wars against the Cathars and later against the French kings. Thanks to its thick walls and strategic location, the castle withstood many sieges. 

In the 16th century, it lost its military function and became a royal prison. It remained a prison until 1862 and since 1950 it has been a departmental museum.

 

Stamp:

Liberation of Camps

(Issued 28-04-2025)

FRANCE ~ Notre-Dame de Chartres Cathedral - UNESCO ~

... Lovely view of one of the most beautiful and historically significant cathedrals... built on the highest point in the area and can be seen from far away... this huge cathedral is often regarded as most representative, complete and best-preserved of all Gothic cathedrals in France... also because the cathedral was never destroyed and rebuilt, the architecture and decoration were almost unchanged since the 13th century... the characteristic features of the exterior are the abundantly decorated portals of three façades and the two stunning different spires... its glass has a surface area of nearly 2,600 square meters, a record for a single religious building... the only cathedral in the world to have preserved this much original stained glass, from the romantic and Gothic periods, although it also boasts some beautiful more modern sections... Thanks a lot Nadine! (✿◠‿◠)

The present cathedral, Chartres Cathedral, was built on the foundations of an earlier church and consecrated in 1260, constructed primarily of limestone, and stands some 34 meters high and 130 meters long, with its nave vault rising to 37.50 meters. It contains a vast amount of sculpture, including large column statues and miniatures, which primarily depict scenes from the Old and New Testaments to serve an educational purpose.  

The cathedral is best known for its 176 stained-glass windows, which were also intended to be educational and include rose windows in the north and south transepts depicting scenes from the Old Testament and the Apocalypse, respectively. 

Chartres cathedral  was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979.

 

Stamps:

The 30th Anniversary of the Liberation 

(Issued 23-11-1974)

Francisco de Miranda, 1750-1816

(Issued 07-11-2009)

70th Anniversary of the Birth of Simone Weil 

(Issued 10-11-1979)

100th Anniversary of the Birth of Rene Margritte

(Issued 18-04-1998)

FRANCE ~ Canal du Midi - UNESCO ~

... Lovely views of one of Europe's oldest waterways and the first long-distance canal that runs through the South of France... together with the Canal de Garonne it connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean... the Canal is one of the technologically most significant canals in the world and has 328 structures, it uses lock staircases, lifts, reservoirs, aqueducts, dams, bridges, and tunnels... the surrounding countryside is picturesque with varied regions, vineyards, sunflower fields and beautiful old trees...  it is today mostly used by house boats ad other pleasure boats... Thanks a lot Naida! (✿◠‿◠)

© P. PALAU
The Canal du Midi was built between 1667 and 1694,  is 240 km long (360 km with his four lateral canals) and in average 18 m large. It was dug with shovels and pickaxes and at the peak of the construction site, it took 12000 bivouac workers mobilized to dig the canal.

The original purpose of the Canal du Midi was to provide a shortcut between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, avoiding the long sea voyage around hostile Spain, Barbary pirates, and a trip that in the 17th century required a full month of sailing.

The Canal du Midi was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996.

 

Stamps:

Painting by Dewasne 

(Issued 19-03-1983)

Famous Persons 

(Issued 20-02-1988)

The 50th Anniversary of UNICEF

(Issued 19-10-1996)

EUROPA Stamps - Water, Treasure of Nature 

(Issued 08-05-2001)

FRANCE ~ Mont Perdu - Pyrenees - UNESCO ~

... Spectacular panoramic mountain view.. showing the Roland gap in the Hautes-Pyrénées, part of the Mont Perdu... a 40 meters wide and around 70 meters deep natural gap which opens in the cliffs and provides access to Spain... with also beautiful viewpoints, which are the Casque and the Tour de Gavarnie... certainly the most beautiful shot of the Pyrenees...  located in the heart of the Pyrenees National Park... Thanks a lot Nadia! (✿◠‿◠)

© Photo: L. Audoubert
The Pyrenees National Park was established in1967, covering six valleys from the Aspe Valley in the west to the Aure Valley in the east, with altitudes ranging from 1,000 meters to 3,298 meters at Vignemale and covers an area of 45,707 hectares. This protected area safeguards a variety of landscapes, including mountain peaks, glacial cirques, and valleys of great environmental significance bordering Spain.

The name Pyrenees-Mont Perdu refers to a vast cross-border mountain range between France and Spain included since 1997 on the list on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

 

Stamps:

International Stamp Exhibition - Paris 

(Issued 07-06-1980)

The 400th Anniversary of the Foundation of Quebec

(Issued 19-05-2008)

The 100th Anniversary of the Death of Claude Bernard

(Issued 16-9-1978)

FRANCE ~ Château de Montaillou - Ariège ~

... Nice views of a ruined castle dominating the village from the hill overlooking the upper Hers Valley... watches over the landscape that has hardly changed for centuries... all that remains of this rectangular castle are three walls of a ruined keep and evidence of other walls and earthworks... Montaillou was one of the last Cathar strongholds to fall... Ariège is certainly the destination that still contains the most secrets, mystical places, villages, and especially castles linked to Catharism... the Cathar castles, bastions of rebellion, of resistance to the Catholic Church, are exceptional places to explore here... Thanks a lot Josep&Assumpta! (✿◠‿◠)

This small village, located on the border of Ariège and Aude at an altitude of 1,300 meters, has only about twenty inhabitants in winter. Montaillou has in fact remained famous thanks to ancient writings which bear witness to Cathar practices in the region in the 13th century. 

The castle probably had three storeys and was built by the lords of Alion around the end of the 12th century, occupying a platform roughly 100m long by 30 to 40 m wide. The plan of the castle was simple: a wall linked to a tower followed the contours of the hill.

In the 12th century, a Christian religion different from Catholicism developed in the South of France: Catharism.This new belief, based on Christianity but highly criticized by Catholicism, quickly spread throughout Occitania a région of southern France. 

 

Stamp:

Personalities - Agnes Varda, 1928-2019 

(Issued 02-04-2024)

FRANCE ~ Malaucène - Vaucluse ~

... Pretty views of a historical village located in the Provence... nestled at the foot of the northern face of the Mont Ventoux... with medieval architecture, a courtyard under the shade of plane trees, plenty of shops, the source of the River Groseau and a number of listed monuments... it has one of the oldest markets in Provence with fresh local procucts such as the famous Malaucenne cherries... the village today lives on agriculture, vineyards, crafts and tourism... but most visitors here are "driven" cyclists, climbers and hikes come to confront the Mont Ventoux... cycling the Mont Ventoux from Malaucene is not as famous as the Bedoin route but absolutely stunning... Héééél Erg bedankt Ben!ʘ͜͡ʘ... He climbed also the three sides of the famous Mont Ventoux!🚴‍♂️💪🚴‍♂️

Photos: Piergeorg
Malaucène  is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France. It is the capital of the Ventoux and dates from the 10thC.

At 1,910m the Mont Ventoux is the highest mountain in the region and has been nicknamed the "Giant of Provence", or "The Bald Mountain" or Beast of Provence". It has gained fame through its inclusion in the Tour de France cycling race.

Stamp: 

Marianne - New Design

(Issued 20-07-2018)

France ~ Santa Claus Letter - Libourne ~

.. 🎅H0H 0H0🎅... a Santa Letter... each year, Santa Claus receives 1.2 million letters and more than 100,000 emails... a total of 120 countries write to Santa Claus in Libourne... the origins date back to the 1950s, when Odette Ménager and Magdeleine Homo, two postal workers, disobeyed their hierarchy who asked them to destroy the letters... they then opened these envelopes and answered the children... since 1962, each letter has received a response...Thanks Santa Claus!💖💖💖

"On 23 December at 19.00 Santa Claus starts his long journey to deliver gifts to children (and I hope to adults too) around the world on the day before Christmas Eve. We all wish him a safe journey and send our Christmas greetings all over the world. "

Sender: Santa Claus I Naughty or Nice Street, Lapland, PL 8216

FRANCE ~ Valloire valley - Savoie ~

... Pretty mountain village with view of the star of the mountains... the sometimes curious and playful Alpine marmot, a small rodent that lives in the Alpine valley... today these animals have become somewhat a tourist attraction and mascot of the region... a valley located between the Col du Télégraphe and the mythical Col du Galibier⛰️... considered as the most iconic road bike climb in the French Alps and the highest in France in terms of altitude... the Col du Galibier has featured many times in the Tour de France... a beautiful, but tough bike trip with stunning views according to my nephew Ben who climbed it💪🚴...  and he had seen a marmot😉... Hééél Erg Bedankt Ben! (✿◠‿◠)  

Valloire (14310m) is located in the center and south of the Maurienne valley, not far from the Franco-Italian border and bordering the Hautes-Alpes department, on the Grandes Alpes road which connects Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean.

Nestled in the southern region of the Dauphine Alps, to reach the summit of the Col de Galbier at 2,642 m from either the north or south, you must climb another col first. 34.8 km long, gaining 2,120 m, and with a maximum gradient of 12%, the ascent from the north is the more famous and challenging side. 

 Stamp:

 Marianne Definitive international

 (Issued 01-01-2019)

FRANCE ~ The Routes of Santiago de Compostela - UNESCO~

... Lovely postcard of " the Camino Frances" (or the French Way)... this is perhaps the most popular of the nine major Camino de Santiago routes... its 800km of trails and over 60% of pilgrims choose this route... a remarkable and spectacular one, traversing both mountainous and flat terrain... with the scallop shell, the most well-known and iconic symbol associated with the Camino de Santiago... today it is used, along with the yellow arrow, to guide pilgrims heading to Santiago de Compostela along its many different routes... pilgrims also wear this symbol themselves which further enhances the camaraderie along this great walking trail... whether you travel for quality time with friends and family, to get away from everyday worries, or for personal fulfilment and enrichment, the memories you build on the Camino will stay with you forever...  Thanks Chantal!ヽ(ヅ)ノ

The Camino French Way traditionally starts in St. Jean-Pied-De-Port in France, over the Pyrenees and continuing through the La Rioja wine region and along the rolling hills of northern Spain, before finishing in Santiago de Compostela, the burial place of St. James.

As part of the Chemins de Compostelle in France , 71 monuments as well as 7 sections of paths have been registered since 1998 on the UNESCO World Heritage List under the official title of "Chemins de Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle in France". 

 Stamps:

Sabine

(Issued 01-10-1979)

Red Cross 

(Issued 01-12-1979)

FRANCE ~ Albi - UNESCO ~

... Nice views of two main tourist spots of the city... the medieval Episcopal Palace, which reflects a rare image of power, and the imposing Gothic Sainte Cécile Cathedral... the Cathedral is visible from almost every part of town... they are both amongst the largest brick constructions in the world... the cathedral has walls which are up to 6 m thick... the Berbie Palace is now a museum where the works of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, a native of Albi, are displayed... and this charming city has beautiful views over the River Tarn... more than a million visitors discover the city each year...  Thanks Nadège!❁◕ ‿ ◕❁

Albi is located in southern France, in the centre of the Tarn department. The Tarn flows through the city and splits it in two; the historical city is on the left side of the river. Several small rivers, tributaries of the Tarn, flows also through the city. Since 1790, it is the capital city of the Tarn department.

The Episcopal City of Albi has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010. 

Stamp:

The 60th Anniversary of CNES 

(issued 11-10-2021)

FRANCE ~ Season's Greetings - Strasbourg ~

... Last post from 2021👋... Strasbourg is historically known as the town which held the very first Christmas Market in 1570, making it the oldest market in Europe and is named the “Capital of Christmas"... the 2021 edition "light up the stars" is a real invitation to dream, to be amazed and to live a unique experience. together❤️💖... let's take advantage of this time when we turn towards each other to perpetuate traditions and share a magical, authentic and united Christmas... with nice special postmark from the "Paris Palais Bourbon" postoffice... Thanks a lot Gilles!(✿◠‿◠) hope to see you all here again next year...😊😍

 

Stamp:

Vergeoise waffles

A self printed stamp with Mon Timbre en Ligne de La Poste.