France Travel
![Heavenly Stone Masons](https://hobblecreek.us/assets/images/rou20200119-334-tn.jpg)
Heavenly Stone Masons
Medieval masons created almost magical architecture with their magnificent mastery of stone and geometry.
![The Psychology of Strongmen](https://hobblecreek.us/assets/images/rou20200121-378tn.jpg)
The Psychology of Strongmen
We are seeing a global rise of strongmen leaders. We take a look at what make strongmen tick and why they gain followers.
![How Mountains Move](https://hobblecreek.us/assets/images/rou20220212-412tn.jpg)
How Mountains Move
Mountains grow, shrink and change shape both slowly and suddenly, and human behavior is changing them in alarming ways.
![The Style that Went Around the World](https://hobblecreek.us/assets/images/Neo-Gothictn.jpg)
The Style that Went Around the World
Most Gothic architecture was built in the 19th and 20th centuries when the medieval style underwent a global revival. Now, Gothic is trending again.
![How to Read Stained Glass Windows](https://hobblecreek.us/assets/images/Stained-Glass-Window-8tn.jpg)
How to Read Stained Glass Windows
Stained glass windows, one of the most durable types of art, have long imparted both powerful religious and secular messages.
![Saint Sulpice Church - Paris’s Temporary Cathedral](https://hobblecreek.us/assets/images/Saint-Sulpice-14.jpg)
Saint Sulpice Church - Paris’s Temporary Cathedral
Saint Sulpice Church in Paris has a turbulent history dating to the 7th century. Today, it is Paris's temporary cathedral amidst the pandemic.
![The Sustainable Culture of Yogurt Jars](https://hobblecreek.us/assets/images/Yogurt-jars-12tn.jpg)
The Sustainable Culture of Yogurt Jars
Cute little glass and ceramic yogurt jars have become a DIY trend and recycling strategy.
![The Rosetta Stone](https://hobblecreek.us/assets/images/rou20190124-0534tn.jpg)
The Rosetta Stone
The Rosetta Stone, which revolutionized the study of Egypt and ancient languages, continues to court controversy today.
![Versailles’ Checkered Legacy](https://hobblecreek.us/assets/images/rou20190131-0531tn.jpg)
Versailles’ Checkered Legacy
Versailles has an image of lavish opulence under the Sun King, Louis XIV, but the palace also has a history of revolution and American ties.
![Gothic Architecture - Imagining Infinity](https://hobblecreek.us/assets/images/rou20200120-869.jpg)
Gothic Architecture - Imagining Infinity
Gothic architecture has been called both magnificent and monstrous. We examine why.
![The Panthéon of Paris](https://hobblecreek.us/assets/images/rou20200128-176tn.jpg)
The Panthéon of Paris
The Panthéon in Paris, France's national mausoleum, embraces the contradictory themes of the nation's turbulent history.
![Translating the Bible](https://hobblecreek.us/assets/images/Wycliffite-Bible-1300stn.jpg)
Translating the Bible
Millions of Christians will turn to the Bible this week to read the Christmas story in hundreds of languages.
![Resting Place of Kings](https://hobblecreek.us/assets/images/rou20200118-0379tn.jpg)
Resting Place of Kings
France's dazzling royal necropolis, the Basilica of Saint Denis, is also the birthplace of Gothic architecture.
![How Crafts Help Us Cope](https://hobblecreek.us/assets/images/rou20200728-114tn.jpg)
How Crafts Help Us Cope
Crafts are booming as people shelter at home during the pandemic. We explore why, as well as ways to learn a new craft without stressing out.
![Paris’s Oldest Church Restored](https://hobblecreek.us/assets/images/rou20200129-855tn.jpg)
Paris’s Oldest Church Restored
Paris' oldest church, Saint Germain des Prés, is emerging from layers of grime and soot as a meticulous restoration reveals its vibrant color.
![Marie Antoinette and Barbie](https://hobblecreek.us/assets/images/rou20200119-795.jpg)
Marie Antoinette and Barbie
Since she was guillotined in the French Revolution, Marie Antoinette has become one of the most popular icons worldwide.
![A Tale of Two Roman Cities](https://hobblecreek.us/assets/images/rou20200126-891-tn.jpg)
A Tale of Two Roman Cities
The amphitheaters, military garrisons, forums, trade and craft shops of two Roman colonial cities have emerged from the dust.
![Paris’s Oldest Food Market](https://hobblecreek.us/assets/images/rou20200118-858.jpg)
Paris’s Oldest Food Market
Rue Montorgueil in Paris began as a village street with a medieval church and food market. It has retained that character.
![The World is Flat (Bread)](https://hobblecreek.us/assets/images/Focassiatn.jpg)
The World is Flat (Bread)
Flatbreads are oldest, easiest breads and the most modern - pizza and tortillas are among the most popular foods. See our recipes.
![What is the Louvre?](https://hobblecreek.us/assets/images/Louvre-and-pyramid-tn.jpg)
What is the Louvre?
The former palace, the world's largest museum, music video and fashion show venue, and global brand has never been more cool.
![China’s Export Porcelain](https://hobblecreek.us/assets/images/Hongbowltn.jpg)
China’s Export Porcelain
Chinese porcelain is durable and branded with its history, so it is used to trace China’s trade and cultural ties with other nations.
![Yearning for Yogurt](https://hobblecreek.us/assets/images/yogurt-bottle-tn.jpg)
Yearning for Yogurt
Yogurt is one of the oldest and most popular foods and a booming global industry. Here's our recipe for creamy mild yogurt.
![The Many Layers of Mona Lisa](https://hobblecreek.us/assets/images/Mona-Lisatn.jpg)
The Many Layers of Mona Lisa
Mona Lisa has long been mysterious, not just because of her smile. But was mystery or realism her famous creator's object?
![The World Mourns Notre Dame](https://hobblecreek.us/assets/images/Notre-Dame-maintn.jpg)
The World Mourns Notre Dame
Notre Dame Cathedral of Paris, France's national cathedral, was badly damaged in a fire.
![Travel is So Daily](https://hobblecreek.us/assets/images/Japanese-fabrics-tn.jpg)
Travel is So Daily
As more and more travelers are discovering, travel is more about enhancing the life you have than escaping from it.
![Scaffolding the World](https://hobblecreek.us/assets/images/Forbidden-City-scaffoldingtn.jpg)
Scaffolding the World
Finding a historical site shrouded in scaffolding is disappointing, but it is a valuable tool for preserving the world's heritage.
![Treasure Room and Two Palaces](https://hobblecreek.us/assets/images/Incense-burnertn.jpg)
Treasure Room and Two Palaces
In the French palace at Fontainebleau is a treasure room of dazzling artifacts taken by the French army from a palace in Beijing.
![Enchanted Land, Part 2](https://hobblecreek.us/assets/images/St.-Jean-de-Pourcharesse-church-bell-towertn_.jpg)
Enchanted Land, Part 2
Old stone houses, leather books with swirly handwriting and a village church mark the second part of our journey to the Rhone-Alps.
![Enchanted Land, Part 1](https://hobblecreek.us/assets/images/Joyeuse-main-shot-tn.jpg)
Enchanted Land, Part 1
A search for ancestral roots in southern France leads to a legendary land with a walled medieval town and tales of a magic sword.