Hot Chocolate (Chocolat Chaud)

Hot chocolate is one of many culinary favorites enjoyed amongst common people and the very rich. This drink was introduced in France for the first time in 1615 at the wedding of Louis XIII and his bride, Anne of Austria. The drink was a big hit and became very popular during the reign of Louis XV, who insisted on making his own hot chocolate for himself and his lovers. The King would add more chocolate than recommended because of its energy-boosting qualities and its role as an aphrodisiac. Even Marie-Antoinette enjoyed a particular type of this drink that was infused with orange blossom or sweet almond. Today you can enjoy variations of hot chocolate in Paris. Whether you’re craving milk chocolate, thick African dark chocolate or spicy chocolate, Angelina is the most famous spot in town, located on the very chic Rue de Rivoli. There is also another Angelina tearoom inside the Palace of Versailles, so anyone can drink like a King or Queen!

The House of Bonaparte

In addition to his reputation as a military genius, Napoleon Bonaparte is also known for his famous hat, his hand tucked in his waistcoat and for being a man of short stature. Napoleon conquered most of Europe during the beginning of the 19th century and was the first ruler of France whose rise to power was not because of his name, family or marriage, but because of his abilities. The Bonapartes no longer rule France but family members carry royal titles and there are descendants of Napoleon still living today. Jean-Christophe Napoleon (right) is the great-great-great-grand-nephew of the former Emperor and a descendant of King Louis XV. He is the rightful heir to the Imperial House of France, which means that Jean-Christophe will become the Emperor in the very small likelihood that the imperialist regime is reestablished. In the meantime, Jean-Christophe lives in New York and is single!

The Eiffel Tower and the 1937 International Exhibition

These photographs, taken from the Place du Trocadéro, show the icon of Paris: the Eiffel Tower. The image on the left is from the 1937 International Exhibition. Nazi Germany constructed a tower (left) as part of a campaign against the Soviet Union (right). Numerous countries signed up to have pavilions and compete, but as a result of poor planning, Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union were the only pavilions presented at the exhibition – conveniently right across from each other.