undated postcard with a colorized image of Le Château François 1er in Villers-Cotterêts, France by Raymon

Bonjour ! This week’s carte postale features Le Château François 1er, or the castle of King Francis I, and his crown and salamander coat of arms. The castle is located in the commune of Villers-Cotterêts, about 50 miles / 80 km northeast of Paris, in the Aisne department in the Hauts-de-France region.

Fun facts about Villers-Cotterêts

  • Alexandre Dumas, the French novelist and playwright who wrote a number of literary classics, including The Count of Monte Cristo and The Three Musketeers, was born in 1802 in Villers-Cotterêts. He was buried there, too, in 1870, but in 2002 was re-interred at the Panthéon in Paris. He is referred to Dumas père (father) to avoid confusion with his son, whom they call Dumas fils (son). In 1905, the Musée Alexandre Dumas was built within walking distance of the castle.
  • In 1539, King Francis I (François 1er)* signed the Ordinance of Villers-Cotterêts, which called for the use of French (instead of Latin and regional dialects) in legal matters. This event would eventually lead to French being the official language of France.
  • It is, therefore, fitting that Villers-Cotterêts was selected to be the site of the Cité internationale de la langue française, which opened on November 1, 2023. In his inaugural speech, French President, Emmanuel Macron, described his initiative to celebrate the French language and encourage its use around the world. According to the Cité internationale de la langue française website, it welcomes visitors to “Discover a cultural and living place entirely dedicated to the French language and French-speaking cultures, in the castle of Villers-Cotterêts.” To celebrate its opening, the Cité internationale de la langue française will be accessible free of charge for 12 days, from November 1 to 12, 2023.

This place sounds fascinating. I’d love to visit one day!

Over the years, I have accumulated hundreds of postcards from around the world, which I’ve either purchased from my local antique shops or received from thoughtful family and friends who know I collect them. When I travel, I also like to send myself a carte postale just for fun!

I hope these postcards will make you want to revisit a favorite vacation spot or embark on a journey to the destination of your dreams.

And if you’ve been to the destination featured, tell me about your experience there – I’d love to hear from you.

Until the next Wednesday Postcard, take care!

*Did you know? You can learn more about King Francis I (François 1er) through France Channel? Check out their documentary series, The Kings of France Collection.

Through my partnership with France Channel, you can enjoy a 15% discount off your subscription (after your free 7-day trial) when you use special code DARLENE15. Subscribe to France Channel today! Merci !