Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Louis Napoléon proclaims himself Emperor Napoléon III of the Second Empire
(1851-70).
1914-18
WWI: millions of French soldiers are killed and many historic cities destroyed.
1939-44
WWII: Nazi Germany divides France into a German-occupied zone and a puppet
Vichy state.
1949
France joins North America and Western Europe in a mutual defence alliance
(NATO).
1981
The high-speed TGV smashes speed records. Journey time from Paris to Lyon
falls to under two hours.
1994
The 50km-long Channel Tunnel links mainland France with Britain.
2002
The French franc, first minted in 1360, is dumped when France adopts the euro.
2004
The National Assembly bans religious symbols such as the Islamic headscarf in
state schools.
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