To her Paris friends, many of them from years of connection to the American Cathedral, the American Library, and the American University, Olivia de Havilland’s glorious past and distinctive screen persona were hard to forget.

After the storming of the Bastille, the next significant event of the French Revolution occurred on August 4, 1789. On that day, the National Constituent Assembly adopted 18 decrees or articles – The August Decrees – concerning the abolition of feudalism, other privileges of the nobility, and seigneurial rights.

Step into any French pastry shop and somewhere in the display case you will see a pile of billowy, sugary sweet, vanilla scented confections: French pâtisserie meringues.

One of our brightest transatlantic lights was extinguished on July 16 when legendary author, foreign correspondent and historian Chris Dickey died suddenly and unexpectedly in Paris.

For a take on world economics and leadership today in light of COVID-19, watch a conversation for Washington Post Live between David Ignatius and European Central Bank president Christine Lagarde.

Bastille Day has been celebrated nationwide in France from the day of its very first anniversary—when Lafayette and other leaders celebrated French unity with a parade on the Champ de Mars joined by the National Guard and a quarter million exuberant Parisians.

The virtual event will feature an address by French Ambassador Philippe Étienne, music, culture, gastronomy, contests and more.

Nadia Boulanger influenced generations of Americans with her teaching. She passed away in 1979, but she and her curriculum are highly respected in the American music world and at the European American Music Alliance in France.

Because of the partnership between France and the United States in the quest for liberty, Americans have the ability to celebrate freedom today.

Many of the European butters, especially French butter, have a slightly tangy flavor due to the cream being cultured (fermented) before it is churned. The process resembles that used to make crème fraîche. This culturing or “souring” produces a fuller flavor and aroma and its often the lingering taste that dominates people’s food memories of France.