The Louvre Theft and Monarchist Conspiracy: Max Valberg's Investigation into the Crown Jewels

The Louvre Museum: The Universal Sanctuary of the Arts Once the residence of the kings of France, the Louvre is today the world's largest art and antiquities museum. Its iconic silhouette, where I.M. Pei's glass pyramid meets Renaissance façades, symbolizes a Paris that reconciles history and modernity. Inside, the galleries extend over more than 70,000 square meters, housing priceless treasures such as the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the colossal winged bulls of Khorsabad. Exploring the Louvre is like traversing 10,000 years of civilization, from the splendors of ancient Egypt to the masterpieces of European painting. But the Louvre is also an inexhaustible backdrop for the world of cinema. Film buffs will remember Jean-Paul Belmondo's boundless energy as he raced through the galleries in a legendary scene from the film *Bande à part* (a reference later used by Godard and many others). This blend of the solemnity of the artworks and the vitality of popular culture makes the Louvre a vibrant place, far removed from the dusty museum image. A breathtaking visit that requires several stops, given the boundless richness of the collections.

The Palace of Compiègne is a former royal and imperial residence located in Compiègne, Oise (Hauts-de-France region, France). It has been listed as a historical monument since October 24, 1994. Built by Louis XV and Louis XVI, and remodeled under Napoleon I and then Napoleon III, the Château de Compiègne was a central center of court life and the exercise of power. The originality and beauty of this, the largest French neoclassical château, along with the quality of its interior decoration and furnishings, constitute a unique ensemble, a historic site which, alongside Versailles and Fontainebleau, is one of the three most important French royal and imperial residences.

A royal getaway in the heart of France. Escape for a day to this exceptional château, a true jewel of French heritage. From the Musée Condé, home to priceless art collections, to the Great Stables, a tribute to the horse, and the formal French gardens, Chantilly offers a unique experience. Immerse yourself in the history of this princely residence and let yourself be captivated by its timeless charm.

A jewel of Rayonnant Gothic architecture. Built in a record time of seven years, the Sainte-Chapelle was designed to house the most precious relics of Christendom, including the Crown of Thorns of Christ, acquired by Saint Louis. Its religious and political significance was undeniable. Possession of these holy relics designated the powerful monarch as the head of Western Christendom. The stained-glass windows are exceptional. Distributed across 15 windows, each 15 meters high, the stained glass depicts 1,113 scenes from the Old and New Testaments, recounting world history up to the arrival of the relics in Paris. Continue your visit at the Conciergerie, the only remaining vestige, along with the Sainte-Chapelle, of the Palais de la Cité, which later became a revolutionary tribunal and Marie Antoinette's prison.

The Palace of Versailles, whose origins date back to the 17th century, has successively served as a hunting lodge, a seat of power, and, since the 19th century, a museum. Comprising the park and gardens as well as the Trianon palaces, it covers 800 hectares.

The Château de Fontainebleau: A Home for Centuries Nicknamed by Napoleon "the true home of kings, the house of centuries," Fontainebleau is the only château inhabited by all French sovereigns from the 12th to the 19th centuries. This sprawling palace is an open-air architectural book, where the refinement of the Renaissance—exemplified by the famous François I Gallery and its Italianate frescoes—coexists with the majesty of the Empire. Its horseshoe-shaped staircase has become the global emblem of this UNESCO World Heritage site. But Fontainebleau is not just a static museum; it is an exceptional playground for the seventh art. Its paved courtyards and sandstone forest have hosted numerous film shoots, including swashbuckling epics where Jean-Paul Belmondo displayed his full panache. The spirit of "Bébel" is palpable in this blend of historical prestige and raw energy, particularly in the action scenes that exploit the verticality of its facades. Between the Gardens of Diana, the Grand Canal, and the Emperor's apartments, a visit to Fontainebleau is a complete immersion into the inner workings of power and the magic of cinema.