Everything French This Summer

A Good Book, a Film and a Few Songs

Experience France this summer from wherever you are.

Explore captivating stories, unforgettable films, and contemporary French music that capture the country’s charm, creativity, and joie de vivre.

Whether you’re discovering a new favorite or revisiting an old one, we hope that our selection will entertain you and perhaps introduce you to a new favorite along the way.

Books

Adventure : Papillon by Henri Charrière
Whether entirely factual or partly fictionalized, this classic follows Henri Charrière’s daring escapes from the notorious French penal colony in French Guyana. Fast-paced and difficult to put down, it’s the perfect page-turner for vacation reading.

Fun: The President’s Hat (Le Chapeau de Mitterrand) by Antoine Laurain
A charming Parisian novel about an ordinary man whose life changes after he accidentally leaves a restaurant with President François Mitterrand’s hat. Follow what happens as the hat passes from one person to another.

Historical: The Horseman on the Roof (Le Hussard sur le toit) by Jean Giono
Set in Provence during the 1832 cholera epidemic, it combines adventure, romance, and magnificent landscapes.

French Expressions Brought to Life by Isabelle de Montagu

Ever wondered what the French are trying to say?
French expressions are delightfully puzzling. From “avoir voix au chapitre » to « un bouillon de culture » this book unravels their origins, hidden stories and secrets – one expression at a time.

Get the Comité Tricolore Special Edition directly from our website for a donation of USD 22 or more.
Click here for your copy.
All proceeds after printing costs go to support our charitable mission.

Films

Historical : Ridicule (Ridicule)
Directed by Patrice Leconte this Academy Award-nominated film is set in the glittering court of Louis XVI, where wit is a weapon and a single clever remark can make or break a reputation.

Adventure: The Big Blue (Le Grand Bleu)
A visually stunning Mediterranean adventure about friendship, passion, and the search for the impossible. Directed by Luc Besson and set against the breathtaking backdrop of Greece and the sea, this cult French film is a perfect summer escape.

Thriller : Tell No One (Ne le dis à personne)
A French film based on a novel by American author Harlan Coben, directed by Guillaume Canet with a French cast of well known artists. When a doctor begins receiving mysterious messages from his wife—believed dead for eight years—he is drawn into a web of secrets and danger. Fast-paced and full of unexpected twists.

Comedy : My Donkey, My Lover & I (Antoinette dans les Cévennes)
A delightful road comedy set in the Cévennes. When a schoolteacher sets out to win back her former love, she finds herself hiking through the French countryside... accompanied by a stubborn donkey. Charming, funny, and filled with beautiful scenery—perfect summer viewing.

Songs

Click on the links and listen to these songs on their official YouTube releases.

Indila – "Dernière Danse"
A mesmerizing blend of pop and emotion, this international hit showcases the poetic side of contemporary French music.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5KAc5CoCuk

Francis Cabrel – "Je t’aimais, je t’aime, je t’aimerai"
One of France’s most beloved love songs, beautifully written and timeless.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVeZzR677DU

Zaz – "On ira"
An uplifting anthem celebrating friendship, travel, and life’s adventures—perfect for summer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IjWHBGzsu4

Kendji Girac – "Les yeux de la mama"
A heartfelt tribute to family, combining Kendji’s signature warmth with his infectious Mediterranean style.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgP2whwA2Wg

The FIRST Digital Guide to Notre-Dame de Chartres cathedral

For its 20th Anniversary Celebration, the American Friends of Chartres, a member of the Comité Tricolore, publishes the first digital guide to the cathedral of Notre-Dame de Chartres.

Click here to access it.
and take it with you when you have a chance to visit the cathedral.

The guide has been designed for all ages. It provides an overview of its history and main features as well as in-depth articles written by historians.

Bastille Day 2026: Many Pictures and Many Thanks

This year the Comite Tricolore Bastille event celebrated the 250 years of French-American friendship.

Blending gastronomy, elegance, and philanthropy this year’s event was a great success.

The pictures capture what makes all of our events so special: our commitment to celebrating our region’s French-American heritage in ways that are engaging, memorable, and fun, while supporting members of our community who are in need.

Click here to view all the pictures in the Bastille 2026 photo album.. It is updated as we go along and receive more...

Thank you to all who make it possible

Join the Comité Tricolore for our day at D.C. United!

DC United vs.Toronto FC
Saturday, July 25

Cheer on the Black-and-Red as they take on Toronto FC
Tickets for our group start at just $35 per person!

Get your tickets here.

Once you purchase your tickets, use your personal link to be seated next to your friends and family.

For groups of ten or more, email [email protected]

For each ticket sold via this link, 5$ will be given to the Comité Tricolore to support it’s charitable action for the local community in the DC area.

This is a new partnership between the CT and DC United, the Major League Soccer (MLS) club of Washington DC.

Location: 100 Potomac Ave SW, Washington, DC, US

To enjoy all the events proposed by our Members, don’t forget to:

- Follow us on Facebook & Instagram for the latest news,
- Plan in advance, check our Agenda regularly,
- And check your mailbox for our newsletter !