Scores of French love letters from the mid-18th century have been opened and studied for the first time since they were written.

Weird, ambitious, ultimately wonderful, and extremely French, the kickoff to Paris 2024 was the first great Opening Ceremony in years.

The French Revolution began, and continued, in waves. Germaine had a new lover, Monsieur Narbonne, with whom she had two children. Many wealthy French fled the country, to Switzerland, to England.

The letters – sent to French sailors by wives, siblings and parents – never made it to their intended recipients, but they offer rare insight into the lives of families affected by war.