Le Retour des Princes français à Paris facts for kids

"Le Retour des Princes français à Paris" means "The Return of the French Princes to Paris." This song was like the unofficial national anthem of France for a while. It was used during a time called the Bourbon Restoration. This was when kings from the Bourbon family ruled France again.

The song used a very popular tune from an older marching song. This tune was called "Vive Henri IV" (Long Live Henry IV). People already knew and liked this melody.

What the Song Was About

This song celebrated the return of the Bourbon kings to France. These kings had been away from power for many years. The song was a way to show happiness and support for them. It talked about peace returning to France. It also praised the new king and the Bourbon family.

The Bourbon Restoration

The Bourbon Restoration was a period in French history. It lasted from 1814 to 1830. During this time, the Bourbon royal family came back to rule France. This happened after the French Revolution and the time of Napoleon Bonaparte. The song "Le Retour des Princes français à Paris" became popular during this period. It showed the loyalty people felt towards the returning monarchy.

The Melody: Vive Henri IV

The melody for "Le Retour des Princes français à Paris" came from an older, well-known song. This song was "Vive Henri IV." It was a traditional French folk song. It celebrated King Henry IV, who ruled France a long time ago. Using this familiar tune made the new anthem easy for people to learn and sing.

Lyrics of the Song

The lyrics of "Le Retour des Princes français à Paris" are all about welcoming the princes back. They talk about peace, joy, and the good qualities of the Bourbon kings. Here is the first verse:

The other verses continue to praise the king and the royal family. They express hope for a peaceful and rich future for France. They also mention specific members of the royal family.

See also

• Marche Henri IV
• La Marseillaise