A Local Artist’s Unique Perspective on French History

Thierry Laudrain, a native of Ducey-les Chéré in the La Manche region, is currently showcasing original panels from his ancient comic series at the Château des Montgommery. This exhibition, running until October 26, 2025, offers a fresh and engaging look at the history of France, coinciding with the Ducey Code inquiry.

an Educational and Humorous Journey Through Time

The exhibition features selections from Laudrain’s three-volume work, the History of the History of France, alongside historical artifacts that represent meaningful moments in French history, such as a replica of the Vase de Soissons and Charlemagne’s crown. This combination creates an immersive experience that is both educational and entertaining for visitors of all ages.

From Versailles to Ducey: The Exhibition’s Evolution

The seeds of this exhibition were sown during Laudrain’s display at the Countess du Barry’s mansion in Versailles. initially featuring printed panels from the comic series and accompanying objects, the exhibition has grown and evolved over time. According to recent data from the French Ministry of Culture, historical exhibitions have seen a 15% increase in attendance in the past year, highlighting the public’s growing interest in engaging with history in innovative ways.

I had the opportunity to exhibit at the Countess du Barry’s mansion in Versailles. My publisher had printed the first panels in the comic strip to volume two, and I added objects. Over the years, the exhibition has grown.

A Collaboration with Local Talent

the exhibition’s arrival in Ducey was facilitated by Valérie Houlbert of the Ducey Tourist Office, a former schoolmate of Laudrain’s. This collaboration underscores the importance of local connections in bringing cultural events to regional communities. As an example, the nearby city of Avranches recently launched a similar initiative, partnering with local artists to revitalize its historical district.

By Valérie Houlbert, from the Ducey Tourist Office. We were at school together, we had lost sight of each other; This year, we decided to make an exhibition in parallel with the Ducey Code.

Navigating the Vastness of French History

Covering a timeline from the Big Bang to the present day, Laudrain’s comic series tackles an ambitious scope. The artist faced the challenge of selecting key historical events and figures to include, ensuring that the narrative remained engaging and accessible. The initial plan for ten volumes was scaled back after feedback from the publisher, Bamboo, emphasizing the importance of concise storytelling.

It was quite difficult, especially starting at Big Bang, 13.7 billion years ago! […] The remarks of my publisher, Bamboo, allowed me to find the mechanics, to really go to the basics, to choose what is strictly necessary and not to accumulate events, dates, characters that would become indigestible.

Don’t Miss This Unique Historical Experience

Visitors to the Château des Montgommery have until October 26, 2025, to experience Thierry Laudrain’s unique blend of art and history. This exhibition offers a compelling and accessible way to learn about the rich tapestry of France’s past.

A Unique Approach to Historical Storytelling

Thierry Laudrain,a comic book artist with a passion for history,is captivating readers of all ages with his engaging and humorous approach to historical events. Laudrain’s work aims to make history accessible and memorable, using anecdotes, gags, and wordplay to spark interest in the past.

his philosophy is simple: present a historical narrative in a single, engaging panel, infused with humor. This approach, he believes, makes the facts more memorable and can inspire readers to delve deeper into specific eras, characters, or events.

it is indeed a historical comic book of course as it is history, but it is not realistic. So an anecdote, a little gag, a play on words, we remember it.

From Advertising to Historical Comics: A Journey of Artistic Exploration

Laudrain’s artistic journey began early, with a lifelong passion for drawing. He honed his skills at Pivaut school in Nantes, studying graphic arts and advertising. His early career involved designing mascots for various products, exposing him to a wide range of drawing styles, from hyperrealism to caricature.

Driven by his passion for comics, Laudrain gradually transitioned into the publishing world, contributing to guides and eventually creating comics on diverse subjects, including sports, DIY, and regional history. This diverse experience has shaped his unique style and approach to storytelling.

I practiced all styles of drawings, hyperrealist, caricatural, or even in Gauguin style… I worked on Rallye-Raid Calagan, with a Paris-Dakar pilot, Jean-Pierre Fontenay, then I also made comics on brittany, Corsica, football, DIY, on really varied subjects.

Franquin’s Influence: A Master to Emulate

laudrain cites Franquin,the creator of Gaston Lagaffe,as a major influence on his work.He acknowledges Franquin’s Franco-Belgian style as a constant source of inspiration,shaping his approach to visual storytelling and humor.

When I started drawing, I really copied Gaston Lagaffe, I made hundreds! Afterwards, I went through different styles, but that style, franquin’s Franco-Belgian, I can never leave it.

Local Roots and Historical Inspiration

Laudrain’s connection to the Ducey region runs deep. His family has long-standing ties to the area, and he draws inspiration from local history and landmarks.This connection is evident in his work, which often features subtle nods to local events and figures.

For example, in the first volume of his history of France series, Laudrain illustrates the tournament where Gabriel de Montgommery fatally injured King Henri II, incorporating subtle winks that resonate with those familiar with the historical context.

Yes,I like to have little winks,even if everyone does not see it.

Visit the Exhibition and Meet the Artist

Visitors to Château Montgommery de ducey-les Chéris can explore an exhibition of Thierry Laudrain’s work. His comics are available for purchase in bookstores and at the castle’s ticketing office.

Laudrain will be signing his albums at the Château des Montgommery on select dates throughout the year. Check the Château’s website for the most up-to-date schedule.

The Rise of Customized News Consumption

In an era saturated with information, the ability to filter and personalize news has become increasingly vital. Instead of sifting through countless articles and sources, individuals are now seeking platforms that deliver content tailored to their specific interests and geographic locations. This shift reflects a growing demand for efficiency and relevance in news consumption.

My News: A personalized Approach

The concept of “My News” represents a significant step towards this personalized future.By registering for such services, users gain the power to curate their own news feeds, focusing on the cities and media outlets that matter most to them.This approach not only saves time but also ensures that individuals remain informed about the issues directly impacting their lives and communities.

Benefits of a Tailored News Experience

The advantages of a personalized news experience are manifold. Firstly, it enhances efficiency. Instead of being bombarded with irrelevant information, users receive a concentrated stream of news that aligns with their interests. Secondly, it promotes engagement. When news is relevant and localized, individuals are more likely to pay attention and participate in discussions about the issues at hand. it fosters a sense of community. By focusing on news from specific cities and media outlets, users can connect with others who share their interests and concerns.

The Future of news Delivery

As technology continues to evolve, we can expect personalized news experiences to become even more sophisticated. Artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms will play an increasingly important role in curating news feeds,ensuring that users receive the most relevant and timely information possible. The future of news is undoubtedly personalized, empowering individuals to stay informed and engaged in the world around them.