€18k Bona-parting

A lock of Napoleon’s hair has been sold at auction for €18,650 in Fontainebleau.

Connexion journalist Connexion journalist

Published Wednesday 24 July 2019 - 15:00 Modified Wednesday 24 July 2019 - 15:00

Rather than a lock cut after the emperor died, which has less value, this one was given by Napoleon’s valet Constant to a famous hairdresser of the day.

It was accompanied by a certificate in which Constant says this is exceptional as he usually refuses such requests

Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers in France

French farmers call for major protest day: key details and impact

Demonstrators expected to target supermarkets and prefectures

French restaurant piggy banks: the old way to save cash

A club épargne is a traditional French savings club, where locals save money in a community setting

French association matches struggling students with helpers

Could you be a supporter for a student in need, or do you know one who could benefit?

Can mairie force me to cut down trees at French home?

Rules are complex but there should be a valid reason for such an order

Which gifts are liable for tax in France?

Gifts can be declared through your online tax space

Are elderly drivers in France required to take a medical test for licence renewal?

Recent EU vote and MP proposals have caused confusion

Is adult whooping cough vaccine in France covered by social security?

France’s vaccine calendar outlines expected top-ups

Graph: last month was deadliest August on French roads since 2011

Several prefectures are looking at ways to tackle rising fatality rate

Driving in France: Rules around when to use hazard lights

Drivers risk fines for misusing these warnings

Prefecture in south-west France launches ‘accidentoscope’ to improve road safety: what is this?

Accidents increased by 10% in August 2025 compared to previous year

Learning French: the origins and meaning of être sur un petit nuage and other cloud phrases

Use this expression when you are feeling on cloud nine

French workers who fall sick on holiday can now get holiday days back

Landmark ruling seeks to apply EU law after France was warned of non-compliance

Why you should expect to see more spiders in your French home in September

France is home to more than 1,700 spider species

French weekly weather forecast September 15 - 19: A return to summer?

Plenty of sunshine and temperatures of 30C and above in the south-west bring a late summer bloom

More French communes levy additional tax charge on second homes

Over 650 communes voted for the maximum permitted charge

Learning French: when and why do we say découvrir le pot aux roses?

A flowery phrase for when you come to a realisation

New French PM targets 30-minute health access for all

Network of 5,000 'France Santé' centres planned by 2027

Why French air controllers called off September 18 strike and instead plan October action

Three-day stoppage will impact air travel early next month

Listen: Stag bellowing season to begin in French forests

Every year, nature-lovers gather to listen out for the sound and even compete to imitate it best. A 500-hour livestream is available of the bellowing season on TV this year