Following in the footsteps of Marie Antoinette

I haven't managed to post for a little while, as I've had a busy time juggling work, travel and a few precious days of holiday. For the purposes of this blog, however, I wanted to talk about the first of those things. For the last couple of weeks, I've been fortunate to work on a series of articles connected to the new season of Marie Antoinette, which is currently being aired on BBC Two.

For those who haven't come across it yet, the series offers a fresh new take on one of the most iconic periods in French history. While historians have typically not been kind to Marie Antoinette, this compelling retelling from Oscar-nominated screenwriter Deborah Davis takes a more sympathetic approach to her plight. Though the makers have stopped short of calling it a feminist interpretation, we certainly see things more from Marie Antoinette's perspective, beginning in season one with her marriage to the future Louis XVI at the age of just 14.

I mean, when you think about it, that's really pretty awful, right? She was literally shipped off from her home country of Austria, and everything she knew and loved, to be married off to someone she had never met. At the age of 14.

However, we are also encouraged to see things from Louis' viewpoint, too, as he didn't really fare much better. As a shy and socially awkward teenager, it's likely that he was feeling almost as daunted and terrified as she was. So, I suppose the point I am trying to make here is that this latest incarnation tells their stories as actual human beings rather than the distant historical figures they often feel like today.

That aside, the series is also a feast for the senses. From the magical settings and the show-stopping costumes to the enchanting soundtrack, it's a must-watch for anyone with even a passing interest in Parisian history, culture and style.

Anyway, all of this to say, it's been an absolute delight to work on three articles connected to the show – especially as season two, Marie Antoinette: The Diamond Necklace Affair, is even more addictive than the first. This time, we meet the pair at the height of their fame. Having finally produced an heir, they have proved themselves capable and compassionate rulers. However, trouble is never too far away, and their enemies are growing – not least with the person who plans to frame the queen for a crime she hasn't committed.

For the first of my pieces on the series, I was very lucky to interview the actor playing Louis XVI, Louis Cunningham, who was an absolute breath of fresh air. I've interviewed a fair few actors over the years, but I can't remember many who have been as humble, candid and generous with their time as he was.

We also laughed a lot – and I hope that comes across in my interview for France Today here. It's behind a paywall, but I heartily encourage you to subscribe if you're even a tiny bit of a francophile, because all of their content is great.

The second piece focuses on some of the amazing settings featured in the series - much of which was filmed on location in and around Paris. As well as the Palace of Versailles, which of course has a starring role in the show, the Palais-Royal – right in the heart of the city – also features prominently in season two. Then there are the 10 or so châteaux across the region.

So, to find out more about some of the stunning locations they used, and what to look out for if you visit yourself, you can read my piece for Bonjour Paris here. Incidentally, for the low-down on what to see and do in the French capital, the Bonjour Paris website is truly one of the best.

Finally, my third article, which I'm still working on now, will be a behind-the-scenes feature on all aspects of the show. For this one, I was fortunate to interview several members of the production team who were all absolutely lovely and shared some fascinating insights. That piece is destined for the print magazine of France Today and is scheduled to appear in their September edition. You heard it here first!

Anyway, I hope you like the series as much as I did - and that you enjoy taking a deeper dive into the making of the show with my three pieces. As always, I would love to hear what you think, so drop me a message via the contact form to share any thoughts.

• Marie Antoinette: The Diamond Necklace Affair is currently airing on BBC Two. It is also available to watch in full on BBC iPlayer along with season one. Viewers in France can watch on Canal+ and in the US on PBS