French postcard representing a young woman surrounded by flowers with the legend "Bonne fête". This postcard dates from 1900s.

In Europe and probably in other countries, it is tradition to wish a "bonne fête" to relatives and friends according to their first name and the calendar of saints. It is a tradition dating from the 16th century that lasted until the beginning of the 20th century and is gradually being lost.

French postcard representing a young woman surrounded by flowers. This postcard dates from 1900s. It has been sent, but the back is almost unwritten.

8 French bills of exchange from 1960s with tax stamps.

These bills of exchange are financial instruments for loans between companies. Before the massive arrival of computers, these exchanges were carried out by hand as shown by these documents.

French postcard representing a young woman surrounded by flowers with the legend "Bonne fête". This postcard dates from 1900s. it has been sent, but the back is unwritten.

Old French photograph of a mother and daughter in the 1920s made by the photographer Emile Mauvillier in Besançon.

Old French photograph of a middle class woman in the 1910s

Vintage French postcard with a small bouquet of pansies from 1920s. Written back. 

Postcard legend: "Des pensées et mon coeur" / difficult to translate, in French the term "pensée" means both "pansy" and "thought".