Moksha World

I thought Murder in… would be predictable, but it turned out to offer unexpected insights into France’s regional cultures and history.

The show follows a typical murder mystery formula—I can’t recall ever being shocked by the murderer’s identity—there were always subtle hints. The title in English is very catchy. It immediately identifies the location and crime for each story as a stand-alone episode. In French, there is more variety, like “secrets in” or “crime in”. There are a few repeated characters over the seasons, but it isn’t essential to the stories to remember them. What is important to pay attention to is the scenery. Whether skiing in the Alps, hiking mountain trails, exploring seaside resorts, sailing, or enjoying cosmopolitan cities, France truly has something for everyone. 

I was surprised by how distinct each region in France is—landscapes, history, culture, regional languages, and dialects. I’ve spent a decent amount of time in France for work, but only in Paris and Cannes. I quickly became hooked on the series, as I was not only entertained but also inspired to cast a wider net and explore new areas of France that I hadn’t considered in the past.

Historical and regional legends are frequently woven into the plots, including a literary connection – a murder at the castle from The Count of Monte Cristo. One of my favorite settings was the Camargue region with its distinctive white horses and marshlands, a place that has interested me since my early years studying horse encyclopedias, and I am now even more eager to visit. Other episodes, set near the Spanish border, celebrated local culture with vibrant flamenco performances. The series also made me curious about the ancient roots of these regions and how history shaped their identities.

The ancient Gauls, who were a Celtic people, had a profound influence on northeastern France. They were highly artistic and skilled metalworkers—known for their gold mines, intricate jewelry, and quality wool clothing—and developed a complex society led by Druids. Their cultural legacy is still visible today in Brittany, where Celtic traditions persist in the language, festivals, and local identity. Today, approximately a quarter of Brittany’s population still speaks Breton, a Celtic language similar to Welsh. Beyond their history, visiting Brittany offers a chance to explore Celtic sites, taste the region’s famous crepes, and see residents wearing traditional Celtic hats called ‘coiffes.’

From the Celts, I moved further north to uncover the legacy of another powerful influence—the Vikings in Normandy. Normandy takes its name from the Vikings, or ‘Notmanni’ (men of the North), who settled in the region during the 9th century. These Norsemen developed a distinct Norman culture, and in 845 a large Viking fleet even sailed up the Seine to besiege Paris, withdrawing only after the French king paid a hefty tribute in gold and silver. Over the following decades, the Vikings continued to raid, but gradually they adopted the local Gallo-Romance language, converted to Christianity, and integrated into French society, eventually losing their distinct Scandinavian identity.

Heading toward France’s southwestern border, I was drawn to the mystery of the Basque people. Their language, Euskara, is unlike any other known language, unrelated to Indo-European languages, which has fascinated me since I was young. The Basques have a long history as mariners, explorers, and shipbuilders, even participating in voyages as far as South America and with Christopher Columbus’s fleet. Today, visiting the Basque region offers a chance to experience its distinctive culture, from local festivals and cuisine to the striking coastal towns and mountainous landscapes.

Beyond continental France, the series explores French territories like French Guyana, Réunion Island, Tahiti, and Martinique. While the murder plots themselves felt familiar, the scenery and local culture added a fresh twist to each episode. 

From my early visits to France for work, I’ve been fascinated by the many influences shaping French identity—families from Europe, Northern Africa, and Asia all contribute to a rich cultural mosaic. Exploring these regions and their histories reminds me how much there is still to discover, inspiring me to look beyond the usual destinations.

Want to discover Chantilly, Avignon, Arles, and more—without the murders? Check out my travel guide inspired by the series: Murder in…sans murder.