A French Village

Set in the fictional subprefecture of Villeneuve in the Jura during the German occupation of World War II, A French Village follows the daily lives of residents as the war reshapes their routines, loyalties, and relationships. The series tracks families, local officials, and newcomers as they cope with shortages, curfews, and the moral tradeoffs that come with survival under occupation. Central figures like Daniel and Hortense Larcher, Jean Marchetti, Raymond Schwartz, and Marie Germain face personal conflicts that intersect with larger political pressures, so private decisions have public consequences. The show unfolds season by season, keeping its focus on character development and the shifting social fabric without revealing major plot twists up front.

Created by Emmanuel Daucé, Frédéric Krivine, and Philippe Triboit, the series premiered in 2009 and became known for its ensemble cast and meticulous period detail. Production emphasized authentic settings and props to recreate rural France under occupation.

Critics and viewers have generally praised the series for steady storytelling and complex characters, reflected in a vote average of 7.4/10 from available data. The show repeatedly returns to themes of moral ambiguity, the cost of compromise, authority and resistance, and how ordinary people make fraught choices when institutions fail. Performances are often restrained, letting small moments reveal larger shifts in character.

Beyond its television run, A French Village has influenced discussions in France about how the occupation is remembered, prompting conversations in media and academic circles about collaboration, resistance, and civilian experience. Its realistic tone and layered portrayals helped reinvigorate interest in wartime drama on French TV and encouraged similar series to tackle uncomfortable historical subjects.

No major international awards are listed in the provided information. The series did attract critical attention and a devoted audience in France, and it remains notable for its long-form treatment of moral and political tensions during wartime rather than for headline award wins.