chroniques

Chroniques is the French plural noun that denotes chronicles. Broadly, the term refers to accounts of events arranged in chronological order and to the body of writing that records history over time. In historical contexts, chronicles (chroniques) are often narrative records created by chroniclers who describe events year by year, sometimes blending factual detail with moral, religious, or political commentary. They differ from annals in that chronicles typically present events with a narrative or thematic thread, whereas annals tend to list events in a more terse, year-by-year format.

In modern usage, chronique also designates a regular column or essay in a newspaper or magazine. Here, a chronique is a personal or interpretive piece on a particular subject—such as culture, society, travel, or politics—written by a chroniqueur (a columnist or essayist). Such pieces emphasize the author’s voice and viewpoint and may blend observation, analysis, and narrative flair rather than strict reporting.

Chroniques can appear as standalone works or as part of a series, and they may vary in tone from literary and reflective to light and humorous. The term is closely linked to notions of time and sequence, whether documenting historical events or presenting ongoing commentary on contemporary life. In translation, chronique and chronicle capture the idea of time-ordered record or regular, opinionated writing, depending on context. See also chronicle, chronology, and French historical writing traditions.