ABSTRACT
In the history of the French perception of Austria since the beginning of the 20th century, it is possible to identify two constant factors: First, the French perception of Austria has always been selective. It is critical of certain aspects of Austria but looks with favor on what French scholars and scholars of Germanic languages have defined as the "real and good Austria". Second, it has never been possible to dissociate discussions of Austria from discussions of Germany and European equilibrium. The crisis sparked by the Austrian coalition between the traditional Right and the national-populist Right raised questions about the very foundations of the Austrian political system. In both Austria and France, the relation of the extreme Right to collective memory is conflict ridden. The crisis that broke out in February 2000 has done irreparable damage to France's image of Austria.
