No boxes were physically harmed in the making of this comparison.

You’ll find that all pictures on this site are pictures of actual boxes in our collection. We believe we have every version of the First Edition base game of Carcassonne in the French language. If you are not sure which box you have, have a look below or contact us and we’ll be able to tell you!

Hans im Glück, first printing

2002

With the success of the Carcassonne game, publishers from different countries became more and more interested in distributing the game in their local language.

In France however, Hans im Glück decided to publish and distribute their own version. They used the box from their own second printing and translated the text on the box and the rules into French. Of course, a French version of a game based on a French city couldn’t be left behind!

Hans im Glück, second printing

2004

A second printing of the game in French was once again handled by Hans im Glück themselves. This time, they used the third printing box art on the front and the back, however, as with the first printing in French, no showing of the Spiel des Jahres logo or award can be found.

We found this version via a second-hand website in Spain, and were very enthusiastic to add this to our collection! We had not seen this version before, so it felt extra special to discover a new box that we didn’t know existed before!

Filosofia Éditions, first printing

2009

In 2009, the license for the French version of the game was awarded to the local publisher Filosofia Éditions. This was shortly after Hans im Glück made their ninth printing in German, and this box uses the same design, including the banner showing over 6 million copies of the game and expansions sold. Again, no mention of the Spiel des Jahres award though!

Filosofia Éditions, second printing

2014

It was in late 2013, early 2014 that we saw quite a few publisher release a new printing of the base game. This was also the case for Filosofia Éditions, who released their second printing. It followed the redesign, with the blue background for the ‘C’, the row of meeple at the top, and updated example landscape on the back of the box. The sides of the box see some nice decorations as well!

Thanks to Carcassonne Belgie for showing us this box, and Linksux who managed to find one for us!