The first two BB were called "Loft Story" then Canadian BB started and took that name
BB1 =>
Loft Story (2001) [TV: M6]
BB2 =>
Loft Story (2002) [TV: M6]
BB3 =>
Nice People (2004) [TV: TF1]
BB4 =>
Les Colocataires (2005) [TV: M6]
BB5 =>
Secret Story (2007) [TV: TF1]
We never had a real big brother format. Always variant version.
It's due to a contract in 2000 between TF1 and M6 for not bring back Big Brother in France.
M6 screw TF1 with a variant in 2001 : Loft Story
Loft Story : The difference between BB is that two housemates win. They have to be a cupple.
Nice People : The worst version. 12 Europeans people, not only french. Every week, a celebrity come in the house and have a special bedroom. The celebrity factor ruined the show.
Les Colocataires : Boys and girls are split. They lived in differents house linked by a patio. On day 3, boys and girls met and there was an orgy in the swimmin pool.
Secret Story (now) : All housemates have to keep a secret.
(Sorry 4 my english, i must have made some mistakes)