French Property of the Week: Restored 2 Bed Detached House in Normandy

Old stone two bed house located in a rural hamlet just outside a lively village with all shops, restaurant/bar, bakers etc. Tastefully restored, set on a plot of approx. 600m2 with an attached barn of approx. 20m2 for possible conversion/expansion.

There are good views to the rear. Very nice property, just needs a little tidying to the outside. This property has electric, water and a septic tank.

Location: Le Teilleul, Manche, Lower Normandy
Price: 78,000 euros
Details: Detached Property Normandy

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England 0 v 1 France

France - well Carla Bruni (it would seem) - won her battle to release 2 drug traffickers from prison in the Dominican Republic. Whereas Gordon Brown lost out to save a drug trafficker in China from execution. England 0, France 1.

Gordon's influence is not only waning in the UK but also on the international arena. The Labour Party must ditch Gordon - he has been a disaster. It all started when he told us his policies would stop Boom and Bust recessions in the UK. But here we are deep in the mire whilst other European economies have kick started. Mr Prudence should go. I fear there is little chance of that happening before the elections.

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You can dance the night away in France now

You can dance the night away in France now

Discotheques across France can now stay open until 7:00 am under new regulations!

The new rules state that any establishment that serves alcohol and has a dance floor can now stay open until seven in the morning.

But last rounds will now be at 5:30 am, allowing for a one-and-half-hour "dry period" when no alcohol will be served so you can sober up??

Didier Chenet, president of Synhorcat said: "It will also make Paris and other French tourist destinations more dynamic especially since they were seen cities that shut down early compared to Berlin, London or Barcelona."

Flick photo by irene.

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English Cooking Inspires the French!

Taking coals to Newcastle? After years of ridiculing the rosbifs, the French are turning to the Brits for cooking advice!

They have the finest gastronomic tradition in the West and are keen to let the rest of the world know. But when it comes to demonstrating their culinary talents on television the French are seeking inspiration from Britain.

With Gallic viewers tiring of old-fashioned cooking programmes involving self-important chefs, television executives are borrowing from Britain’s recipe book in an attempt to liven up their schedules.

For instance, TF1, the biggest television channel in France, announced that it has bought the rights to MasterChef, the 20-year-old BBC show which is being touted as a revolution in French cuisine.

The privately owned channel plans to run the series — which it describes as the most important amateur cooking competition held in France — on prime-time television in the new year with a first prize of €100,000 (£90,000).

Source: Times database

via news.google.com

Whatever next? Will they fall in love with the English language?

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Haute Couture in French Schools?

Students are getting up-tight about school clothing rules - wanting to wear more sexy clothing.

The protests began at Lycée Geoffroy-Saint-Hilaire in Essonne, south of Paris, where teenagers rebelled against the strict dresscode by wearing skimpy clothes for two days. The move was prompted by a new headteacher who banned holes in trousers and garmets above the knee, the Independent reports.

At Lycée Condorcet d'Arcachon in Gironde, 200 students marched throught the town to protest against a new dress code, which stated that students could not wear low-slung trousers, short skirts or piercings. "We're at school, we don't want to feel like we are in a prison," one student said.

So they will be wearing this in the summer? Less is more?

Flickr photo by BodogGirl

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Wifi en France

Looking for a hotspot in France? Read on ... France has rolled about broadband and wifi to many parts of France. Connection to wifi en France while on the go enables you to access the internet from anywhere that has wifi hot spots available. You can usually find them at places like airports, hotels, coffee shops, or other areas having access to a LAN connection.

The first thing you need to do in order to connect to Wifi hot spots is to locate a hot spot access point. Public areas offering Wifi will normally have signs pointing you in the right direction. If you aren't sure, just ask somebody. Although just booting up your laptop will detect any available hotspots.

Some resources for free wifi France:
Free.fr have lots of free wifi hotspots in France - details: http://www.free.fr/adsl/pages/internet/connexion/acces-hotspot-wifiFree.html
Tutorial : http://www.freenews.fr/spip.php?article6783

Lists of Wifi hotspots en France
http://www.wififreespot.com/europe.html
http://v4.jiwire.com/hot-spot-directory-browse-by-state.htm?country_id=75&provider_id=0

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French Property of the Week: 4 bed detached property for less than 100K €

SUBSTANTIAL DETACHED FAMILY HOME FOR UPDATING

This charming property sits on the edge of a village 5 minutes drive from the town of St Hilaire du Harcouet.

It comprises conservatory to the front of the property, sitting room, kitchen, bedroom, shower room and WC on the ground floor. Upstairs are 4 double bedroom, one with WC and washbasin. There is also further attic space on that level. There is another attic up again.

Outside is a good sized garden and an outbuilding.

This property represents good value and would make a lovely family home.

Price: 99,600 euros
Location: St. Hilaire du Harcouët, Normandy
More details: Normandy property

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They are coming to get you ....

France tax authorities are stooping low - they are using stolen data from HSBC in Switzerland - to chase tax avoidance.

The Swiss government has demanded that the list of more than 100,000 international account holders, including thousands of French citizens, be returned immediately. HSBC yesterday said the information in the list was "incomplete" and "inaccurate".

The government defence says "France is committing no fraud, the tax evaders are. What counts is that we obtained [the information] legally."

Hang on a minute: data stolen - that makes it OK?

Flick photo by noii's

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A little birdie says Tiger Woods is coming to France?

Reports suggest that Tiger Woods, although feeling a little below par, is moving to France to get some privacy. He is fed up with golfers ringing Elin to find out how to beat Tiger.

Tiger, or should it be Cheetah, is looking for multi-million dollar estates in the south of France.

Not sure how he is going to get to France, afterall he cannot drive more than 400 yards without hitting a hydrant?

I think we have exhausted enough puns for today!

Flickr Photo by Keith Allison in the days he could drive.

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Britons flocking to Poitou-Charentes for Retirement

There are over 13,000 Britons living in the western region of Poitou-Charentes. The breakdown of foreigners is:
Portuguese 6600
Moroccans 2900
Algerians 2200
then good numbers for Belgians, Spanish and Guineans

Flickr photo by dynamosquito

In fact, 1 in 10 of new arrivals in Poitou-Charentes in the last 5 years are foreigners.

More data about the Brits: 85% choose rural areas; over 55% are aged between 50 and 74. However, there are families arriving with youn children (over 1800 aged under 15)

Why choose Poitou-Charentes?
Micro climate similar to south of France
Quiet safe rural area
Sandy beaches, lakes and rivers
Competitively priced properties in Poitou Charentes - especially in the east and north of the region

Other useful resources:
Poitou-Charentes Tourist Board
Poitou Charentes Tourist Video
Living and Moving to Poitou Charentes

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Kate Moss fancies Paris

Kate Moss is turning her back on London for a 6 bed apartment in Paris.

No doubt Philip Green will be purchasing an apartment in Paris too.

Gordon and Alistair watch out - you seem to be driving out all your super tax Brits; was a 50% tax such a good idea?

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French Property of the Week: Pefect Holiday Home - 2 bed cottage

This delightful cottage is really well looked after and fully double glazed. Totally ready to move into and situated in a sweet hamlet about five minutes from Bellac and 40 minutes north of Limoges in the Limousin.

On the ground floor is a nice newly fitted kitchen (stays as seen) and living area totalling 29m². It is really cosy with a wood burner and additional “Adler radiators” which are very efficient. The French doors open onto the very well kept garden with garden shed lovely young trees and bushes.

Price: 86,400 euros
More: Perfect Holiday Home

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Missus says one term only

Who wears the trousers in the Bruni / Sarkozy household?

Carla says one term is enough - so looks like Mr Sarkozy will not be looking for a second term of office. Her indoors says "one term would satisfy me." We assume she is referring to Mr Sarkozy's re-election!

So with 2 years to go until re-election in 2012, she has plenty of time to charm Nicolas with her feminine wiles.

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Culinary Traditions Of France - Gourmet

French cuisine is the amazingly high standard to which all other native cuisines must live up to. The country of France is home of some of the finest cuisine in the world, and it is created by some of the finest master chefs in the world. The French people take excessive pride in cooking and knowing how to prepare a good meal. Cooking is an essential part of their culture, and it adds to one's usefulness if they are capable of preparing a good meal.

Each of the four regions of France has a characteristic of its food all its own. French food in general requires the use of lots of different types of sauces and gravies, but recipes for cuisine that originated in the northwestern region of France tend to require the use a lot of apple ingredients, milk and cream, and they tend to be heavily buttered making for an extremely rich (and sometimes rather heavy) meal. Southeastern French cuisine is reminiscent of German food, heavy in lard and meat products such as pork sausage and sauerkraut.

On the other hand, southern French cuisine tends to be a lot more widely accepted; this is generally the type of French food that is served in traditional French restaurants. In the southeastern area of France, the cooking is a lot lighter in fat and substance. Cooks from the southeast of France tend to lean more toward the side of a light olive oil more than any other type of oil, and they rely heavily on herbs and tomatoes, as well as tomato-based products, in their culinary creations.

Cuisine Nouvelle is a more contemporary form of French cuisine that developed in the late 1970s, the offspring of traditional French cuisine. This is the most common type of French food, served in French restaurants. Cuisine Nouvelle can generally be characterized by shorter cooking times, smaller food portions, and more festive, decorative plate presentations. Many French restaurant cuisines can be classified as Cuisine Nouvelle, but the more traditional French restaurant cuisine would be classified as Cuisine du Terroir, a more general form of French cooking than Cuisine Nouvelle. Cuisine du Terroir is an attempt to return to the more indigenous forms of French cooking, especially with reference to regional differences between the north and south, or different areas such as the Loire Valley, Catalonia, and Rousillon. These are all areas famous for their specific specialty of French cuisine. As time has progressed, the difference between a white wine from the Loire Valley and a wine from another area has slowly diminished, and the Cuisine du Terroir approach to French cooking focuses on establishing special characteristics between regions such as this.

As part of their culture, the French incorporate wine into nearly every meal, whether it is simply as a refreshment or part of the recipe for the meal itself. Even today, it is a part of traditional French culture to have at least one glass of wine on a daily basis.

By:
Kirsten Hawkins

Kirsten Hawkins is a food and nutrition expert specializing the Mexican, Chinese, and Italian food. Visit www.food-and-nutrition.com/ for more information on cooking delicious and healthy meals.

via articlescollections.com

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How to sell a house and other tips

How to sell a house and make some profits - tips abound everywhere but how good is the advice?

How to sell a house and other tips is a post from: PROPERTYHOUSE.org

http://bit.ly/937aRn

Travel Tips for Paris

Thinking of going to Paris for a vacation or city break? What do you need to take with you and how can you make the most of your stay in Paris. There really is a lot to see. Chris Pirillo has some great tips ..... here is a selection and there are more, follow the link at the bottom.

Flickr Photo by Ian Muttoo

1. Bring a sturdy and comfortable pair of shoes for walking. Don’t worry so much about fashion. Your feet will only care that they are comfortable. Most Parisians spend time walking everywhere, and it is not uncommon to see a person carrying the makings of a meal from several stores (butcher, bakery, Casino) onto the Metro. Be prepared to stand during most of the prime commute hours on the Metro.
2. If you need a converter for an electrical appliance, make sure it’s not one of those “all-in-one” converters on a solid block. The prongs are the correct ones, but the block won’t fit in the deep and round hole around the prong entrance. Sticks and holes do matter.
3. In winter, bring a wool coat that hangs below the waist, a scarf, gloves, and a hat. The windchill factor is exacerbated in Paris proper because of the buildings. In summer, wear loose clothing but don’t be an ugly American: leave the open-toed Teva’s and flip flops at home. You’ll thank me after the first person rolls her bag over your toes in the Metro. Also, the Metro isn’t often air-conditioned in the summer, and with humidity, prepare to sweat.
4. Take a moment to study a map of the Metro lines. Almost everyone takes them for public transport, and they are much cheaper than taxis. You do not want to drive in Paris. If you are staying a week or longer, purchase a pack of tickets rather than single tickets. Keep these handy while you ride, as they are checked occasionally during transit and when you exit the Metro station, as well as when you are transferring from one line to another.
5. Pack light, and bring smaller and more narrow luggage with you. Some of the larger pieces of luggage I have seen don’t fit on the escalators of the Metro or are difficult to manage going up and down the entrances and exits.

Another 6 great travel tips here

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French Property of the Week: Old Mill in the Var, Provence, France

This Provence property is in Le Thoronet, Var: Beautiful 240 m² olive mill completely restored offering a large and homely village house on three floors. On the street level is the millroom with most of the olive oil machinery still intact. The room can be easily converted in a seperate apartment as it has its own entrance, a seperate showerroom and toilet.

On garden level a nice family country kitchen with wood burner and all the modern appliances for today's cooking.

Lots of charm and character.

Price: 420,000 euros
More about the Old Mill

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Spotlight on the Languedoc

It’s never been easier to get to the Languedoc.  Whether you fly into one of the region’s 5 airports, drive the car down over the Milhau Aqueduct, or take the 4-hour high speed train from Paris, you’ll discover why this area has become a French property hotspot over the last 10 years. 

The region has much to offer property hunters, both those looking for a place in the sun for their holidays, and those looking to start a new life in the sunny south of France.  As well as the popular cities and towns such as Montpellier, Béziers, Narbonne and Pézenas, the area offers glorious vine-covered countryside dotted with medieval villages, perfect for those looking for their own slice of charming rural France.

For the holiday makers, once you recover from the beauty of the landscape and history-filled villages, there are plenty of other activities to be getting on with, like laying on one of the long stretches of sandy Mediterranean beaches, kayaking down the river Orb, hiking in the beautiful regional parks, or slowly turning into a wine connoisseur as you make your way from one wine domain to another. 

And for those who are lucky enough to call this region their new ‘home’, they’ll be able to take advantage year round of the mild climate and Mediterranean way of life, where things move a little bit slower, giving them plenty of time to enjoy the good things in life.

While it’s no longer possible to find an absolute steal in the region, there are still many bargains to be had, and plenty of properties offering real investment potential.  From properties in need of renovation starting at around 60,000 euros, to stunning Mediterranean-style villas with pools and built-in rental potential starting at around 300,000 euros, there real is something for everyone.

Perfect for family holidays, and offering so many advantages to retirees and people looking to start a new life in France, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more attractive and enticing region as the Languedoc-Roussillon.  There is enough going on in the Languedoc to keep you coming back year after year, and for those that make the decision to live here permanently, you won’t be disappointed with your choice.  Now that the region is so easy to get to, what are you waiting for?  Now’s the time to discover the Languedoc and find your own maison dans le soleil!

Rachelle Atkins (from www.realestatelanguedoc.com)

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French Meals - really are good for you

Our posting about France Likes Flatulence caused rather a stir! So we though we'd better redress the balance with some items of interest about French Meals. There has been this paradox about French food - eating rich, high-fat foods does not lead to health problems. So read on ...

• Use Well The Days : French Cooking and Exercise Re-Start - I'm continuing to eat whatever I want and enjoying the French meals. I'm in Phase 1 of Slim in 6, called Start It Up, 24 mintues long. It's supposed to get easy after a week, then I'm to move up to Phase 2, Ramp It Up. We'll see if I ...

• France: Clinging to traditional meals « Eating Real Food - Despite popular stereotypes, French meals are quite diverse in their content. Heavier, unhealthy foods tend to be found in French restaurants and cafes. Outside of those, families prepare lighter dishes made from fresh ingredients (you ...

• French Paradox in a Pill | MedHeadlines - Med Headlines - The mystery of the dietary French paradox may be one step closer to becoming a mystery solved. And with that solution may come the revolutionary diet pill many overweight or diabetic-prone people dream of. The mystery is that people in France enjoy a lifetime of dining on rich, high-fat foods but suffer little from the medical consequences, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and coronary illness, that so many people in other parts of the world develop on similar diets.

• Today in Mice Articles | The "French Paradox," Explained | Miller ... - It has long been thought that the traditional red wine that goes with French meals somehow helps stave off heart disease. The new study highlights the importance of the chemical resveratrol, which has been shown to have anti-cancer and ...

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It's Nice in Nice

Nice’s idyllic location between the Mediterranean sea and the Alps makes it a perfect place for summers by the beach and skiing in the mountains in winter. Its all year round good climate allows for a great outdoor lifestyle. As a cultural city, Nice hosts many local and international events, as well as excellent restaurants and shopping…..

Regarding business, the beginning of 2009 was difficult because of the economic worldwide crisis. Since then, people who appreciate the quality of the life in the French Riviera and its easy access (International Airport) have continued to buy here. There is also good rental market in Nice that allows for interesting investment opportunities. The prices of good properties in nice areas have not been affected by the crisis. For example a sea view apartment on the Promenade des Anglais would sell for between 7 000 / 10 000 euro per square metre and the central area between 4 000 / 6 000 euro per square metre.

Barbara Pietra
www.cosmopolitanrealestate.fr - apartments and villas in the French Riviera, particularly in Nice.

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The Allier, the least known department in the Auvergne

Most British people are barely aware of the Allier. They drive through it on their way to more exotic parts of France but rarely stop to explore it. Yet it is one of the most interesting and beautiful departments, full of history and culture, with hardly any industry and very little traffic on the roads. The heart of the Allier is known locally as the Bocage Bourbonais, with the lovely spa town of Bourbon l’Archambault, the former seat of the legendary Bourbon kings at is centre. The area is not as dramatic as some other parts of France, or even the Puy de Dôme, the Haut Loire or the Cantal, the other departments which make up the Auvergne.  But the term bocage refers to countryside of gently rolling hills, enormous horizons that seem to go on forever, small meadows, forest, woodland, hedgerows, rivers and lakes. The farming here is almost exclusively white charolais cattle and sheep.  The only arable crops are a little wheat or barley grown for the straw to be used as winter bedding, sunflowers and a little rape for oil. This makes for abundant wildlife; birds, hedgehogs, hares, red squirrels, pine martins, deer, coypu, wild boar and of course, fish.

The Allier also boasts the forest of Tronçais, the largest oak forest in Europe. It was planted by Louis the 14th’s chancellor, Colbert just before the French Revolution.  He persuaded the King that in order to have enough oak to replenish the French fleet of warships in 150 years time they needed a substantial programme of planting. Oak trees are indigenous to the Bourbonais and they grow in all the hedgerows. Now the forest supplies the finest oak casks for the wine industry, abundant wood for building, furniture and flooring, as well as renewable energy for heating.

Most of the Allier is between 150 and 400 metres above sea level with mountains of around 1,500 metres in the south east of the department.  This means that the weather tends to be warm and relatively dry. December, January and February can be very cold with heavy night frosts but are usually bright and sunny during the day. It is not unusual to be able to sit outside for lunch during much of November and occasionally in February. This contrasts with the Puy de Dôme, the Cantal and the Haute Loire where the winters start in September and spring comes late.  On the other hand, if you live in the centre of the Allier it is possible to be on the ski slopes in an hour and a half.

The Allier also boasts more than 300 Romanesque churches, more than 500 moated and renaissance castles, manor houses, stately homes and fortified farms. There are medieval villages, reasonably priced cafés, bars and restaurants serving the local gastronomy. Souvigny, the historical capital of the Bourbonnais boasts the first monastery to open outside Cluny which is still active today. The Allier is Europe’s last unspoilt river and you can spot a salmon from the bridge linking the Bocage Bourbonnais to the Sologne Bourbonais east of Moulins. There are Jazz festivals in the Bocage; mediaeval festivals; classical music in the churches. Village fêtes and brocantes, a cross between a boot sale and antiques fair, throughout the summer;  old book fairs, riding, golf, tennis, cycling, skiing, walking, canoeing down the gorges. Or you can simply enjoy the unspoilt countryside and its traditional way of life. This is a region begging to be discovered with some of the least expensive property in France – check out Allier Property.

Adrian Collett
http://www.coeurdelafrance.co.uk & http://propertyfrench.com

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New French Property Website

All about the French Property market - help to choose areas of France and Living in France

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Who dares to start a new business in these times?

Economic numbers reached new lows, people spending less money, holiday destinations changed. Who still dared to start a new business amongst these circumstances in 2009?

Two people with lots of support in the background put their courage together and opened their doors to Simply Canvas in 2009 located in SW France. Not just a normal B&B, or another holiday home, but a place with something extra!

Sleeping under the stars in luxurious decorated tents, sipping fresh herb tea that you pick yourself in the garden and relax by the swimming pool. At night joining the other guests on long tables for a lovely meal.

And it worked! A warm welcome by a couple who have a special story, an eco friendly environment, good food and a creative concept are the ingredients for a successfully started business in 2009. Don't be discouraged by economic circumstances and let the creativity flow! Have a look on www.simplycanvas.eu to inspire you. Plus now is the time to buy a property, bargains are appearing on the market and you can negotiate strongly.

Smiles!

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France Likes Flatulence

Baked Beans are creating a stir in Paris - sales are up. Why? The changing nature of French meals – they are increasingly adopting British style snacks, known as 'Le snacking', rather than long lunches.

Exports of British food & drink to France have increased by 11.5 per cent in the last year. France is now the second biggest market for British food after Ireland.

Le Figaroscope said: "It is impossible to resist the invader".

Look out for more hot air in France!

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French Property of the Week: 5 Bed Stone house with Pool in a quiet location

From our new agency in Lot-et-Garonne an excellent bargain - 5 Bed Stone house with Pool in a quiet location

1980’s stone house with 5 bedrooms and 2600m2 of land in a quiet location

• 5 Bedrooms
  
• Swimming Pool
  
• Garage/Workshop
• Fuel central heating
• 2600m2 of Land
• Quiet location

Situated 15 minutes drive from the Bastide market town St Foy La Grande, in the Gironde department of Aquitaine. The larger town of Bergerac, with its international airport is 10 minutes away by car.

Price: 213,000 euros
Full description and more photos: Near Ste Foy la Grande

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Gourmet Dinners in Franche-Comte

Interesting post about one of France's lesser known tourist areas: Franche-Comte:

While a three day break is unlikely to ever be enough time to fully appreciate such a distinctive location, it offered a chance to get to grips with some of the highlights.

Undoubtedly among them is the local Comté cheese, with local farmers, dairies and wholesalers offering holidaymakers the chance to follow the production of this local – Appellation d’origine Contrôlée (AOC) recognised - delicacy from pasture to plate.

But for something a little more invigorating, Franche Comté is also a hub for the production of the infamous absinthe, called the “Green Fairy” in historic literature for its color and reputed addictive effect. Only fully legalised in France in 2001

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Roman Polanski - uses Pole and Ski to escape?

Sorry about the pun - Pol an Ski (Pole and Ski) - gets worse when you have to explain it!

But the basis of the story in the Times says that Sarko has aided Roman to gain bail in neighbouring Switzerland for a house arrest scenario. Are we going to see a great escape on skis into France?

According to the Times: "The Swiss authorities said that Mr Polanski would be allowed out once the agreed bail of 4.5 million Swiss Francs had been received. They have ordered that he should not leave his chalet – for fear that the first-rate skier might slip over the nearby border via a mountain pass into his adopted French homeland and escape US justice a second time.”

New movie coming soon? Surely even Roman cannot play Steve McQueen?

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Don't Wine - France regains Top Spot

France this year has regained its position as the world's top wine producer with an estimated output of 45.7 million hectolitres.

France took over the top spot from Italy, which had been the biggest producer since 2007.

The 2009 world viniculture production, at close to 268 million hectolitres, is almost identical to 2008 levels.

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Unique Property: Troglodyte House in Central France for Sale

Location: Nr. Descartes, Central France
Price: 97,900 euros
More >> Troglodyte House

This rare & exceptional troglodyte house is situated near the world famous ‘Ethnicité’ on the cliffs facing the town of Descartes (the birthplace of the famous philosopher). The house is 100% troglodyte (cave dwelling), has recently been updated with all conveniences & has spectacular views of the Creuse Valley.

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Getting Cosy with Sarkozy - Doh! Carla makes love with Carl

French First Lady Carla Bruni has been portrayed as a sex-mad femme fatale (surely not) on an episode of the Simpsons.

Dressed in a low-cut ball gown, Bruni chases Carl and declares: 'I want to make love, right now.'

Homer then tells Carl that Bruni is the president's wife, saying: 'You know that woman you've been playing 'hide the baguette' with? That's the First Lady of France, Carla Bruni!'

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French Property of the Week: Lakeside Paradise!

Location: Guingamp, Cotes d'Armor (a Brittany property, France)
Price: 539,300 euros

This, as you can see, is very pretty & stunning, an idyllic spot! Three beautiful lakes full of fish, lovely maintable gardens with patio areas, veg plot, greenhouse, 9 hole putting green & some woodland also totally private with gated walled entrance. Inside is full of character with original beams, some open stone walls & an insert woodburner. The new bath/shower room is very spacious & elegant & the bedrooms upstairs have sloping ceilings making them very cosy. There is also a second lounge up here overlooking the lakes. Guingamp Property details.

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You can't keep a Tommy down!

The remains of 15 British soldiers who were killed in the early months of World War I were found in northern France this week 95 years after their deaths.

The Tommies have been identified as volunteers of the York and Lancaster Regiment killed between October 18 and 20, 1914 in a gunbattle with German troops near the castle of Flandres de Beaucamps-Ligny.

The bodies have been transferred to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission which maintains several cemetries in the former battlefields of northeastern France.

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Oui were robbed and Sarko apologises

France president Nicolas Sarkozy has apologised to the Republic of Ireland for Thierry Henry's blatant handball that saw the Republic of Ireland draw 1 - 1 and bow out in their quest for qualification to the 2010 World Cup.

Following talks with the Irish prime minister at a European Union summit in Brussels, Sarkozy told reporters: "I told Brian Cowen how sorry I was for them."

Looking forward to the Irish vs France rugby match - cannot see any prisoners being taken!

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France: To Rent or Not?

Renting property in France is big business. About half the population rents property although Sarkozy is trying to sell the benefits of home ownership (a la Thatcher) with tax incentives.

Most towns will have a large selection of "Locations" agencies where you can find property to rent. Rentals tend to be cheaper in France than the UK - but of course it does depend on location, location, location. Do a search on google.fr for a "location" plus town or village name to find rental property / agencies. Lets are from periods of 6 months.

Holiday lets will be more expensive especially in the high season (July and August) when France goes on holiday. Outside the high season prices will be more competitively priced. Property will be available on the coasts and rural locations - from apartment to chateaux! Something for every budget. For a great selection of French Property Rentals, and French Guides - try 1st for French Property.

Holiday Property Owners can add their property online - the online booking/availabilty system will make it easy for holidaymakers to book with you! More details of the comprehensive marketing, and complete automation of your business: Rent My Holiday Property.

 

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The race for Beaujolais Nouveau is on

Beaujolais Nouveau is released on the third Thursday of November. Beaujolais nouveau is the first wine of the season. It's vinified quickly and gently, turning out a light-bodied, unserious, very fruity red wine from the gamay grape.

Served at about 55 degrees, cooler than usual for a red wine, it goes well with turkey. 

The wine takes its name from the historical Beaujolais province and wine producing region. It is located north of Lyon, and covers parts of the north of the Rhône département (Rhône-Alpes) and parts of the south of the Saône-et-Loire département (Burgundy).

Traditionally, the bistros of Paris use every form of transport from motorcycles to light aircraft to be the first to bring up the new wine from the Beaujolais region of southeast France. 

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Date for the Diary: The France Show 2010

The France Show: Three days of indulgence in French cuisine, art and culture at London's Earls Court between 8th and 10th January 2010.

What better way to rediscover the magic of France than by immersing yourself in the colours, the culture and the party atmosphere that is the France Show 2010 - the UK's largest celebration of all that makes France such a special place.

Also, you can discover a French Property at The French Property Exhibition. From Brittany Property to Provence Mas, there is plenty to dream about. As well as property - plenty of support services: legal, finance, transport, etc.

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Women banned from wearing trousers in Paris

By Henry Samuel in Paris
Published: 6:35AM GMT 17 Nov 2009

The rule banning women from dressing like men – namely by wearing trousers - was first introduced in 1800 by Paris' police chief and has survived repeated attempts to repeal it.

The 1800 rule stipulated than any Parisienne wishing to dress like a man "must present herself to Paris' main police station to obtain authorisation".

In 1892 it was slightly relaxed thanks to an amendment which said trousers were permitted "as long as the woman is holding the reins of a horse".

Then in 1909, the decree was further watered down when an extra clause was added to allow women in trousers on condition they were "on a bicycle or holding it by the handlebars".

In 1969, amid a global movement towards gender equality, the Paris council asked the city's police chief to bin the decree. His response was: "It is unwise to change texts which foreseen or unforeseen variations in fashion can return to the fore."

The latest attempt to remove the outmoded rule was in 2003, when a Right-wing MP from President Nicolas Sarkozy's UMP party wrote to the minister in charge of gender equality. The minister's response was: "Disuse is sometimes more efficient than (state) intervention in adapting the law to changing morays."

As Evelyne Pisier, a law professor whose book Le Droit des Femmes (The Rights of Women) unearthed the curious decree points out, given that trousers are compulsory for Parisian policewoman, they are all breaking the law.

via telegraph.co.uk

O common on - this is just too silly; is this a Monty Python sketch?

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French Property of the week: Gorgeous 2 bed cottage with barn and garden

This gorgeous detached 2 bed cottage that has been beautifully renovated by the current owners and sits in a small hamlet not far from the village of Naillat in the Limousin where there is a little general store, a bakery and a bar. About 5 minutes drive away is the pretty small town of Dun le Palestel with small supermarket and many other shops and services, while the larger medieval town of La Souterraine is around 15 minutes drive away and here you will find all the shops and services you need including a hypermarket and a train station with regular trains to Paris and Limoges.

Price: 97,200 euros
More details: Naillat Property

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Climb Every Mountain - wahtever your age!

In 2007, Carroll Koepplinger aged 79, trekked two weeks in Spain, but in 2008, he walked a longer stretch from LePuy in France to the Pyrenees, a total of 430 miles, with four friends from the States.

In May 2009 he and three friends, Jay Bretz, Don Walton and I, began the route that starts in Geneva, Switzerland, and walking the 230-mile section from there to LePuy through the French Alps, crossing the Rhone River, and then hiking through the mountainous Massif Central, all in 16 days.

Congratulations and what an encouraging hobby for the baby-boomer generation!

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Sarkozy: No place for burqas in France

Sarkozy: No place for burqas in France

(AP) – 15 hours ago

PARIS — French President Nicolas Sarkozy says there is no place for full face and body veils such as the burqa, or for the debasement of women, in France.

Sarkozy says all beliefs will be respected in France but says "becoming French means adhering to a form of civilization, to values, to morals."

Sarkozy said Thursday during a speech on national identity that "France is a country where there is no place for the burqa." France has a large Muslim community but only a small minority of French Muslim women wear burqas, common in Afghanistan, or other face-covering veils.

Sarkozy said in June that burqas would not be welcome in France. Since then a parliamentary panel has been looking into the possibility of banning them in public.

Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

via news.google.com

Well done Sarko!

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Snow Report Update for France

Snowboard Club UK reports: Continents With Resorts Open For Skiing: 2; Countries With Resorts Open For Skiing: 10; Ski Areas Open (Approximately): 200

• Great snowfalls in the Pyrenees - Formigal, Spain, may open early.

In France there's been big snowfalls in the Alps and the Pyrenees. With only Tignes open still it's difficult to find any official figures on snowfall, however the Pyrenees seem to be doing especially well in the past 72 hours with Cauterets, which received huge snowfalls last winter, reporting 1.3m (over four feet) of new snow. It will open on November 28th.

In the Alps there are many unofficial guesstimates of several feet (50-100cm) of new snow at resorts like Chamonix and Meribel where skiers and boarders have been hiking up to ski down the slopes.

However other than Tignes - where conditions are reported to be much improved with the new snow and skiing down to Val Claret - unless anyone breaks ranks, it looks like we still have to wait another 10 days for the first to open, Val Thorens on November 21st.

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French Property of the week: Bargain Limousin Property in Central France

PRICE REDUCTION FOR THIS SPACIOUS FAMILY HOUSE WITH EN-SUITE B&B ROOMS IN ATTACHED COTTAGE, WITH ATTACHED BARN SUITABLE FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENT. Offering excellent income potential and scope for further development.

Total area 580m2, of which total habitable space is 350m2. House with 4 Bedrooms (one on ground floor), plus space for more in Attic. Attached cottage with 3 en-suite letting rooms (one on ground floor). Attached Barn suitable for further development.Compact pretty garden with large raised and decked terrace.

Situated in an elevated position with lovely views In a small, very pretty village with a post office, an auberge & a church About 10 minutes to the town of St Sulpice-les-Feuilles, Limousin Region of France.

More photos and information: Bargain Limousin Property

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Pensions unpalatable to French Taste

It's not all that surprising that France, with its generous labour and pension laws would find itself up against a brick wall, as pension systems begin to run dry. No easy retirement to the Provence playgrounds, perhaps Brittany instead?

How do they propose to get around this conundrum? Well, Mr Sarkozy favours extending minimum contribution periods for a full pension, rather than raising the standard pension age beyond 60. The contribution period is already set to rise by one year to 41 years by 2012 but should be increased still further.

Bit of a culture change to all work and no play. Not easy for the French Psyche.

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Paris - city of Romance or Divorce - take your choice!

Paris - normally associated with romance is now promoting a new angle: a Divorce Fair - the latest in Paris France Attractions !

According to latest statistics: 1 in 2 marriages end in divorce in France.

So divorce is big business in Paris. The "New Start" trade fair aims to tap into that booming market! Services on show include, as you would expect, law firms and counsellors but also tarot card readers, makeover specialists and self-esteem coaches.

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Lauren Booth's Crash Course in Life

Charming and heart-braking story about her husband's crash in the Dordogne.

Daily Mail reports on her husband's recovery and the effect on their relationship. A poignant account about life and how it can change in an instant. Live the day because you do not know what is around the next corner (sorry about the pun - you'll understand if you read the article).

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Carl Bruni to have a lower profile

Nicolas Sarkozy has asked his wife Carla Bruni to lower her public profile after complaints about her political influence.

Our advice: stop wearing high heels and wear pumps!

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Windmill for Sale in France

Something Different .....
Windmill in good condition near to Jonzac, empty, land 2000m2. Have you ever fancied a windmill? LOOK Inside is empty 30m2 Roof sound No mechanism Land 2000m2, with the remains of two old mills. Price: 129,900 euros

Department: Charente-Maritime; Region: Poitou - Charentes

Details: Jonzac Windmill

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Learning about the wines of Fronsac - Chicago Tribune

Forget April in Paris. Bordeaux's wineries can be so beautiful in spring. The grass is newly green, the vines have begun to leaf out and the lilacs are fragrantly in flower. I was lucky enough to savor the scene on a 2008 trip to Chateau Cassagne Haut-Canon in the small commune of Saint Michel de Fronsac.

The winery, owned by Zita and Jean-Jacques Dubois, is located in the Fronsac appellation. It is set high above a vine-terraced hill with views of the Dordogne Valley below. An ancient stone quarry lies behind the family house, built as a hunting lodge by the Duke of Richelieu in the 18th century. We all just stood there, drinking in the scenery along with the excellent wine.

"This is Bordeaux," I kept thinking. And I'm not alone.

Ask Doug Bell about wine from the Fronsac region and you get an almost identical answer.

"It's a great wine," said Bell, the global wine buyer for Whole Foods Market Inc. "I don't want to call it the poor man's Pomerol but, well, it is sort of the poor man's Pomerol."

Pomerol wines are some of the priciest from Bordeaux. Fronsac wines on the other hand tend to run $40 or less, Bell said.

"In the Bordeaux world, that's a relative bargain," he said.

Fronsac has two wine regions. There's a smaller Canon-Fronsac inside the larger Fronsac appellation. Both make reds, using merlot as the dominant grape variety. More merlot means the "drinkability window" is earlier for these wines, said Tony Foreman, the Baltimore restaurateur behind Bin 604 and other Maryland restaurants.

"It's a solid conservative choice," Foreman said. "It's good. The quality of Fronsac and Canon-Fronsac is getting stronger and stronger, no question."

Canon-Fronsac and Fronsac have long been overshadowed by neighboring Saint-Emilion and Pomerol (Fronsac wines were far more well-known in the 18th and 19th centuries).

The wine council is seeking to turn the region's low profile into an advantage by referring to it as "the secret garden of Bordeaux wine."

From Fronsac, merlot done right

2000 Chateau Les Roches de Ferrand Fronsac

An elegant, multilayered wine. Colored brick red, the wine boasts a plummy, spicy nose and flavor notes of plum, black cherry and cedar. Lovely mouth feel, with just the right amount of tannins to launch a long slow finish. Mostly merlot with a splash of cabernet franc blended in. Serve with braised short ribs. $17

2005 Chateau de La Dauphine Fronsac

Plenty of ripe berry and cherry flavors liberally spiced with black pepper. A lively, balanced wine with undertones of oak, cassia and cedar. The wine is a 90 percent merlot, 10 percent cabernet franc. Serve with roast chicken. $30

2005 Chateau Moulin Haut-Laroque Fronsac

This purple wine has a subtle, almost elusive smell of violets and damp earth. The taste is peppery with notes of berry and oak. Serve this blend of merlot, cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon with grilled steak. $25

-- B.D.

By the numbers

2,766

Acres in the Fronsac and Canon-Fronsac appellations

via news.google.com

Must take in Fronsac on the next trip!

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France Train Tickets: How to book tickets on the SNCF website

The SNCF website is where you book train tickets in France. Whether you want to travel to Provence region or Bordeaux or wherever - you want the best price!

It’s almost always less expensive to buy train tickets directly through the website of a country’s national rail service rather than through RailEurope’s English-language site or overseas agents, especially for France’s TGV system. Fares can also be cheaper booking online than buying the tickets in person at the station.

However, the SNCF site is in French. Of course, for us Brits that is bit of a problem....

Help is at hand - here is the idiot's guide how to book with English translation!

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Finding A Good Deal On A Home Posted By : Art Gib

Bargain shopping for a home takes careful research. Foreclosed homes and real estate auctions are great places to look for good deals on homes. http://bit.ly/2i5diQ

French Property Market up 2.8%

Just as France emerges from recession so the property market in France begins to recover. Figures from the FNAIM revealed that although French residential prices fell overall by 1 per cent in the third quarter, but they rose in September and are now 2.8 per cent higher than they were six months ago...

Recovery is on the way so it is good time to start researching places in France ....

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French Property of the Week: Magnificent Maison de Maitre + Longere + Cottage

** INCREDIBLE PRICE REDUCTION NOW 318000 Euros - was 397500 Euros - saving 79500 Euros **

A magnificent and impressive granite Maison de Maitre in the heart of the village located in LA TRINITE PORHOET, Morbihan, Brittany. The buildings surround a beautiful tranquil courtyard and mature garden. Beautifully restored with original features. Central Heating. Ideal Chambre d'hote or gites. The property radiates a wonderful ambiance. The front of the property is approached through large wrought iron gates and railings leading up to steps to the front of the property. More details of this Brittany Maison de Maitre

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France: Under 24? Have a Free Newspaper

8. France: Under 24? Have a Free Newspaper.

As sales lag, the French government is trying to encourage young people to read newspapers again by offering a free subscription to people between the ages of 18 and 24 to any paper of their choice. While newspaper readership is declining around the world, it's particularly bad in France, where half as many papers are sold as in the United Kingdom or Germany, and where only 10 percent of people under 24 reported paying for a paper in 2007. The government has set aside $22.5 million for the project, dubbed "My Free Newspaper," over a three-year period, and some of the money will come from the papers themselves. One former editor of the conservative daily Le Figaro has criticized the program, saying it encourages the notion that papers should be free. Regardless, this doesn't seem to deter proponents. "Winning back young readers is essential for the financial survival of the press, and for its civic dimension," said Culture Minister Frédéric Mitterrand.

Read original story in The New York Times | Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009

via slate.com

This is great idea and should be taken up in the UK. Hopefully it will not be used to promote Government propaganda??

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France: Under 24? Have a Free Newspaper

8. France: Under 24? Have a Free Newspaper.

As sales lag, the French government is trying to encourage young people to read newspapers again by offering a free subscription to people between the ages of 18 and 24 to any paper of their choice. While newspaper readership is declining around the world, it's particularly bad in France, where half as many papers are sold as in the United Kingdom or Germany, and where only 10 percent of people under 24 reported paying for a paper in 2007. The government has set aside $22.5 million for the project, dubbed "My Free Newspaper," over a three-year period, and some of the money will come from the papers themselves. One former editor of the conservative daily Le Figaro has criticized the program, saying it encourages the notion that papers should be free. Regardless, this doesn't seem to deter proponents. "Winning back young readers is essential for the financial survival of the press, and for its civic dimension," said Culture Minister Frédéric Mitterrand.

Read original story in The New York Times | Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009

via slate.com

This is great idea and should be taken up in the UK. Hopefully it will not be used to promote Government propaganda??

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France migrant policy criticised (BBC News)

Emma Jane Kirby BBC News, Paris

France's system of detaining and deporting unaccompanied migrant children flown into Paris has been criticised in a damning new report.

The French government says children arriving at the capital's leading airport have not yet entered France.

This denies the children the right to appeal against their deportation, says the US-based group Human Rights Watch.

The report includes testimony from children who say they were strip-searched, handcuffed and intimidated.

French authorities say they are trying to improve conditions for immigrant children.

No proper safeguards?

According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), in 2008 French airport police deported one third of the 1,000 unaccompanied migrant children who arrived at Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris, detaining them in a transit zone in the same facilities as adults.

The organisation claims France's refusal to accept that the unaccompanied children have arrived on French soil on reaching the airport denies them the rights granted to other migrant children - such as appealing against their deportation.

In its 60-page report, HRW expresses concern that there are not proper safeguards in place to check that children will be looked after once they have been deported to another destination.

The report concedes that the French government does try to provide a guardian for each unaccompanied minor who arrives at the airport, but adds that those guardians have little power.

The French government says the airport transit zone is a way to protect children from dangers such as trafficking gangs.

via us.rd.yahoo.com

And we thought the UK immigration policy was a disaster??

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Courchevel is top of the pops

Telegraph reports that Courchevel is the best ski resort for glamour. The resort of Courchevel located in Savoie, Rhône-Alpes, France is made up of four villages named after the altitude at which they are located (1350, 1550, 1650 and 1850m) and is part of the enormous Trois Vallées ski area, which boasts more than 370 miles of pistes.

The mountain has well-groomed pistes for novices and intermediates, fun areas for children, a supervised terrain park and an avalanche training camp. And, if you manage to exhaust Courchevel's 100 miles of local pistes, there's still plenty to explore above Méribel and Val Thorens.

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France says "non" to Scientology

The French arm of the Church of Scientology was yesterday convicted of fraud and fined nearly 600,000 euros Tuesday, but the judges fell short of banning the church. They said a change in the law prevented such an action for fraud.

The church, however, plans to appeal.

The verdict was among the most important in several years to involve the group, which has federal tax-exempt status in the United States but no legal protection in France. It is considered a sect in France and says it has 45,000 followers there, out of 12 million worldwide.

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First Time Home Buyers Stimulus - Don't Pass Up This Opportunity! Posted By : Mark Walters

If you are thinking about buying a new house then you learn about the first time home buyers stimulus package on offer from the government. In this article you can learn about this package and its benefits. http://bit.ly/oGXv

Sarkozy Pledges Tax Cuts in France, Says Growth Is Returning (Bloomberg)

Sarkozy Pledges Tax Cuts in France, Says Growth Is Returning

Share | Email | Print | A A A

By Francois De Beaupuy

Oct. 26 (Bloomberg) -- French President Nicolas Sarkozy welcomed plans of Germany’s new government to cut taxes and vowed to do the same in France. “There will be tax cuts,” he said in a speech in Paris, citing the cut in the business tax included in the 2010 budget. “It’s through tax cuts that we will give the French jobs and growth,” he said, adding “growth will come back. It’s coming back.”

To contact the reporter on this story: Francois De Beaupuy in Paris at fdebeaupuy@bloomberg.net

Last Updated: October 26, 2009 11:30 EDT

via us.rd.yahoo.com

Tax cuts puts disposable income in your pocket - good for the French Property market!

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Brits die in French Car Crash

Two British women died in a head-on car crash that also killed a mother and baby in the Midi-Pyrenees France.

Wendy Prentice died instantly and her friend Wendy Beveridge died on the way to hospital after the crash in Beaumarches near Toulouse.

Mrs Prentice lived near the scene of the accident whilst Mrs Beveridge was visiting from Scotland. Both women were in their 70s.

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French Property of the Week: Saint Chinian

Spacious winegrowers home in Saint Chinian with 2 terraces, and views!

Village with all shops, services, restaurants, cafes, just 10 minutes from Saint Chinian and 25 minutes from Beziers, on the river Orb.

Bright, airy and voluminous winegrowers' home offering 2 roof terraces, spacious 53 m² 2-car garage, and 180 m² living space including 3 bedrooms and 2 large living areas. The home is renovated and habitable immediately, and is close to all shops and services. Pretty open views, private exteriors, large rooms, a very pleasant home.

How much? Just 199,500 euros

Saint Chinian Details (a Languedoc-Roussillon property))

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Wine in France - it's all Greek to me

According to a Cambridge Study, France's passion for wine may have originated from the Ancient Greeks.

Prof Paul Cartledge says the original makers of Côtes-du-Rhône descended from Greek explorers who settled in southern France about 2500 years ago.

So much for the theory that it was the Romans who were responsible for bringing viticulture to France.

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Kate Mosse's Winter Tale

Kate Mosse has taken a break from completing the Trilogy about the Languedoc (so far Labyrinth, and Sepulchre).

Her third book, The Winter Ghosts, is based in the 1920s relating the story of one broken man and concentrates on just 24 hours of his life.

It tells of Freddie Watson, a man who lives in the shadow of his older brother, George, who was killed in the First World War. He falls ill and then when recuoerating visits France. On his journey he me meets Fabrissa - he pours out his tale to her ....

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French Property Price Update((French Property Market,FNAIM))

House prices in France rose 3.9% quarter-on-quarter in Q2, 2009 according to the National Association of Real Estate Agents in France (FNAIM.) These quarterly price increases are the highest since Q2 in 2004.

Do bear in mind though compared to a year earlier, the average price of dwellings in France was down 6.6%.

Despite the UK recession, in the South of France, the British are still the largest buyers of French property accounting for around 50% of all foreign buyers according to data from Perval 2009 Notaires statistics.

There are still plenty of reduced price bargains in France.

2 barns for renovation reduced to 49,000 euros in Lower Normandy

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Buying a Condo: Working with Condo Associations Posted By : Ben Nicolas

Whether youre looking to scale down your living space or just looking for an inexpensive option for breaking into the housing market, a condominium can be a good opportunity for smaller, less expensive housing. But many people dont realise that a condo is not like buying a small house, even if the square footage is comparable; a condominium is really a lot more like trying to find a reasonable fit in a big pre-existing puzzle. http://bit.ly/4FQOCv

New Larousse Gastronomique (Hardcover)

The new edition of the Larousse Gastronomique has hit the shelves - and at 1,206 pages, it is bigger than ever!

Larousse Gastronomique, the world's classic culinary reference book, is known for its authoritative and comprehensive collection of recipes. Here it is brought up to date for 2009 in an attractive edition containing over 900 new colour and black and white photographs. All chapters have been read and edited by field specialists, and 85 biographies of chefs have been added. Entries have also been regrouped for increased accessibility.

BUY TODAY

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Vive la France! Father of My Children and The Girl on the Train ...

The Father of my Children

Vive La France! The BFI 53^rd London Film Festival is flying the flag for its neighbours residing across the pond this year, with a continental mix of evocative and stylish films, including the poignant and compelling Father of My Children.

Showcased as part of the event’s Galas & Special screenings, alongside a host of heavyweight offerings including Fantastic Mr Fox, and The Men Who Stare at Goats, is Father of My Children.  Director Mia Hansen-Love’s emotive follow up to her 2007 feature Everything Is Forgiven, is a bittersweet tale of struggling to make life, love and a career work in present day Paris.

Gregoire (Louis-Do de Lencquesaing) is the high flying owner of a film company, who has a privileged life at home with a loving wife and three children. However, when his company falls into debt, Gregoire begins to lose his way, forcing his family to pick up the pieces. With a shocking twist half way through, Hansen-Love’s ability to grip her audiences at all the right moments and avoid any predictable outcomes, makes this film a significant attribute to this year’s festival.

The Girl on the Train

Hot on the heels of Hansen-Love and headed up under the aptly titled French Revolutions – a strand of the festival devoted to French films – comes a string of features from acclaimed directors such as, Claire Denis, Catherine Corsini and Andre Techine.

Andre Techine’s The Girl on the Train is a firm favourite at LOVEFiLM HQ, for its brazen and confident depiction of modern day life in the Parisian suburbs. Actress Emilie Dequenne, who plays Jeanne, brings a splash of red, white and blue to this stark morality tale. After meeting the outspoken Franck (Nicolas Duvauchelle) Jeanne’s world is sent into a spiral and she soon finds herself at the centre of an anti-Semitism scandal. Holding each story strand together perfectly stands actor Michel Blanc, whose even and gentle performance as Jewish lawyer Samuel Bleistein softens the edge of this socio-political drama. With a love story at the helm, hindered by shame and deceit – we beg the question, what more could you possibly ask for?

We’ve got our pulse on the French films at this year’s event, so stay tuned for more ooh la-la moments with the LOVEFiLM editorial team.

via festival.blog.lovefilm.com

One of the surprises of spending holidays in France is the English language cinemas in the big towns!

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Zut Alors! France has enough undeclared Plutonium to nuke the World

French authorities have discovered enough undeclared plutonium to make five nuclear bombs at a nuclear facility in S France!

Not surprisingly Iran has seized on the West's (and in particular) France's double standards.

"Those three countries in fact have violated for the last 40 years NPT articles," Ali-Asghar Soltaniyeh (Iran's ambassador to the  IAEA ) said in an interview with Press TV in September.

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New Migrant Camp in France - same old problems

New Migrant Camp in France is situated at Steenvoorde, next door to a motorway service station filled with lorries heading towards Channel ports at Calais and Dunkirk.

Same old - problem: migrants try to get onboard lorries headed to England.

As usual France says it can do nothing. All of the 276 migrants who were arrested in the Jungle have been released, and not a single people trafficker was caught.  

Remind me again under EU Law, the country where the migrants arrive should deal with the migrant.

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French Property of the Week: Two bedroom cottage with small barn

Set in a very peaceful hamlet this charming French cottage style property has a lot going for it, with a garden behind the house and the loft which can extend the accommodation as well as the attached barn. At this price it offers great potential.

There is a small front courtyard-garden with space for table and chairs. As you enter the house you come straight into the living room (25m2) with beams and open fireplace, behind this is the fully fitted kitchen (20m2) and under stairs wc. More details >> Magnac Laval Cottage at just 65,000 euros

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On yer bike with Tour de France 2020

Tour de France route for 2010 - featuring the Midi-Pyrenees this year!

Saturday 3 July	Rotterdam > Rotterdam
Sunday 4 July	Rotterdam > Bruxelles
Monday 5 July	Bruxelles > Spa
Tuesday 6 July	Wanze > Arenberg Porte du Hainaut
Wednesday 7 July	Cambrai > Reims
Thursday 8 July	Épernay > Montargis
Friday 9 July	Montargis > Gueugnon
Saturday 10 July	Tournus > Station des Rousses
Sunday 11 July	Station des Rousses > Morzine-Avoriaz
Monday 12 July	Morzine-Avoriaz
Tuesday 13 July	Morzine-Avoriaz > Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne
Wednesday 14 July	Chambéry > Gap
Thursday 15 July	Sisteron > Bourg-lès-Valence
Friday 16 July	Bourg-de-Péage > Mende
Saturday 17 July	Rodez > Revel
Sunday 18 July	Revel > Ax-3 Domaines
Monday 19 July	Pamiers > Bagnères-de-Luchon
Tuesday 20 July	Bagnères-de-Luchon > Pau
Wednesday 21 July	Pau
Thursday 22 July	Pau > Col du Tourmalet
Friday 23 July	Salies-de-Béarn > Bordeaux
Saturday 24 July	Bordeaux > Pauillac
Sunday 25 July	Longjumeau > Paris Champs-Élysées

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