latest.jpg Find out what's new!

What makes France such an endearing and infuriating country at the same time?

Why are the French a people that you love one day and hate the next?

Come here every day and you may find out...

• Front Page
• FAQ
• 
• RSS Feed
• Subscribe
• Add to Technorati Favs
• 
• 

Live search:

Archive for July, 2008

Hadrien's Walk

Tomorrow, 17-year old Hadrien is starting a 1,200km walk across France, together with travel companion Camomille, an 18-month old cow. Since cows are not used to walking long distances, the duo will limit their daily distances to 20km, and have one rest day each week.
The total periple will take at least four months, during […]

Posted: Thu 31-Jul-08 under People, Country & Travel, Events

France by Numbers: 42%

The French are feeling the squeeze: 42% of them are not going on holiday this summer. In 2005, the number was still below 30%. One in two blame it on reduced spending power. Hotel reservations are down, and restaurateurs see more tourists sitting on a bench with a sandwich than behind a plate on their […]

Posted: Thu 31-Jul-08 under Country & Travel, Statistics

Fancy Some Foie Gras or Caviar Ice Cream?

I'm probably prejudiced, but I'm not sure I would fancy this:

French makers of gourmet ice cream Philippe Faur have added a new dimension to their high-quality line up of products. Latest in the range are foie gras ice cream, consisting of 50% foie gras de canard, and caviar ice cream, made with 60% white sturgeon […]

Posted: Thu 31-Jul-08 under Food, Drink & Smoke, Created in France

The vanity fair continues

After daddy Nicolas and stepmoms Cecilia and Carla, the first Baby Sarko becomes a cover boy:

Sarkozy's second-youngest son Jean decorates the cover of L'Optimum magazine, out 22 August. Jean, the youngest political animal in the family, claims "I'm not manipulated by anybody". Except by the celebrity press of course…
Jean Sarkozy (wikipedia)

Posted: Thu 31-Jul-08 under Sarkozy & Co

Another Day in France (Thursday Edition)

Links for Thursday 31 July 2008:
Mass cover up: Topless sunbathing goes out of fashion on French beaches
Mutilating 90 women: French plastic surgeon 'Dr Death' on the run
No buyers: Giscard d'Estaing a victim of chateau slump
Taming the Unions: Sarkozy is getting it done
Botox was here: Carla Bruni: First Lady of France’s Plastic Surgery
French too insular: Corporate […]

Posted: Thu 31-Jul-08 under General

Napoleon Crossing The Alps, Starting Tomorrow

In 1800, Napoleon Bonaparte and his army crossed the Alps, through the Great Saint-Bernard Pass, on their way to fight the Austrians. French artist Jacques-Louis David painted the general no less than five times. But nobody knew that dozens of Photoshoppers were there too. During the month of August you'll discover their digital masterpieces every […]

Posted: Thu 31-Jul-08 under History

Carla on the Catwalk

Since marrying French president Nicolas Sarkozy, in February 2008, former supermodel Carla Bruni-Sarkozy has toned down not only her husband’s image but also her own, stepping out in stylish but demure suits, slacks, and knee-length dresses. Lest we forget that at one time she was paid millions to wear provocative clothing, here is a look […]

Posted: Wed 30-Jul-08 under Sarkozy & Co

Bad way to end a career

Le Figaro has started a series about public enemies in French history.
The opening article deals with Jules Bonnot, a French illegalist famous for his involvement in a criminal anarchist organization dubbed "The Bonnot Gang" by the French press. He viewed himself as a professional and avoided bloodshed, preferring to outwit his targets. Often posing […]

Posted: Wed 30-Jul-08 under People, History

Another Day in France (Wednesday Edition)

Links for Wednesday 30 July 2008:
"Improper treatment" UN report criticises French human rights record
Good customers: Sarkozy's Closures of Military Bases Bring Pain to French Towns
False alarm this time: 100 employees of French nuclear site evacuated
But the unease stays: Concerns Raised Over France Nuclear Leaks
Freebie: French first lady gives her new album to ministers
Vive la différence: […]

Posted: Wed 30-Jul-08 under General

How tall is the Eiffel Tower?

Everybody knows the pictures of people pretending to hold the leaning tower of Pisa. This is an original vintage variation, shot in a different place (click for bigger):

I have no idea how old this photo is and who made it. Anybody?

Posted: Wed 30-Jul-08 under Country & Travel, Created in France

Totally Politically Incorrect

Charmingly unacceptable papercraft from days that are far behind us:

Via Agence Eureka

Posted: Tue 29-Jul-08 under History, Created in France

When did you last suffer from Dromomania?

I never knew of this condition, which affects only French people. From Wikipedia:

Dromomania, also called travelling fugue, is a psychological condition in which people spontaneously depart their routine, travel long distances and take up different identities and occupations. Months may pass before they return to their former identities.
The most famous case was that of Jean-Albert […]

Posted: Tue 29-Jul-08 under Society

Versailles: the pièce de résistance of modern gardening

The Guardian finds out how the head gardener at the Palace of Versailles is defying traditionalists and dragging the magnificent grounds into the 21st century.

Read the story | Don't miss the picture gallery

Posted: Tue 29-Jul-08 under Country & Travel, Created in France

Another Day in France (Tuesday Edition)

Links for Tuesday 29 July 2008:
Only living Cagot: The last untouchable in Europe
After Velib success: Paris eyes plan for drivers to share electric cars
The worst is yet to come: Gloom sets in for French consumers and industry
Atomic question: Will French Leaks Harm Nuclear's Revival?
Gallic Peace Corps: Gap-year mission to find baby orphans for France
After loss […]

Posted: Tue 29-Jul-08 under General

In Bed with Carla Bruni

If you're looking for a bed scene with Nicolas and Carla this is probably the closest you'll ever get:

This month's Vanity Fair dedicates the cover and no less than six pages to Carla and her man. Read it here.
The international press also takes notice:
France's first lady compares self to Jackie Kennedy (Reuters)
Bruni dreams of […]

Posted: Tue 29-Jul-08 under Sarkozy & Co

« Older