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BA's OpenSkies airline to fly JFK - Orly

OpenskiesTHE trans-Atlantic subsidiary airline of British Airways, called OpenSkies, has gained approval to fly from Paris Orly to New York JFK.

The Civil Aviation Authority has given the airline its Air Operators Certificate that means the first OpenSkies service could take off as early as June.

OpenSkies was set to fly from Charles de Gaulle but has signed a code-share agreement with French airline L'Avion, meaning the BA liveried service will fly out of Orly claiming it is 'more conveniently located to the centre of Paris'.

Review of French Property - An Insider's Guide

French propertyDOES buying a property in France have to be difficult? Well it can definitely be made easier if you have done plenty of reading in advance and have an understanding of the processes involved.

With this knowledge you can then ask questions of the professionals involved, be that estate agents or notaires, as well as focus on the type of property that suits your needs.

More on: Review of French Property - An Insider's Guide

Take a chance to get out and about in France

Sedan medievalYOU can tell summer is just around the corner as the choice of festivals and events across France to enjoy has increased.

From enjoying a taste of French cuisine to taking in the Middle Ages, there is sure to be something of interest to those keen to get outside and enjoy the fine weather.

More on: Take a chance to get out and about in France

Have I got French news for you

News stories FranceLOOKING back over the past week at the headlines and news stories from France there has been a number of pieces looking at interesting places to visit.

But there has also been a few interesting political stories, especially with it being almost 12 months since Nicolas Sarkozy became president, as well as a Monet painting fetching a record of $41.4 million at auction.

More on: Have I got French news for you

Music to explore and enjoy

IF the sun is shining where you are, and even if it's not, here is a taste of some of my favourite French music from both the past and more recently.

More on: Music to explore and enjoy

Use the portage salarial scheme to work in France

Portage salarialWORKING for yourself in France can be tough, so the portage salarial system may be an option worth considering if you are a consultant, freelance writer, website designer or work in so-called intellectual services.

It is a system that is little known by people moving to France but which can take away much of the stress generated by registering a business and having to pay social charges before earning any money.

Portage salarial has been around since the 1980s, but has become more accepted in recent years as people relocate and work over the internet, as well as the French government's support of the system as a way to promote employment.

More on: Use the portage salarial scheme to work in France

Changes to la carte scolaire from September

College FranceCHANGES to the French education system are set to come into effect from September, will mean parents can decide which collège or lycée their children will attend.

In the past children went to the school that covered the area where they lived, but this saw some parents attempt to get their children into better schools by either moving house or stretching the rules.

More on: Changes to la carte scolaire from September

Getting Freesat in your holiday home

Freesat FranceWITH the news that the BBC and ITV have combined to launch a television satellite service called Freesat, one enterprising property owner in France is hoping he can start receiving the channels.

Geoffrey on his Gite in Brittany blog has found that the service will be using the Astra 2 satellite, the same one used by Sky, and he is hoping Freesat will be available to him as well.

The BBC, ITV and Channel 4's digital services will feature on Freesat, with plans to offer around 200 channels, while set-top boxes start at £49.

Related article: Satellite TV in France

Exchange rate for French income tax returns

Exchange rateTHE end of May sees the deadline for the submission of details about your income to the French tax authorities.

If you make your declaration online then you have a little longer, and if you are already registered in the system and employed, then it could be just a case of checking the figures and confirming them, more details at l'impôt sur le revenu.

More on: Exchange rate for French income tax returns

France in the news from yesteryear


I HAVE just spent too long browsing around the Internet Archive, and in particular it's collection of video clips from years gone by.

More on: France in the news from yesteryear

Explore the Nuit des Musées

Nuit musees
LATER this month you have the opportunity to explore many of the museums and public buildings across France in a totally different way.

More on: Explore the Nuit des Musées

Advice for disabled travellers in Paris

Bluefrenchlifeblock03040I ANSWERED a question on the site's forum recently about the challenges of getting around Paris in a wheelchair or mobility scooter and thought it might prove useful for others as well.

My reply was not based on personal experience, so I'd be delighted if anyone was able to add further via the comments, but more an observation and what I've found on the web.

More on: Advice for disabled travellers in Paris

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