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WHEN Jill Tampin wanted to help raise funds for charity Cancer Support France (CSF) it was the kitchen and her own personal life that provided the inspiration.
From her home in the Aude, Jill is putting together a book featuring the favourite recipes of people, but also the stories behind the dish, that will help support the charity.
More on: Cooking up a dish for recipe book
THE arrest and treatment handed out to journalist Vittorio de Filippis, former managing editor of the daily Libération, has caused great concern amongst the media.
Three police officers turned up at Vittorio de Filippis' home in Paris at 6.40am on Friday to arrest him over a libel case that dates back two years, whilst he was caring for his children.
Media campaign group, Reporters sans Frontières, say that Vittorio de Filippis faced 'coercive methods' including body searches and no legal representation.
Libération voiced their concern at what they feel is a growing threat to press freedom in France, and the Wahington Post quotes one of the French newspaper's lawyers who said that for his supposed crime Vittorio de Filippis would face a fine and not a jail sentence.
HERE is a quick round up of news from France which has appeared across the internet over the past week.
The stories take in everything from long-lost diamonds, voodoo dolls and a cartoon book featuring life in the Elysée Palace.
And don't forget throughout the week, This French Life has a page featuring a collection of news articles that is updated every day.
IT looks as though the long established French News newspaper is no more, a victim of the downturn in the economy.
Regular contributor to the newspaper, Nick Rowswell, writes on his personal blog about the difficulties French News has faced, 'October brought cashflow problems and on Friday, after twenty one years, it was the end'.
I've contacted the editor of French News, Miranda Neame, to try and find out what options are open for people who have a subscription to the newspaper and will hopefully hear back early next week.
The campaign by la Sécurité Routière says the reaction time of drivers talking on their phones is seriously impaired and that it is the fourth most common cause of death on the roads.
If people are caught using their mobile phones when driving they face a €35 fine and two points are deducted off your licence.
THE French community in London and the UK voted in an online poll recently to recognise the work their countrymen and women on the northern side of the Channel.
The Français of the Year Awards saw Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger recognised as sports person of the year, while actor Eva Green was voted artist of the year and the rising star accolade was given to Helene Darroze, chef at The Connaught, in Mayfair.
This was the second year of the awards, which are organised by investment banker Laurent Feniou as a way to to celebrate the most talented French people living in the UK.
Last year's winners included author Marc Levy and former French rugby captain, Raphael Ibanez, who plays for Wasps.
ANOTHER trouble spot for travel between France and the UK may occur in the run up to Christmas, this time on Eurostar.
Train managers have voted to strike over changes to work rosters, with the unions representing them saying support was strong, although no dates have been confirmed.
Eurostar has insisted that it has the staff to cover any strike action, although unions doubt this as the rail company would have to rely on workers from other European countries.
This news comes soon after the collapse of the SpeedFerries service between Dover and Boulogne, and Ryanair's decision to temporarily suspend flights between Newquay and Girona.
A SPECIAL thank you to those people who have been willing to advertise on the site and see themselves up there in the top right hand corner. Gregor of property firm Zorro Immo, Andrea and his team of Polish workers and Kristi's creative workshops.
FOLLOWING the end of World War Two the Association Bourguignonne Culturelle (ABC) was established and has ever since been involved in promoting and developing cultural activity, not only in Dijon itself, but throughout the region.
Based in Dijon there are now 1,300 members and in the 2007-2008 season 50,000 spectators attended 40 of their productions.
ABC is classified as one of the leading contributors of cultural entertainment in the Burgundy region and they are rightfully proud that they bring together a programme rich in a diverse sphere of entertainment.
More on: Discovering Burgundy the ABC way
HEAVY snowfall in the Alps and Pyrenees has seen some resorts open early, with others set to welcome skiers this weekend.
The Ski Info website reports that Andorra's ski areas GrandValira and VallNord are open, with those on the French side of the Pyrenees the Tourmalet, La Pierre St Martin and Les Angles set to open on Saturday, November 29.
In the Alps the famous Alpe d'Huez resort is to open its runs this weekend with around two metres of snow on upper slopes.
