Catching up on French news

World's top boules players gather in Africa by France24

HERE is a collection of interesting stories from around the web covering what's been happening in France over the past seven days.

Triple suicide tragedy in France - BBC
A mother and her adult daughter, devastated by the suicide of another daughter, have killed themselves on the same railway track in southern France.

One year after ban, French smoke just as much - Expatica
The French Office for the Prevention of Smoking wants the government to increase tax on tobacco so people will smoke less.

France plans crackdown on consumer credit abuses - Reuters
Lagarde said France was happy with the concept of store cards, but wanted to make sure they were properly overseen.

Frenchman convicted over death of son in hot car - AP
The court in Vienne in southeastern France has given Eric Allarousse a suspended eight-month prison sentence.

No retreat on Sunday opening - The Connexion
Sarkozy has insisted there is no question of him withdrawing his Sunday trading bill, as has been rumoured.

Doctors Without Borders and The War in Eastern Congo - RocketBoom YouTube
Condition: Critical, a project documenting the stories of the people affected by 15 years of civil unrest in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Muslims want remembrance day after war graves attack - Expatica
The Rally of French Muslims (RMF) called for the day of tributes in the wake of the third such attack in less than two years at Notre-Dame-de-Lorette World War I cemetery.

French 'Barack Obama' still a dream says country's lone black minister - Telegraph
France's only black minister has said her country will never elect its own Barack Obama under the current ageing, white political elite.

French oyster farmers face miserable festive season as rustlers strike - The Guardian
December's traditional boom in festive oyster consumption has been blighted by the return of a seasonal menace: rustling.

Insurers offer $1 million Paris gem heist reward - Reuters
Insurers are prepared to pay a $1 million reward for information leading to the recovery of gems stolen from a luxury Paris jewellers.

More French news headlines.