This French Life

Learning French on the web

THANKS to the internet you can work on learning French before you even set foot in the country.

A basic proficiency in the language will go a long way towards helping you get by day-to-day but will ensure you feel part of the community.

Flybe boost French flights

FLYBE has announced a major expansion of flights to France taking in Angers, Avignon, Bergerac and Bordeaux.

They are to start new routes from Southampton, Exeter, Norwich and Leeds Bradford.

I've written a full article on the Cheapflights website.

French top internet usage

FRENCH people spend more time online than those in other European countries, a recent study has found.

The study by the European Interactive Advertising Association (EIAA) showed that on average French internet users spent 13 hours a week online.

Jean-Marie Le Pen on the BBC

THE leader of the French far right Jean-Marie Le Pen is featured in a TV interview on the BBC Europe website.

He outlines his thoughts on the reasons behind the recent riots in France and his determination to stand in the Presidential elections in 2007.

Chirac’s appeal plummets

PRESIDENT Jacques Chirac’s tumbling popularity amongst the French public has been revealed in a survey that shows many consider he has little influence over the direction of the country.

A poll reveals that 72 per cent regarded the influence of their president, who turns 73 tomorrow, over what happens in France as "weak".

Mediterranean diet helps your heart

A CLASSIC Mediterranean style diet, rich in fruit, vegetables, nuts and fish can reduce the risk of heart disease by 15 per cent, a study claims.

Doctors writing in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition say that such a diet could have real health benefits.

Learn French in France

AN increasingly popular way of learning French is to spend some time in the country on a course.

Gone are the days of splashing through puddles on the way to a night class at the local comprehensive school.

Now the way to learn French is to head off to Bordeaux or Nice and experience both the language and culture of a region.

Visiting France still popular

UK residents made 11.6 million visits to France in 2004, official figures from the Office for National Statistics say.

But more people visited Spain as 13.8 million trips were made to the country, overall both countries made up 40 per cent of visits abroad by Brits.

Call for warning labels on wine

THE wine trade is facing another challenge after a report called for labels on bottles to highlight the risks of alcohol on people’s health.

The report was written for the Health Ministry and calls for action to be taken as it claims that one in ten people suffer from alcoholism.

Winter driving in France

WITH winter just around the corner it is important that both your car and yourself are ready should you be hit by an icy blast.

This is not the time of year to be stuck on an isolated road in the heart of France with little in the way of protection.