This French Life

Blog Carnival of France takes to the net

THE first Blog Carnival of France is up and running on the About website offering a host of interesting links to stories and photographs.

A blog carnival is a chance to explore different websites that you may not ordinarily visit around a theme.

And at the Blog Carnival of France you have a chance to take a peek through the Baguette Cam or drift off in a photograph of the sun rising over a Mediterranean port.

French videos on Google

GOOGLE has launched a free service that allows people to upload their own videos so that they can be published to the internet.

There are many US-based film clips and home videos, but if you do a search on the word France you can find some gems.

Desire for property abroad strong

ONE in five second homes abroad owned by Brits are found in France, a report by the Office for National Statistics claims.

Spending on property overseas has increased by 45 per cent over the last four years and around 257,000 Brits now own properties overseas.

Susie Hollands and Paris life

IN the latest This French Life podcast I chat with Susie Hollands who has established both a business and artists’ network in Paris.

The fact that she has done this in a little under three years is proof that with plenty of determination a dream move to France can become a reality.

France in the newspapers

HAVE dog will travel seems to be the mantra for those who can’t bear to leave their loyal pooch behind when taking a break.

The USA Today newspaper takes a look at the increasing popularity of walking tours where owners can bring along their dogs.

Struggles of the wine trade

THE French love for a glass of wine has been slowly declining and this has been causing real difficulties within the industry.

In 2004 wine sales in supermarkets dropped by three per cent when compared to the previous year, and exports fell over the same period.

A postcard from Provence

THE light and seasons in Provence have drawn artists to the towns and villages of the region for centuries.

It is impossible to say why colours and shades look so different; the only way to capture it is on canvas or through a camera lens.

Ticket deal on Eurostar

THE Telegraph newspaper and Eurostar are offering a two for one deal on train tickets.

You have to collect four passwords from The Daily Telegraph or The Sunday Telegraph between February 25 and March 8 to qualify.

Tickets have to be booked 14 days in advance and travel can be taken between March 14 and June 28, availability is limited and it is not possible to use the deal on a number of days.

Buying French antiques at auctions

BUYING at auction in France might seem an intimidating prospect for the uninitiated but probably the most daunting aspect is deciding to cross the threshold and have a go, writes Simon Hewitt.

Once inside on sale day you will find that what seemed arcane and baffling has its own method. But there are a few things worth knowing before you get there.

French back learning English

ONE of the biggest stumbling blocks for people moving to France is learning the language.

And often this frustration is only magnified by the fact that many French people take the chance to speak English in reply, and polish up their own skills.