This French Life

Air Turquoise ends operations

ONE of the few independent airlines in France, Air Turquoise, has gone into liquidation.

The airline, which operated flights from Vatry in the east of France to Luton airport, said on its website that all flights have been cancelled, although it would try over the coming days to rescue the company.

But things do not look good as any passengers booked on flights are being asked to contact the official receivers.

Popping in from The Times

JUST a quick hello to those people who are visiting the site for the first time after the article in The Times about Brits moving to France.

Searches via Google on keywords in the piece point to This French Life; my own article about the make-up of people heading to France can be read here, Brits keen to head to France.

And if you want to get up to speed on moving to and living in France take a look in the left hand column under 'Selected Articles' for some tips and advice.

Rules on working in hot weather

FOR those people suffering in offices and factories during the incredibly hot temperatures, here is a pointer to some of the minimum requirements under French law.

Just some of the measure employers must take include providing fresh drinking water, changing working hours if necessary and offering advice about the dangers of the heat.

More: Fortes Chaleurs

France in the press

THE weekend newspapers are always keen to take a look at life in France, from politics to tourism there is usually something to discover.

Here are a selection of stories and articles I’ve read recently including the increased popularity of camping, wobbly bridges in Paris and Helena Frith Powell’s brush with the law.

Sarkozy praises UK economy

WANNABE president Nicolas Sarkozy has outlined his ideas ahead of next year’s elections, and tipped his hat to the Brits.

The leader of the ruling UMP has put forward his plan for the future of France in a book titled Témoignage (Testimony), praising the UK and calling on the French people to work harder.

Holiday home email scam

UNFORTUNATELY running a website for your gite or holiday home opens you up to the increasing number of conmen and pirates out there.

I have written in the past on what to look out for (see Ditch dodgy email) but recently I’ve had more crooks pass though my inbox than normal.

Young volunteer force appeal

THE French government is looking to create a young persons volunteer force, open to those aged between 16 and 25.

Volunteers will be able to work within the defence services, the police and voluntary sectors covering health, the environment and the arts.

Brits keen to head to France

NEARLY three quarters of Brits who are looking to live in France say they intend to make the move in the next three years.

The results of a survey by Marie-Martine Gervais, researcher and doctor of economic science at the University Montesquieu Bordeaux IV, also found that 58 per cent of people intend to make their home in France their main residence.

Fun and games on Excuse My French

THE trio of Ron Atkinson, Esther Rantzen and Marcus Brigstocke look set to ruffle some French feathers as they attempt to learn the language.

The first episode of the new BBC2 programme Excuse My French (Wednesday 9pm) saw the three of them thrown in at the deep end in Provence.

Keeping track of the weather

I KNOW the Brits have a reputation for talking about the weather, but the French are equally keen to pass an opinion or three.

So with temperatures across France hitting the heights why not dazzle a few people with your knowledge of the weather forecast, and what’s happened in the past few days, weeks and even years?