This French Life

Jospin drops out of presidency race

FORMER Socialist prime minister Lionel Jospin has said he will not stand to become the party’s candidate in next year’s presidential election.

Writing on his website, Lionel Jospin said that he had not gathered enough support to stand, leaving the way open for Ségolène Royal.

The Guardian and This French Life

I KNOW more people who head to France are using a website and Google Adsense to boost their income, and the Guardian has a good article on what can be done.

And they featured This French Life and my own experiences of using Adsense, just be thankful they don't publish photographs in the online version.

Colin Randall dumped by Daily Telegraph

SAD to report that the Daily Telegraph’s Paris-based correspondent Colin Randall has been made redundant.

Colin, who featured in a podcast on the site, has received messages of support on his popular blog that has always provided a different view of life in France.

The 'original' invasion brought to life

THROUGHOUT the summer the French press has been full of talk of an invasion by the Brits, snapping up properties left, right and centre.

But let's face it the original invasion was way back in 1066, and there were more than a few rustic farmhouses swept up by those invading Normans.

Dip into the Languedoc Sun

THE latest copy of the free Languedoc Sun magazine can be download from its accompanying website.

This month's edition takes a look at la rentree, offers some tips on setting up an association and how to spot the perfect grape.

Flickr maps for photos

THERE are a few new additions to the This French Life Flickr album and a new feature that gives a sense of place to the photos.

Yahoo! maps have been incorporated into the Flickr service so that photographers can highlight the location of their pics, and see others close by.

Finding local Chambres de Métiers

IF you are looking to start up as a builder, or artisan, in France then it is important that you are properly registered.

The first place to head to so that you can start work is the Chambre de Métiers closest to you, who will ensure you are set up correctly and contributing into the French tax system.

Use newspapers and eBay to boost business

HERE is a simple little marketing trick I used when promoting This French Life through the services of eBay.

When I was in France I used to buy a copy of the local newspaper on the day that the property listings were featured.

Heart rules head when buying property

A LOVE of the region is the most powerful reason for people buying property in the south west of France.

According to a survey from Holiday-Rentals.co.uk, ease of access and the cost of the property also come ahead of the actual rental potential a home will enjoy.

French flight news

TWO new routes to France from Manchester Airport have been announced by Jet2.com.

The airline is to begin daily flights to Paris from March and five flights a week to Toulouse, starting in April.

However, Air France has said it will drop its Gatwick to Nantes and Dublin to Bordeaux services this winter.