This French Life

Quilting around the world from the Dordogne

WHEN Clare Worthy began quilting, using dresses her daughter had grown out of, little did she know that her pastime would wrap around the world.

From her home in the Dordogne, Clare has called on a network of quilters to help raise awareness of Leukaemia research after her brother-in-law was diagnosed with the illness.

Poisonous mushrooms in France

I HIGHLIGHTED a story recently of a man who ate a poisonous mushroom and had to undergo a liver transplant.

Unsurprisingly the French government has issued a note stressing the dangers of unknowingly eating dangerous fungi.

Economic effect of a booming airport

ALTHOUGH airlines are always keen to start new routes to France, if financially viable, just what impact do they have on the local economy?

The tourism trade and property sector are likely to be the biggest beneficiaries, but as the residents of Deauville highlighted the welcome mat is not always rolled out.

Quick link collection

JUST thought I would point out some of the stories I have been reading today.

Woman burned in France bus attack
A woman has been seriously burned and three others are suffering from smoke inhalation...

Le blog immobilier
Depuis la rentrée de septembre, il ne se passe pas une semaine sans qu'un magazine publie un dossier sur l'immobilier...

Poisonous mushrooms leave three seriously ill
A French mushroom picker poisoned by a potentially lethal "death cap" fungus has undergone a liver transplant...

Route for 2007 Tour laid out

THE route for next year’s Tour de France has been announced and tough mountain stages will dominate the competition.

Before those challenges the prologue and first stage will take place in the UK, with the race starting in London on July 7 and the next day heading off across Kent to Canterbury.

Ryanair slammed, whilst travellers go hiking

RYANAIR has been voted the worst airline by travellers who complained of poor seating, unfriendly staff and delays.

And the Irish low-cost airline was joined at the bottom of the pile by easyJet, according to the survey by TripAdvisor.

Marseille opens low cost terminal

A NEW terminal building has opened at Marseille Airport welcoming the likes of Ryanair and easyJet.

But the building, called mp2 after Marseille-Provence, is designed to serve just budget airlines and so this no frills approach is apparent in its construction.

Elections set for April

THE first round of the French presidential elections will take place on April 22, with the second round set for May 6 when the top two candidates go head-to-head.

Jacques Chirac has yet to say if he will stand for a third term; Nicolas Sarkozy is likely be the ruling UMP's candidate, while Ségolène Royal is front-runner for the Socialists.

Parliamentary elections are scheduled for June 10 and 17.

Getting the best from estate agents

BUYING a home or investment property in France is exciting!

There is just about every type of home and property one could wish to find, writes David Seymour.

France is a large and diverse country, and you are sure to find your dream home whether it be a superb town house in Bordeaux, a prestigious chateau in Gironde or a holiday home in Lot-et-Garonne.

Carte Senior from SNCF

IF you are aged over 60, are French resident and enjoy discovering the different corners of France by train, then SNCF’s Carte Senior may be worth investigating.

This is a discount card that offers up to 50 per cent off train tickets, including travel on the TGV system, as well as deals on hotels and car hire.