This French Life

Conservative party target UK expats

ON June 4 European Elections will be held in the UK and the Conservative party is looking to target the UK's five million expats in an attempt to ensure they cast their vote.

It will be the first time that Gordon Brown has faced the ballot box, and considering recent events things could get pretty interesting.

The Conservatives Abroad website is currently pressing people to ensure that registration forms to vote are in by Tuesday, May 19.

Events marking D-Day in Normandy

THE Royal British Legion is to mark the 65th anniversary of the D-Day landings with a commemorative service at the majestic Bayeux Cathedral in Normandy on June 6.

Numerous dignitaries from both sides of the channel, including the British Ambassador to France, will attend along with WWII veterans, many who have not been back to Normandy for 65 years.

Nicolas Sarkozy lays out plans for Grand Paris

Le Grand Paris, dans les coulisses by LEXPRESS

NICOLAS Sarkozy has launched an exhibition of projects produced by 10 architects from around the world to create a Grand Paris.

Irish Ferries start mini-cruise to Cherbourg and Roscoff

FERRY company Irish Ferries will soon start its three-day mini-cruise service from Rosslare to Cherbourg and Roscoff.

The first crossing begins on Friday, May 15 2009 and offers passengers the chance to go shopping and spend up to six hours ashore in France.

Return tickets are priced €99 per person including ensuite cabin berth both ways. When two or more passengers travel together they can bring their car for €89 return.

Walking the gardens of the Val de Flore

THE Jardin Val de Flore at Soutiers was created in 2000 on more than three hectares of hilly meadowland 12 miles south of Parthenay, writes Beryl Brennan.

No huge golf balls to be found here, just one large glass house with gardens featuring steep slopes dropping down to the river Viette, the water source for irrigating the gardens.

Plant beds are not regulated, buttercups and thistles mix with berberis and lavender, and I had to restrain myself not to start weeding.

Euro exchange rate for French income tax

AT this time of year people will begin receiving their income tax forms from the French authorities.

If you have made your declaration online in the past it is likely you will take this route, but whichever it is what do you do about income you have received from overseas and especially if you need to convert it to euros?

Your first port of call should be your Trésor Public as they should be able to supply you with the correct exchange rate, you can search for Trésor Public offices here.

Unions get ready for protests on May 1

A DAY of protest is set to take place on May 1 as unions voice their anger over Nicolas Sarkozy's plans for the economy.

The symbolic Fête du Travail is a public holiday in France so disruption should be minimal, but unions hope because people will be off work many will join the protest.

New cartoon museum to open in Angoulême

MENTION cartoon characters in France and Angoulême, with its Festival International de la Bande Dessinée is sure to feature in the conversation.

In June the town will open a new museum that will cover many of the famous characters of the French industry such as Asterix, but also those from overseas such as Garfield and Japanese Anime characters.

Petition questions cost of UK passports

A CAMPAIGN has zipped around Twitter highlighting a petition calling for the UK government to reduce the price of passport applications made from France.

The petition says it is unfair that it costs £72 to renew a passport through the UK's own Identity and Passport Service, yet going through the same process at the British Embassy in Paris costs €145 (£129).

Renewing a passport in other EU countries cost the same as France, and it is a similar price for Britons living in New Zealand but is around £134 for those living in Australia.

Foot passenger details for Norfolkline's Zeebrugge route

MORE pricing details have been made available by Norfolkline for the launch of its service between Rosyth to Zeebrugge.

The route starts on May 19 and prices for foot passengers start from £70 one-way, which includes use of a reclining seat, and £165 for a one-way ticket for a car driver that provides use of a reclining seat.

Additional prices are available for those travelling with motorbikes and bicycles.