This French Life

Chance to win The Flea Markets of France book

HERE is a chance to discover some hidden antiques and delights in France with another ever so easy competition on This French Life.

Author Sandy Price has offered up two copies of her book The Flea Markets of France, which takes you by the hand through markets across France.

All you need to do is leave a short comment, as well as your email address, so click on through to the competition page now.

Publicise your events in France

THERE is always some event or show on offer in France, and if you are involved in promoting one then make sure readers of This French Life can find it.

Thanks to the Survive France Network and the wonders of RSS there is a What's On in France page that lets you see events coming up and where exactly they take place.

Pavillon Bleu awards for cleanest French beaches

IF you or your guests are heading to the beach this summer then check up on those who have won a prestigious Pavillon Bleu award.

The names of the cleanest beaches and marinas in France have been announced, giving them the right to fly the distinctive Pavillon Bleu flag over their facilities.

Taking a tour around Brive Airport

THE building of an airport has stringent standards and a certain flavour about it of an engineer's workshop, writes Carol Miers.

The jigsaw pieces are from many professions architectural, electronic, public sector, security, hygiene, logistics, legislative, municipal and many others.

Cluster Balloon flight over Channel a success

HE'S done it! Daredevil Jonathan Trappe was successful in crossing the Channel beneath 54 balloons, landing in a field near Dunkirk after a four hour flight.

He reached a height of 11,000 feet during the crossing and to get back down he cut away some of the balloons.

Website: Cluster Balloon

Winners of 24 Hours Paris competition

THE two winning entries have been drawn in the 24 Hours Paris competition, and the messages picked out by the random number generator were from Ciara and Becky, I hope they enjoy finding out more about Parisian life.

And look out for the next This French Life competition that is coming soon, this one is for those who enjoy exploring the flea markets of France.

Amnesty International criticise French police

IN its annual report into the state of the world's human rights, Amnesty International has said allegations of violence by French police are still a problem.

The Amnesty International Report 2010 features a section on the situation in France and it said that criminal investigations into police violence fell short of international standards.

The forcible eviction of migrants from a temporary camp in Calais was also highlighted, with unaccompanied minors caught up in the clear out.

Amnesty also raised concerns about two new databases being created of people who attend protest events, which include personal details of those not accused of any crime.

News round up: SeaFrance say passenger bookings safe

HERE is a look back over some of the headlines and stories that have been making the news in France.

France to host 2016 European Championships

FORMER French football captain, and current UEFA president, Michel Platini has announced that France will host the 2016 European Championships.

French film - funding the Seventh Art

Beynac castle towers over the river Dordogne attracting film directors and tourists

MANY locations in France places hold an unquestionable charm that attracts the interest of film directors.

But nowhere perhaps can feed one's spirit quite as much as the castle towers and streets of Beynac.

In its cobbles, steps and angles, recesses and arches, there are unexpected combinations of stones and curves, giving a symmetry that's pleasing to the eye. Who wouldn't swap modern life for this?