Category Archive: News and politics

UK passport
18 Mar

That was the week: that was

Sometimes you simply have to focus on the bigger picture – particularly when you’re facing a week that will challenge everything you hold dear. That was the week I faced…
Saturday, 18 March 2017 at 08:16 8 Comments
Rob and Steve, A New Life in the Sun
21 Jan

Grape escape: a new life in the sun

While many of us dream of starting over in another country, some people have already taken the plunge. Seeing how they get on makes for good television – which explains…
Saturday, 21 January 2017 at 07:51 6 Comments
Good riddance to 2016
31 Dec

Good riddance: to 2016

New Year’s Eve often brings with it a sense of nostalgia – a desire to look back fondly at the past year. This year, however, is different. I can’t wait…
Saturday, 31 December 2016 at 07:55 9 Comments
Fondue
19 Nov

Long live: the fondue

As the weather turns colder, a fondue is just what we need – especially now that eating cheese has been declared the secret to a long life. Yes, really. We…
Saturday, 19 November 2016 at 08:01 5 Comments
Rennes university
17 Sep

Learning for life: Erasmus

University is about more than just studying a subject – it’s a course in life lessons. The students who started at university this week will soon find that out. I think…
Saturday, 17 September 2016 at 07:56 4 Comments
Michael and David at their PACS, Paris
16 Jul

Very civilised: a partnership to last

If something’s worth celebrating, why stop at just one party? That is the thinking of our friends Michael and David. We joined the couple to celebrate their civil solidarity pact…
Saturday, 16 July 2016 at 07:57 5 Comments
Map of south-west France
02 Jul

Name and shame: Nouvelle-Aquitaine

There has been a lot of name calling in Britain this week. The same is true in France, but for different reasons – the names of its new super-regions have…
Saturday, 2 July 2016 at 07:50 7 Comments
EU, UK and French flags
25 Jun

I am: still European

Thursday will go down in history as day that changed Europe – but not for the better. The consequences of this referendum will be felt not just in the UK for…
Saturday, 25 June 2016 at 09:31 13 Comments
La Cité du Vin, Bordeaux
04 Jun

Guggenheim of wine: Bordeaux’s newest museum

Of course, I am not obsessed with wine, but I am rather excited by the opening of La Cité du Vin in Bordeaux this week. I can’t wait to visit…
Saturday, 4 June 2016 at 09:45 4 Comments
Heracles, Arcachon
23 Apr

A cock and pull story: a means to an end for Heracles

Councillors in Arcachon have this week announced that the town’s statue of Heracles will be given a prosthetic penis. They are said to have faced, erm, stiff opposition to the…
Saturday, 23 April 2016 at 07:59 7 Comments
Social housing in Paris: Rue Montrera, Paris 12e
19 Mar

Social standing: housing options

Money talks – even when you’re applying for social housing. That was one of the things I learned last week, when the City of Light shone a spotlight on housing…
Saturday, 19 March 2016 at 07:54 5 Comments
Stronger In leafleting, Brighton station, February 2016
20 Feb

Don’t just lie back: think of England

This week I have been doing my bit for Blighty. I’ve been making the case for British jobs, our economy and security – by campaigning for the UK to remain…
Saturday, 20 February 2016 at 07:57 4 Comments
Baguettes
29 Aug

No pain: no gain

Consumers in France can breathe easily again. From this weekend their daily bread is no longer at risk from naughty bakers who have had the audacity to take some time…
Saturday, 29 August 2015 at 07:56 2 Comments
Tower M6B2 in Paris' 13th arrondissement, built by Paris Habitat
18 Jul

Tall tales: social housing in Paris

In a city that can’t grow outwards, the only option is to go upwards – and even to build over the railway lines. That’s the response of city planners to…
Saturday, 18 July 2015 at 07:56 2 Comments
Lorries M20
04 Jul

Trucking hell: chaos on the roads

A road trip from Britain through France sounds like an appealing adventure – unless you’re one of the lorry drivers who has been stranded on the M20 in sweltering temperatures…
Saturday, 4 July 2015 at 07:53 2 Comments
Mouton Cadet wine tasting
13 Jun

Topping up: tourism

Wine is already one of France’s main exports, but now it could hold the key to injecting some much-needed cash into the country’s economy. That’s the hope of Foreign Affairs…
Saturday, 13 June 2015 at 07:56 1 Comment
EU, UK and French flags
09 May

Raise a cheer: Europe Day

As France and other countries celebrate Europe Day today, all mention of the European Union in the UK is in hushed tones. A referendum on Britain’s continued membership now looms…
Saturday, 9 May 2015 at 07:40 5 Comments
Castillonnès gold
23 Dec

Where there’s muck: there’s gold

Sad to say, but bad news sells. Newspapers reply on murder, theft, deceit and hatred to keep readers’ attention. So it’s refreshing to hear a good news story – especially…
Tuesday, 23 December 2014 at 07:16
Conseil Régional d'Aquitaine, Bordeaux
15 Dec

Unlucky for some: 13 regions

Getting to know the geography of France has been an achievement for me this year – I now know what’s where. However, the French parliament has recently approved a new…
Monday, 15 December 2014 at 07:14
Very Inspiring Blogger Award
29 Nov

Twice as lucky: Very Inspiring Blogger Award

If it’s true that good things come in threes, I should buy a lottery ticket for tonight. I’ve had two pieces of good news in the past week: this blog…
Saturday, 29 November 2014 at 07:29 8 Comments