WITH winter just around the corner it is important that both your car and yourself are ready should you be hit by an icy blast.
This is not the time of year to be stuck on an isolated road in the heart of France with little in the way of protection.
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Winter driving in France
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Tracking down pension help
HIGH on the list of pressing concerns when heading to France is the setting up of financial details such as pensions and investments.It is possible to receive certain State benefits whilst in France but there is plenty of paperwork to go through and it is important to start early.
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Basic introductions in French
LEARING the basics of introducing yourself in French will take a lot of the fear away from speaking.
Once the ice is broken people are very receptive to those who are willing to try and speak in French and will often help.
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Reasons behind a move to France
A FRENCH researcher is keen to explore the reasons behind why British people find the appeal of France so strong they are willing to leave everything behind.Marie-Martine Gervais, researcher and doctor of economic science at the University Montesquieu Bordeaux IV, is looking for Brits to complete an online survey.
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Tips for cheap Eurostar tickets
THE high-speed rail service from Eurostar has revolutionised travel to France, but how can you pick up a cheap ticket?There are a wide range of fares on offer so you should take your time on the Eurostar website to make sure you get exactly what you are after.
If you can book well in advance, 60 to 90 days is best, then this will help you get a cheap priced ticket.
However, if this is not possible then the early morning trains that leave before 7.00am are a useful place to start.
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Hunting down truffles
IT will soon be truffle-hunting season in the woods and forests of France, when people will be searching for the little ‘black diamonds’.The Périgord region of southwest France is regarded as home to some of the finest specimens, but Provence and northern Italy are also known for the rare delicacy.
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The life of Baudelaire
CHARLES Baudelaire was one of the leading figures in 19th Century literature and his Fleurs du Mal is regarded as a classic collection of poems.
Born in 1821 in Paris he studied in Lyon and Paris and despite his family’s attempts to keep the young writer on the right tracks he soon gained a ‘bohemian’ reputation.
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French slang words
DESPITE French academics fighting to preserve the value of the language it is impossible to halt changing fashions and the use of words.
There are many French phrases and words that have become popular as ‘slang words’ with their meaning often quite different from the actual meaning.
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The Shepherd and the Sea
From the Fables of de la Fontaine
A shepherd, neighbour to the sea,
Lived with his flock contentedly.
His fortune, though but small,
Was safe within his call.
At last some stranded kegs of gold
Him tempted, and his flock he sold,
Turn’d merchant, and the ocean’s waves
Bore all his treasure–to its caves. -
Tracking down fuel costs
AS the cost of oil increases across the world its impact is felt at the petrol pump and in the cost of heating your home.Being able to plan ahead and forecast the price may help you out and a French government website could offer you some advice.