Nature et Decouverte, a French equivalent of The Nature Company, sure knows how to get your attention. While we were waiting at the cash register, we laughed at this book, displayed right at the entrance of the store. The book is called, Comment chier dans les bois, which means, “How to Shit in the Woods.” [...]

I guess it’s too fattening. From breitbart: “France’s bid, backed by famous chefs, to have its cuisine added to UNESCO’s list of world cultural treasures is likely to flop, a representative from the UN body said Saturday. “There is no category at UNESCO for gastronomy,” said Cherif Khaznadar, president of the UNESCO assembly of states that have signed [...]

The French, according to an international survey. From time: “Remember the tightwad tourist whose baggy shorts, frequent complaining and shouted questions about why none of the locals spoke any English made the ugly American the world’s Visitor From Hell? Well, it’s time for Archie Bunker to move over and make way for Petulant Pierre. According to a [...]

Another conversation: Dialogue entre Daniel Balavoine and Francois Mitterrand tags: france jean reno tom hanks sarkozy life’s regrets

The Tour de France began yesterday! I haven’t been paying attention. Oops. Here’s the route (above) and to see street views from Google, go here. For more information, check out the official website. Related: Tour de France Today in the Dreaded Le Creusot, Tour de France Route on Google Earth, Le Tour de France or AuTour [...]

I’ll be in Paris next week for a chocolate fix and other things so I was trying to find the exact address of Jean-Paul Hévin’s place. I serendipitously stumbled upon these new chocolate abs on his website. It turns out, since May of this year, you can get Les Tablettes de chocolat (abs of steel, 6 pack abs) [...]

From Le Grand Cafe Brasserie, 8-10, rue Saint-Jean, 62520 Le Touquet Paris-Plage, Telephone +33 (0) 3 21 05 52 71, Open 7 days, all year.

We spent a gorgeous day with our niece, meandering around the village of Le Touquet Paris-Plage, a small beachtown in northern France. It didn’t occur to me until after we saw this restaurant with extra EXTRA large hamburgers, that today is the 4th of July. Happy 4th of July! We would’ve commemorated my birth country’s [...]

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In sync with the new road safety laws in France regarding a vest and triangle to be kept in cars at all times, this amusing ad campaign was launched and features famous designer fashionista, Karl Lagerfeld. Via LA Frog (merci!) C’est jaune, c’est moche, et ça ne va avec rien, mais ça peut vous sauvez [...]

Starting July 17, 2008, Air France offers nonstop flights between New York - JFK and Lyon, France. Delta will operate this new service, following a very convenient schedule on a comfortable Boeing 757-ER aircraft. JFK to Lyon Flight AF8987/DL174, departs 4:30PM and arrives 7:05AM (next day) No flights on Mondays and Wednesdays. Lyon to JFK Flight AF8992/DL175, departs 9:30AM and [...]

Beginning today, cars in France must carry a gilet de sécurité / bright, yellow vest with 2 reflective stripes and a triangle de pré-signalisation / a reflective red warning triangle. These are to be used if you have an accident or must pull off the road for break downs and other emergencies. Note: The vest [...]

From the iht: “COLLOBRIÈRES, France: Christine Amrane says it is mostly about profit, not just protest and nostalgia. This isolated village has decided to accept the French franc in everyday commerce, along with the euro, and the colorful old bills adorned with French heroes and writers have got people thinking. Not too radically, of course. Collobrières, after [...]

As a chronic conspiracy theorist and as a person who strongly believes that no politician is good, this imagined dialogue spawned from my various psycho suspicions. It’s a conversation between Late French Singer/Activist Daniel Balavoine and Late President of the French Republic Francois Mitterrand - based on a very well-known confrontation between the two on [...]

From iht: France’s space agency, CNES put its entire UFO sightings archive on the web. “The saucer-shaped object is said to have touched down in the south of France and then zoomed off. It left behind scorch marks and that haunting age-old question: Are we alone in this big universe of ours? This is just one of the [...]

From the nyt: “Next to the Palais de la Découverte, just off the Champs-Élysées, is a flight-of-fancy sculpture of the 19th-century poet Alfred de Musset daydreaming about his former lovers. As art goes, the expanse of white marble is pretty mediocre, and its sculptor, Alphonse de Moncel, little-remembered. For me, however, it is a crucial marker. [...]

Dad-in-law showed me this pretty flowery tomato thing growing in their garden in the north of France but I kept forgetting what it was called so I repeatedly asked him about it. “Just think of the sexually transmitted disease, Syphilis, because that rhymes with Physialis, sort of.” Rather an unpleasant association, but I guess it works. [...]

From appleinsider: “France Telecom’s Orange said Thursday it will launch Apple’s much anticipated iPhone 3G in France on July 17th with prices starting at 149 euro ($233) for the 8GB model. Handset prices and plans The exclusive French carrier of the touch-screen handset said the 16GB model will fetch 199 euro. Both subsidized prices require that customers also [...]

Check out the anuual Jazz Festival taking place at the La Défense Esplanade this weekend. La Défense can be a bit of a schlep from the center of Paris (unless you take a taxi) but if I think it will be worth it, especially to see Herbie Hancock (6pm on Sunday) who is a LEGEND. [...]

From bbcnews: “The French president has irritated female members of parliament by sending them what they say is an ill-judged gift to mark France’s EU presidency. Nicolas Sarkozy’s office sent a sleek black case to all MPs, male and female, including a pale grey tie. Socialist MP Aurelie Filippetti proclaimed it “yet more proof of male chauvinism in [...]

After getting a taste of a couple of French MOFs’ (Meilleur Ouvrier de France) awarding winning desserts and meals (Le Daniel and Paul Bocuse), we’ve since been on a mission to seek out and try out more and more (and more!) of them. Perhaps I’ll be shopping for new clothes here soon. Les 5 Sens [...]

You will go deliriously insane (in a good way) at the indoor food market of Les Halles (also called “La Halle”) in Lyon, particularly if quality Lyonnais cuisine does something to you. You simply cannot go wrong here with the 59 knowledgeable food traders and craftsmen, and anyone you’ve ever met from Lyon or anyone [...]

Arts & Management International, bidding on behalf of an unknown (to us) client, received the winning bid for Monet’s Le Bassin aux Nymphéas for $80.4 million. Bargain! “Le Bassin aux Nymphéas,” from 1919, a large horizontal work measuring more than 3 feet by 6 feet, is from a series of four that Monet signed and dated [...]

From aol: Where is the love, Parisians? “… Radiohead were left with a row of empty seats at a recent French concert after a ticket giveaway backfired. The eco-friendly group announced 50 passes were available for their show at Paris’ Bercy Arena but fans could only get by cycling to their record label’s offices in the French [...]

While strolling through the largest garden of more varieties of bamboo than you ever knew existed (about 40), you would imagine that you’ve found yourself in a far eastern land, a place surrounded by exotic flowers and plants (impossible to pronounce), hearing only the waft of a gentle breeze combing through the long stalks in [...]

French company Louis Vuitton is up to its old misguided antics getting all litigious on guitarist, Dave Navarro (Jane’s Addiction, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Panic Channel). They’ve got their knickers in a twist over the fact that Navarro has been using a LV strap for his guitar. Um. I’d call that free advertising for [...]

From Maureen Dowd: “The French are different from you and me. Yes, they have Sarkozy. And they have Carla. And they have “the Carla effect,” as it’s known in Paris. If an American first lady, or would-be first lady, described herself as a “tamer of men” and had a “man-eating” past filled with naked pictures, Mick Jagger and Eric Clapton, [...]

Remember recently how the media was reporting that France was heading for U.S. obesity levels? Well. It has arrived. I saw this store for large sizes 44 to 52, which is alarmingly huge. We’re used to seeing these stores in the U.S. where obesity is commonplace and has been for decades, but in France, it’s [...]

I bet you haven’t seen this many dickheads all in one place, ever! Anyway. These AIDS prevention ads (”Just protect yourself”) recently won a bronze medal at the Cannes Lions 2008, an international advertising festival. The style and quality of the illustrations are wonderful. I wonder if people find these very “French”? Advertising Agency: TBWA\PARIS Country: FRANCE Executive [...]

The late edition… Flowers in Provence tags: flowers fleurs france travel provence

We’ve been in the south for a few days now, of course staying at our favorite b&b in provence. Their chef popped in last night to make a yum dinner for a party of 11 people. Before dinner. Salmon and sea bass ceviche with a salmon rillette with basil and creme fraiche Veal in raspberry sauce accompanied by [...]

From the nyt: “When Youssoupha, a black rapper here, was asked the other day what was on his mind, a grin spread across his face. “Barack Obama,” he said. “Obama tells us everything is possible.” A new black consciousness is emerging in France, lately hastened by, of all things, the presumptive Democratic nominee for president of the [...]

From the sunday times: “His aides have warned him against designer sunglasses and “flashy” behaviour, but President Nicolas Sarkozy could not resist this latest indulgence. The French leader is to have his own version of the American president’s Air Force One aircraft, complete with luxury sleeping quarters, office and conference room. Whether or not he wants to [...]

GMO = Death tags: france gmo death genetically modified food

Usually when we get ready for a trip, we do a little research on specific accommodations if we’ve never stayed there before. It helps so much to see web sites that have participant reviews, so you’ll know what to stay away from, what to expect and simply plan from there. Our recent trip to Bretagne (Brittany) [...]

Him: Look what I got at the market for you. Me: What is it, sweetie? Him: These jams. I knew you’d want to make fun of them blog about them. Me: You’re the best. OMG. Gratte-cul (Ass Scratch) jam?! Vieux Garcon (Old Boy) jam?! Him: (all giggly) You like them, don’t you??? Me: These are priceless. I love [...]

On Saturday, June 21, the day before the Patti Smith exhibition Land 250 closes, the Fondation Cartier is offering a final opportunity for the public to meet the artist, who will also be signing the exhibition catalogues. This event will take place in the exhibition area, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Land 250, Patti Smith at [...]

The new iPhone 3G will be available for purchase in Orange stores across France beginning July 11. It’s thinner, faster, has a built-in GPS, among other features - and of course is probably a lot more expensive in France than in the U.S. (I can’t seem to find pricing, though.) More information Apple (English), Apple [...]

Kewl. An Apple Store near the Louvre! From MacworldUK: “Apple plans to open its first retail store in France just near to the world-famous Louvre art gallery in Paris. A report from leading French newspaper, La Tribune, explains Apple’s application for the store - to be situated under the pyramid in front of the Louvre’s grand entrance - [...]

I am aware of the air beneath me. In the U.S. when Jean-Claude Van Damme comes to mind, people will likely know who he is but it would invoke a high level of indifference. Most consider him a hasbeen, action-martial arts-actor who can do the splits. For the last 10 years or so, he’s made only [...]

There’s a bird sanctuary inside the beautiful Parc du Thabor in Rennes, which is where we saw this adorable bird couple while wandering and exploring nature inside a city with our buddy and favorite Rennais, Martin. (Photo by Martin, btw. Merci!) Are they Parakeets of some sort? I’m not sure.

From the telegraph: “Erika La Tour Eiffel, 37, a former soldier who lives in San Francisco, has been in love with objects before. Her first infatuation was with Lance, a bow that helped her to become a world-class archer, she is fond of the Berlin Wall and she claims to have a physical relationship with a [...]

The Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris is climbing on the SATC bandwagon and giving you the opportunity to step into the shoes of Carrie Bradshaw for the time of your fictitious TV life with an ultra-glamorous offer. Here’s what you get: • A Cosmopolitan cocktail “Carrie’s favourite drink” for each person, served at [...]

Alrightee then. French tax payers will pick up the tab for people wanting to learn how to line dance in France. GA! From timesonline: “The French administration has moved to create an official country dancing diploma as part of a drive to regulate the fad. Authorised instructors who have been on publicly funded training courses will be [...]

The 14th century castle/fort, Fort La Latte sits majestically atop a 70 meters (230 ft) high cliff along the Cote d’Émeraude (Emerald Coast) in northern Brittany. It is one of the most spectacular sites in Bretagne. Built from the ground up on a small spit of land on the Baye de la Fresnaye by one of [...]

Strategically placed at the toll booth where you have to stop, you can’t miss this warning. Here’s what the sign says reminding people driving on the road to pull over and rest if they show any signs of fatigue. Or else! Tired? DEAD Tired? After the first signs (of fatigue), Don’t go any farther.

This organic milk festival is today in Bretagne (Brittany). Sorry about the late notice. Learn more about organic products and how their production respects the environment (non-GMO, no pesticides or chemicals) and animal well-being, via this festival that every department in Brittany is celebrating with concerts, theater plays, debates and more. This isn’t just the organic [...]

I almost didn’t notice this fun street art in the pedestrian shopping area of old town Saint-Brieuc, Brittany France, and would’ve just walked by without taking a picture. Good thing I did a double-take! tags: france travel street art bretagne saint brieuc brittany

There’s an article in iht.com today that reveals the greatest mysteries of Stonehenge, namely, what the giant brooding stones represented. Apparently, the location was a a burial ground for several generations of a single, elite family. This is interesting because a similar idea dominated our conversation when we were visiting the “French Stonehenge” in Carnac, in [...]

From applegazette: “Apple announced today that television programming is finally coming to iTunes France. Top French networks like TF1, France Télévisions, Arte, Mediatoon’s Dargaud TV and Dupuis TV and US shows from The Walt Disney Company and MTV Networks are all available in the iTunes Store in France now. Customers can now purchase and download primetime hits [...]

For a country that is King of demonstrating against injustices inflicted on its people, I honestly don’t know why no one has done anything about the unreasonably high food prices, and now, gas prices. The fleecing of France by merchants charging exorbitant food costs began 6 years ago with the introduction of the euro. [...]

Last week in Rennes, we ALMOST met miserable misfortune by NOT stepping into this place, Le Daniel, a patisserie. My sweetie stopped abruptly and said, “M.O.F.!” “Wha?!” “M.O.F.! M.O.F.! We HAVE to go into Le Daniel; he’s an M.O.F.” “We just ate and I’m not very hungry. How do you know? And…What the heck is an [...]

We were happy to have beautiful weather when we visited Île de Bréhat in Brittany, where I took this photo just a few days ago. I have more photos that I’d like to post as a mini-slideshow plus more travel info, so if I could just figure out how to do that, I’ll post it [...]

There’s a strange article that you’d imagine would come straight from The Onion but it’s from the New York Times. Ok, everyone many consider the nyt to be an equivalent… Anyway, it’s about an obsessive disorder, a “Sarkosis,” if you will, with the afflicted being passionately for or against Nicolas Sarkozy. Sounds like a paid [...]

Nope. This isn’t photoshopped. There IS a real hair salon in Rennes, France that doesn’t enormously inspire anglophones to get their hair coiffed - named Hairlices. Hair Lice! [Thank you, Martin, for the photo. Mine was a little too blurry.)

If you happen to find yourself in Saint Malo, a small, walled port town in northwestern France in Brittany, and can only do one thing there, make sure it’s visiting what is facing the cathedral, which is a heavenly salon de thé called Bergamote. The tea and pastries and crepes are more sacred than the [...]

We’ve been in Bretagne / Brittany (western France) for several days now, so I thought I’d post a quick blog entry while I have a minute. This photo was taken between Cancale and St. Malo along the Atlantic Ocean. It doesn’t quite do justice to the real beauty that is Bretagne, but that is probably [...]

Yea, what else is new. I know. Anyway, when Calimero left a comment on the GMO (genetically modified organisms) post, I wasn’t sure what he was referring to until I watched a short clip from the (week) daily 5 minutes segment of the day’s highlights called, “Zapping” on Canal Plus. Watch it here [...]

“Lucky Boy” (that’s not very French!) is probably one of the most chill cats ever. He’s the cute mascot of the B&B in Carcassonne, Aux Anges Gardiens chez Patricia and Andre where we stayed not long ago. He IS lucky to live where he does and in fact, he is so lucky, he rubbed a [...]

Celebrate tomorrow by showing how proud you are of your vegetarian or vegan self! - and fight against cruelty to animals. In a nutshell, it is a festival of vegetarian and vegan pride and participants aim to do the following: 1) demonstrate against the inhumane treatment of animals; 2) show pride of vegetarianism and veganism; 3) [...]

From reuters: “PARIS - Hundreds of activists marched in Paris on Tuesday ahead of the expected approval of a law they say blurs the line between natural and genetically modified (GM) foods. The bill lays down conditions for the cultivation of GM crops in France, Europe’s largest grain producer and exporter, and creates a body to oversee [...]

When you exit le Palais des papes (the Palace of Popes) in Avignon along Rue Peyrolerie (which is more of a ruelle), you will find yourself at Place Daniel Sorano, dedicated to the French actor, Daniel Sorano (1920-1962), probably most famous for his role in the 1960 film version of Cyrano de Bergerac [...]

More fun stuff from wooster collective:

From wired: “So you’ve decided to leave the comfort of your nerd-friendly lair and head out to explore the larger world. Perhaps a conference in Bangkok beckons, or maybe a Linux gathering in Europe. Even a trip with the family to some deserted isle? Whatever the case, no self respecting geek goes globetrotting without preparation, research and [...]

From slashdot: “Google has begun to scan the streets of Paris as part of its Street View service, but the company may be hindered from publishing them unedited. The reason? French privacy laws. Google may be forced to blur faces or use low-resolution versions of the photographs. The Embassy of France in the U.S. has a [...]

When you see the famous prehistoric paintings at the Lascaux Cave in Dordogne, you must purchase your tickets in the village of Montignac. (Ticket purchase is not available on-site.) You won’t feel inconvenienced by this because Montignac is beautiful and worth a stop to explore its two different areas located on both sides of the [...]

From the guardian: “Authorities in southern France fear a possible mosquito invasion in tourist resorts this summer and blame EU regulations which prevent them from using the most efficient insecticide. The area affected runs from the Camargue down to the Spanish border. Agents from the EID, the Entente interdépartementale de démoustication which clears thousands of hectares of [...]

From the guardian: “Britain’s assault on French cookery has been stepped up by a Yorkshire bakery which has started exporting lorry-loads of baguettes across the Channel. Fosters of Barnsley has used a legal loophole to beat local boulangers to a contract supplying the narrow loaves to the whole of the French railway system. The order follows a double [...]

This fun and kooky scopitone is from the 60s and is called, “Comic Strip” featuring Serge Gainsbourg and Brigitte Bardot. From what I can tell, Serge is beckoning Brigitte to come into his comic strip for some serious SHEBAM! POW! BLOP! and WHIZZZZ! Click on the image to see the video at YouTube.

Isn’t this Hermès apple purse (and knife) adorable? Yes. It IS small and restricted in its use (ONE apple or keys or condoms or credit cards or change or an iPod Nano…some other stuff) but if it were bigger it wouldn’t be as CUTE. Hermès [via]