A free monthly review of French news & trends VOL. 08.07 AUGUST 8, 2008 Summit Establishes a Union for the Mediterranean Heads of state and government of the European Union, the European Commission, mem- importantly," the officials continued,"they are united by a common ambition:to build togeth- bers and observers from the Barcelona Process (including its new members, Bosnia and er a future ofpeace,democracy,prosperity and human,social,and cultural understanding. To Herzegovina, Croatia, Monaco and Montenegro) inaugurated a reinforced regional part- achieve these common objectives,participants agree to continue with renewed dynamism the nership titled: "Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean" on July 13, bringing together quest for peace and cooperation, to explore their joint problems and transform these good 43 nations and almost 800 million inhabitants intentions into action in a renewed partnership for peace." from the northern and southern Mediterranean As a first stage, leaders at the Summit decided to launch a number nations. International and regional organizations of key initiatives: de-pollution of the Mediterranean; maritime and land such as the United Nations, the GCC, the League of highways; civil protection; alternative energies: Mediterranean Solar Arab States, the African Union, the Arab Maghreb Plan; higher education and research, Euro-Med University; and the Union, the OIC, as well as financial institutions Mediterranean Business Development Initiative. (ADB,EIB,World Bank), were also represented. The heads of state and government also agreed to establish inter Willing to increase co-ownership of the © F. de la Mure alia a co-presidency — one president from the E.U. and the other process, the Union aims to address common chal- President Sarkozy (second from right) presides from a Mediterranean partner country — to improve the balance and lenges facing the Euro-Mediterranean region, such over the Paris Conference on July 13. joint ownership of their cooperation, as well as a joint secretariat. The as economic and social development; world food security;degradation of the environment, current co-presidents are and Egypt. The modalities in terms of projects that the including climate change and desertification, with the view of promoting sustainable devel- Union will undertake, and where the secretariat opment; energy; elevating regional security by acting in favor of nuclear,chemical and bio- will be geographically located,will be decided by logical non-proliferation through international and regional disarmament agreements; the next Foreign Affairs Ministerial meeting in INSIDE migration; terrorism and extremism; as well as advancing dialogue between cultures. November 2008. In addition, heads of state and "Europe and the Mediterranean countries are bound by history,geography and culture," government agreed to hold biennial summits 2 Current Events the heads of state and government asserted in a draft joint declaration issued at the Summit that should result in a political declaration and a Over-the-Counter for the Mediterranean, underscoring the shared political will to revitalize efforts to transform short list of concrete regional projects to be set Medications the Mediterranean into an area of peace, democracy, cooperation, and prosperity. "More in motion. 3 France & America Jolie Gives Birth in France European Immigration Pact Met with Unanimous Approval 4 Profile As current president of the Council of the European Union (E.U.), France presented a revised pact on immigration and asylum last month to inte- Summer Vacation in rior ministers from all EU member-states. The document was met with "unanimous approval of the principles, objectives, presentation and struc- France ture of the pact," according to Brice Hortefeux, French minister of Immigration, Integration, National Identity,and Co-Development. This posi- 5 Business & Tech tive reception encourages hopes that the accord will be ratified in October at a European summit in Brussels. Speeding Toward a The agreement coordinates policies in five main areas: legal and illegal immigration, strengthening border controls, asylum, and co-develop- Cleaner Horizon ment. The first section requests member-states to take into account local needs and preferences and to promote the E.U.as a destination for high- 6 Society ly qualified workers. States must also ensure that immigrants have the resources, such as access to work and education, including language instruc- Paris-Plage tion and knowledge of local laws, necessary for successful integration into the host country.The second part of the agreement, which attempts to reconcile responses to illegal immigration, provides for the expulsion of illegal immigrants and conditions for their reentrance into the Union, 7 Culture including amnesty on a case-by-case basis and bilateral readmission agreements with specific countries of origin when necessary. Thirdly, to American-Giverny improve border security,the agreement would give more powers to the European Union agency for external border security,Frontex, and increase 8 Europe in America optimization of modern technology,including biometric visas by January 1, 2012. The fourth part of the pact, as a step toward the goal of a single European Events European asylum policy by 2012, would create a central European office to facilitate the exchange of information regarding asylum seekers. Finally, Throughout the U.S. the European Council promises to support development in countries of origin and transit countries in order to create a balance between migra- tion and local development. Bastille Day Takes on International Scope AMBASSADE DE FRANCE AUX ETATS-UNIS France celebrated Bastille Day on July 14 with the Legion of Honor, upon French- festivities taking place throughout l'hexagone Colombian national Ingrid Betancourt for her courage during more than six years and overseas departments and collectives. In of being held in captivity by the FARC in the Colombian jungle. In addition, Paris, the celebrations took on a particularly Mr.Sarkozy celebrated the launch of the Union for the Mediterranean, a new international flavor, reflecting France's rotating international body aimed at increasing collaboration between the European Presidency of the Council of the European Union, African, and Middle Eastern countries that share common interests Union (E.U.),with the participation ofother EU © F. de la Mure with the Mediterranean Sea (see article above). Soldiers from all 43 member- member-states in the annual ceremonies. This year’s July 14 parade in Paris took on states of the newly formed Union, as well as forces from the United Nations, During the traditional garden party at the an international flavor, featuring UN sol- were invited to march with French troops down Paris's Champs-Élysées in the Elysée Palace, French President Nicolas Sarkozy diers, as well as those from all members "Euro-Mediterranean Bastille Day" parade. The day culminated with a fire- bestowed the country's highest civilian award, of the Union for the Mediterranean. works display illuminating the . En bref [ Current Events ] NEW TWO-EURO COIN COMMEMORATES EU PRESIDENCY Every year, all Eurozone member-states are Two Hundred Medications Made Available Over-the-Counter allowed to issue one commemorative piece. Last month, The French Ministry of Health, in col- and treatments for colds and other France launched laboration with several health organi- ailments believed to be treatable a uniquely con- zations, has made more than 200 pre- without medical attention. ceived two- viously prescription-only medicines Although pharmacists are not euro coin to available over-the-counter in French obligated to classify these medica- celebrate the pharmacies to significantly lower the tions as over-the-counter, they are start of its presi- cost of medication for the public. being encouraged to do so by dency of the Council The list of medicines was compiled groups and organizations that sup- of the European Union (E.U.). The two- by the AFSSAPS, the French agency port the initiative, including the toned coin, designed by Philippe Starck responsible for ensuring the effective- National Order of Pharmacists and and minted in copper, nickel, and zinc, ness, quality, and proper use of health- the French National Health features a silvery border of 12 stars, the care products. The list of approved 200+ previously prescription-only medi- Insurance Fund for Salaried symbol of the E.U., and the words "2008 medications comprises pain relievers cines became available over-the-counter. Workers. Présidence Française de l'Union Européenne" displayed on the copper- colored center. The back of the coin dis- Arianespace’s Collaboration with US Firm Takes Off plays the traditional design common to all two-euro pièces: a map of Europe and the Arianespace, a European consortium headquartered in Evry, telecommunications services to the "2 euro" demarcation. Twenty million France, celebrated its 26th consecutive successful mission last Middle East and North Africa. The commemorative pieces were put into cir- month with the launch of the satellite ProtoStar I, commissioned company used an Ariane 5 vehicle for culation in France on July 1, raising the by new telecommunication service provider ProtoStar, a the satellites, the only commercial country's total of two-euro coins to 500 Bermuda-based corporation with operations in the U.S. and launcher in service able to simultane- million. They can be used across the E.U. Singapore. The satellite was built by US-based Space ously launch two payloads. In addition as legal tender. Systems/Loral. Once in geosynchronous orbit, it will provide to the traditional customer logos on the high-definition TV transmissions and broadband Internet to launch vehicle, Arianespace added a REGIONS PUSH TO CURB © Arianespace POLLUTION Southeast Asia and India. special logo to celebrate the six-month The Ariane 5 Arianespace launched ProtoStar I as part of the same mis- French presidency of the Council of the launches the two sion as the Arabsat satellite BADR-6, which will provide European Union. payloads.

Eiffel Tower to Undergo Upgrades to Accommodate More Visitors The Eiffel Tower, one of the world's most popular destinations, attracting nearly seven million visitors a year, will undergo upgrades over the next 10 years to modernize facilities and further Three departments in improve efficiency and access for tourists. A new system will shorten lines by allowing visitors to France will impose reduced reserve half-hour time slots online, and the shops in and around the monument will be enlarged. speed limits in an effort to In addition, the tower's original elevators will be renovated and its first-floor restaurant will be cut back on pollution. redesigned to increase capacity and lower prices.

In an effort to reduce their ecological dt The plan also calls for improved access for the handicapped and a reduction in energy consump- footprint and improve air quality, the tion. The monument's nightly light show will be reduced from 10 minutes per hour to five. departments of Bouche-du-Rhône, The Eiffel Tower,designed by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World's Fair,underwent its last major ren- Var, and Alpes de Haute-Provence in . Eberhar

© F ovation in the 1980s, increasing capacity for visitors. southeastern France will impose speed limits one day a week on regional high- ways. Limits will decrease from 100 to 70 kilometers per hour between 6:00 French Photographer Documents Bicycle Tour Through France a.m. and 9:00 p.m. each Monday, with

the goal of reducing the emission of pol- With nothing more than a nine-kilo- e ied landscapes and everyday life lutants that cause smog. In many met- gram bike, a compact camera, and a seen throughout l'héxagone. ropolitan areas, automobiles are the change of clothes, photographer and De la Mure documented his

chief cause of smog, as emissions from amateur cyclist Frédéric de la Mure has . de la Mur voyage in an online interactive flip- the numerous vehicles on the road add set out to capture France in candid © F book, with each page devoted to a up. According to the EPA, byproducts of photographs. De la Mure, a profession- separate stage. The book includes the engine combustion process include al photographer for the French not only images of rural panora- hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, embarked mas and urban landscapes, but which can react to form trioxygen — the main contributor to the grey haze over June 19 on a ten-day, nearly 1,200-km also satellite maps, audio commen- cities that can irritate eyes, cause lung bicycle tour stretching from the English tary from the artist, and statistical damage, and aggravate respiratory Channel to the Mediterranean Sea. His information about each stage, Frédéric de la Mure traveled diagonally across problems in humans. In addition, intense journey, which followed as closely as such as distance, slope, tempera- France from Le Havre to Marseille by bike. sunlight can also increase the amount of possible a straight line drawn diag- ture, and weather conditions. Images of his journey are online. this substance by causing pollutants to onally across France from Le Havre For more information, please evaporate off the engine. to Marseille, yielded an album of images depicting the var- visit: www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/sites/chronique_photos_LHM.

2 NEWS FROM FRANCE TREATY OF PARIS ON DISPLAY AT [ France & America ] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES History buffs and school children alike will have the opportunity to view the original Treaty of Paris, on display in the Angelina Jolie Gives Birth to Twins in the South of France East Rotunda Gallery of the National Archives from August 29 - September 3. American actress Angelina Jolie five pounds and were born a minute apart in a seaside hospital room The Treaty, which celebrates its 225th gave birth last month to fraternal with a view overlooking the Mediterranean. anniversary this year, formally ended the twins in the French city of Nice, The week before their birth, Nice's mayor,Christian Estrosi, con- American Revolution and established a ending months of media attention ferred honorary niçois citizenship on the children. Although simply sovereign United States of America. focusing not only on Jolie and the being born in France is not enough to gain French citizenship, the Founding fathers John Adams, John Jay, babies' father, Brad Pitt (both pic- American twins will have the option to become dual citizens when and Benjamin Franklin all participated in tured on left), but also on the south- they turn 18, as long as France is their primary residence for at least the peace negotiations, deliberating over issues such as land boundaries and ern French port city. The niçois five years after the age of 11. In addition, Mayor Estrosi personally prisoners of war, and eventually signed (native to the city of Nice) twins, brought the twins' birth certificates to the hospital to spare Pitt the the Treaty at the Hôtel de York, now named Knox Léon and Vivienne Marcheline, each weighed about trip to City Hall through the paparazzi. renamed 56, rue Jacob in Paris. The dis- play of the Treaty takes place on the margins of a National Archives exhibition New England Celebrates Joint History with France titled "1783: Subject or Citizen?" that The spirit of camaraderie and multiculturalism has been palpable traveled through the region and gave the state its name, derived will showcase 18th-century books, let- throughout France this summer, with events ranging from the from the French "les verts monts" (the green mountains). The Lake ters, paintings, and maps from October European Cultural Season festivities (see NFF 08.06) to most Champlain Quadricentennial Commission initiated festivities this 3 to January 25, 2009. recently Paris's international Bastille Day celebrations honoring summer to mark the 400th anniversary of Champlain's discovery REVOLUTIONARY ROUTE HONORS remarkable individuals around the world (see p.1). A similar level of the lake that now bears his name. FRENCH-AMERICAN FRIENDSHIP of amity was also present this summer on this side of the Atlantic, The Lake Champlain Maritime Museum launched a replica last particularly New England's Massachusetts and scenic Vermont, month of a canal schooner,a common sight during the 1800s when which hosted festivities recognizing international cooperation and commerce frequently journeyed across the lake during passage from French-American friendship. Montréal to New York City.The Louis McClure, the official flagship The cross-cultural appreciation that pervaded Paris's Bastille ofthe Quadricentennial,navigated the St.Lawrence to Québec,arriv- Day festivities was equally conveyed in Boston, where the city's ing on July 6 for the 400th anniversary of Champlain's founding of French consulate honored five American WWII veterans with the city.In addition,summer 2009 will prove to be a festive and enter- France's highest award, the Legion of Honor,for their heroism and taining season for Vermont — with lectures, art shows, and Franco- courage during the liberation of France in 1944. Attended by American heritage events on the schedule. For more information, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, who began his remarks in please visit: www.consulfrance-boston.org. French, the Consul General of France François Gauthier decorated Champlain's legacy was also celebrated on Cape Cod on July 21, each former soldier and declared that: "We are forever grateful, during a wreath-laying ceremony at a monument in Stage Harbor France will never forget." (Chatham),where Champlain's ship moored in 1606 on his journey In Vermont, this summer marked the beginning of celebrations along the North American coast. The Consul General of France was © NPS commemorating the state's historic links to France, which dates to joined in this tribute by representatives from Québec and Canada, as the 1600s, when explorer and cartographer Samuel de Champlain well as the local French-American community and local officials. The U.S. House of Representatives hon- ored the long-standing history of French-American relations last month by US-EU Collaboration in Space Soars to Twenty-Five Years passing the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic To commemorate 25 years of European human spaceflight with the astronaut Christer Fuglesang flies to the ISS for the second time Trail Designation Act. To commemorate National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Pierre aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis. the cooperation of American and Vimont, French ambassador to the U.S., along with Klaus Scharioth, Among the honored guests was Ulf Merbold, who became the French military forces during the German ambassador to the U.S., hosted representatives from NASA first ESA astronaut to enter space in 1983 aboard the Space Shuttle Revolutionary War, the bill, which awaits and several European space agencies, including the French Space Columbia.After finishing his doctorate in physics at the University of Senate approval, designates a more Agency (CNES) and the German Space Agency (DLR). On the 39th Stuttgart and the Max Plank Institute, Merbold pursued an out-of- than 600-mile route from Newport, anniversary of Neil Armstrong's first steps on the moon, Michael this-world career instead of a professorship in order to "put his Rhode Island, to Yorktown, Virginia, as a National Historic Trail (see above). The Griffin, the administrator of NASA, lauded the cooperation in knowledge into action." In 1982, the German astronaut was selected path traces the journey taken by the human space exploration between the E.U.and U.S.and honored the by ESA to train as a payload specialist on the first flight ofthe Spacelab American and French armies under achievements of astronauts from the European Space Agency (ESA). module.Even after three flights into orbit,Merbold describes his time Generals George Washington and Ambassador Vimont also celebrated cooperation between Europe in space as "an experience no language can describe or comprehend," Jean-Baptiste de Rochambeau in 1781. and the U.S., noting the Hubble Telescope and International Space especially commenting on "the acceleration of the ship and the Winding through eight states on exist- Station (ISS) (see NFF 08.02) as examples of this shared effort, and increasing feeling of weightlessness when entering orbit." ing roads and waterways, the trail is adding that "when the present Space Shuttle comes to an end by 2010, Merbold and French astronaut Léopold Eyharts, the most mapped out by educational signs and Europeans hope to be part of the development of the new manned recent European to leave earth's orbit, agreed that despite the grow- historical markers. French forces under space mission." ing frequency of space exploration of militaries and states, future Count Rochambeau met American At the Residence of France, Frederic Nordlund, ESA representa- human efforts in space "will be shared and not competitive." troops outside of New York City and combined forces on October 17, tive, recognized the eight European nations that have sent astronauts Merbold envisions space as "a future laboratory for astrophysics 1781, with a French fleet under into space with NASA. Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, The and experiments in human physiology." Eyharts agrees, adding that Admiral de Grasse in a major defeat of Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland all received a crystal the objectives of an outpost on the moon and a voyage to Mars are the British army. The subsequent sur- award etched with the names of the 23 European astronauts who "obtainable goals that will be realized in the near future with col- render of British General Cornwallis at have flown aboard NASA's space shuttles — a partnership between laborative efforts contributing to the necessary financial and knowl- Yorktown formally ended the Europe and the United States that will continue next July when ESA edge resources." American Revolutionary War.

NEWS FROM FRANCE 3 [ In Depth ]

Under the French Sun: Summer Vacation in the Air France is the sixth largest economy in the world in terms of GDP, with In France, summer vacation begins in July and reaches its peak during the month of more than 63 million citizens and a GDP that reached approximately 1,800 August. Around 70 percent of French vacationers leave town during these two months, billion euros in 2006. More than one million businesses have been set up in and by mid-August, approximately a quarter of the population is enjoying a break from the country over the past five years, and French workers claim one of the work. During this time, many smaller family-owned businesses put signs on their doors highest hourly productivity rates in the world. that read "fermeture annuelle" (annual closing) to signal that they are on holiday. But along with encouraging an efficient workforce and a globally com- The high volume of traffic in late summer resulting from vacationers prompted petitive economy, France places great value on the chance to rest and relax the French government to launch a public service campaign in 1976 to help citizens trav- amid the bustle of everyday life, to cultivate a joie de vivre that encompass- el more safely and efficiently to their vacation destinations. The campaign, represented by es far more than just the daily commute to the office. French citizens enjoy a mascot called the "Bison futé" (Wily Bison), still exists today and offers information on five weeks of paid vacation, allowing time to take trips out of town and to traffic conditions and road safety through radio, TV, and Internet broadcasts. be with family, thanks to a series of laws that have over time morphed into a cultural mainstay. French vacation habits do not come at the expense of labor productivity — in fact, the opposite may be true. Measured as value added per hour worked, France is Where the French Go the third most productive nation in the world, after Norway and the U.S., according A majority ofFrench vaca- to a 2007 International Labour Organization report. In addition to being well-rested, tioners within "l'hexa- many French workers hold scientific and technical degrees and receive thorough job gone," travel to popular training,factors that may contribute to the country's productivity rate. seaside destinations in the south, especially along the Atlantic Ocean at Bassin History of Paid Vacation in France d'Arcachon in Bordeaux or in the Basque region at Paid vacations date back to the 1930s, Biarritz—formerly fre- when the socialist-communist Front quented by Queen Populaire won a majority in the French Victoria and currently National Assembly, and the left-lean- renowned among surfers ing Léon Blum was named prime min- for its ideal funnel Once frequented by Queen Victoria, Biarritz ister.Along with establishing a 40-hour waves. Also popular is continues to be a popular tourist desination for work week, the new government insti- the "Côte d'Azur," or its ideal funnel waves and sunny shores. tuted a two-week paid vacation, which French Riviera, stretch- Newly implemented paid at the time was exciting for many ing along the Mediterranean coast from Menton near the Italian border to Marseille.While vacation in the 1930s contributed French workers who had previously the harbor of Saint-Tropez has a reputation for large yachts, beautiful people, and glam- to a fledgling tourism industry been unable to afford time off. In the our, slower-paced family-friendly locations are also frequented, including Antibes Juan- and new avenues for citizens to spend leisurely time. summer of 1936, many Frenchmen saw les-Pins, famous for inspiring artist Pablo Picasso,and Hyères, a former Phoenician settle- the ocean for the first time. ment dating from the fourth century B.C. Emerging industries followed suit and began addressing the needs of vaca- The mountains, especially the Pyrénées and Alps, also attract large numbers of tioners. Léo Lagrange, of the new Ministry of Sports and Leisure, created hostels summer vacationers. La Clusaz and Courchevel near the Swiss border — favorite ski and implemented a 40 percent reduction on train tickets for those traveling on hol- resorts in winter — allow visitors to take in scenic vistas as they hike and bike through iday. Summertime essentials, such as Ambre Solaire sun cream, appeared for the the rural terrain. In addition, the numerous mountain lakes in the region offer oppor- first time. Between 1936 and 1938, bicycle sales rose by 30 percent. Furthermore, tunities to enjoy water skiing and motor boating. popular culture embraced the new trends — films and magazines depicted fami- While many families share second homes or frequent resorts along the sea and in lies on holiday and couples on the beach. Reflecting on this time of change, Léon the mountains, campgrounds are also popular and attract tens of thousands of patrons Blum declared, "Jalopies, motorbikes, and tandems ridden by working class cou- from within the country and elsewhere. In fact, France is a top destination for camp- ples in matching pullovers [...] all this made me feel that, in spite of everything,I ing in Europe, with more than 10,000 campgrounds and almost a million available had brought a ray of sunshine into dark, difficult lives [...] not only making family places to pitch a tent, according to France's Commission of Departmental Tourism life easier but opening a vision of the future and creating hope." Action (CDAT). Nearly all campsites have hot showers and running toilets. CDAT also Over the course of the following decades, the length of the rates accommodations on a four-star scale that considers comfort and quality of the paid vacation was extended to three weeks, then to four. In available amenities. Some three- or four-star sites provide grocery stores, bakeries, the 1980s, then-French President restaurants, washing machines, swimming pools, sports facilities, and even doctors on- François Mitterrand established site. Large campgrounds offer free-of-charge activities for children, including volley- five weeks, where it remains today. ball, archery, pool games, and golf, as well as swimming lessons for smaller children. Technically, every employee, This summer, the French Ministry of Sports is offering thousands of free swimming regardless of his salary, work lessons in pools and lakes throughout the country—some of which may be near camp- schedule, or field of work, has grounds — in an effort to cut down on water-related accidents (see NFF 08.04). Le Bison futé disseminates information the right to two and a half on traffic conditions for vacationers. After a summer's rest, the French are prepared for "la rentrée" (see NFF 07.10) vacation days per month, in September, when employees return to the office and students head back to school which translates to 30 working days of paid leave per year. Employment law, for another year.This time provides a fresh start after a relaxing summer's vacation however, dictates certain limitations—for example, employees cannot take for citizens young and old as they head back into a new routine and mind set. more than 24 working days of leave at a time without permission, and they Around wintertime, many French families take another vacation to enjoy winter must take at least 12 working days in a row of main vacation. sports and celebrate the holidays with relatives.

4 NEWS FROM FRANCE [Business and Technology ] CAR SHARE PROGRAM IN PARIS WILL BRING 4,000 ELECTRIC CARS TO THE CITY OF LIGHT Parisians will soon enjoy a new envi- Speeding Toward a Cleaner Horizon ronmentally-friendly transportation option, thanks to Autolib', an unprece- French Minister for Ecology, emitted by a vehicle per kilome- dented electric car-sharing program ini- Energy, Sustainable Development ter. Motor vehicles emitting less tiated by the mayor of the French cap- and Town and Country Planning than 130 grams of carbon diox- ital Bertrand Delanoë that will place Jean-Louis Borloo introduced an ide per kilometer receive 4,000 electric cars in and around the city — 2,000 within the capital and endeavor to further reduce green- between a 200 to 1,000 euro 2,000 in the suburbs. Autolib' will be house gas emissions by expanding bonus and those emitting less the first major electric car project in any France's public initiative, "Bonus- than 60 grams of carbon dioxide capital city, and is expected to launch Malus," a program instituted last per kilometer are eligible for a e at the end of the year. The program year that rewards for the purchase reward of 5,000 euros. These is modeled after Vélib', a highly suc- of fuel-efficient cars and discour- bonus are subtracted from the cessful bicycle-sharing scheme that

ages the use of heavily polluting . de la Mur price of the vehicle and in many allows users to pick up and drop off vehicles. Aimed at buyers of new © F cases, are advertised on the sales bicycles at numerous stands through- cars, the incentive currently offers Annual penalties will be imposed on buyers of tag. Owners of cars older than out the city. 700 Autolib' pick-up a financial reward (bonus) for new cars that heavily emit CO2. 15 years are given up to an addi- points will be scattered across the Paris area, as well as numerous electric-car environmentally-friendly cars and tional 300-euro incentive to recharging stations. Much like Vélib', a financial penalty (malus) upon the purchase of an automobile trade in their vehicle and buy a more energy-efficient one in its Parisians can pay to use the cars on the that emits high-levels of carbon dioxide, a gas that contributes to place. Conversely, cars emitting more than 160 grams of carbon spot or can subscribe annually for global warming.Minister Borloo announced a new development dioxide per kilometer are eligible for a malus of 200 to 2,600 access to the program. in the program stipulating that drivers of polluting vehicles will euros—drivers pay an additional tax in this amount when register- also be required to pay annual penalties as of January 1, 2009, in ing their new automobile. The program has already helped increase FRENCH SCIENTISTS MAKE addition to the previously instituted tax upon initial purchase. sales of fuel-efficient cars by 45 percent and has cut demand 40 per- BREAKTHROUGH IN THE EARLY Bonus and malus depend on the amount of carbon dioxide cent for vehicles consuming large amounts of petroleum. DETECTION OF ALZHEIMER'S

French Scientist Wins Blue Planet Prize for Antarctic Research © O. Colliot Doctor Claude Lorius became the first French scientist to receive unprecedented high levels, possibly due to human activity and A new image-processing the Blue Planet Prize in June, a prestigious environmental award global warming. Drilling through ice sheets all over the Antarctic, program measures the volume of acknowledging outstanding achievements in scientific research including cores at Vostok station, the coldest place on Earth, Lorius the hippocampus and compares aimed at solving global environmental problems. Lorius, who is a examined atmospheric concentrations of methane and carbon it to a healthy example (left) member of the French Academy of Sciences and the Director dioxide and tracked global warming. to detect Alzheimer's. Emeritus of Research at the National Center for Scientific Research, The annual Blue Planet Prize is sponsored by Japan's Asahi Researchers at France's National has made 22 polar expeditions to the Antarctic to study global cli- Glass Foundation, which awards the prize to two individuals or Center for Scientific Research mate change since he began his research in the mid-1950s. groups each year.This year, the other recipient was Brazilian (CNRS), in collaboration with the French National Institute for Health Lorius was recognized for his many years of data collection and Professor José Goldemberg,from the University of São Paulo,who, and Medical Research (Inserm), analysis in the Antarctic, which have allowed him to discover and along with Lorius, will receive a certificate of merit, a trophy, and a have developed an image-process- document the relationship between different glacial periods and supplementary award of about $500,000 at an awards ceremony in ing computer program that may concentrations of carbon dioxide that are currently reaching Tokyo in November. help detect early stages of Alzheimer's. The program will allow doctors to quickly measure Parisian Gas Balloon Combines Science and Tourism the volume of the hippocampus, Aérophile of France, a Paris-based manufacturer of tethered the brain structure that atrophies in gas balloons, has paired up this spring with air-quality sur- the first stages of the disease, and veillance organization Airparif to provide the first floating compare it to those of healthy individuals of the same age. measurer of air pollution. The balloon, which collects envi- Current diagnostic procedures for ronmental data and monitors air quality, is also expected to Alzheimer's rely on clinical and attract tourists by offering scenic rides 500 feet above the neuropsychological exams that ground. use Magnetic Resonance Imaging Containing 6,000 cubic meters of helium, the immense technology and often result in late balloon is located above Parc André Citroën in the 15th detection, thereby limiting treat- arrodissement.It has drawn over 500,000 visitors since its ment options. CNRS estimates that

ophile inception in 1999 and aims to attract even more with its new one out of every two Alzheimer's environmental component. Based on the Archimedes princi- patients in France suffers as a result © Aer ple, it can smoothly and noiselessly lift up to 30 passengers. of late detection. CNRS and Inserm The Paris Air Ballon glows brightly in the City of scientists successfully used the Aérophile uses the data collected in flight to display two Light. The Balloon provides scenic views of the city program to depict distinctions measurements of atmospheric pollution. The first is a system of for tourists while monitoring the air quality. between a group of Alzheimer's color coding, visible 24 hours a day, that grades air pollution: patients and a control group of green for very clean air, light green for clean air, orange for some pollution, and red for high levels of pollution. The second meas- their healthy contemporaries. urement functions by way of a high-power rotating laser beam, measuring air near high-traffic areas. Nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and Results were published in the July particles are the most harmful atmospheric contaminants that the balloon is programmed to display. issue of the journal "Radiology."

NEWS FROM FRANCE 5 Society ONE CENTURY OF FRENCH [ ] AEROSPACE Tropical Paradise Heats Up in the Heart of Paris Every summer since 2002, Paris-Plage has become a Paris's municipal government major success since it was founded has transformed the banks of by current mayor of Paris, the Seine River and city park La Bertrand Delanoë. For the past six The centennial celebration Villette into sandy beaches, years, Voie Georges Pompidou and displays innovations from the bringing an air of France's sunny Quai de la Gare, on the banks of first solo-flight aircraft. coastline to the capital. This year, the Seine, and La Villete have been Groupement des Industries Françaises the Orchestra of Paris opened transformed into tropical paradis- Aeronautiques et Spatiales (GIFAS), an Paris-Plage (Paris Beach) with es, giving patrons the opportunity association that promotes collaboration Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, to paddleboat, mini-golf, play vol- in the air and space industry, is celebrat- followed by a 120-person choir leyball, and workout in open-air ing one hundred years of representing France's many aerospace companies singing "Ode to Joy," the official © Sophie ROBICHON- Mairie de Paris gyms. In recent years, Paris-Plage with an open-air exhibition this October hymn of the European Union Paris-Plage allows Parisians to enjoy the sun and has expanded and now includes along Paris's Champs-Élysées between (E.U.), in honor of France's sand from a comfortable perch near the Seine. beach-side libraries, samba dance the Marcel Dassault Roundabout and presidency of the E.U. In lessons, and nightly open-air cine- . The exhibit will addition, the surface area of the beaches at La Villette, mas, as well as shuttles between the three locations. Other cities, display innovations from the first solo- northeast of Paris, was doubled to accommodate the grow- such as Brussels, Prague, and Tokyo, have instituted their own flight aircraft to the Airbus 380 — cur- ing popularity of the event that attracted 4 million partici- versions of Paris-Plage, demonstrating its popularity and success rently the largest commercial carrier in pants last year. as an urban model of community fellowship. the world. Concomitantly, more than 260 members of GIFAS will discuss methods to make air transport cleaner and to use existing technology to survey New Initiatives to Attract Tourists from Emerging Economies and protect the environment. The association's predecessor, Chambre Millions of tourists flock to France each year to visit its countless gems, from Syndicale des Industries Aéronautiques the Eiffel Tower to the sunny beaches of the Côte d'Azur. On June 19, (CSIA), was founded on January 11, France's Minister of State responsible for Businesses and Foreign Trade, 1908, by a group of aviation pioneers, Hervé Novelli, along with Christine Lagarde,minister of Economy,Industry, including Louis Blériot — the first man to and Employment, announced an initiative that aims to reinforce France's fly across the English Channel. CSIA was position as the premier vacation destination worldwide while also adapting the first definitive separation between to changing conditions in the tourism industry. the automobile and airplane industries As part of the initiative, "Destination France 2020," France hopes to and gave a commercial dimension to fly- ing, which had previously only been attract more visitors from emerging economies such as Russia, China, India, considered a sport. The organization's Brazil, and Mexico by facilitating visa processes in these countries and allow- name was changed in 1975 to repre- ing more budget airlines to service French airports. sent the expansion of the association to New endeavors aim to attract tourists from France also aims to modernize its tourism industry through sever- include civil and military aircraft, helicop- emerging economies to enjoy France’s world- al reforms, including a five-star rating system for hotels that replaces the ters, engines, satellites, launch systems, renowned destinations such as the Côte d’Azur. previous four-star scale. and associated software. Additionally, Rail Europe launched a new prepaid ticketing system called "Anywhere Anytime France," allowing tourists to travel to multiple French cities by train for budget prices. For an initial booking SPREADING AIDS AWARENESS The 10th annual Solidays Festival took fee, any subsequent trip within France costs only $50, as long as all trips are purchased at the same time and are taken within 30 days. Tickets place in Paris from July 4-6 to raise can be purchased online and printed out at self-service kiosks in train stations. For more information, please visit: www.raileurope.com. money for AIDS research and to height- en awareness about the disease, demonstrating France's continued com- mitment in addressing the AIDS epi- FORMER FRENCH demic. More than 150,000 spectators PRESIDENT'S BLOG taining to the European Union. gathered to listen to more than 200 EXPLORES E.U. Through this Web site, president musicians representing a spectrum of On the first anniversary of the Giscard d'Estaing seeks to engage musical talents, who performed on five launch of his political blog, former France's Internet navigators in an different stages. Among the artists pres- ent were West African reggae singer French president Valéry Giscard open debate surrounding those Alpha Blondy, British alternative elec- d'Estaing continues to be an active issues that have inspired his own tronica band Asian Dub Foundation, figure in national and international political career. In addition to links and French slam poet Grand Corps politics. Not only is President Giscard Former French president Giscard where visitors to the site can access d’Estaing discussed in D.C. Malade. In addition, 100 associations d'Estaing serving as a de jure mem- and comment on his written essays challenges facing the E.U. His from five continents gathered at the ber of the French Constitutional or press appearances, he provides blog serves as an electronic festival to express their solidarity in the Council, but at the age of 82 he is prompt responses to comments and fight against AIDS. They addressed the forum to facilitate discussion still giving interviews, writing essays, surrounding the E.U. questions regarding European poli- risks of the disease and methods of and traveling the world to meet tics, creating a rich dialogue protection against it. The event, first with foreign officials, ambassadors, D.C., last month (See NFF 08.06). He between himself and his readers. To organized in 1998 by Solidarité Sida, has raised eight million euros for AIDS and members of the press. Most also still finds the time to write his participate in the dialogue yourself, research since its inception. recently, he visitied Washington, popular blog dedicated to issues per- please visit: http://vge-europe.eu/.

6 NEWS FROM FRANCE [Cultural Highlights ] les coups d’oeil EUROPEAN DIGITAL LIBRARY PROTOTYPE TO BE LAUNCHED Exhibition Traces French and American Influence on Impressionism Europeans will soon have access to the digital collections of every Nestled along the Seine River 50 miles graphs and documents from American national library, archive, and muse- west of Paris, the small town of artists living and working in Giverny um in Europe at the click of a Giverny served as the source of inspi- more than a century ago. mouse. Europeana, a prototype of ration for many turn-of-the-century Willard Metcalf, Louis Ritter, and the European Digital Library, is painters, including numerous Theodore Wendel, among other expected to be launched November Americans who formed an art colony renowned American painters, explored 20 at a meeting of European cultur- there before World War I. Returning innovative usage of brushwork, light, al ministers in Brussels. The Library, to the United States during the War, and color in the region of Giverny, which aims to offer more than six million items for perusal by 2010, some of these artists founded anoth- which was at the time the permanent will initially consist of digitized ver- er community in Old Lyme, residence of celebrated French painter sions of at least two million print Connecticut, which earned the nick- Claude Monet. Around 1900, a colony and audiovisual items such as name "American Giverny." erra Foundation for American Art, Chicago of artists began living in the village year books, maps, photographs, archive © T Giverny and Old Lyme cele- "The Pool," Richard E. Miller, 1910, is one round, painting landscapes as well as records, and film material, all easily brated their joint artistic history among 50 works that pays tribute to family life in the intimacy of private located with a simple search mecha- this summer with "Impressionist American impressionists at the gardens and dwellings. nism. The Library is one of France's Giverny: American Painters in exhibition in Old Lyme. Works depicting Giverny from cultural priorities during its six- France, 1885-1915," an exhibit that this period are still highly prized. "Le month term as president of the traces the development of impressionism in the French region. bassin aux nymphéas," a masterpiece by Monet of his water lily Council of the European Union (E.U.), and France has played an Initially displayed at the Museum of American Art at Giverny, the pond outside the town, sold in June 2008 for $80.4 million — integral role in the development of exhibit is at the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme from May more than double the previous record price paid for a painting the project. In addition to the 3 through July 27. In addition to well-known paintings, by the artist. A small landscape painted by Metcalf sold for $1.6 120,000 documents contributed to "Impressionist Giverny" features reproductions of archival photo- million in 2004, nearly twice the estimated auction price. the international database by the digital library of the Bibliothèque Nationale de France, called Gallica2, Celebrating the Legend of King Arthur in Rennes many of the Library's documents The timeless legend of King Arthur took the French city of Rennes by storm in mid-July, as academics and will be copyrighted and protected adoring fans convened to celebrate the fabled hero who is said to have roamed the western French region of through a system that has been Brittany in the 6th century. under trial by Gallica2 since March. For more information please visit: From July 15-20, Rennes welcomed "King Arthur: A Legend in the Making," an exhibition in French, www.europeana.eu. English and German at Les Champs Libres that explores the life of King Arthur and the roots of the literary and historical myths that surround him. The exhibition, which runs through January 2009, displays over 200 AMERICAN FRIENDS OF THE objects relating to the adventures of the king and his knights, including manuscripts, woodcuts, engravings, HOST FIRST FUNDRAISER and tapestries. Prominent among the items is one of the oldest illuminated manuscripts of Arthur's Round The American Friends of the Louvre Table, preserved by la Bibliothèque de Rennes. (AFL), in conjunction with the Also on July 15, the International Arthurian Society, which brings together experts on Arthurian International Friends of the Louvre, hosted its first major fundraising “King Arthur,” tales from around the world, began its 22nd International Congress at Rennes University. The six-day event at the Musée du Louvre in Charles Ernest event invited its members to view the exhibition and to tour the city of Rennes, as well as to embark Paris from June 9-11, raising $2.6 Butler, 1903. on excursions around Brittany. million for the restoration of a Louis Rennes celebrated The stories of King Arthur, whose mythical kingdom extended across much of modern-day France and XV drawing room that will be fea- the legend in July. Britain, were widely recounted throughout Europe as early as the 13th century.The Brittany region is pur- tured in the museum's 18th-century ported to be among the mysterious and beautiful settings for many of these tales. Sir Lancelot, one of the best decorative arts gallery. Founded in known of Arthur's knights, was said to have been raised in the Brocéliande forest, and the king's evil half sister, the sorceress Morgan Le 2002, AFL seeks to strengthen ties Fay,is believed to have had a legendary secret hideaway on the Brittany coast. between the Louvre and its American public not only by partici- pating in the financing of Louvre Musée du Quai Branly Attracts Over Three Million Visitors projects, but also by promoting cul- Le Musée du Quai Former French President Jacques Chirac, an enthusiast of tural exchanges between the French Branly's three mil- African and Asian art, under whose presidency the museum was museum and institutions in the U.S. The AFL also supports the museum's lionth visitor helped conceived and constructed, characterized it as "an incomparable efforts to improve educational tools kick off the celebra- aesthetic experience as well as an indispensable lesson in humani- and visiting conditions for anglo- tion of the institu- ty." In the last two years, Quai Branly has become an ethnic cross- phone tourists. Guests to the tion's second anniver- roads, working with other institutions around the world on travel- fundraiser, titled "Liaisons au Louvre," sary last June. The ing exhibition and becoming part of Paris's cultural life by offering were invited to a formal gala in the museum, situated © musée du quai Branly/ Antonin Borgeaud dance, music and theater programs. museum that included a dinner in the along the Seine's View of Le Musée du Quai Visitors to the museum from now until September can enjoy Galerie Daru and a concert by British right bank one block Branly’s interior. the largest exhibition of Polynesian art ever assembled in one place. pop rock band Duran Duran. Among from the Eiffel Tower, features a collection of 300,000 works Many of the 250 woodcarvings are from the 18th and 19th cen- the other events was a lunch at the entirely devoted to the exploration of indigenous cultures and turies and depict life in the Pacific Islands during the period of ini- American Embassy with American Ambassador to France Craig civilizations in Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas, including tial contact with European explorers by displaying religious icons, Stapleton and a private viewing of the a 46-foot-high totem pole from British Columbia in the entrance ivory ornaments, and decorated textiles. For more information, Louvre's rarely seen Leonardo da Vinci hall and galleries featuring Native American art. please visit: www.quaibranly.fr. drawings.

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