A free monthly review of French news & trends
VOL. 10.08 OCTOBER 30
France Passes Law Banning Facial Concealment in Public France passed a law in early October banning the public wearing of garments that cover the professional grounds, face, declaring that "No one shall, in any public space, wear clothing designed to conceal the or is part of artistic or face." The legislation is the result of a year-long earnest debate held throughout France led traditional festivities by a bipartisan commission of 32 members of Parliament. The commission interviewed or events." dozens of human rights associations, women's rights associations, legal scholars, specialists Although ratified of the Islamic world, and Muslim faith associations, including the French Muslim Faith this October, the law Council and the Great Mosque of Paris. will not be enforced The statute does not target any one group of people, but rather addresses several areas of for another six social concern in a broad manner. Throughout the consultation, various schools of thought months. The interim were weighed and a consensus was formed around two prevailing elements. First, conceal- period is intended to ing the face in public runs counter to the values of the Republic, specifically relating to pub- allow for "mediation lic policy.The latter covers not only the demands of security,but also the rules of sociability between the public France passed legislation in early October that prohibits wearing garments that cover the face in public. (facilitating open social dialogue between peers in which citizens are easily identifiable) and authorities and the public service (complying with certain administrative formalities: marriage, trials, etc.), persons likely to be concerned by [the] statute." Starting next spring,any person found to be among others. Secondly, the full-face veil is not a universal religious obligation and is only in violation of the law could face up to a 150-euro fine, while any person found to violate the worn by a minority of Muslim women throughout the world. Conversely,the law includes "dignity of[a] human being" by compelling "another person,by reason ofthe sex ofthat per- several exemptions and shall not apply "if such clothing is prescribed by law or regulations, son, to conceal their face" could be sentenced to up to a year in prison and receive a 15,000- or is authorized to ensure the anonymity of the person involved, is justified on medical or euro fine. Smashing Reception for New dietary elements. "Smashable" foods include pizza, hamburgers, sodas, milkshakes, and jelly Children's Nutrition Game doughnuts. On September 29, "Smash Your Franco-American "serious game" designer Food Food" was honored at a White House award N' Me, in collaboration with French public service ceremony with an honorable mention in the institution Universcience, has produced an award- games division of the "Apps for Healthy Kids" winning internet game to educate children and competition, held as part of First Lady Michelle their families about healthy eating habits. Obama's nation-wide campaign, "Let's Move." The game, called "Smash Your Food™," is the Food N' Me will continue collaboration first of many planned game releases, and was with Universcience, the institution responsible inspired out of a recent collaboration between for the current "Bon Appétit" children's nutri- the two organizations. In the game, users are tion exhibit at the Cité des sciences et de l'in- encouraged to manipulate a large mechanical dustrie in Paris, to "bring scientific consultation press to literally "smash" unhealthy food items, © Food N’ Me and expertise to the production of Food N' exposing the amount of sugar, salt, and oil in Me™." those foods. The results are then compared “Smash Your Food” received an honorable mention in For more information and to play Smash against the recommended daily amounts of these First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” campaign. Your Food, please visit: www.foodnme.com.
Recent Retirement Reforms in France INSIDE
The French Parliament is debating a reform of the country's pension sys- the system to balance itself. Although 2 Current Events tem. To be implemented gradually by 2018, the controversial new law will plans to rebalance the ratio of workers to Ocean Exploration raise the legal age at which citizens may retire from 60 to 62. Conversely, retirees have been met with strong oppo- 3 France & America provided they meet the minimum level of contributions, those who began sition, the French system is currently fac- France and North Carolina working at the age of 18 will not be affected by the increase in the legal ing a major obstacle: due to the advanc- retirement age. Additionally, the legislature will, by 2023, progressively ing age of the Baby Boom generation, the 4 In Depth increase the age at which a person is entitled to receive a full pension from ratio of workers to retirees is a strained France’s Best Craftsmen 65 to 67. 1.8: 1, as opposed to the 4:1 ratio in 1960. 5 Business & Tech The pension reform introduces, for the first time in Europe, recognition The economic and financial crisis that hit Paris Motor Show of the long-term tolls of strenuous labor. In practical terms, those who have the world accelerated and exacerbated the 6 Society had physically grueling jobs can retire at 60. For senior citizens, the pension existing deficits. In 2010, one pension in First Carbonated Fountain reform makes provision for the creation of a system to offer recruitment 10 is paid by government credit, further assistance to job seekers over the age of 55. increasing public debt. Without reforms, 7 Culture In the French pension system, contributions from those who work pay the the government projects that its deficit New Light on Impressionism pension of those who are retired. To guarantee the success of the system, the from pensions alone could reach 45 bil- 8 France in America ratio of workers to retirees must be stable, requiring the input and output of lion euros by 2020. French Art in Nashville En bref [ Current Events ]
PUBLISHER METRO INTERNATIONAL LOOKS TO EXPAND IN FRANCE Symposium on Ocean Exploration, Governance and Discovery In an age when some The Embassy of France held a sympo- Elizabeth Moore ofthe National Oceanic traditional sium on Ocean Exploration,Governance and Atmospheric Administration media out- and Ten Years of Discovery on October (NOAA). lets are scal- 19. The Symposium brought together Finally,Jesse Ausubel, Director of the ing back pro- distinguished guests from NGOs, think Program for the Human Environment at duction, tanks, universities, and federal agencies to © CNRS/ Elodie Domenge Rockefeller University, presented the global pub- provide insights on current marine bio- Census of Marine Life (CoML) findings. lisher of free commuter dailies, Metro diversity issues, from scientific explo- The CoML (www.coml.org) is a decade- International SA, recently launched ration to international governance. long project began in 2000, which three new dailies in France. With the Guest speakers from France included brought together 2,700 scientists from addition of free publications in Metz, Olli Barbé from Galatée Films, who worked for six years on Jacques more than 80 nations to assess and explain the diversity,distribution, Nancy, and Toulon, Metro papers Perrin's film Océans.Philippe Lebaron,director ofthe Marine Station and abundance of life in the oceans. The symposium marked the are now available in 15 major in Banyuls-sur-Mer; Philippe Bouchet, of the French National first time the CoML findings were released in the United States. French cities. In partnership with Museum of Natural History; and Philippe Goulletquer of Ifremer The symposium was organized by the Office for Science & local television broadcast company also gave presentations on marine biodiversity exploration. Technology at the Embassy of France in partnership with the French TF1, Metro has begun distribution U.S. guest speakers included Ron O'Dor from the Consortium National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS). The event was fol- of 60,000 additional copies of its for Ocean Leadership; Michael Vecchione, curator of the Sant Ocean lowed by a reception at the Smithsonian Institution's NMNH, with a Parisian edition, while undisclosed Hall at the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH); and screening of Jacques Perrin's film Océans. production increases in Toulouse and Nice aim to bolster Metro's position in the south of France, France Welcomes 2010 Women's Forum Global Meeting where Metro is already the top free The coastal city ofDeauville,France,welcomed female leaders in cor- Engagement Team at Goldman Sachs, Anne Black, and the Video publication. In a statement from porate and public spheres from around the world for the 6th annual and New Media Director-Producer for Barack Obama's 2008 Metro, the company laid out its Women's Forum Global Meeting. Held from October 13 - 16, the Presidential Campaign, Kate Albright-Hanna. The meeting was goals for the expansion: "The aim is theme of this year's forum was "Change: Make it Happen." attended by over 1,200 guests, a 20 percent increase from last year. to differentiate Metro from other Held at the Deauville International Center,the forum featured A key contributing factor to the event's success, according to players by…acquiring the best panel discussions, brainstorming sessions, and a variety of meet- organizers, was the innovative Discovery Program, introduced national coverage of free newspa- and-greet events for participants. The conference aimed to for the conference. Consisting of a series of sessions held in par- pers in France." address five primary questions related to global change in politics, allel to the main Forum, the Discovery Program allowed partic- business, the environment, health, and "the woman factor." ipants to "experience new thoughts, and exchange ideas with PRESTIGIOUS MUSEUM REOPENS Notable speakers at the event included Editor-in-Chief of Le artists, writers, scientists, experts, men and women from around LaM, the Lille Métropole Museum of Monde, Sylvie Kauffmann, Vice President of the Corporate the world." Modern Art, Contemporary Art, and Outsider Art in Villeneuve d'Ascq reopened on September 25 after four Interview with Karen Taylor,Editor of while on assignment. Maybe if we'd ever had Gourmet's budget, we years of renovations. The museum France Magazine would have behaved the same way,I don't know.But we are part of a (www.musee-lam.fr) has been a noted nonprofit and have always had to keep costs down to the bone; cre- artistic center in the French countryside How has the publication evolved since ativity,resourcefulness and an incredibly dedicated staff have allowed for years, a harmonious union of art, its inception 25 years ago, and where us to produce a quality publication on a shoestring. architecture, and garden. Boasting do you see it headed? What also makes us very proud is when we do a feature story— works by Picasso, Braque, and on Marseille, for example, or contemporary winery architecture in Modigliani, the museum now also Our editorial mission has remained the same — 25 years on, we are Bordeaux — and people from those areas tell us that they learned contains touchable sculptures and still seeking out the best of France to share with our readers: the most something new about their native city or region in the pages of rotating international exhibits. Post- outstanding cultural events, the most compelling talents, the best France Magazine. renovation, its new features include an travel destinations, the most distinctive products and services. What annex designed by architect Manuelle has changed is not what we do but how we do it. Thanks to so many How does the magazine plan to celebrate its 25th anniversary? Gautrand, with carved eyelet walls technological advances, we are producing a much more sophisticat- that filter natural light, as well as an ed product now than we did in 1985 with exactly the same number The best birthdays are those you spend with friends, and we are unparalleled collection of art brut, or of people. It's hard to believe, but when we absolutely delighted that so many old friends are outsider art. The new exhibition of art started this magazine, we were retyping joining with us to put on a fabulous fundraising brut showcases works by socially mar- articles sent from France by fax and cutting gala at the French Ambassador's Residence. The ginalized artists who never received and pasting layouts by hand! event will benefit the French-American Cultural formal training, notably psychiatric Foundation, and we are collaborating with names patients and psychic mediums. LaM is Of what milestones or particular features is the magazine most that you have seen in our magazine over the years: the Conseil des one of many prestigious museums of proud? Grands Crus Classés en 1855 (Médoc & Sauternes), Champagne contemporary art appearing in Roederer,Cuisine Solutions,Open Skies,the George V in Paris,the de Northern France — the Pompidou Given all the upheaval in the publishing industry in recent years, we Young museum in San Francisco, Augustine by Thierry Gripoix, Center recently opened a satellite in are most proud of the fact that we are still here--and I'm not being Baccarat, Christofle, Chanel…. All of these great names and many Metz, while the Louvre plans to open facetious! Just this past week,I read an article by a former travel writer others are helping us celebrate the best of culture, travel and art de its own offshoot in Lens. at Gourmet (which folded last year) relating her lavish spending vivre while supporting French-American cultural relations.
2 NEWS FROM FRANCE RENOWNED FRENCH MAESTRO [ France & America ] TAKES THE LEAD IN SANTA FE French conductor, composer, and pianist Frédéric International Connections Forged in Higher Education Chaslin began a three-year term on October 1 as chief Thanks to a recent agreement In an interview with News from France,Dean of NCSU's College conductor of the between North Carolina State of Management, Ira Weiss, expressed his excitement about the many Santa Fe Opera.
University (NCSU) and possibilities for collaboration between the two institutions. "We envi- © Santa Fe Opera / Douglas MERRIAM He will open the Opera's 2011 sea- France's SKEMA (School of sion development of this partnership in three major areas, one being Chaslin is the Knowledge, Economy and traditional student exchanges where [NCSU] would send some of son with a new chief conductor production of Management) Business our students to study at one of SKEMA's many campuses world- of the Santa Fe Gounod's Faust School, both institutions will wide… the second being the possibility of graduate-level dual degree Opera. and will lead at boast enhanced international programs between NCSU and SKEMA… and the third being facul- least one new pro- connections for years to come. ty research by SKEMA professors on campus." Student cultural duction during each of the subse- quent years of his term. Chaslin, a Starting in January 2011, immersion will also be a major component of this partnership,with native of Paris, received training at the students from SKEMA a commitment from NCSU Interim Provost and Executive Vice Paris Conservatory and the Salzburg
Business School will be able © Haruhide000 Chancellor Warwick Arden to personally ensure the successful inte- Mozarteum. In addition to a distin- to attend classes at SKEMA's North Carolina State gration of SKEMA students into NCSU's student life. guished career of directing and guest- conducting in many of the world's first American branch, University is site of SKEMA SKEMA Business School, currently the largest business school in major opera houses, he has com- located on NCSU's business school's first France by enrollment, also hopes to take advantage of some of the posed an operatic adaptation of Centennial Campus in American campus. rich research opportunities for its students in the nearby "Research Wuthering Heights. Additionally, an Raleigh, North Carolina. Approximately 250 students in several Triangle." The school recently reached an agreement with the English translation of his book Music In undergraduate and graduate programs will participate in the first Research Triangle Park (RTP) Foundation to foster research projects Every Sense, which examines the rela- tionship between modern music and semester at the American campus, with all classes taught in with some of the area's high-tech companies,including SAS Institute, its audiences, will be released this fall. English. CISCO Systems, and IBM. After his debut conducting La Traviata with the Santa Fe Opera in 2009, Chaslin was pleased to accept a more Together Towards Innovation: Celebrating Transatlantic Exchange permanent position with the compa- ny. Citing the supportive spirit of the With the aim of strengthening collaboration between France and the American Southeast, the French Consulate in Atlanta management, artists, and diverse and the Georgia Institute of Technology will co-present France-Atlanta: Together Towards Innovation, a series of events tak- patron base at the Opera, Chaslin ing place from November 29 through December 12. articulated his satisfaction, "What France-Atlanta will feature over 20 events that highlight and encourage French-American collaboration in the fields of more could a conductor ask for?" science, economics, the arts, and humanitarianism. Programming includes scientific discussions on cancer research and CONFERENCE EXPLORES HISTORIC public health problems in Haiti, panels of economic experts addressing the renewable energy and logistics sectors, as well SHIPWRECK MYSTERY as musical performances by jazz group Trio Baptiste Trotignon and Les Elements, a choir from Toulouse. On November 30, Georgia Tech Lorraine, the university's campus in France, will sign an official agreement creating the Lafayette Institute, a Franco-American research center in the field of optoelectronics. Georgia Tech Lorraine celebrated its 20th anniversary this summer. For a complete list of scheduled events, please visit: www.france-atlanta.org.
Commissioned by King Louis XVI of France in 1785 (depicted in the paint- The Federation of Alliances Françaises USA Rolls into New Orleans ing above), Jean-François de Galaup, the count of Lapérouse, began a The Federation of Alliances Françaises (FAF) Catherine Velle's third novel, Soeurs marine expedition around the world, USA held its Convention and Annual meet- Chocolat, a tale of two nuns from a aiming to gain scientific and geo- ing in New Orleans, Louisiana, from community of chocolatiers who get graphical discoveries in addition to political and economic ties for France. October 14-17. The Convention was open lost on their way through Colombia in After a three-and-a-half-year voyage to all 113 chapters of the Alliance Française search of precious cacao.AF members chronicled in journals sent back to (AF) in the United States, who came to La were also able to attend the Assemblée France, Lapérouse and his crew disap- Nouvelle-Orléans to discuss best practices, Générale of the Federation, in addi- peared around the coast of Australia. Despite multiple search and rescue explore projects of mutual interest, and tion to meeting the new Délégué missions, they were never seen again. leverage resources to support and expand the Général, Jean-François Chenin. Artifacts from the shipwreck were dis- French network in the U.S. Said Federation The FAF bestowed one of its high- covered in 1826, but the ship itself President Mimi Gregory, "I feel very proud est distinctions — the Prix was not found until 1964, and not that we chose to come to New Orleans to The annual event brought together AF Charbonnier — on Le Comte Gilbert formally identified until 2005.The his- chapters throughout the U.S. toric achievements of Lapérouse, as really share and celebrate their renaissance de LaFayette, direct descendent of the well as the mystery surrounding his five years after Katrina." Marquis de Lafayette, in recognition of his efforts to sustain expedition's disappearance, were the Offering a series of workshops, events, and cultural excur- French-American friendship.He handed out copies of WETA's subject of a conference held on sions, the convention aims to help address the ever-changing recent documentary on Lafayette, according to Federation October 18 at a French language high school in San Francisco named after function of AF chapters in the U.S. Workshop topics include President Mimi Gregory,"to offer some of our smaller chapters an the explorer, Lycée Français La Pérouse. creating an up-to-date and practical website, instituting a opportunity to work together with teachers and even nearby his- Presented by Jérôme Gervais, adminis- French-language instruction program, discussing noteworthy torians to create programs in local high schools about the role trator of the Friends of the National successes, and maintaining relevance in local communities. One Lafayette played in the American Revolution and to facilitate Marine Museum of Paris, the confer- way many chapters stay involved is through book clubs. For the round table discussions." ence discussed particular episodes in the expedition and later inquiries into coming year, the One Book - One Federation program selected For more information on the FAF,please visit: www.afusa.org. the disappearance.
NEWS FROM FRANCE 3 [ In Depth ]
Les Meilleurs Ouvriers de France: A Tradition of Excellence With the recent release of the critically acclaimed documentary Kings of Technically,any French citizen 23 years Pastry,Americans are getting their first look at the famed Concours des or older who pays the 60-euro Meilleurs Ouvriers de France (MOF), or "One of the Best Craftsmen of entrance fee can compete, but few have France Competition." The contest, held every four years, pits some of the preparation and dedication neces- France's finest artisans from over 190 different disciplines against one sary to make a serious bid for the title. another in a no-holds-barred competition for the industry's highest honor: Most of the competitions involve a entry into the Société des Meilleurs Ouvriers de France. grueling regional preliminary round in Though largely considered a culinary competition, MOF encompasses which one must compete simply to many different crafts and trades ranging from the more traditional (choco- arrive at the qualifying stage of the late making, baking, lace and hand embroidery) to the more esoteric competition — six months before the (plumbing, taxidermy, hairdressing, ice-sculpture) across 16 different trade final competition. Such a lengthy and categories. meticulous qualification process The competition traces its origins back to 1924, when 200 master ensures that only the best of the best craftsmen from across France were invited to participate in the first end up in the finals. Exposition Nationale du Travail (National Work Exposition), which con- Jacquy Pfeiffer,decorated Chicago- cluded with the naming of 144 distinguished craftsmen as Meilleurs based pastry chef, competitor in the
Ouvriers de France.Since its inception, the National Exposition has been .com/D A Pennebaker 2007 Pâtisserie division of the MOF held 23 times, with the next edition scheduled for 2011 in the centrally competition, and the principal subject located French city of Clermont-Ferrand. Although the original MOF of the documentary Kings of Pastry, competition was held under the auspices of the first Exposition, the mod- © kingsofpastry does not mince words in describing ern-day MOF has grown so much in size and scope that the format has Chef Jacquy Pfeiffer puts the finishing the level of commitment and dedica- been adapted. The competition itself is now held over the course of two touches on a chocolate-sculpture tion it takes to compete for the MOF years, with varying dates according to craft. Most trade categories have a masterpiece. title. "The time needed to prepare was preliminary qualifying round in which the best craftsmen are selected to tremendous: I practiced in every spare second I could find and was often not home… It compete in a final round usually held several months later. Those proud was also a great financial commitment as there are no cash prizes for the candidates, mak- few selected as MOF at the end ing it a very expensive sport." At the competition, Pfeiffer produced a series of wedding- of the competition are then themed masterpieces in just 24 hours, including a three-tiered cake to serve 30, five styles invited to participate in the of pastry puff, a chocolate sculpture to display three types of chocolate candy, a plated National Exposition, where dessert to serve four, and an incredibly intricate centerpiece, known as the bijou (jewel). they present their work to the Pfeiffer even moved to France six weeks before the finals to perfect his recipes, practicing general public. countless "dry-runs" of the actual competition day,during which he produced hundreds The winners also attend a of versions of what would become his final chef d'oeuvre for judging. special ceremony over which Not only must the creations for any MOF competition exemplify artistic expression, the president of France pre- but in the case of pastry, taste is an essential factor. For this reason, each judging panel is sides, where they are presented composed of industry professionals, food critics, and past MOF winners who meticu- with the iconic MOF medals lously rate candidates on both artistic form and practical function of their creations. The on red, white, and blue striped stress of this judging process has been known to leave even the most seasoned profession- ribbons. The distinguished als in tears. As Chef Courtesy: COET award carries with it lifetime Pfeiffer puts it in The MOF competetion spans 190 retention of the MOF title — terms of his own different disciplines, including past laureates are easily recog- preparation, "I had to ice-sculpture.
nizable by the red, white and first work on the taste .com/D A Pennebaker blue collar that adorns their work garments. The title is taken so seriously part of it… Each that sporting such a collar fraudulently is a crime punishable by prison- recipe had to be dis-
time. sected to make it at © kingsofpastry Although the next Exposition Nationale is not scheduled for another the same time deli- year, most of the MOF competitions are already well underway. October cious yet also fool- featured preliminary rounds for many of the culinary MOF categories, proof in its prepara- including pastry, cheese making, butchering, and baking, among others. tion… This is when The coming year is likely to bring a new fervor of competition, with title the question is asked hopefuls putting their lives on hold for a chance to call themselves among about each recipe: is it The heat is on as former MOF winners, wearing the distinctive red, white, and blue collars, judge the best French craftsmen of 2011. good? Better ques- current competitors. tion: are the judges going to like it?" Blood, Sweat, and a Lot of Tears All of this raises the question: why do these titans of French craftsmanship choose to put themselves through such grueling and emotionally taxing trials? Considering throwing caution to the wind to pursue your passion for pâtisserie in For Chef Pfeiffer, it has always been about bringing innovation to his profession: the hopes of someday earning recognition as un des meilleurs ouvriers? The com- "No matter what the outcome of this intense competition, you are never the petitors are tough, but the competition is even tougher. same... You have to push yourself, more than you thought possible, and whatever So, what does it take to be named one of the best craftsmen in France? the outcome, you will come back a better professional."
4 NEWS FROM FRANCE [Business & Technology ] PC GAMING COMPANY GAMETAP TO RELOCATE TO FRANCE French Kick-Off Electric Mobility at Paris Auto Show The 2010 Paris Motor Show drew auto Preview, an urban car, will be enthusiasts from all over the world to released for purchase in early 2012. the Porte de Versailles Exposition Citroën will roll out the C-ZERO,an Grounds from October 2 to 17, display- all-electric car, by the end of this Online provider of PC games, ing over 100 new models. The Paris year. Peugeot debuted what it hails GameTap, is moving technical Motor Show offers an expansive look at as the first production-ready diesel and support teams to France. the coming year's auto market, and this hybrid in its new 3008 HYbrid4 year's edition focused on new technolo- model, which receives 62 mpg while GameTap, an online provider of gies in the field of "green" auto-engi- cutting carbon emissions by 30 per- subscription-based PC games, is neering. cent, according to the manufacturer. moving its technical and support Among the companies debuting Other highlights of the 2010 team from Atlanta to France to electric concept cars were French auto © Thomas Doerfer show included an indoor electric create "a global support center manufacturers Renault, Peugeot, and karting track, workshops on city based in Europe," according to Citroën's new 100% electric C-ZERO will be Citroën. Several of the companies have planning around electric vehicles, an article published in Joystiq. in production by the end of this year. The Atlanta office will be closed already moved past the concept stage, and an electric vehicle test track. by the end of October, with 10 with plans to release their electric models to the public market in Bluecar proposed its Bolloré model as an option for Autolib, the new positions being added to the the near future. For example, Renault unveiled four all-electric cars planned car-sharing program launched by Paris's city council, San Francisco Office to "strength- at the Auto Show ready for market: the Kangoo Express Z.E.and the demonstrating the collaborative spirit of both the public and pri- en [GameTap's] presence with sedan Fluenze Z.E. will be available in early 2011, the Twizy, a two- vate sectors to make the auto industry both environmentally major U.S. partners, distributors seat urban vehicle will come to market in late 2011, and the ZOE friendly and cost-efficient. [and] publishers" according to a company representative. The restructuring takes place on the margins of broader reforms to Oenophiles Rejoice! New Wine Purchasing Technology in France the business model of Metaboli, A new service for wine distribution and purchase is springing up in supermarkets the French gaming company that owns GameTap. According to the across France. Self-serve wine vending machines, first installed in June 2009, are gain- same representative, GameTap ing popularity thanks to the ecological and economical benefits of the new technology. will be phasing out some of its The machines, which resemble indoor gas-pumps, allow consumers to fill up any retro games in favor of newer, container of their choosing with select wines on site. The machine measures wine out- more popular titles to "tap" into put volume, and charges customers accordingly. Prices of wines vary according to vin- current gaming trends. Fifteen tage and provenance, but a normal cost is about 1.45 euros per liter, far below the price games will be added to a catalog one would expect to pay for a similar bottled wine. The elimination of glass and plas- that already includes over 550 tic packaging translates into eco-friendly added value. Without heavy bottles to ship, titles for download or online play. transportation of the wine becomes more efficient, and the re-using of containers TEN-EURO COINS WITH A erzian encourages recycling. REGIONAL FLAIR Astrid Terzian, the entrepreneur credited with the introduction of the bulk wine Four million ten-euro coins were © Astrid T vending machines in France, says that customers' reactions to the technology have been recently minted and released into Astrid Terzian poses with very positive. "Customers are taken aback at first, but then warm up to the idea, espe- circulation by the French govern- her wine vending machine. cially after a taste." ment, each coin bearing the insignia of one of 22 French regions and four overseas Departments. The coins were Eurocopter Unveils New Hybrid introduced for the first time on The Eurocopter group began official testing of a much- September 20. President of the anticipated prototype high-speed helicopter on Paris Mint, Christophe Beaux, explains the idea behind the mint- September 27 in Marignane, France. ing as "[a way] to find common The X3 hybrid helicraft is designed to achieve cruis- ground between this otherwise ing speeds of over 250 mph by fusing traditional heli- [stateless] currency and French copter designs with those of modern dual-prop air- national heritage." France is not planes. The result is a craft that is capable of hovering the first to experiment with this like a helicopter, but also moving forward with the type of currency. Germany has speed and agility of a small airplane. been using ten-euro region- The X3 features large overhead rotor blades similar themed coins since 2002. to those found on normal helicopters, but substitutes Although the coins, available for the trademark extended tail and rotor for two small air- purchase in over 3,000 post © Eurocopter / Patrick PENNA offices across France, will be legal craft wings with forward-facing propellers. The over- Eurocopter's X3 lifts off for a test flight. tender, individuals would be wise head rotors and wing-mounted propellers operate inde- not to spend them too quickly: pendently, allowing for the forward propellers to be disengaged during takeoff and landing. among collectors, certain pieces It is estimated that the X3 will travel approximately 50 percent faster than today's traditional helicopter. For more are already worth more than their information, please visit www.eurocopter.com. struck value.
NEWS FROM FRANCE 5 Society QUADRUPLE AMPUTEE MAKES [ ] CHANNEL CROSSING Sparkling New Environment Initiative Eau de Paris, the city's public water service, unveiled France's first public sparkling water fountain on September 21, housed in a for- mer garden cabin in the Jardin de Reuilly. The fountain, called La
oizon 2010 Pétillante ("The Bubbly" or "The Fizzy"), offers both still and sparkling water, chilled or at room temperature. Free and open to the public, the fountain injects carbon dioxide into still water from © Philippe Cr the public supply to make "thin and tasty" bubbles, according to Croizon celebrates his successful English Channel crossing. Philippe Burguière, a spokesman for Eau de Paris. Sparkling water fountains have already taken off in Northern Philippe Croizon gives new meaning Italy, but in France, the fountain remains experimental. Preliminary to the phrase, "can-do attitude." On reactions have been positive, and if they continue as such, Eau de September 18, the Frenchman and © Eau de Paris/ Olivia Blaizac quadruple amputee crossed the Paris hopes to install similar fountains in parks across Paris. The French are well known for their penchant for sparkling La Pétillante fountain awaits thirsty English Channel, finishing the 21- Parisian park-goers. mile swim in just 13.5 hours. After water. However, the national love of fizzy beverages can have nega- being pulled from the water, an tive environmental consequences — buying bottled sparkling water can generate a significant amount of plastic waste. Eau ecstatic Croizon described his arrival de Paris estimates that one sparkling water fountain saves about 2,300 plastic 1.5-liter bottles every day. on the French shoreline as "pure Burguière explained that the new fountain is part of a broader initiative "aimed at promoting tap water in a country where happiness." Croizon has already we invest a lot to preserve its quality." taken on several other extreme sporting endeavors, including skydiv- ing and scuba-diving, hobbies he picked up after a job-related electro- Sight-Seeing in Champagne Picks Up the Pace cution suffered in 1994 — an acci- dent that led to the partial removal of Since 2005, the phenomenon of sight-jogging,a guided tour taken tor of the Troyes Office of Tourism, emphasized the accessibility of his arms and legs. Croizon has writ- at a brisker pace than ordinary sight-seeing, has taken off in large the activity: "There is no competition, no restrictions in this activi- ten a book about his experiences cities like Rome, Berlin, Barcelona, and Paris, with private compa- ty; only pleasure and well-being." Villiers praised the originality of titled J'ai décidé de vivre, (I Decided nies charging between 70 and 80 euros per client per hour.A more the activity, stating, "We're always looking for less traditional ways to Live). When asked about future cost-effective version to explore the city. Sight- projects, Croizon hinted at possible of this combination of jogging is a personalized plans to swim from Spain to exercise and tourism oursime tour, an opportunity to dis- Morocco via the Strait of Gibraltar —
has recently come to fice of T cover sites that others do not a shorter crossing than that of the Troyes, the capital of see. The element of sport oyes Of
Channel, but considerably more dif- r ficult, given heavy boat traffic and the Aube department breaks down barriers strong currents. The 42-year-old in Champagne, locat- between participants, creat- Courtesy: T had a special message for those ed on the River Seine. ing a spirit of conviviality watching his crossing: "We can all The first sight-jog- among groups." After every make it…We suffer, but we get ging season in Troyes tour,the tourism office pro- back up again." concluded this past Sight-joggers in Troyes are able to see more of the city while pro- vides snacks for partici- September. Tours, moting a healthy lifestyle. After the tour, participants convene at pants, encouraging social- the Office of Tourism for snacks and discussion (right). WORLD RECORD TWINS TURN 98 which typically fill up ization. Both residents of YEARS YOUNG days before the event, take place most Saturday mornings starting the city and tourists can enjoy the activity, thanks to the unique Raymonde and Lucienne Wattelade at 9:00 a.m. Each tour lasts for about an hour and costs just one route, the knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide, and the cama- are not your average identical twins. The two sisters recently celebrated euro per person. Going at a faster pace than a walking tour,visitors raderie that develops among participants. their 98th birthday in the French can see more of the city in one hour while still experiencing the out- Next year, the Office of Tourism plans to expand the program town of Saint-Georges-de-Didonne. door ambiance of the city. The program welcomes joggers of all by hosting a marathon tour of Troyes during La Journée du Born in 1912, they are recognized by ages and experience. Patrimoine. the Guinness Book of World Records In an interview with News From France, Nicolas Villiers, direc- For more information, please visit: www.tourisme-troyes.com. as the oldest living set of identical twins. The sisters describe the secret OUR OF to their longevity as a combination of A T MOF trips around the country to sample the from title-holders Georges Larnicol and GASTRONOMY their joie de vivre, frequent exercise, culinary delights offered by MOF laure- Fabrice Gillote, haute cuisine from the and liberal doses of their favorite spir- An American ex- ates. The sampled fare includes chocolate likes of Head Chef Serge Chenet, and its: pastis for Raymonde and whisky for Lucienne. The twins, who com- patriot living and working in France, pastries from the world-famous peted for France's gymnastics team PT Ford operates the blog www.why- Christophe Michalak. In addition to pro- in the 1930s, have four children, traveltofrance.com, which examines, viding mouth-watering photos of tast- seven grandchildren and 13 great- among other topics, the gastronomic ings, Ford offers reflections on and con- grandchildren between them. When delights offered by France's winners of tact information for each restaurant or asked to look back on the course of the coveted title Un des Meilleurs boutique she visits. their lives, the sisters stated, "We live Ouvriers de France (MOF — See page 4 News from France does not endorse in the present, it's pointless thinking for more information on MOF ). the content, views, and opinions of about the past or the future — we're The "MOF" section on the blog fea- authors expressed in the aforemen- still 20 (in our heads)." tures accounts and reviews of Ford's many tioned website.
6 NEWS FROM FRANCE [Cultural Highlights ] les coups d’oeil A VIEW OF STRASBOURG ON TWO Monet Exhibit Sheds New Light on the Impressionist's Oeuvre WHEELS One of the most prolific and well-known Impressionist painters, Claude Monet’s
career encompassed 60 years of painting, .com from early landscapes to his celebrated water lily paintings. Monet pioneered the © StrasTV Strasbourg rolls out new bicycle artistic movement of Impressionism, rental service, Vélhop. painting ceaselessly for over 60 years, establishing a foundation for modern art The famously bike-friendly city of Strasbourg has adopted Vélhop, a at the turn of the 20th century through his customized bicycle rental system. work and collaboration with his contem- While many French cities have poraries. Over 170 of Monet's paintings recently installed automated bicy- are currently on display in the Galeries cle rental services, Vélhop is cus- Nationales of the Grand Palais in Paris tomized to meet the varied needs until January 24 as part of the largest of visitors and residents alike. exhibit of his work in three decades. The exhibit, titled "Claude Monet On September 23, the first three (1860-1926)," has been organized both Vélhop boutiques opened in loca- thematically and chronologically, no small tions across the city, and three automatic self-serve stations fol- feat considering the sheer volume and lowed in October. Operated and The National Galleries of Le Grand Palais in Paris are hosting the genius of Monet's opus. Visitors to the maintained by the city, Vélhop largest Monet exhibit in 30 years. museum traverse the retrospective along functions as an alternative means three paths: Monet and Nation, Figures and Still Lifes, and Dreams and Reflections. of public transportation. People The exposition retraces the entirety of Monet's career, from his start in 1860 until his final paintings of water lilies can even use their permanent housed in the Orangerie Museum. The Grand Palais worked in conjunction with La Réunion des musées nationaux and rechargeable farecard, otherwise the Musée d'Orsay to compile the monumental display of Monet's work from museums and private collections around the used for city-wide transportation, world. In 1980, the Grand Palais hosted a retrospective of Monet's career that paid homage to the great Impressionist; to rent a bicycle from one of the today, museum-goers benefit from decades of new research into more obscure areas of the artist's work. automatic stations. For more information, please visit: www.monet2010.com. After putting down a deposit, Vélhop customers can choose between an occasional or long- term rental plan. Those in con- Dueling Violins: World’s Top Young Musicians Fiddle Away stant need of a bicycle can keep their rental for up to a year, pre- Founded in 1943 by violinist Jacques senting it every three months for Thibaud and pianist Marguerite Long to routine checkups, while those encourage the development of young who need a bike less frequently or musicians during World War II, le for shorter amounts of time can Concours Long-Thibaud, an international rent from an automatic station. Each bicycle is chainless, which violin and piano competition, thrives prevents many common mechani- today as a standard-bearer for excellence cal problems, and comes in the classical music community. Now equipped with a basket, lock, and separated into bi-annual piano and violin lights. competitions, this year’s Concours for vio- linists will take place from November 6 - Years ago, the city was one of the 15 in Paris. first in France to create a network To this day, the competition remains of bike lanes. Now, Strasbourg truly international. This year's pool of 19 continues its tradition of bicycle competitors includes one Romanian, four accessibility with the city-run Courtesy of Concours Long-Thibaud Vélhop. South Korean, six Japanese, and seven Competition winners of le Concours Long-Thibaud for violin French violinists, eight of whom are men strike victory poses. and ten of whom are women. According to official rules, all competitors must be under the age of 30. The judging panel consists of renowned violinists from France, the United States, Japan, Germany, and Great Britain, as well as one French conductor. Contestants were chosen in the pre-selection round based on CD recordings submitted in advance to the jury. The live performance rounds begin on November 6, starting with the elimination round and semi-final, and concluding with final recital and concerto tests. Each round affords the musicians a degree of freedom — they may choose their pieces from approved lists for most rounds, categorized by style or composer. The final recital test includes a free choice and a contemporary work written specially for this year's Concours.The finalists will perform concertos at a gala on November 15, held at the Théâtre du Châtelet, bringing the competition to a close. In addition to prestige, the top six contestants receive monetary prizes, with a grand prize of 30,500 euros.
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