e-version A free monthly review of French news & trends

VOL. 08.03 APRIL 18, 2008 France Takes Initiative at 20th NATO Summit Heads ofState and high-ranking officials from the North its relationship with NATO as European Defense moves for- Atlantic Council convened in Bucharest, Romania, for ward. He proposed that the 60th Anniversary NATO Summit the 20th NATO Summit held from April 2 to 4. The take place in 2009 in Strasbourg and Kehl, to reinforce NATO summit also brought together,for the first time,the lead- and ESDP, and to conclude the process engaged by France. ers from the 40 countries participating in the NATO-led This move would accompany the development of the operation in Afghanistan with Afghan President Hamid European Security and Defense Policy (ESPD), which has Karzai, and Secretary-General of NATO Jaap de Hoop won the approval of the United States. Sheffer,as well as officials from the European Union and President Bush strongly affirmed at the NATO Summit other international organizations. that the European Union needs to be a strong and effective France has responded to NATO's call for more actor on the international stage and encouraged European © Service photo Elysée troops by pledging to send an additional battalion to Presidents Karzai (Afghanistan) and Sarkozy nations to develop the resources and steps needed to eastern Afghanistan, adding approximately 700 troops (France) met at the 20th NATO Summit. strengthen their defense capabilities, which must be robust to France's current contingent of 1,600 in the country. and flexible enough to support both NATO and EU opera- The troop increase is part of France's commitment to Afghanistan. French President tions. President Bush recalled that America supports a strong Europe because it needs a also announced that France would take command of the central region strong partner in the hard work of advancing freedom in the world. "A stronger Europe of Afghanistan beginning this summer. President Sarkozy declared in November before contributes to European and global security and stability." the US Congress that France would "remain engaged [for] as long as it takes," explaining Strengthening the ESPD is one of President that "what's at stake in that country is the future of our values and of the Atlantic Alliance." Sarkozy's goals for France's six-month EU pres- INSIDE President Sarkozy has also indicated that France would continue the renovation of idency, which begins on July 1. France Bids 2 Current Events expressed France's sorrow over the loss and EU Multidimensional Farewell to Its honored the contributions made by Force in Africa Last "Poilu" Ponticelli as well as all the soldiers of WWI: 3 France & America France recently lament- "Lazare Ponticelli thought he owed a lot to Dee Dee Bridgewater ed the loss of its last sur- France. I affirm today that it is our country viving vet- which owes a debt to him. […] It is to him 4 Profile eran, who died on and his generation that we owe in large part Le Bac Turns 200 March 12 at age 110. the peaceful Europe. It is up to us to be wor- 5 Business & Tech ©Photo service Elysée Lazare Ponticelli was thy of it." New Minicar one of 8.4 million Ponticelli was given a state funeral at the France’s last surviving WWI veteran, 6 Society French WWI soldiers, Saint-Louis des Invalides cathedral in Paris Lazare Ponticelli, received a state funeral A Slice of Lyon in the called poilus.The on March 17. That day was also designated in Paris on March 17. Middle East nickname, meaning a national day of homage for all the com- "hairy one," refers both to the beards worn by the soldiers in the trenches and to batants of World War I, including more 7 Culture their toughness and bravery. than 50,000 American soldiers who gave Mont Saint-Michel Corporal Frank Woodruff Buckles, age 107, is the last surviving American veteran their lives fighting alongside the French. "It Celebrates 1,300 Years of the Great War to have served in a combat zone. Cpl. Buckles was awarded the Legion is our duty," President Sarkozy declared, "to 8 France in America of Honor,France's highest decoration, by then-President in 1999. place on record our grateful thanks to all the Modernist Iconic “It” Lazare Ponticelli was born on December 7, 1897, in Bettola, Italy,but left his birth- combatants, of all ranks, of all origins, of all Couple in New Haven place at a young age for Paris, where he found work as a chimney sweep and paper boy. faiths, who gave France the victory." When the war broke out in 1914, Ponticelli volunteered to fight for France as a way of Ponticelli and the soldiers of World War I thanking the country that had welcomed him. Only 16-years-old, he lied about his age were honored throughout France and to join the and served on the front lines at Argonne and Verdun. worldwide through France's diplomatic AMBASSADE DE FRANCE After the War, Ponticelli returned to France and started a piping company with his network. At the Embassy of France in AUX ETATS-UNIS brothers. He became a French citizen in 1939. Washington, D.C., flags stood at half-mast and a formal ceremony was held dur- In a statement issued on March 12, French President Nicolas Sarkozy ing which staff observed a moment of silence in memory of those who fought. Embassy Gives Web Site a Facelift The Embassy of France in the United States will soon launch a new version of its Web site (www.ambafrance-us.org) designed to streamline communication about France with the American public. The new Web site is based on a content management system (CMS), allowing it to be updated more rapidly. The new site integrates recent improvements in Web applications and the internet, notably,the extensive use of audiovisual multimedia—an addition now possible thanks to faster internet connections. A central aspect of the new site is the video center, "Ambafrance-us TV." This section provides a broad range of clips about the embassy and its events, featuring cov- erage of French ministerial visits, Ambassador Pierre Vimont's activities, and cultural events organized by La Maison Française, as well as a virtual tour of the embassy. Videos of certain French officials' speeches—President Sarkozy's annual UN address or his Bastille Day speech, for example—will also be available. The embassy's Web site is the most visited French embassy Web site in the world, with one million visitors per month. En bref [ Current Events ] GET A TASTE OF FRANCE WITHOUT THE JET LAG On Saturday, May 3, from 10:00 a.m. E.U. Deploys Multidimensional Military Force to Chad and CAR to 3:00 p.m., the Embassy of France will open its doors to the general pub- Initial Operational Capability of lic for the second annual European operation EUFOR Chad/CAR, Union Open House. Like last year, visi- which marked the effective start of tors will able to travel across Europe in the operation with the deploy- a single day and for free, thanks to a ment of all the command, control, complimentary shuttle service to all par- expeditionary, logistics and med- ticipating embassies, departing from ical assets to start its missions. Dupont Circle and Farragut North. The whole operation will com- Twenty-seven EU embassies will give prise 3,700 troops from 14 you the opportunity not only to get a European nations, 55 percent of behind-the-gates look at their often which will be French soldiers. sumptuous buildings but also to enjoy France will provide one of the three various programs featuring European cuisine, music and other activities to maneuver battalions, communica- delight the whole family. In 2007, more tions, logistics and command assets, than 35,000 visitors experienced the as well as the main core of the force's diversity of the E.U. first-hand. This year, staff which will be headquartered in the French Embassy invites the public to Chad. France will also provide 9 savor a gourmet lunch, sip a glass of attack and maneuver helicopters champagne, enjoy French arts and including one medical evacuation crafts, attend a puppet show, marvel at helicopter. In total, 2,100 French a magician's tricks, and, of course, dis- © M.A.E./ F. de la Mure forces will be deployed as part of cover more about France, as represen- A patrol of French special forces participating in the EUFOR EUFOR Chad/CAR. tatives from various Embassy offices will multidimensional military force in Chad commence their mission. France has also activated the be on hand to answer questions. For In accordance with the UN Security Council's unanimous European headquarters (HQ) from which General Nash additional information, including direc- vote of Resolution 1778, which was introduced at France's will command the operation at the strategic level. The HQ tions and transportation, please visit initiative with the support of European partners, the is located at Mount Valerien, near Paris, and it has a 130- www.eurunion.org/EUinUS/eu-open- European Union has begun deploying multidimensional strong staff hailing from 21 different European countries. house. military forces in eastern Chad and northeastern Central EUFOR Chad/CAR will closely coordinate with the African Republic in support of efforts to tackle the crisis multidimensional United Nations presence in the east of FRANCOPHONIE in Darfur as part of a regional approach to that crisis. Chad and in the northeast of the CAR to improve securi- APPRECIATION WAVES PROUDLY Subsequently, in October 2007, the Council of ty in a region directly affected by the crisis in Darfur. IN NEW European Union officially designated Lieutenant-General The European force's tasks will be: to contribute to the ENGLAND Patrick Nash (Ireland) as the Commanding General of security and protection of endangered civilians, in particu- In honor of the operation EUFOR/Chad/Central African Republic lar, refugees and displaced persons; to facilitate the distri- Francophonie cel- (CAR), and French General Jean Philippe Ganascia as bution of humanitarian aid by improving the security in The Francophonie ebrations held this Commanding General of the force. the zone of operations; and to contribute to the protection flag flies above year, two states in On March 15, 2008, General Patrick Nash declared the of UN personnel and infrastructures. the State House New England of Rhode Island. served as tempo- rary homes for a special guest, the official drapeau (flag) of the International Organization of the Francophonie. On France Introduces Its Latest SSBN Submarine March 13, the multicolored flag waved French President Nicolas Sarkozy presided proudly in front of Boston's City Hall, before heading south on March 20 to over the launching of the new SSBN subma- Providence where it was hoisted above rine "Le Terrible" at the Cherbourg naval the Rhode Island State House. shipyards on March 21. This new vessel is Throughout March, various festivities the first of its class equipped with the new took place around the globe in honor nuclear intercontinental missile M51, which of the annual Fête de la Francophonie, has over an 8,000 km range. "Le Terrible" a month-long celebration of the inter- should be fully operational in 2010, when it national linguistic and cultural commu- will join its 'older brothers,' SSBN nity that shares the common thread of "Triomphant" (1997), "Téméraire" (1999) the French language (see NFF 08.2, and "Vigilant" (2004), in France's strategic p.4). This year's revelry brought fleet, the main component of the nation's together over 175 million people from nuclear forces. Also, during the ceremony 63 nations for a series of film screen- President Sarkozy announced that France's ings, concerts, food samplings, and nuclear arsenal would be reduced to 300 other cultural events. In the six states © Service photo Elysée warheads, bringing it down to half its size that comprise New England, celebra- President Sarkozy presides over the launching of France’s SSBN during the Cold War era. For more infor- tions began in mid-March and submarine, “Le Terrible, ” the first of its class to be equipped with the spanned two weeks. new intercontinental missile M51, which has a range over 8,000 km. mation, please visit: www.defense.gouv.fr.

2 NEWS FROM FRANCE FREE FILMS FOR [ France & America ] D.C. FRANCOPHILES For those Washingtonians who can't make it to this year's film festival in Cannes, France, D.C.'s American Jazz Singer Dee Dee Bridgewater Shines in the City of Light Napoleon Bistro and American jazz icon Dee Dee Bridgewater was a fast track to fame, Bridgewater Lounge named "Commandeur" in France's prestigious released her first album, "Afro Blue," offers an Order of Arts and Literature (Arts et Lettres) in in 1974 and a year later received a alternative a ceremony led by Christine Albanel, Minister Tony Award for her performance in solution. of Culture and Communication, on March the Broadway hit "The Wiz." The quaint 14. Along with director Clint Eastwood and A true Francophile, Bridgewater restaurant

e located in choreographer William Forsythe, Bridgewater moved to Paris in 1986 after touring Adams © Why Not Productions is one of three Americans to have received this France in the musical comedy Morgan “The Beat that My distinguished title. "Sophisticated Ladies." Since then, offers free Heart Skipped” Born in Memphis, TN, in 1950, e de la Cultur the French public has fallen in love screenings screened on April 8. Bridgewater grew up a connoisseur of jazz, with the singer, who lights up any of award- with a trumpet-playing father and a mother stage with a voice reminiscent of winning French feature films and who exposed her to Ella Fitzgerald and Dinah Joséphine Baker. In 2005 she released shorts on the second Tuesday of Washington at an early age. At ten, "J'ai deux amours" ("I Have Two every month. The "French Flicks" Bridgewater performed her first concert in Loves"), an album of French classics program operates in conjunction Michigan. To kick start her career, she headed reinvented à la Dee Dee. After receiv- with the Washington, D.C. Alliance Française which offers a to the Big Apple in the early 1970s, a move ing her honorary medal from © Farida Bréchemier/ Ministèr wide selection of films from its that sparked a string of performances with Dee Dee Bridgewater was named Albanel, Bridgewater enchanted the library. Each month the film or jazz legends like Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Commandeur in the Order of Arts crowd with a performance of the shorts embody a different theme, Rollins, Dexter Gordon, and Max Roach. On and Literature on March 14. album's title track. from l'amour to springtime, and usually attract a full house. On April 8, customers were treated to Richmond Hosts U.S.'s Largest French Film Festival two award-winning films: "Les Cinéphiles flocked to Richmond, Virginia, from March 28 to about adapting novels for the screen presented by French director Princesses de la piste" ("Painting 30 for the 16th annual VCU French Film Festival. The Sam Karmann,American novelist Stephen McCauley and French the Town Red") and "De battre event, hosted by the Virginia Commonwealth University, is actress and lyricist Catherine Olson. mon coeur s'est arrêté" ("The Beat that My Heart Skipped"). For the largest French film festival in the United States. Many of This year's feature film selection included "Dialogue avec more information, please visit: the films' actors and directors were on site to present their mon jardinier" ("Conversations with My Gardener"), presented www.napoleondc.com. films — always recent releases and usually American pre- by director Jean Becker; Laurent Bouhnik's "L'Invité," starring mieres — and to answer questions from the audience Daniel Auteuil, Thierry Lhermitte, Valérie Lemercier, and MUSIC FESTIVAL HEATS UP directly following the screening of their films. Hippolyte Girardot; and Claude Berri's "Ensemble, c'est tout" MIAMI BEACH The festival, founded in 1993 by Drs. Peter and Françoise ("Hunting and Gathering"), based on a novel by Anna Gavalda Beginning on March 25, the cities Kirkpatrick, professors of French culture and literature, has and starring Audrey Tautou. Among the short films were Dyana of Miami and Miami Beach host- ed the five-day Winter Music grown considerably since that time: more than 20,000 tickets were Gaye's "Deweneti," Matthieu-David Cournot's "Pour quelques Conference (WMC). Launched in sold for the 2007 edition. French Ambassador Pierre Vimont minutes de plus," and Grégoire Sivan's "Premier Voyage." 1985, the event provides guests attended this year's festival, which also featured a master class For more information, please visit: www.frenchfilm.vcu.edu. with the opportunity to discover new talent and to appreciate renowned artists from around the Family Fun in the Forest of Fontainebleau world. At the top of the electron- Fontainebleau: Painters and Photographers from Corot to ic music category, French DJs Monet," an exhibition running from March 2 through June 8. were featured in Miami Beach Another program slated for April 19-20, "Family Weekend in night clubs and at the Ultra Music the Forest of Fontainebleau," will delve deeper into the spirit of Festival in Bicentennial Park, where international superstars the forest and its inspirational effects on French artists. like Bob Sinclar and David Guetta With over 100 paintings, pastels, and photographs, the exhibi- showcased their mixing prowess. tion explores the quiet but significant revolution launched by artists A leading international network- working outdoors in 19th-century France. Works by Jean-Baptiste- ing event, the WMC is one of the Camille Corot, Théodore Rousseau, Jean-François Millet, Claude three most established, well- Monet, and photographer Eugène Cuvelier demonstrate the attended, and acclaimed music industry gatherings in the United Courtesy: National Gallery of Art French phenomenon of peintureen plein-air (open-air painting) in the region of Fontainebleau—a mix of traditional rural French vil- States and continues to attract “Le Rageur, Forest of Fontainebleau,” by Jean- innovative talent from over 62 Baptiste-Camille is one of the works that will lages and natural landscape featuring magnificent old-growth trees, stark plateaus, dramatic rocks, and stone quarries. countries. The event welcomes highlight the exhibition on Fontainebleau. nearly 45,000 attendees each The weekend of family fun will offer a variety of free activities year to the warm shores of Miami Located approximately 35 miles southeast of Paris, the Forest of for children and adults to enjoy, including films screenings (such Beach where over 2,000 artists Fontainebleau once served as a royal hunting ground for kings as Walt Disney's "Beauty and the Beast"), music performances, and DJs take the stage at outdoor before becoming a magnet for artists and tourists in the 19th and arts and crafts. To capture the memory of the experience, vis- performances, receptions, and century. Transplanting the spirit of this exceptional landmark itors can take a family portrait that will be printed in sepia tone parties. For more information, to the nation's capital, the National Gallery of Art in on their own hand-crafted postcards. For more information, please visit: Washington, D.C., has organized "In the Forest of please visit: www.nga.gov/exhibitions/fontainebleuainfo.htm. www.wintermusicconference.com.

NEWS FROM FRANCE 3 [ In Depth ]

Le Baccalauréat Celebrates Its 200th Anniversary

Last month, France celebrated the 200th anniversary of le baccalauréat, the through supplementary diplomas (such as the BTS — Brevet de Technicien Supérieur) and scholastic qualification that students take at the end of their high school career. specialized schools as well as university institutes of technology.This bac offers eight séries. This national exam, a source of great trepidation for French students, serves the The youngest filière,the baccalauréat professionnel (popularly called "le bac pro"), dates dual purpose of marking the end of high school (le lycée) and granting automat- back to 1985, and prepares individuals to work in the private sector.While most students ic access to higher education. who pass this version of le bac enter the work force directly after high school, some pursue Commonly referred to as "le bac," the exam additional studies. functions on a simple pass/fail basis. Last year, a The variety of bac pro options allows students to record proportion — 83.3 percent — of the select highly specified studies at the high school level. For 626,000 candidats became bacheliers (holders of example, one spécialisation offered through the filière le bac, or students who passed the test). The technologique is le bac TRS (traitement de surfaces), which youngest candidats was 12 years old, and 21 oth- focuses on metal and plastic surfaces and their proper- ers were under 16. Another 21 were over 50. ties, such as susceptibility to corrosion. Le bac TRS, Le bac is administered every June. which attracts just a few dozen candidats per year,is one Significantly more comprehensive than the SAT of the 48 specialties (out of 58 bac pro exams) that draw or ACT,it includes 9 to 10 required tests — both fewer than 3,000 candidats per year. written and oral — as well as several more spe- Le baccalauréat général remains by far the most pop- cialized, optional assessments similar to the ular form of the exam. Out of every 100 bacheliers, 54 Advanced Placement exams in the U.S. The have a baccalauréat général, 27 have a baccalauréat tech- exact number of tests and their subjects depend nologique, and only 19 have a baccalauréat professionnel. 521,000 candidats successfully passed le bac in 2007. on which of the three versions of the exam the The baccalauréat exam has also served as inspira- student chooses to take: general, technological, or professional. There are no bub- tion for similar programs abroad. One such program, the International ble sheets to be found on le bac because the written tests are essay questions (four Baccalaureate (IB), was founded in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1968. This educational million essays are corrected each summer). Due to the extensive nature of the foundation seeks to provide a universally recognized curriculum and diploma for exam, students take it over two years: half at the end of première (junior year) and students who wish to continue their studies outside their home country. The global half at the end of terminale (senior year). IB community has undergone tremendous growth since its inception, and currently Each version of the exam corresponds to a different path of study.Each lycéen consists of 600,000 students from 126 countries around the world. (high school student) chooses from one of three tracks, or filières,designed to pre- pare the student for that particular bac: le baccalauréat général, le baccalauréat technologique, or le baccalauréat professionel.In order to adapt the curriculum to History of Le Bac the individual's interests, each baccalauréat is divided into "séries" and then fur- The baccalauréat was created on March 17, 1808, by a decree of Napoleon I. The term bac- ther into "spécialisations." calauréat itself is older yet: it first appeared in 1625 and is believed to come from bacca Le baccalauréat général offers three séries: ES (économique et social), L (lit- lauri, or "laurel berries," for laurels were once awarded for academic success. téraire), and S (scientifique). Success on le baccalauréat général allows a student The first baccalauréat exam, held in 1809, produced only 31 bacheliers.At that time, le to continue his studies in a university, grande école, or university institute of bac consisted of professor-administered oral exams in Latin, Greek, French, and philoso- technology. phy.History and geography were added in 1820, and math and physics followed the next Le baccalauréat technologique,created in 1968, pairs general and technological year.The first written test — French composition or translation of a classical author — education. Like le baccalauréat général, it implies the continuation of studies, but was introduced in 1830 and modern languages became part of the exam in 1853. Two decades later, in 1874, the exam expanded to a two-year process. As of 1880, students could choose between le bac classique and the new bac moderne. Introduction of a Franco-American Baccalaureate Le bac classique still included Latin and Greek but was divided into two séries: philosophy The establishment of a Baccalauréat Franco-Américain (BFA) is currently on its and elementary mathematics. No Latin was required for le bac moderne,which became so way to completion.By the summer of2008,the system should be integrated with- popular that the number of bacheliers quadrupled between 1893 and 1904. in the framework of the general baccalaureate rules.At first, the program will exist For more than a century, le bac was dominated by males. Julie-Victoire Daubié broke in schools in the United States that offer a French program, and eventually,hopes the trend in 1861 when she became the first woman to take the exam. Female participa- are that international schools around the world will be able to participate. tion picked up as of 1924 when the middle school and high school curriculum for female In each series of the general bac, the BFA will replace three French tests with students was aligned with that of their male peers. three Advanced Placement (AP) tests, corresponding to the dominant discipli- The grading system also changed as le bac continued to develop.Initially,the exam was nary field of the series. For example, in the scientific series, the French exam for graded on an overall basis; candidates were evaluated as "very good," "good," "fair," or "Sciences de la Vie et de la Terre" (Earth and Life Sciences) will be replaced by the "poor." As of 1854, scores were determined using a system of colored balls, each of which AP Biology test. Likewise, the English exam under the French system will corre- corresponded to the candidate's performance. The jury—a body of exam graders—had spond to the AP English Literature exam. The computation of grades will resem- one white ball (positive), one red ball (average), and one black ball (negative) for each of ble the same system as the general bac— grades for the AP exams (between 1 and the eight tests. The jury would thus evaluate each section by dropping the appropriate ball 5) will be converted on a scale of 1 to 20. into an urn. Candidates who received eight white balls were noted as "very good," where- Successful achievement of one's BFA will reflect the student's mastery of as those receiving eight black balls did not pass the test. knowledge within both the French and American education systems. This dou- The current notation system — based on a scale from 0 to 20 — was adopted in 1890- ble proficiency will allow students to easily matriculate into North American uni- 1891. Today,a student must average at least 10 to pass. The same grading system is used in versity programs, due to their familiarity with the various techniques and skills classes throughout French primary and secondary schools. associated with pedagogy in the U.S. In addition, this advanced knowledge will As le bac has evolved, the number of candidats and success rates have grown. In 1985, naturally benefit those pursuing higher education in France. the French government set a goal to reach an 80 percent passing rate. Today, that goal has been attained, with 83.3 percent of candidats becoming bacheliers.

4 NEWS FROM FRANCE [Business and Technology ] MICHELIN RECEIVES AWARD FOR ECO-FRIENDLY TIRES French Company Unveils Environmentally-Friendly Minicar

Many visitors to France tery is environmentally- are familiar with the friendly and is designed ubiquitous Smart car, a to last at least ten years. compact maneuverable The Smera offers a © Michelin vehicle manufactured by tilted seat, like a motor- This February, French tire manufactur- Daimler AG, that can cycle, with a space er Michelin received the Tire zip throughout the nar- behind the driver for Technology of the Year Award at the row streets of Paris and luggage, but has two Tire Technology Expo in Cologne, the tree-lined boule- doors like a small car. It Germany, for the development of its vards of Provence, capa- is also boasts safety fea- environmentally friendly Energy Saver ble of parking either tures such as seatbelts tires. Through a new mixing process, parallel or perpendicu- and shock-absorbing Michelin has created a tire that lar to the sidewalk. Just panels. reduces rolling resistance and friction when you thought a car Lumeneo anticipates by up to 20 percent while expanding environmental and safety standards. couldn't get any smaller, that the car will be avail- Although tire manufacturers cannot the French company able through a Paris deal- normally decrease resistance without Lumeneo has intro- ership by October 2008, The Smera is smaller than a Harley-Davidson XL 1200N consequently reducing grip, duced its own microcar, with two versions for sale Nightster motorcycle and is electrically powered. Michelin's new development has the Smera, which to the public: a 5 kilowatt actually improved tire durability and debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in early March. The car per hour vehicle with a daily range of 50 miles, and a 10 kilo- braking distance. The company's is only 31.5 inches wide, five inches slimmer than a Harley- watt per hour vehicle with an approximate 100-mile range. technological innovations have also Davidson XL 1200N Nightster motorcycle. Lumeneo estimates the average savings on fuel to be between led to decreased costs and mitigated Father and son team Daniel and Thierry Moulène co- $7,500 and $12,000 per 63,000 miles, and anticipates environmental effects. The tires lead founded Lumeneo in 2003 based on Thierry's microcar announcing more details surrounding Smera's pricing during to moderate fuel savings (approxi- mately 3 dollars per tank, at current concept. The Smera is not only micro, but also electric with the Paris Motor Show in October. rates), and cut CO emissions by a built-in charger and cable that allows the owner to For more information on the Smera, please visit: 2 about 4 grams per kilometer. As recharge the car's battery in his or her own garage. The bat- www.lumeneo.fr/welcome.html. corporations and manufacturers continue to go green, spokesman Paul Cordle confirms that Michelin is "seeing strong demand" for their France's Champagne Pops New Records Energy Saver tires. delicate. Only 100 cases are available, and each will be personalized to mark this FRANCE AND THE EUROPEAN unique experience. COMMISSION TO DEVELOP A Champagne has been setting several EUROPEAN SEARCH ENGINE The European Commission has records recently, with an unprecedented approved a $152 million grant to volume of sales in 2007. According to the develop a European internet search Interprofessional Champagne Wine engine. Thanks to the new grant Committee (CIVC), 150 million bottles of and substantial funds from the champagne were exported last year.This French government, the venture is represents a 7.3 percent increase since once again underway after having 2006, and does not include the 188 million lost momentum since it was first © Perrier-Jouët bottles consumed within France itself. announced in 2005. The QUAERO project (Latin for "I search") draws France’s Perrier-Jouët is breaking industry sales records, with a case Although champagne's core market is the expertise from 23 companies, of limited-edition Champagne going for $77,500. European Union, exports have augmented including France Télécom and a sub- from growing demand in Asia and Russia. sidiary of French technology firm Champagne has always been a French symbol of elegance Champagne is a geographic indicator linked to a specif- Thomson. The QUAERO project will and luxury. The nectar popped new records, however, when ic area in France, meaning that only products originating develop an advanced multimedia the world's most expensive champagne went on sale in from this region of the world can be called "champagne." search engine that will operate in March. The limited-edition beverage comes in a 12-bottle Geographic parameters are regulated by the Institut several languages and be able to case costing 50,000 euros, or about $79,500. The product, National de l'Origine et de la Qualité (www.inao.gouv.fr). catalog text, images, video, and Perrier-Jouët By and For, targets the rich elite of the world, Origin is essential in the wine industry and this is the rea- sound. The endeavor aims to from France and the United States to Russia and Japan. son why France, the E.U., and other countries in the world improve European technologies for Each buyer will be invited to Perrier-Jouët's wine house in have protected their local names. To safeguard consumers automatic processing, and to pro- vide more cultural material on the Epernay, northern France, for a meeting with the cellar from fake or counterfeit products, France rightfully claims internet. Initially, the search engine master who will help them to create their own customized that no other producers in the world should continue to use will service clients such as network champagne. There, customers personalize their bubbly these names. Champagne must also meet a strict set of operators and film production stu- with an individually selected "liqueur" made from a mix of standards based on 35 règles de qualité (quality regulations) dios. When fully developed, it will be various wines and sugar.The liqueur helps to determine the such as vine height and size, vineyard density, and mini- available on cell phones, personal champagne's character, making it dry, smooth, sweet, or mum ripening period. computers, and televisions.

NEWS FROM FRANCE 5 Society A GUIDE TO THE BEST VALUES [ ] IN PARIS fi A Slice of Lyon in the Middle East Buti Saeed al-Ghandi, chairman of 1,000-acre-space will include a university,

fice / Fabian Charaf Emirates Investment and Development, museums, hotels, restaurants and cafés, plans to recreate the French city of Lyon malls, courtyards, housing and office

ourist Of in Dubai, one of the seven principalities space — all contained within an area the in the United Arab Emirates. The entre- size of New York's Central Park. © Paris T A couple enjoys fantastic light and preneur was first struck with the idea From training chefs in la gastronomie music during a Bastille Day bal. upon visiting Lyon last October, where lyonnaise to borrowing silk products on he was impressed by the city's charm, display in Lyon's museums, the success of Planning a trip to Paris this year? history, and traditional cuisine. the project will rely heavily on cross-cul- You'll want to go armed with a copy Tentatively named "Lyon-Dubai tural cooperation as well as appreciation. of France Magazine's 2008 Paris City," the project hopes to build a minia- Eager to participate in the venture, Lyon's Guide, the cover story of its spring issue. Spread out over 26 lavishly ture version of France's third largest city mayor,Gérard Collomb,proclaimed, "We illustrated pages, you'll find no fewer in the heart of the Middle East. In early will give Dubai the soul of Lyon." Current than 150 great ideas: Where to Stay, January, Ghandi signed a mutual accord research has gone as far as exploring ways What to Do, How to Shop, Where to with Lyon's mairie (city hall) to begin © MAE - F. de la Mure to cool the outdoor areas surrounding Eat. Given the strength of the euro, architectural plans for one of three pos- A scene of Lyon's old quarter Lyon-Dubai City, making street strolling captures the magic that Dubai this year's theme is good value, with sible locations in Dubai. The 750- to in a desert climate agreeable. veteran guidebook writers Heather hopes to re-create. Stimmler-Hall, Amy Serafin and Gilles Pudlowski steering readers to the Musée Picasso in Antibes Reopens best values throughout the city. If you are not already a France Magazine After an 18-month hiatus due to extensive renovations, the on wood, 11 oil paintings on paper, 44 drawings, 32 litho- subscriber, you can order this special Musée Picasso in Antibes, in southern France, is reopening graphs, two sculptures, five tapestries, and 80 ceramics. issue by contacting Rachel Beamer its doors. Pablo Picasso spent a significant amount of time Many of these works were completed with materials that ([email protected]; Tel. at the small Côte d'Azur town after World War II, and were readily available, such as plywood and shipyard paint. 202/944-6069). For more informa- many associate his sojourns there with a reawakening of Picasso donated all of these works to the city of Antibes, tion on France Magazine, please visit: his artistic force. which officially renamed its museum of art the Musée Picasso, www.francemagazine.org. During one of his trips in 1946, Picasso met Jules-César the first museum dedicated solely to his work. Included in its col- Romuald Dor de la Souchère, the curator of the Antibes lection are two murals inspired by Greek mythology: "Joie de SPRING'S THE SEASON FOR FILM FANS Museum of Art. The museum was housed in the 12th-cen- vivre(Pastorale)" and "Odysseus and the Sirens." The influence of This spring, France has been enjoying tury Grimaldi Castle, and Souchère offered Picasso space the Mediterranean is visible in both the subject matter and color blooming flowers as well as great movie deals. On March 16-18, movie to live and work there, which he happily accepted. During palette of these works, demonstrating that Antibes left as indeli- theaters offered discounted tickets for the four months that followed, Picasso produced 22 murals ble a mark on Picasso as he did on Antibes. only 3.50 euros. Established in 2000 by the National Federation of French Cinema, Le Printemps du cinéma (The WEB SITE DISHES OUT GLOBAL Dominique Corby, analyzes the COMMUNITY OF CHEFS Spring of Cinema) takes place every Japanese's penchant for strawberries, spring with the purpose of attracting It's not a cookbook, but rather a Web and Didier Corlou examines the history film fans to the theaters for a special site, that is dishing up a new taste of and use of spices in Vietnam. Christian price. Attendance this year soared to French gastronomy from all corners of Echterbille, who worked at a Belgian more than 3.5 million tickets sold the world. The Web site "Villages de restaurant in Austin, Texas, elaborates throughout France, showing a 35 percent increase over last year's 2.6 chefs" (www.villagedechefs.com) is an on the difficulty he had adapting to the million participants. An additional online community and forum through © Marie Anne Page different standards in the U.S., such as supporter of the event, the French which French and French-speaking Village de chefs is an weight and temperature, and how bank BNP Paribas, gave away expatriate chefs share their love and online forum for French rewarding it was to expose his clientele, 100,000 passes to the public on their appreciation for their profession, affini- expatriate chefs. which included President George W. Web site. Taking the prize for most ty for the culinary specialties and Sarasota, Florida, "Maison Blanche," Bush while he was governor of Texas, to tickets sold is Dany Boon's comedy, delights from the regions in which they addresses concerns surrounding foie new delicacies such as foie gras. "Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis," selling reside, and seek to educate one another gras in one of his postings, and explains Although published in French, the over 3.5 million tickets in its first about rare products. the intricacies of how to prepare a filet Village de chefs's convivial and educa- week. Home to the most movie the- The online community of twenty- mignon of alligator tail in another. tional ambiance combined with a aters in all of Europe, France offered plenty of locations for viewers to some chefs was, for the most part, clas- The francophone chefs also discuss recipe for appreciation of other cul- partake in this cinematic occasion, sically trained in France, and is eager to their observations on trends in lifestyle tures and cuisines has not gone unno- with 5,300 participating salles (the- share a certain French (and francopho- abroad as well as local preferences. Their ticed in the U.S. "Americans constitute aters) in both small and large towns. ne) spirit as well as insight into culinary opinions can be found in the "Dossier" the most important volume of our Over the past 20 years, more than 1.7 standards in a congenial way. Through section, which features thematic compi- readers," explains founding member million euros have been invested in Village de chefs, the chefs also endeav- lations of articles by the chefs expressing Marie Anne Page. "Their interest really the modernization of movie theaters or to explain their host area's culinary their personal perspectives, as well as in touches us and pleases us immensely." through screen enlargements, sound culture, and help others discover — or entries in the "Cuisines & Cultures" section News From France does not technology improvements, and serv- rediscover — local products. For exam- and virtual postcards. Martinez, for exam- endorse the content, views and ices such as advance reservations. For ple, founding member José Martinez, ple, presents his perception on the opinions of authors expressed in the more information, please visit www.printempsducinema.com. who resides and owns a restaurant in American palate, while others, such as aforementioned Web sites. 6 NEWS FROM FRANCE [Cultural Highlights ] les coups d’oeil INTERACTIVE LITERATURE EXPO Mont Saint-Michel Turns 1,300 This year, France's years, in hopes of returning majestic Mont Saint- Mont Saint-Michel to its Michel celebrates 13 cen- original island state. turies of existence. The Additionally, the causeway © 3 Espaces most visited monument and road which currently A visual demonstration of Les 3 in France outside of Paris, connect Mont Saint-Michel Espaces intrigued visitors. the site was declared a to the mainland will be UNESCO World Heritage replaced with a footbridge, From March 12-18, an exhibit at Le Forum des Halles in Paris broke new Site in 1979 and attracts allowing tourists to ground in the field of interactive liter- more than three million approach the monument as ature. Created by author and visitors a year.The abbey pilgrims did in the past. researcher Carole Lipsyc, Le récit des 3 was first founded by For those who are slightly espaces (The Tale of the Three Spaces) Bishop Aubert in the year less adventurous, a ferry engaged spectators through visual 708 in honor of the system will transport visi- interaction with the plot, characters, 2008 marks France’s Mont Saint-Michel’s 1,300 anniversary. Archangel Saint Michael. tors to and from the shore. and conflict of the story at hand. Since its early days, it has been a pilgrimage destination for Completion of the renovation is projected for 2012. In the Upon arrival, visitors entered into the thousands of people from around the world. meantime, Mont Saint-Michel celebrates its 1,300th anniversaire virtual universe of 3 Espaces, where The abbey is located on an islet off the coast of Normandy with several events and exhibits that will take place from May they assumed the roles of voyagers in the fictional worlds of reality, dreams, and is most renowned for its 550-foot spire and imposing Gothic 2008 to October 2009. Activities include hikes, religious gather- and ideas. Using mobile phones, architecture. Its unique location at the edge of the mainland ings, and informational presentations about the abbey. One such internet stations, projector screens, makes Mont Saint-Michel particularly stunning, and current exhibit will depict Mont Saint-Michel alongside other sacred and virtual simulation rooms, visitors restorations plan to intensify the visitor's experience. First, work mountains from around the globe, including Mount Sinai in could change the plot, choose their was begun in 2007 to remove the silt that has built up over the Egypt, Uluru in Australia, and Skellig Michael in Ireland. next scene and even alter the ending themselves. A combination of litera- ture, innovative technology and inter- action, the exhibition exposed visi- 28th International Book Fair: A New Chapter in Literary Appreciation tors both young and old to a differ- A celebration of the written word, the 28th annual Salon du Salon welcomed Israel as the guest of honor.Le Centre National ent perspective of reading. For more information, please visit: Livre took place in Paris from March 14-19. With the du Livre, along with the French Ministry of Foreign and www.3espaces.com. opening ceremony inaugurated by the French Minister of European Affairs and Israeli authorities invited 39 Hebrew Culture and Communication Christine Albanel, the inter- writers, including Amos Oz, David Grossman, and A.B. PARISIANS FIND THEIR LAUGH national event drew over 1,200 editors and 3,000 authors to Yehoshua, to present their work and partake in various discus- Offering an escape to the monoto- Paris's Porte de Versailles. Through over 40 featured pre- sions on cross-cultural literary appreciation. nous grind of everyday life, the sec- sentations, the fair allowed visitors to converse with writ- With the celebration of Israel's 60th anniversary ond annual Festival Paris fait sa ers, meet emerging talent, and witness behind-the-scenes approaching, the reception of Hebrew authors, along with comédie ("Paris Performs Comedy action of the publishing industry. To keep readers up to Israeli President Shimon Peres, provided the opportunity Festival" March 27-April 4) released a resonating chorus of chuckling speed in the digital era, this year's Salon featured various for France to honor Israel's cultural vibrancy.In 2009, Le throughout the city. Under the slo- discussions on current events and new trends, with a heavy Salon du Livre will recognize Mexico's literature from gan, Sauvons le rire! (Let's Save the emphasis on electronic books, or e-Books. March 13 to 18. For more information, please visit: Laugh!), the city-wide comedy fest In line with the fair's international perspective, the www.salondulivreparis.com. helped visitors to de-stress and recharge by providing plenty of "laughing-stock."Last year's festival drew a crowd of almost 80,000, who Film Festivals Celebrate Thirty Years of Cinema came to watch over 200 spectacles Cinema was in the air in France this March, with the Printemps du cinéma (see p.6) early in performed by 300 artists. To recruit the month and the Cannes Film Festival on the horizon. This year, two of the city's largest the rawest and freshest new talent for the festival, a jury of seasoned comics film festivals celebrated their 30th anniversaries: le Festival international de films de femmes held open auditions. In addition to (International Women's Film Festival) and le Cinéma du réel international (documentary up-and-comers like Charlotte Gabris film festival). Both events held special retrospectives in addition to their usual programs. and Stéphane Bourin, who received Le Festival international de films de femmes is a forum of presentation for female direc- special awards for new talent, famous tors and screenwriters from all over the world. Held at three venues in Créteil, near Paris, comedy veterans like Guy Bedos, including the Maison des Arts de Créteil, from March 14-23, this year's festival included Michel Boujenah, and Gerald Dahan, © Kaleidascope Entertainment “Fire,” directed by Deepa Mehta, 150 international films, a young directors film competition with 50 entries, and a retro- entertained the public like pros. was featured at this year’s festival. spective titled "30 ans/30 films" (30 years/30 films), showcasing 30 of the best films featured Theaters throughout Paris opened in the past. The festival also included a gala for guest of honor Josiane Balasko, who pre- their doors to participate in the humor- sented her 1985 film "Sac de noeuds" (Bag of Knots). ous event. The heart of the city also hosted outdoor venues all along the The Cinéma du réel festival ran from March 7-18 at several locations in Paris, including the Centre Pompidou and the Centre imaginary Boulevard du rire, situated Wallonie-Bruxelles. The festival is an international competition for documentary filmmakers, with this year's contest including 28 between the Place de la Madeleine entries from 20 countries. The 30th anniversary retrospective featured four sections: films from Southeast Asia, documentaries explor- and Place de la République. For more ing Americana, prison films made by French inmates, and films focusing on the historical role of tourism. information, please visit: For more information on these events, please visit: www.filmsdefemmes.com and www.cinereel.org. www.parisfaitsacomedie.com.

NEWS FROM FRANCE 7 “Chocolat” Author [France in America] Comes to D.C. British author Joanne Harris, author of Modernist Iconic “It” Couple on Display in New Haven "Chocolat," is coming to D.C. May 4 to present her new book "The Girl with No Shadow." Currently on display at the Yale Ernest Hemingway. From sunbathing on Three years after her novel "Chocolat," in University Art Gallery in New the sands of the Riviera to inspiring Picasso which chocolatier Vianne Rocher turned a Haven, CT, “Making It New: The paintings, the Murphys kindled the sparks French village upside down became a bestseller, Art and Style of Sara and Gerald that set off new and fashionable trends. the screen adaptation co-starring French actress Murphy” is a special exhibition that An artist himself, Gerald Murphy's Juliette Binoche and movie star Johnny Depp, explores the modernist influence work has received much praise from con- was nominated for several Oscars. Now, "Chocolat" fans can indulge in of these American expatriates. temporary French critics and is often said to "The Girl with No Shadow," which catches Running until May 4, the exhibit is anticipate the Pop Art movement. The Yale up with Vianne and her daughters five years the first to explore the couple's rela- exhibit displays seven of his surviving can-

later, as they try to start a new life in the tionships with some iconic figures ale University Art Gallery vases, revealing his unique style that blends Montmartre neighborhood of Paris. For of the avant-garde circles of Paris realism and abstraction.Paintings,watercol- more information, please visit: during the 1920s. ors, drawings, and photographs by artists

www.la-maison-francaise.org. When Sara and Gerald Murphy Courtesy: Y within his circle — Picasso,Léger,Juan Gris, moved to France in 1921, they set- “Wasp and Pear,” by Gerald Murphy, is and Amedédée Ozenfant—accompany on display at Yale University Art Gallery. News from FRANCE tled in Cap d'Antibes, a fishing vil- Murphy's work for the first time. lage on the French Riviera. In their Sara's creative flair for making life into EDITOR-IN-CHIEF new house,Villa America, they hoped to escape the conservatism art also translated into creations of her own, such as her delicate Emmanuel Lenain from back home. Their legendary lifestyle and "joie de vivre" costume designs that were an important contribution to the bal- invigorated many other artists, writers, and musicians of the time let “Within the Quota.” EDITORS Etienne de Gonneville, Valérie Luebken including F. Scott Fitzgerald, Fernand Léger, Pablo Picasso, and For more information, please visit: www.artgallery.yale.edu.

MANAGING EDITOR Thomas Rottcher Koltès Classics Come to Life in Atlanta, Georgia Atlanta theater group 7 Stages is powerful interaction of two men who are more familiar SENIOR WRITERS Alexandra Rice, Juliana MacPherson hosting the world premiere pro- than they appear.Directed by Eric Vigner, a leading French duction adapted to an American theater director and artistic director of CDDB—Théâtre de WRITERS audience of "Dans la solitude des Lorient, "In the Solitude of Cottonfields" opens April 24 Elizabeth Lee, Susannah Farabaugh, champs de coton" ("In the and runs through May 18, 2008. Maria Carolina Nelson, Eric Rottcher Solitude of Cotton Fields") by This production marks the beginning of the U.S. Koltès To change your address, subscribe (for the highly acclaimed French Project, a ten-year program established to translate and produce free) or unsubscribe, please contact: playwright Bernard-Marie six of Koltès' plays: "In the Solitude of Cottonfields," "The Day of NEWS FROM FRANCE Koltès. Atlanta actor and trans- Murders in the History of Hamlet" ("Le Jour des meurtres dans FRENCH EMBASSY PRESS & INFORMATION SERVICE lator Isma'il ibn Conner has l'histoire d'Hamlet"), "Sallinger," "The Night Just Before the 4101 Reservoir Road, NW undertaken the translation of Forests" ("La Nuit juste avant les forêts"), "Tabataba and Quay Washington, DC 20007-2182 walt Tel: (202) 944-6060 the play, and has teamed up with West" ("Quai Ouest"). Beginning with the 2008 production of "In Fax: (202) 944-6072 Artistic Director of 7 Stages Del the Solitude of Cottonfields," 7 Stages will present a world pre- E-mail: Hamilton to interpret it. Co- miere translation of each work every other year through 2018 fill-

[email protected] © Chad A produced by CDDB—Théâtre ing each off year with residencies at national and international “In the Solitude of http://www.ambafrance-us.org de Lorient, the play explores two universities. http://www.france.diplomatie.fr Cotton Fields”

debuts April 24. aspects of one entity and the For more information, please visit: www.7stages.org.

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