French with Nicole

                    From this?                     To this?  Plans to dramatically reduce traffic in the centre of Paris! As part of her ongoing anti-pollution campaign, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo has set an audacious plan to reduce car use across the French capital: a ban on most vehicle traffic crossing the city centre by 2022. The plan aims to remove most traffic   from  a large zone covering Paris’ centre; cutting air and noise pollution and freeing up more space for trees, cycle lanes and pedestrian areas. A public consultation for the plan has already been launched.   The new zone would not ban cars altogether as it would still permit vehicle access for residents (including temporary hotel guests), people with disabilities, and vehicles used for public transit, deliveries or services. It would however result in a reduction of at least 45% of the usual traffic passing through the city centre on an average day, the city estimates. 

In France the sign above indicates a  " Priorit é à droite" ( ie give priority to on coming traffic on your right) - quite an archaic system that still applies to some junctions in France.  The issue is that occasionally (particularly in small rural towns) the road sign is not always present.  It is wise to always slow down approaching a junction as you can never be 100% sure!  I am glad to say that gradually  " Priorit é   à  droite" are being replaced  by round abouts.  On this subject, did you know that there are no stop signs in Paris  but only roundabouts and  " Priorit é   à  droite" .  The standard rule of, cars travelling on the roundabout having priority, applies except for... La Place de l'  Étoile -    the roundabout around the Arc de Triomphe!!! Étoile translates as   a star and there are 12 avenues converging onto the roundabout In this instance,   traffic on the roundabout has to give way to oncoming traffic ! Hence total chaos !!! Cli

The deepest gorge in France, Les Gorges du Verdon is one of the must-see natural wonders of Central Provence. There are no roads into the gorge but a circular route around the rim gives you the opportunity to enjoy the breath-taking scenery. Situated in the Alpes de Haute Provence, the Gorge is up to 700 meters deep and 25 km in length. The water of the Verdon River is a beautiful turquoise colour and pieces of glacial mineral deposit seem to hang suspended in the water. The area is a very popular tourist attraction and attracts visitors for many reasons: The stunning route around the edge of the gorge by car or by bike. The exhilarating hiking trails in and around the gorge The fascinating  and rich wildlife – vultures, eagles and other birds of prey Adrenalin charged  canoeing, kayaking, rafting and paragliding Challenging climbing During your visit be sure to check out the Styx du Verdon, which is linked to Greek mythology and said to the be an interface between earth and the und

  French President Emmanuel Macron has recently praised the efforts made to rebuild Notre-Dame in Paris. Reopening the Cathedral  in Summer 2024, when Paris will be hosting the Olympics, is still the target. Two years after the world watched transfixed in horror as flames ravaged the cathedral, Macron said “immense” restoration work had already been accomplished since the blaze. While the spire collapsed and much of the roof destroyed on the evening of April 15th 2019, the efforts of firefighters ensured the great medieval edifice survived the night. Around €833 million has so far been collected in a national and international donation campaign launched immediately after the fire, but this may not be enough to push the restoration over the finishing line. Investigators are still trying to shed more light on the causes of the fire but the extent of the damage has potentially made drawing any conclusions impossible. Several shortcomings in the security of the cathedral have been id

French workers get 11 " jours fériés" ( public holidays )  a year added to their annual holiday entitlement. Sharing a meal with friends and family is of course the best way to spend it! Should the bank holiday land on a weekend, French employees do not get a day off in lieu. You would think that this is bad luck but, bearing in mind that the annual holiday entitlement is 5 weeks, they are not doing too badly! When the bank holiday fall on a Tuesday or a Thursday, it is quite common practice to “ faire le pont” (to do the bridge) – ie take the bridging day (Friday or the Monday) as a day off and extend the weekend to 4 days! Any excuse! The list of bank holidays is as follows: