When Patrice Hyvert, a French trainee mountain guide, set out on a solitary climb of the Nant Blanc face he was taking advantage of a perfect mountaineering season on the Mont Blanc range.
But on that fateful day of 1 March 1982, the weather changed abruptly in the afternoon when a snowstorm descended and the 23-year-old climber never returned. Continue reading…
Storm clouds are gathering over the private beach cafés of the French riviera. But it’s not the weather that worries the operators of the exclusive private beaches along the coast, which is the playground of the international jet set. They’re up in arms because the government has decided to crack down on construction at private beach resorts. Continue reading…
The Scottish play is not on the programme but a Macbeth-like curse hangs over France’s prestigious Avignon theatre festival this year. Continue reading…
The Roma community in France, targeted by vigilante attacks, harassment and discrimination, faces a summer of evictions from rat-infested squalid camps in city suburbs where they have set up home. Read more…
Nicolas Sarkozy has lost no time in challenging damaging corruption charges as the former French President fought for his political life. Mr Sarkozy, who was subjected to the humiliation of being the first ex-head of state to be detained by police on Tuesday, appeared on television and radio tonight to denounce what he sees as an orchestrated politically-motivated campaign to destroy his reputation. Continue reading…
Anne Penketh 