Here comes French President Sarkozy heralding massive plans to construct a “Greater Paris.” His goal is to link the central city with the outskirts, where there has been incidents of civil unrest in recent years. During a nine-month-long competition, prestigious architects from around the world came up with ten presentations. Last Updated ( Saturday, 27 June 2009 )

Eighty million people can’t be wrong since that's how many came to France last year. And France must be doing something right. According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the country leads the world in attracting foreigner visitors. Some people may simply be passing through on the way to final destinations because of France's central European location and airlines using Paris as a hub. But many people stay. Last Updated ( Saturday, 13 June 2009 )

A newly released book, Au Revoir to All That: Food, Wine, and the End of France by Michael Steinberger believes that chefs in other countries are taking center stage in the arena of cuisine. The American journalist and wine expert’s premise is that food in France is no longer what it used to be and it’s on a spiraling permanent decline. Can it be reversed before it’s too late? From personal experience, I think he may have a valid point but refuse to believe French food won’t continue to a contender for some of the best in the world. Last Updated ( Saturday, 06 June 2009 )

Each year, emails flow into the Bonjour Paris mailbox with questions from people thinking of moving to Provence and setting up permanent housekeeping there. Even with the dollar-euro fluctuations, life can cost less in the French countryside, especially if you’re into food and wine. But before taking the plunge, consult a lawyer who knows the laws and tax regulations of France and your home country. It’s money well spent since the Napoleonic Code is like none other unless you’re from Louisiana. Last Updated ( Saturday, 30 May 2009 )

People often ask Bonjour Paris to explain French etiquette—or rather what the French expect people to do and what they definitely do not like. During the 21 years I’ve been a resident of France, customs have relaxed—but not as much as you might think.

Last Updated ( Saturday, 23 May 2009 )

Slow down and do as the French do and invariably you’ll be healthier and thinner. According to a recently released study conducted by the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in Paris, the French spend more time eating and drinking than any of the world’s most prosperous nations. In addition to devoting two hours a day to eating, they average nine hours of sleep each day. Last Updated ( Saturday, 16 May 2009 )

Traveling when disabled presents extra challenges. But there’s no reason you shouldn’t – and most especially if you’re coming to France.  Just keep in mind that it’s up to you to prepare for each and every contingency and leave as little as possible to chance. The more advanced planning you do, the more enjoyable the trip will be.  Last Updated ( Saturday, 09 May 2009 )

If you’re an American woman, chances are you think you’re fat – and possibly (probably) carrying a few extra pounds around your middle. Unless you’re a gym addict, it’s so easy to gain surplus weight from eating between meals and not walking as much as most French people do – especially if they’re city dwellers. For that matter, even the French who live in small towns generally walk in order to accomplish the essentials of everyday life, such as going to the baker and the butcher. Driving from one shopping center to the next does not make for skinny. Last Updated ( Sunday, 03 May 2009 )

Anyone who lives in France is the first to admit the month of May is pretty much a non-month.  Let me rephrase that. Even though it has 31 days, many of them (and I am not including weekends) are vacation days and not a whole lot of work gets done. The French are used to it. But it’s unnerving for business people coming to France and finding that the decision makers aren’t around. Last Updated ( Wednesday, 29 April 2009 )