Tour de France Route 2013- includes Provence

We are excited to see this year's route as we haven't been able to attend for several years as the routes took the race too far away. This year the route looks like smack in the middle of Provence, near Aix and through Marseille. Thrilling for us to spend a few hours watching the advertisers' parade so we can see the few seconds with the actual racers whiz by speeding so fast it is quite amazing to watch: http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/graphic/2012/oct/24/tour-de-france-2013-route-map

French teens get free birth control

Interesting article about a proposal to allow French teen girls age 15-18 to get the pill for free. Definitely not happening in the US - too logical. http://www.france24.com/en/20121024-french-teenagers-get-contraceptive-pill-free-social-security-women-france-pregnancy

Sales of classic French t-shirt soar

After French Minister of Industry wears it on magazine cover to promote a new "made in France" campaign: http://www.france24.com/en/20121023-french-snap-sexy-stripy-sailor-t-shirt-government-minister-arnaud-montebourg-sales-increase

French national food show

Just took place with many new ideas for healthy interesting eating. Can't wait to go -maybe next year. Seriously - lobster oil? http://www.france24.com/en/20121024-raw-ingredients-ethical-sourcing-innovation-sial-food-fair-exposition-paris-gastronomy

Paris real estate at the top end

Since the new president is trying to significantly raise taxes on the wealthiest in France, many are considering relocating themselves and their money outside the country, leading to possible real estate market changes: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/frances-rich-tax-deals-paris-183845732.html

Art shows in Paris 2012-2013

Nice article about current exhibits in Paris this fall/winter. Hoping to be well enough to travel soon and see: http://www.english.rfi.fr/visiting-france/20120831-art-exhibitions-paris-autumn-winter-2012

A tale of two cities - Marseilles

Article worth reading from NPR regarding serious crime issues in Marseilles, making the city a high priority for the Hollande government: http://www.npr.org/2012/09/23/161012701/poverty-segregation-fuel-marseille-crime-wave

Paris Sale dates 2013

Getting ready to shop in Paris after the holidays?: Here's the dates. The 2013 winter sales in Paris will start January 9 to end February 12, 2013. The 2013 summer sales will begin June 29 and last until July 30, 2013