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<title><![CDATA[The Connexion News Feeds: All articles]]></title>
<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com</link>
<copyright>2010 CNX</copyright>
<language>English</language>
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		<title><![CDATA[Use extra VAT cash for net blackspots]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Broadband-VAT-triple-play-blackspot-Regions-Iliad-Bouygues-billions-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[PLANS to increase the VAT on internet-telephone and television packages have sparked calls to use the extra cash to improve internet access in regions with poor networks.The Association des RÃ©gions...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-09-02</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Beware of 'tax  refund' emails]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Scam-phishing-dgfip-ufc-que-choisir-bank-caf-mcafee-email-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[CONSUMER group UFC-Que Choisir is warning against scam e-mails purporting to be from bodies such as tax or family allowance authorities.Internet users in particular are being warned to watch out for...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-09-02</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[RentrÃ©e today - strike next week]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/rentree-back-to-school-children-pupils-teachers-strike-closures-next-week-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[TWELVE million children go back to school this morning after the summer break - until next week, when teachers go on strike.Unions representing France's 850,000 teachers are to stage their first str...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-09-02</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Limousin cheapest rents in France]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/renting-flat-france-cheapest-place-limousin-average-rents-property-market-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE LIMOUSIN has been named the cheapest region in France to rent a home.The Observatoire Clameur, a specialist in the French property rental market, found the average rent in the region is Â€8.30 p...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-09-02</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[French Â‘not to be  trusted with artÂ’]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Telegraph-20-Minutes-art-Apsley-Josephine-Oxley-French-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Â“THE FRENCH cannot be trusted to look after valuable works of artÂ”, The Telegraph has claimed.The paper, basing itself on a remark made by a curator at the first Duke of WellingtonÂ’s London home ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-09-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Supermarkets set for wine bargains]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Foire-aux-Vins-supermarkets-bargain-vintage-cheap-sale-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[SUPERMARKET giants Carrefour and Casino open this year's Foire aux Vins next Tuesday (Sept 7) with a combined selection of 1,500 wines at eye-popping prices ranging from Â€1.25 to Â€445.Online, the ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-09-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Gas prices frozen for rest of year]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/gdf-gas-price-freeze-no-increase-october-energy-bills-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FRANCE'S biggest gas supplier, GDF-Suez, has agreed not to raise prices for the rest of the year.Gas bills have soared by almost 15 per cent since the new year, up 10 per cent in April and 4.7 per c...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-09-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Sign up to get our weekly newsletter]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/our-weekly-email-newsletter-signup-form-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE CONNEXION publishes a weekly newsletter - delivered free every Friday lunchtime.It is packed with the latest news, practical tips about life in France, What's On events for the weekend and other...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-09-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Bakers fight to stay off breadline]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/bakers-fight-to-stay-off-breadline-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Quality counts in the battle for your tastebuds]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-31</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Where we live: Poitou-Charentes]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/poitou-charentes-where-we-live-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Things to do, dishes to try and a run down of property prices]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-31</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Vocab lessons  tackle the press]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/vocab-lessons-tackle-the-press-french-language-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[What is a grenelle and how would you say Â‘red letter dayÂ’ in French? A book can help your French news vocabulary]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-31</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Make easy rules apply to all]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/auto-entrepreneur-lets-make-simple-rules-apply-all-businesses-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[France faces a choice - to weigh down its basic auto-entrepreneur business status or to make it easier]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-31</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Roger McGough: my love of languages]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/roger-mcgough-french-literature-language-poet-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Poet Roger McGough didn't study English at university. He opted for French instead.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-31</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Scammers send 'Hadopi' emails]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Hadopi-scammers-email-fake-fine-fraud-Eric-Walter-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FAKE emails purporting to be from anti-internet piracy body Hadopi and demanding recipients pay them Â“finesÂ” are being sent out by crooks.Hadopi itself has not even sent its first warning email, t...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-31</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Abuse fear forces airline child move]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Air-France-unaccompanied-minors-children-sitting-alone-child-abuse-British-Airways-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[AIR FRANCE has moved to protect children travelling alone by putting them in a block of seats by themselves, rather than having them sitting alongside strangers.The move comes after complaints, main...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-31</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA['Superman' dies in Paris balcony fall]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/superman-dies-balcony-fall-Paris-spider-man-Alain-Robert-arrested-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A MAN dressed as Superman has died after falling from a fourth-floor balcony in Paris.The incident happened around 5.00 on Monday in boulevard de Rochechouart in the ninth arrondissement, during a p...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-31</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Forest fires hit south of France]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/south-france-forest-fires-marseille-toulon-montpellier-cassis-la-ciotat-firefighters-train-delays-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FIREFIGHTERS have worked through the night to try to control a series of forest fires in the south of France, near Montpellier and Marseille.The biggest, around Montaud and Saint-Bauzille-de-Montmel...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-31</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[France's best theme parks]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/best-theme-parks-france-safari-parks-circus-family-days-out-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Theme parks, safaris, scientific discovery, circus days, you don't have to look far to find a family treat]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-30</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Lavender's unique colour and smell]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/france-lavender-smell-colour-provence-producers-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[France produces over 50% of the worldÂ’s lavender - although production has nearly halved in the last 10 years]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-30</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Buy glasses online for big savings]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/online-opticians-france-buy-glasses-online-happyview-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Online optician happyview.fr offers discounted pairs of glasses by post and is recognised by the sÃ©cu]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-30</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Parapharmacies: what do they do?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/parapharmacie-chemist-medicines-france-explained-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Parapharmacies are springing up all over France - but the law on selling medicines has not been relaxed]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-30</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[September issue is on sale now]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/september-issue-on-sale-now-the-connexion-newspaper-english-speakers-france-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE SEPTEMBER edition of Connexion is on sale now in newsagents across France.News:Is discrimination not being tackled in schools?Protest over Saint-Tropez beach closuresWhat Europe thinks of the...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-30</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[New inquiry over Woerth tax role]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/eric-woerth-stoning-comment-bettencourt-loreal-heiress-prosecutor-cour-cassation-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[LABOUR minister Eric Woerth is being investigated by a senior prosecutor over his connections with L'Oreal heiress Liliane Bettencourt and favouritism claims in a land deal.General prosecutor for th...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-30</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[More oral English for lycÃ©e pupils]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/seconde-lycee-chatel-holiday-courses-oral-english-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[ALL pupils in the first year of lycÃ©e, the seconde, will be offered free holiday courses in oral English this school year.Education minister Luc Chatel made the pledge as he was visiting a group do...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-30</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Caen port strike: ferries rerouted]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/caen-ferry-port-strike-portsmouth-caen-closed-diverted-le-havre-brittany-ferries-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FERRY services between Portsmouth and Caen are cancelled today because of a strike by port workers.The walkout means the passenger and cargo terminal at Ouistreham is closed all day.A Brittany Fer...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-30</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Why was I billed for TV licence?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/why-billed-for-french-tv-licence-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Old age exoneration for TV licence does not apply if you have a second home in France]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Will I inherit uncle's property? ]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/uncle-property-inheritance-france-rules-no-children-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[My uncle has never married, has no children and has a property in France. Who inherits it?]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Why the need to validate tickets? ]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/why-do-you-have-to-validate-train-tickets-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[What is the the reason for requiring tickets to be validated before you get on the train?]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[My builder says siret is en cours]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/siret-number-business-france-builder-en-cours-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Builder says registration is still being processed. How long does it take?]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Can my daughter marry in France?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/can-my-daughter-marry-in-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[I have a summer home in Provence though I am a UK resident. My daughter would like to get married here. Is it possible?]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Internet options for rural areas]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/broadband-internet-access-rural-france-satellite-equipment-grants-coverage-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[No access to broadband? Satellite might be an option - and grants are available in some areas.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Urssaf steps up business checks]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/urssaf-steps-up-social-security-checks-businesses-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Body is toughening its stance on non-declaration or under-declaration of business activity]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[New protection  for sole traders]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/new-protection-sole-traders-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Business status that protects personal property from being seized will come into force next year]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[End to 'insulting' relocation offers]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/end-to-insulting-business-relocation-offers-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[New circular setting out the conditions that firms must offer employees is due to be drawn up this year.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Dream job led to world adventures ]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/elizabeth-parker-my-first-year-photography-business-paris-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[My first year: Elizabeth Parker is a teacher in Paris who runs her photography business on the side.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Mobile roaming charges face axe]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/international-mobile-roaming-fees-axe-european-union-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[International call fees could be scrapped by 2015 within European Union]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Discover France by canal]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/travel-france-inland-waterway-canals-mooring-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Freedom to travel the 6,700km of waterways in France can cost just Â€84.90 for a year]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Vichy builds a new image]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/wartime-capital-vichy-builds-new-image-france-history-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Vichy has built a new life since June 1940 and its role as the wartime capital of France]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[What is the bouclier fiscal?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/bouclier-fiscal-tax-shield-france-explained-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[The bouclier fiscal was a measure brought in to assist asset-rich but income-poor taxpayers.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Social charges and tax could merge]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/social-charges-income-tax-merger-what-it-means-expats-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[The merger of income tax with social charges could be on the horizon, with significant implications for many expats]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Grants to help home purchase]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/income-tax-credits-mortgage-interest-buying-home-france-grant-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Income tax credits on mortgage interest in the first years of buying a home may be replaced with a grant]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Retirees 'should pay more tax']]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/retirees-should-pay-more-tax-socialist-thinktank-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Retirees should pay more taxes, says Terra Nova, a think tank with links to the Socialist Party.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Banking secrecy is slipping away]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/banking-secrecy-europe-switzerland-tax-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[European governments are determined to breach Swiss banking secrecy]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Your questions to Brittany Ferries]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/brittany-ferries-your-questions-answered-travel-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Connexion puts reader questions to Brittany Ferries ]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Mixed views on French schooling]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/mixed-views-french-education-system-schooling-letter-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Following May's article on exams here's a selection of letters from our postbag on French schooling.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Nimbys would keep us all in the dark]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/nimbys-wind-turbines-letter-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Wind turbines are a hedge against rising power prices, which will continue forever.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Wind turbines: Con of the century]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/wind-turbines-con-of-the-century-letter-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[The promotion of industrial wind turbines as a source of cheap, green energy is wrong.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[UK benefit U-turn  is half a victory]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/uk-disability-benefit-u-turn-half-a-victory-living-allowance-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Current rules still infringe on human rights and break anti-discrimination laws. ]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[French law is inheritance abuse]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/why-does-france-continue-with-inheritance-laws-letter-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Is it right that as soon as one dies the other has to divide what rightfully belongs to the couple with the children?]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Fat people should pay more to fly]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/letter-fat-people-should-pay-more-to-fly-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[If you weigh almost double the average personÂ’s weight, then you pay for two seats. ]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Is France a dangerous place?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/is-france-dangerous-have-your-say-safety-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[The Interior Ministry regularly announces more police and CCTV to combat violence. Is France becoming more dangerous?]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Bargain homes at property auctions]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/find-a-bargain-home-in-france-at-property-auction-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[While you can find houses cheap at distress auctions, your luck does stem from someone else's hardship]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Should we let out furnished or not?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/letting-house-furnished-or-unfurnished-property-question-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[We are relocating to France and propose to rent out property to supplement our pension - furnished or unfurnished?]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Shock risk from solar panels]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/solar-panels-electric-shock-risk-safety-report-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Half of units badly installed, safety survey finds]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Flexibility key for solar power]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/flexibility-key-for-solar-power-heating-design-revolution-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A revolution in solar heating system design is about to change the way systems are supplied]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Anglican church fair in VendÃ©e]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/anglican-church-fair-vendee-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[The Anglican Church at Puy de Serre in the VendÃ©e is having a Fair on Sat 11th Sept]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Facebook choir's Paris tour date]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/community-choir-tours-paris-this-weekend-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A different kind of choir is visiting Paris this weekend.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Brive-Manchester flights in 2011]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/jet2-summer-air-link-brive-dordogne-manchester-uk-flights-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A NEW air route from Brive to Manchester is to launch next summer - the second UK air link for France's newest airport.Budget airline Jet2 will operate two return flights a week from May 21 to Septe...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Train firm sells  its old seats]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Thalys-seat-bin-train-ebay-sale-auction-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[CROSS-BORDER train company Thalys is auctioning off the contents of its trains from seats to bins.The online  eBay sale , is designed to draw attention to the renovation of its stock and is, accordi...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Orange builds own iPad to pip Apple]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Orange-Apple-iPad-Google-Android-250-euro-Christmas-3G-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[DESPITE being the second-biggest seller of iPhones in the world, Orange is taking on Apple with plans to launch its own Â€250 version of the iPad tablet before Christmas.The French mobile giant is s...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[U-turn on student benefit cutbacks]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/student-housing-benefit-tax-breaks-parents-university-france-cutbacks-abandoned-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE GOVERNMENT has abandoned plans to cut back on student housing benefits and tax breaks for parents, after the move was condemned by unions.The cutbacks, announced last month, would have forced pa...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Jet flypast scares chickens to death]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/low-flying-fighter-planes-kill-chickens-law-suit-french-defence-ministry-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A FARMER in Brittany is suing the French defence ministry claiming a low-altitude fly past by their planes scared 5,000 of his chickens to death.Etienne Le MÃ©hautÃ©, who owns a chicken farm with 68...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[State backs new GM vine trial]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/GM-vines-genetically-modified-Colmar-Alsace-Pecresse-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A CROP of genetically modified vines in Alsace which were destroyed by eco-activists will be replanted with full government support.Agriculture Minister Bruno Le Maire and Research Minister ValÃ©rie...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-26</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[EU says no change in broadband bills]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Broadband-prices-unchanged-France-EU-VAT-ruling-consumers-ISPs-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[CONSUMERS should not have to pay any more because of VAT changes on all-inclusive internet, phone and TV packages, the EU says. The commission has told France to change its VAT regime which allows t...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-26</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Income support for young workers]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/rsa-income-support-france-youth-under-25-applications-work-welfare-unemployment-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[UNDER-25s in low-paid jobs will be allowed to apply for income support for the first time next week.The government is extending the revenu de solidaritÃ© active (RSA) to include young workers. Until...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-26</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[3,600 complaints over gas bills]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/gdf-suez-france-gas-complaints-over-billing-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[MORE than 3,600 customers have lodged complaints with France's energy watchdog over the billing practices of GDF-Suez.The focus of most complaints is the company's policy of over-estimating the amou...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-26</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Tragic rise in pet abandonments]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Animal-abandonment-Brigitte-Bardot-pets-summer-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[IT HAS been a "catastrophic summer" for abandoned animals, says TV channel TF1.The number of abandoned pets has never been so high: up 25% on last year. Animal shelters are overwhelmed and associati...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-25</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Muslims upset over Sarko Ramadan hoax]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/President-Sarkozy-Muslim-Ramadan-internet-hoax-coffee-croissants-CNN-attack-faith-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[PRESIDENT Sarkozy has been the subject of an internet hoax saying French Muslims should still enjoy their morning coffee and croissant during Ramadan Â– which was carried as a true story by several Ar...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-25</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Chirac to settle Paris jobs claim]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/jacques-chirac-ump-nicolas-sarkozy-paris-city-council-fake-jobs-claim-mairie-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FORMER French president Jacques Chirac and the governing UMP party have reportedly offered to pay Â€2.2m in damages to Paris city council to settle a corruption claim dating back more than 15 years....]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-25</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Rising anti-Brit sentiment?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/anti-british-sentiment-france-french-letters-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[We don't want special treatment, just a fair attitude and a fair deal.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-24</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Race row supporter quits UMP party]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Amine-Benalia-Brouch-quits-UMP-Sarkozy-race-politics-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A UMP supporter who unwittingly rose to prominence after a race row has quit the party, blaming Nicolas Sarkozy's divisive policies on national identity.Amine Benalia-Brouch, whose meeting with the ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-24</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Ferry firm drops Boulogne route]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Dover-Boulogne-ferry-firm-halts-service-passengers-LD-Lines-September-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FERRY company LD Lines is ending its Dover-Boulogne passenger service after failing to get the traffic expected when it launched the route less than two years ago.Its ferries Norman Bridge and Norma...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-24</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[New rail station creche launches]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/sncf-railway-station-creche-commuter-parents-children-working-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE SNCF has opened its first railway creche, allowing parents to leave children at their local station on the way to work.The service in the Loire commuter town of Roanne, north-east of Lyon, has b...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-24</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[LycÃ©e textbooks six weeks late]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/lycee-students-school-textbooks-delayed-late-six-weeks-curriculum-reform-printers-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[HALF a million schoolchildren will start lycÃ©e next week without textbooks because of a printing delay.Fifteen-year-olds starting seconde - the first year of lycÃ©e - have been told they may have t...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-23</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Trains disrupted by Dijon closure]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/rail-services-cancelled-disruption-rerouted-dijon-replacement-buses-beaune-sncf-train-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[RAIL services through the east of France are disrupted for the next two days because the main line through Dijon has been closed for construction work.Track operator Reseau FerrÃ© de France has deci...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-23</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Pope tells French to respect gypsies]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/pope-tells-france-follow-jesus-rethink-repatriation-gypsies-romania-hortefeux-sarkozy-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE POPE has joined criticism of FranceÂ’s repatriation of gypsies, saying Jesus acted to bring together "men from every nation and every language".Speaking in French to pilgrims at his summer resid...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-23</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Security breach at the ElysÃ©e]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Elysee-Renault-Clio-mentally-ill-president-car-intruder-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A MENTALLY-ILL homeless man was allowed to drive through security checks at the ElysÃ©e Palace by placing a blue flashing light on his dashboard.The 36-year-old approached the main gates of the pres...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-20</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Lawyer fakes entire court case]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/solicitor-fake-sexual-assault-case-France-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A LAWYER has admitted faking the pursuit of a two-year sexual assault case, forging documents and judgments and attending non-existent hearings on behalf of a couple in the south of France.The fraud...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-20</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Crocodile alert closes beaches]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Crocodile-alert-closes-beaches-swim-red-flag-Boulogne-Voix-du-Nord-Riviera-shark-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[BEACHES were closed after reports that a crocodile had been seen in the water at Boulogne-sur-Mer.The warning, which came just days after a shark alert on beaches on the Riviera, came in a letter dr...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-20</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Gypsies being flown home]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/gypsies-xenophobia-Romania-Hortefeux-charter-planes-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[AS FRANCE prepares to send three charter planes to eastern Europe expelling gypsies, the governmentÂ’s sudden crackdown on this racial group is causing concern.Today a chartered plane is expected to...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-19</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Children get first holiday in Paris]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Children-youngsters-first-holiday-Paris-tourist-Secours-Populaire-Vacances-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[NEARLY 40,000 children who do not get away on holiday have arrived in Paris from all over France and Europe for a special day of activities.A large picnic has been organised on the Champ-de-Mars at ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-19</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Cheap fruit and veg on sale today]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/cheap-fruit-vegetables-market-today-paris-farmers-sell-direct-public-food-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FARMERS are to sell 40 tonnes of fresh fruit and veg direct to the public today, to protest against Â“phenomenalÂ” supermarket profit margins and the low prices they are paid for their produce.Produ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-19</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Estrosi backs down on mayor comments]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/christian-estrosi-fines-for-mayors-fight-crime-lax-controversy-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE MAYOR of Nice, Christian Estrosi, has had to clarify comments he made in an interview in which he appeared to suggest fining Â“laxÂ” mayors.The suggestion, made in the Journal du Dimanche last w...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-18</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[School supplies slightly up]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/School-supplies-rentree-back-to-school-cost-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE cost of equipping a child to start secondary school is slightly up this year at Â€175.33, according to the association Familles de France.The body, which carries out a study before the rentrÃ©e ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-18</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[18-game ban ends Anelka's career]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Anelka-ban-ends-France-international-football-career-Chelsea-Evra-Ribery-Toulalan-Abidal-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FRANCE and Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka has been banned for 18 games after the World Cup fiasco that saw the international teamÂ’s humiliating exit after scoring only one goal.Anelka, team captain...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-18</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Activists destroy GM vines]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/GM-vines-genetically-modified-eco-activists-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A FIELD of genetically-modified vines has been destroyed by eco-activists in Colmar, Alsace.The trial of the GM plants had restarted in May after the vines were damaged by an activist following a co...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-17</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Shark scare shuts Riviera beaches]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Shark-Riviera-beach-closed-scare-fin-Cagnes-Nice-dolphin-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THREE Riviera beaches were closed in a shark scare after swimmers said they had seen a fin less than 100metres from the shore.Lifeguards went out to check in their inflatable and spotted a two-metre...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-17</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[France.fr returns after launch bug]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/france-website-back-online-relaunched-after-bug-server-problems-launch-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A NEW official website providing information about France in five languages including English is finally back online, a month after it crashed on launch.France.fr went live with much fanfare on July...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-17</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Job  Advertisement]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Scottish hotel-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Hotel owners looking for a couple to increase the quality of food and service to be among the best in Scotland]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-13</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[UN slams French prejudice]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/UN-criticism-racism-prejudice-France-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE UNITED Nations' Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination has criticised the French government for a lack of political will' in tackling mounting acts of racism.The timing of a repor...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-13</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Easyjet accused again on disabled]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Easyjet-accused-discrimination-on-disabled-paraplegic-refused-flights-France-Halde-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[TWO paraplegics are taking low-cost airline Easyjet to the Halde anti-discrimination body after being barred from flights in France because they were travelling alone.One, a 60-year-old woman, was s...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-13</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[France football bans vuvuzelas]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/france-football-bans-vuvuzela-horn-premier-league-ligue-1-matches-spectators-safety-noise-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FOOTBALL fans in France are to be banned from bringing vuvuzela horns to top-league matches from this season.French football body the Ligue de Football Professionnel has banned the noisy instruments...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-13</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Milk farmers to meet dairies]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Milk-prices-farmers-unions-dairies-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[ANGRY milk producers are expected to meet big dairy firms today in a bid to restart negotiations over the prices paid for their milk.They accuse some of the firms of Â“stealingÂ” from them by not pa...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-12</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[80% of new jobs are temporary]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/temp-workers-interim-employment-growth-short-term-contracts-pole-emploi-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FRENCH employers are starting to recruit again, but almost all of the contracts available are temporary, new figures reveal.The number of temp workers has grown by 24.8% in a year to 600,000 accordi...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-12</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[OAP jailed for shooting gypsies]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/protests-OAP-jailed-for-shooting-gypsy-intruders-Front-National-Le-Pen-Beziers-UMP-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FRIENDS, neighbours and politicians have reacted with fury after a 73-year-old was kept in jail for firing his rifle at two gypsies he found on his property.Retired market gardener RenÃ© Galinier is...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-12</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Deal for Dordogne fraud victims]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Dordogne-victims-in-two-million-euro-fraud-settlement-with-Societe-Generale-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[SOCIETE GÃ©nÃ©rale is thought to have reached a deal over a Â€2 million claim by victims of conman Graham Templeton.The bankÂ’s press office says it is still in negotiations but it is thought to hav...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-11</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Sarkozy 'hooligan' headline outrage]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/nicolas-sarkozy-hooligan-row-marianne-magazine-france-voyou-de-la-republique-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE POLITICAL right is outraged after current affairs magazine Marianne published a sinister-looking photo of President Sarkozy on its cover with a headline describing him as a "hooligan".The cover,...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-11</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Plain cigarette packets considered]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/plain-cigarette-packets-smoking-draft-law-logos-colours-banned-shock-images-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[CIGARETTE manufacturers and tobacconists have reacted with anger to a proposed law that would ban logos and other branding from packets sold in France.An MP in Nicolas SarkozyÂ’s governing UMP party...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-11</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Height and weight rule axed for cops]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/france-allows-short-fat-police-officers-height-weight-rules-scrapped-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[HEIGHT and weight requirements for police officers and other uniformed services have been scrapped.Until yesterday officers in France needed to be at least 1.60m tall, not obese and have decent eloc...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-11</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Too few pickers for grape harvest]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Shortage-grape-harvest-too-few-pickers-vendange-beaujolais-champagne-vineyard-wine-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[VINEYARDS and PÃ´le Emploi employment offices say they are thousands of workers short of the numbers needed to cope with next monthÂ’s vendange grape harvest.There will be few French heading to join...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-10</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Bid to improve Paris taxi image]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/paris-taxi-drivers-worst-in-world-rude-costs-new-english-exam-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[PARIS cabbies are to sit tougher entry exams and a new compulsory English test after the cityÂ’s taxi service was voted one of the worst in the world.An online poll of 1,900 travellers by hotels.com...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-10</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Sunday trading law marks one year]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/sunday-trading-opening-france-shopping-one-year-limited-effect-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[RELAXED Sunday trading laws have had a limited effect one year after they first came into practice.The changes were originally planned to give more flexibility to shops and boost the economy, but op...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-10</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Foreign tourists return to France]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/tourism-summer-france-foreign-holidays-weak-euro-hotels-campsites-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FOREIGN tourists have come back to France this summer after a disappointing 2009, early figures have revealed.According to tourism research body Protourisme, the weak euro has boosted the number of ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-09</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Electricity prices to rise Aug 15]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/electricity-prices-to-rise-august-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[ELECTRICITY prices will rise from August 15 by an average of 3.4%The price rises apply to government-fixed tariffs.The tarifs bleus (householders) will rise 3%, the tarifs bleus pros (professionals...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-09</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Connexion's new contact details]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/connexion-office-closed-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[CONNEXION is back from its summer break, and we have new contact details.For advertising and subscriptions:Call us freephone from France on 0800 91 77 56Or at 4p/min in the UK on 0844 256 9881Fo...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-08-09</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Ryanair launches new Paris routes]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Ryanair-new-routes-Morocco-Italy-low-cost-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[RYANAIR will be running five new services from Paris Beauvais from November.The new destinations are in Morocco and Italy: Fez (three flights a week), Marrakech (four a week), Nador (two a week), Ta...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-30</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Worst jams of year this weekend ]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Worst-traffic-jams-summer-rush -view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THIS weekend will be the worst for travelling in France, according to road monitor Bison FutÃ©.The annual migration of juillettistes (July holidaymakers heading home) and aoÃ»tiens (August traveller...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-30</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Cash-strapped city ends Euro 2016 bid]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Strasbourg-Euro-2016-blow-abandon-finance-stadium-Meinau-Racing-Club-Ries-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[STRASBOURG has pulled out of its bid to host games in the Euro 2016 football championships as it cannot afford to renovate the Meinau stadium.Mayor Roland Ries said they had to withdraw as the townÂ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-30</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[August issue hits newsagents now]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/August-edition-out-now-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE AUGUST edition of Connexion is out in newsagents now. Here are just some of the things inside:Property: Planning permission - How to lose Â€5 million when renovating a chateau.Take the plunge:...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-29</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Funding deal for Iter sun project]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/funding-deal-for-Iter-project-south-France-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[AN EXTRA 1.4bn euros has been granted towards the Iter reactor project in the south of France.The project, based in Cadarache near Manosque, will seek to replicate nuclear fusion, the process behind...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-29</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Crackdown on gypsy camps for 3 months]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Illegal-Gypsy-camps-to-close-Brice-Hortefeux-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE MAJORITY of illegal gypsy camps in France will be closed within three months, the interior minister has announced.Following a special meeting with President Sarkozy, Interior Minister Brice Hort...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-29</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Speed radar signs will be 2km ahead]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/speed-camera-signs-France-change-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE first batch of new speed radar warning signs, which will be placed up to 2km ahead of the actual cameras, will go up next month.The new signs, which carry the words Â”pour votre sÃ©curitÃ©, cont...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-28</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Water restrictions in 32 departments]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Water-restrictions-hosepipe-ban-departments-prefecture-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[WATER restrictions are now in force in 32 French departments.The west of France is especially concerned, from the Landes and PyrÃ©nÃ©es-Atlantiques in the south-west to all of the Poitou-Charentes a...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-28</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Watchdog says no to iPhone 4]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/iphone-antenna-fault-stop-consumer-recommendation-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[CONSUMER watchdog UFC-Que Choisir has declined to recommend the new iPhone 4 to readers of its magazine.The association, the equivalent of the UK's Which? group, said that despite good performance i...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-28</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Man diagnosed with rat infection]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Swimming-ban-rat-disease-Weil-Sarlat-Dordogne-river-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[SWIMMING has been banned in the CÃ©ou river near Sarlat in Dordogne after a man was diagnosed with WeilÂ’s disease, which is caused by rats.The man, the manager of a campsite at Bouzic, caught the d...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-28</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[No more bears for Pyrenees]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Bears-Pyrenees-Chantal-Jouanno-Ecology-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[PLANS to reintroduce more bears into the Pyrenees will be abandoned, says Ecology Minister Chantal Jouanno.Following news that two new cubs were born last winter, the minister is hoping the bear pop...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Race bias claim at holiday venues]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/undercover-operation-exposes-racism-prejudice-Antibes-Cagnes-racism-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[AN UNDERCOVER operation by an anti-racism group has exposed racism at some bars and clubs on campsites in the south of France.SOS Racisme found two campsites and three clubs in the Alpes-Maritimes, ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Websites accused over police abuse]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Brice-Hortefeux-defamation-charges-websites-Grenoble-assassins-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[INTERIOR minister Brice Hortefeux has filed a complaint against two internet sites, accusing them of vitriolic attacks on the police by calling them Â“assassinsÂ”.The two sites juralibertaire.over-b...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[SNCF 'risked lives as air-con broken']]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Bruno-Kern-SNCF-air-conditioning-train-Belfort-40C-sun-heatwave-danger-lives-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE SNCF has been accused of putting travellersÂ’ lives in danger by running trains without air-conditioning in heatwave conditions.Deputy mayor of Belfort and lawyer Bruno Kern has lodged a complai...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-26</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Tax checks raise half billion less]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Tax-checks-investigations-money-recuperated-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[CHECKS by the authorities on income tax declarations brought in half a billion euros less than last year an official report shows.The amount recuperated, Â€14.7bn, is down from Â€15.2bn in 2008 and ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-26</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Marseille forest  fire extinguished]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Bouches-du-Rhone-Marseille-forest-fire-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A FOREST fire which burned 900 hectares of land in the Bouches-du-RhÃ´ne has been extinguished.Investigators believe it was started when a stolen 4x4 was set on fire in a forest bordering the Etang ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-26</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Dita Von Teese on life in Paris]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/dita-von-teese-exclusive-interview-living-in-paris-erotic-performer-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Erotic performer loves to explore the capital from her new apartment - now if she can just master the native tongue]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-23</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Civil partner wins tax refund ruling]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/refund-for-civil-partner-inheritance-tax-bill-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A FRENCH court has ordered the tax authorities to pay back inheritance tax paid by a British man after his civil partner died.Jerry Lea has so far paid instalments of Â£31,800 on a Â£98,000 bill aft...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-23</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[MPs face fines for absenteeism]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/french-mps-face-fines-for-absenteeism-missed-meetings-accountability-parliament-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[ALMOST 100 French MPs are facing fines totalling a quarter of a million euros for failing to turn up to meetings in parliament, new research has claimed.Political accountability group Regards Citoye...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-23</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[France.fr down until late August]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/france-official-flagship-website-down-until-late-august-crash-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FRANCE'S flagship website, which crashed within hours of launching last week, will remain unavailable until at least the end of August.The government says it is switching to a more reliable web host...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-23</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Motorway drivers in concrete attack]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/motorway-drivers-unharmed-concrete-blocks-a4-cars-damaged-attack-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[DRIVERS on a motorway in the north of Paris have had a lucky escape after a saboteur threw blocks of concrete at them from a bridge.The incident happened at about 5.00 on Thursday morning blocked th...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-23</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Internet: why is France so behind?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/internet-why-is-france-so-behind-letters-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Your thoughts on internet speeds and the user-friendliness of French websites]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-22</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Being an expat: mad or courageous?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/british-expats-in-france-mad-or-courageous-letters-rip-hopkins-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Photographer Rip Hopkins said being a British expat in France was either mad or brave. Here are some of your replies.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-22</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Growing numbers paying wealth tax]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/wealth-tax-isf-declarations-growing-numbers-declaration-rich-economic-crisis-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE NUMBER of people required to pay wealth tax in France has grown by about 4% this year, despite the economic crisis.Provisional figures from the budget ministry show 562,000 people made a wealth ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-22</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Eurostar set to buy new trains]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/eurostar-new-trains-german-siemens-alstom-replacement-2012-london-olympics-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[EUROSTAR is in talks with German manufacturer Siemens to renew its fleet of cross-Channel trains from 2012, according to reports.Le Figaro says the train operator wants to replace some of its ageing...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-22</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Sarkozy traveller speech sparks row]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/travellers-nicolas-sarkozy-scapegoat-human-rights-groups-war-on-crime-riot-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[HUMAN rights groups have accused Nicolas Sarkozy of stigmatising travellers after he announced a clearout of France's illegal campsites following a riot at the weekend.The president has called a mee...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-22</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Students condemn 'illegal' uni fees]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/french-university-first-year-student-registration-fees-union-report-excessive-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[ALMOST a third of universities are charging excessive fees to first-year students due to start this autumn, France's national student union has claimed.National body Unef has named 28 universities t...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-21</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Pensions debate leaks on Twitter]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/state-pensions-retirement-reform-debate-secret-mps-twitter-leak-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[SOCIALIST MPs have taken to Twitter to provide a blow-by-blow commentary of secret parliamentary discussions on a controversial pensions reform law.The new legislation, which would potentially see t...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-21</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Air traffic strike affecting flights]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/airline-plane-flights-to-from-france-delayed-cancelled-air-traffic-controllers-strike-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[HOLIDAYMAKERS planning to fly to or from France are facing delays and cancellations today because of a strike by air traffic controllers.Five unions representing civil aviation workers are on strike...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-21</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Paris Plages back for another year]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/paris-plages-festival-sand-banks-river-seine-bassin-la-villette-beach-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE BANK of the River Seine in Paris has been transformed into a beach once again for the ninth annual Plages festival, which opens today.Construction firm and event sponsor Lafarge has spent five d...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-20</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[List of smoke-free terrasses planned]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/bars-cafes-restaurants-no-smoking-outside-terrasses-online-list-website-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A NEW website is due to launch in the autumn listing all of the cafes and restaurants in France that no longer allow smoking on their terrasse.Anti-smoking group Droits des Non-Fumeurs (DNF) is plan...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-20</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Old-age insurance to meet care costs]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/over-50s-france-compulsory-insurance-dependency-old-age-care-home-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[OVER-50s living in France could be required to take out compulsory insurance to help pay for their future care needs, a parliamentary report has recommended.The National Assembly's social affairs co...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-20</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Food makers agree to use less salt]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/french-food-manufacturers-brands-agree-salt-level-cut-recipe-changes-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[NINETEEN of France's biggest food manufacturers have signed a deal with the government promising to cut the amount of salt they use in products.Brands including Findus, McCain and Fleury-Michon are ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-19</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Chateaux, forests and dunes for sale]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/for-sale-chateaux-forests-sand-dunes-farms-hopitaux-de-paris-property-land-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[TWO chateaux, a sports stadium and a group of sand dunes have been put up for sale by Paris's hospital authorities to help plug a funding shortfall.HÃ´pitaux de Paris is trying to find buyers for hu...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-19</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Taxi protest hits Paris CDG airport]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/paris-charles-de-gaulle-airport-taxi-drivers-protest-access-disruptions-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[TRAVELLERS using Paris Charles de Gaulle airport today should allow extra time for their journey because of a protest by taxi drivers.Several hundred drivers are planning to bring disruption to Fran...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-19</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Heatwave loan for Paris residents]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/paris-heatwave-loans-air-conditioning-home-help-credit-municipal-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[RESIDENTS in Paris are being offered a special loan to help pay for air-conditioning during a heatwave.The new scheme, run by the CrÃ©dit Muncipal de Paris, can also be used to pay for home help for...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-19</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Fake ministry site promises Haiti aid]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/fake-website-haiti-aid-france-foreign-ministry-independence-debt-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE FRENCH foreign ministry is considering legal action against a campaign group that set up a copycat website announcing a multi-billion-euro aid package for Haiti.Diplomatiegov.fr used the same de...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-19</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Car arson figures to be kept secret]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/arson-attacks-france-burning-cars-bastille-day-new-years-eve-figures-banned-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[POLICE have been ordered to stop publishing the number of arson attacks on cars every Bastille Day and New Year's Eve in an attempt to limit the French public holiday tradition.According to Le Figar...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-16</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Villagers sing for right to broadband]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/village-rural-france-pop-song-video-campaign-broadband-internet-access-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A GROUP of rural residents in Franche-ComtÃ© angered by the lack of broadband internet access in their village have released a pop song and video to raise awareness of their campaign.The villagers i...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-16</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[60,000 new creche places by 2016]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/creche-places-france-60000-extra-capacity-municipal-childcare-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[AN EXTRA 60,000 creche places are to be created around France between now and 2016 to help cope with growing demand.The Caisse Nationale d'Allocations Familiales has announced the Â€330m plan to inc...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-16</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Air France signs Flybe sharing deal]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/flybe-air-france-sharing-deal-flights-uk-france-airport-links-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[AIR passengers in France will be able to mix and match between Flybe and Air France routes under a new sharing deal due to launch in the autumn.The two airlines have agreed to begin marketing each o...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-15</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Storms disrupt fÃªte nationale]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/violent-storms-france-bastille-national-day-rain-wind-one-dead-homes-electricity-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[ONE man has died and thousands of homes left without electricity in violent storms in the north-east of France that disrupted the fÃªte nationale celebrations.Winds of up to 146kph were reported in ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-15</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Swine flu jab campaign 'failed']]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/swine-flu-vaccination-campaign-failure-france-parliamentary-report-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FRANCE'S swine flu vaccination scheme was a "failure", with millions of doses having to be thrown away or cancelled, an official parliamentary investigation has concluded.A new report by MPs and sen...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-15</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[France website crashes on launch]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/France-website-information-in-English-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A NEW official website providing information about France in five languages including English has launched - and promptly crashed.France.fr went live this morning to coincide with the fÃªte national...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-14</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Bank card fraud continues to grow]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/french-bank-card-fraud-online-transactions-growing-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE NUMBER of fraud cases involving French bank cards has risen for the second year running, with online fraud on French sites up almost a quarter, new figures reveal.The Observatoire de la SÃ©curit...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-14</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Burqa ban moves one step closer]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/national-assembly-france-mps-burqa-veil-ban-law-passed-majority-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FRANCE has moved one step closer to banning women from wearing the burqa in public, after the draft law was passed by a large majority of MPs.The National Assembly adopted the text at first reading ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-14</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[New rules on canteen food]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/school-canteen-food-new-law-legal-limits-fried-food-fruit-vegetables-salt-sugar-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[SCHOOL canteens are to be required by law to serve less fried food and more fruit and veg by the end of this year.The new agricultural and fishing reform law, passed yesterday, sets a limit of one f...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-13</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Livret A rate rise confirmed]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/livret-a-interest-rates-increase-august-confirmed-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FRANCE'S most popular tax-free savings account, the Livret A, will pay out 1.75% interest from next month after a year of record low rates.The rise from the current 1.25% brings an end to the worst ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-13</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[No tax rises, no pensions U-turn]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/nicolas-sarkozy-tax-rises-bouclier-fiscal-wealth-tax-pensions-reform-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[NICOLAS Sarkozy has promised a tax freeze for all households and warned that France risked losing wealthy people to other countries if it taxed them more.In a live TV interview last night, he also d...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-13</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Bank in court over 'misleading' ads]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/caisse-epargne-criminal-charges-misleading-advertising-investment-double-money-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A FRENCH bank that promised to double investors' money in just six years has become the first in the country to face criminal charges for misleading advertising.The Caisse d'Epargne's Doubl'Ã´ accou...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-13</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[71% say France is 'in decline']]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/france-in-decline-survey-public-opinion-quality-of-life-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[SEVEN out of ten French people consider their country to be "in decline", a new survey has revealed.The Ifop poll of 958 adults by the Journal du Dimanche found 71% considered France was getting wor...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-12</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Sarkozy faces TV grilling tonight]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/nicolas-sarkozy-president-tv-interview-tonight-party-donations-pensions-reform-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[NICOLAS Sarkozy is to make a rare pre-summer holiday primetime TV appearance tonight to answer questions about party donations and his pensions reform plan.The president will face an hour-long grill...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-12</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Storm warning for 41 departments]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/storm-alert-warning-centre-north-east-france-paris-meteo-france-weather-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[VIOLENT storms are forecast today in 41 departments in the centre and east of France, including Paris.Heavy rain and strong winds that arrived from the Atlantic coast last night will reach the capit...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-12</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA['Demolish your rebuilt house']]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/planning-permission-renovation-rebuilding-property-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Permission to renovate does not cover rebuilding if your property collapses mid-work, rules court]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-09</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Breaking down autoroute driving]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/breaking-down-autoroute-motorway-driving-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[French motorways are mostly toll roads built by private firms. The network of more than 8,600km has some basic rules.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-09</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[French talk of the playground]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/french-rude-words-talk-of-the-playground-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[The author of Language Strategies for Bilingual Families explains how to deal with children using rude words in French]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-09</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Becoming a market trader]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/becoming-a-market-trader-in-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[If early starts and cold weather donÂ’t put you off, being a market trader offers professional freedom]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-09</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[How to get a disabled badge]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/how-to-get-a-disabled-badge-in-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Follow our steps for a macaron to use those blue-marked bays]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-09</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Avoid succession law with clause]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/tontine-clause-succession-law-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Tontine clause can bypass succession laws but not French inheritance tax]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-09</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Legal ruling for gay parents]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/gay-couples-adopt-child-parent-rights-legal-first-court-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FRANCE's supreme court has made a first step towards legally recognising the parental rights of gay couples.The Cour de Cassation has ruled that a French woman whose American partner gave birth to a...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-09</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Eurostar delayed after line closure]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/eurostar-delays-cancellations-line-closure-fire-tunnel-ebbsfleet-london-paris-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[EUROSTAR services are running with delays this morning following a technical problem that stopped trains for more than three hours yesterday evening.The UK's high-speed line was closed after a drive...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-09</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[No repeat of 2003 heatwave - yet]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/heatwave-france-paris-alsace-lyon-not-same-scale-as-2003-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[METEO France has extended its heatwave alert to Paris and Alsace and has warned that temperatures nationwide will remain higher than seasonal average for most of this weekend.However the weather for...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-09</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Positive signs for road death figures]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/road-deaths-accidents-down-in-june-safety-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE NUMBER of people killed on French roads last month has fallen by almost 20% in a year, new figures reveal.The June data, ahead of the peak summer travel season, shows 328 deaths on the road netw...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-08</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[SNCF considering 'low-cost' model]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/sncf-trains-france-low-cost-tickets-prices-tgv-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE SNCF is considering the introduction of a new low-cost ticketing model for all of its long-distance TGV services from 2012.According to Les Echos, the French rail operator wants to offer more fl...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-08</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Heatwave alert in Lyon and RhÃ´ne]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/heatwave-alert-lyon-rhone-valley-france-high-temperatures-summer-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE RHÃ”NE department has been officially placed on heatwave alert from midday today.MÃ©tÃ©o France has issued an "orange" warning for the area around Lyon until tomorrow morning at the earliest.T...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-08</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Visa applications slow and unclear]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/visa-france-live-work-stay-application-process-embassies-consulates-immigration-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[GROWING numbers of non-EU nationals are finding it impossible to get a visa to live and work in France, a new report has claimed.Immigration support charity Cimade said the "Kafkaesque" application ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-08</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Children made to crawl for lunch]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/school-canteen-chef-made-children-crawl-for-lunch-picnic-children-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A GROUP of parents are calling for a school chef to be sacked after he made pupils crawl on the ground to get their lunch.The canteen worker, who has not been named, is alleged to have "humiliated" ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-07</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Cuts to benefits  in new budget ]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/social-benefits-student-housing-disability-home-help-cut-income-support-rsa-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FINANCIAL incentives for hiring home help, aid for the disabled and student housing benefits are to be reduced in a new round of government spending cuts.Budget Minister FranÃ§ois Baroin has announc...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-07</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Bac pass rates down on 2009]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/baccalaureat-exam-pass-rate-down-this-year-early-figures-students-tests-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE NUMBER of students passing the baccalaurÃ©at has fallen this year, early figures suggest.The pass rate for the general bac exams was 74.6%, down 3.6 points on last year.The full set of results...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-07</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[World Cup blamed for cinema flop]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/fete-du-cinema-attendance-figures-down-world-cup-hot-weather-blamed-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[HOT weather and the World Cup have been blamed for poor attendance figures at this year's FÃªte du CinÃ©ma.Figures released by the FÃ©dÃ©ration Nationale des CinÃ©mas FranÃ§ais show a 30% decline in...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-07</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Teachers to strike on September 6-7]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/secondary-school-teachers-strike-france-september-rentree-college-lycee-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[SECONDARY school teachers have announced plans to walk out on a two-day strike in September - just days after the start of the new academic year.The biggest teaching union, Snes-FSU, says it members...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-06</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Online bac exam results delayed]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/baccalaureat-results-online-delay-strike-school-it-workers-students-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[BACCALAUREAT students are facing a nerve-wracking wait for their results to be published online this morning due to a strike by school IT staff.About 80% of workers responsible for publishing the re...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-06</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[A&E worst in waiting time test]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/public-service-waiting-times-revealed-hospital-wards-letter-replies-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE MAJORITY of accident and emergency patients have to wait at least two hours to be treated, a new report on the efficiency of French public services has revealed.The study found only 45% of Urgen...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-06</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Politicians are 'mostly corrupt']]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/french-politicians-mostly-corrupt-survey-ministers-excessive-spending-resignation-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[MORE than six out of ten French people believe their country's politicians are "mostly corrupt", a new poll has revealed.The Viavoice survey for LibÃ©ration found 64% did not trust the political cla...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-06</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[SNCF cracks down on fare-dodgers]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/sncf-train-fare-ticket-dodgers-fake-addresses-fines-database-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE SNCF has launched a new campaign to target the million fare-dodgers each year who refuse to pay their fine.The rail operator is looking at new ways of handing out fines and automatically checkin...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-05</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Cigarette price cut 'a scandal']]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/smoking-cigarette-prices-cut-tobacco-health-ministry-anger-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[TAXES on cigarettes could be increased further to retaliate against a price cut by manufacturers that comes into effect today.British American Tobacco has announced it is dropping the price of a pac...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-05</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Trains restored after power cut]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/trains-paris-austerlitz-south-west-france-spain-lightning-strike-power-cut-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[TRAIN services on one of the key routes out of Paris have returned to normal today after a power cut left 40,000 passengers stranded over the weekend.Routes out of the Gare d'Austerlitz were complet...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-05</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Small hospitals to stop operations]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/hospitals-closure-france-operating-theatres-maternity-wards-health-ministry-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[MORE than 50 hospitals around France could have their operating theatres and maternity wards closed because they do not treat enough patients.According to the Journal du Dimanche, the Health Ministr...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-05</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Summer getaway starting today]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/summer-holidays-roads-train-planes-busy-motorway-delays-travel-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[DRIVERS are being advised to postpone setting off on holiday from big cities until Sunday if possible to avoid the worst of the traffic jams on the first weekend of the summer break.The school holid...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-02</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Restaurants' VAT cut here to stay]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/restaurants-vat-cut-tax-break-prices-jobs-government-no-change-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE GOVERNMENT has refused to scrap a controversial tax break for restaurants described by one consumer group as a "proven failure".The VAT rate cut from 19.6% to 5.5%, which came into force a year ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-02</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Post offices slow and inefficient]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/postal-system-la-poste-france-post-offices-slow-inefficient-delivery-times-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE POSTAL system in France is still too slow and inefficient despite billions of euros of public investment, a report by auditors has concluded.The Cour des Comptes said the way La Poste was organi...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-02</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[SÃ©golÃ¨ne Royal says no to 2012]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/segolene-royal-martine-aubry-dominique-strauss-kahn-socialist-presidential-election-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FORMER presidential candidate SÃ©golÃ¨ne Royal has said she will not run against Martine Aubry or Dominique Strauss-Kahn if they decide to seek nomination for the 2012 presidential campaign.In an in...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-02</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Top tourism award for restored abbey]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/tourism-award-family-restored-abbey-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Prize is normally reserved for French nationals after years in the industry]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Live acts cross borders and genres]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/live-music-borders-genres-concerts-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Some of southern FranceÂ’s most picturesque towns and villages are hosting events this summer]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Making the most of Loire life]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/making-most-of-loire-life-euromayenne-community-group-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[EuroMayenne was set up in 1991 and now has 350 members, about two-thirds of whom are English-speakers.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-01</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Survivors mark St Nazaire's 70th]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/survivors-mark-70-years-of-st-nazaire-tragedy-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A group of surviving veterans from BritainÂ’s worst maritime disaster have returned to the port of Saint-Nazaire]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Register interest  in Var seminars]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/var-retirement-seminars-english-register-interest-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Support group for English-speakers is planning a series of free seminars on retirement]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Busy summer for La Roche cricket]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/cricket-group-la-roche-sur-yon-summer-fixtures-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Cricket players in La-Roche-sur-Yon are enjoying a busy summer season of fixtures]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Bag a bargain book in Paris ]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/sos-help-second-hand-book-sale-paris-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Advice and support line SOS Help is holding its next second-hand book sale on July 3]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Art groups hold joint exhibition]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/brittany-art-groups-joint-exhibition-gouarec-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Two art groups are organising a joint exhibition of their work in Gouarec (CÃ´tes dÂ’Armor)]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Flower festival returns to Dinard]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/st-barts-church-dinard-flower-festival-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Saint BartÂ’s church in Dinard (Ille-et-Vilaine) is staging its annual flower festival from July 9-11]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[HÃ©rault drop-in centre for expats]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/herault-expats-drop-in-centre-marseillan-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A drop-in centre has reopened for the summer in the village of Marseillan (HÃ©rault)]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-01</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Central London Bastille day bash]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/london-bastille-day-party-raymond-blanc-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Top French chef Raymond Blanc and the dancers from Paris cabaret Le Lido party in London]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Cancer support fÃªte in Charente]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/cancer-support-fete-charente-july-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[The Charente branch of Cancer Support France is getting ready for its summer fÃªte]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-01</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Mayenne mobile lending library]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/english-mobile-library-mayenne-books-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[An English-language library in the Maine-et-Loire is expanding into the neighbouring Mayenne]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Table sale raising EmmaÃ¼s funds ]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/emmaus-table-sale-charity-dordogne-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Bric-a-brac, English books and more are on sale at a vide-grenier in the Dordogne]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Celebrate July 4 at Rennes BBQ]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/rennes-barbecue-july-independence-day-america-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[The Institut Franco-AmÃ©ricain in Rennes is holding an Independence Day barbecue]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-01</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Price changes in  force for July 1]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/price-changes-gas-mobile-roaming-stamps-public-transport-today-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[JULY 1 brings with it a series of changes to prices - some up, some down - ahead of the school summer holidays which begin tomorrow.Public transportSNCF train fares go up by an average of 2.5% this...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-01</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Loneliness affects one in ten people]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/solitude-report-fondation-de-france-loneliness-one-in-ten-people-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[ONE in ten people in France lives in solitude and a quarter have only the most basic links to family or friends, a new report has revealed.The Fondation de France estimates that four million adults ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-01</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Small earthquake on VendÃ©e border]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/earthquake-vendee-deux-sevres-emergency-calls-no-injuries-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[An earthquake with a magnitude of 4.3 has hit parts of the VendÃ©e and Deux-SÃ¨vres - the region's fifth in a decade.The quake was felt by residents within a 40-50km radius of Fontenay-le-Comte, on ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-01</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Free comes top for customer service ]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/free-internet-service-provider-france-customer-service-technical-problems-research-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FREE has come top in an official league table of French internet service providers providing the best customer service.Telecoms regulator Arcep has published figures for the first time comparing eac...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-07-01</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Victims' anger as conman is freed]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/graham-templeton-freed-jail-conman-dordogne-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A GROUP of British expats in the Dordogne who lost Â€2m to a conman say they are still fighting to get their money back and are angry that the fraudster has been released from jail early.A year afte...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-30</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Call to scrap free overseas schooling]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/international-overseas-french-lycees-fees-charging-free-scheme-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FREE schooling for French lycÃ©e pupils studying abroad could be axed to save money.A parliamentary committee has recommended that France's network of 240 overseas lycÃ©es go back to charging fees, ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-30</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA['Exam cheating is widespread']]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/cheating-exams-french-education-schools-universities-widespread-research-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[MORE than two-thirds of students admit they cheat in exams, a new poll has revealed.The study by two French academics, Pascal Guibert and Christophe Michaut, claims to be the first major research in...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-30</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Sarko told to stop football meddling]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/france-government-football-interference-meddling-world-cup-fifa-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FRANCE has been warned it could be banned from international football tournaments because of government interference in the game.World football body Fifa has sent what it says is a "clear and clean ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-30</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Seine current to make electricity]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/paris-water-turbines-river-seine-renewable-energy-produce-electricity-currents-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[PARIS city council has announced plans to install water turbines in the Seine to make electricity.Four sites have been identified for the experiment along the central stretch of the river, with each...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-29</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Summer sales start June 30]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/summer-sales-soldes-france-five-weeks-june-30-august-7-exceptions-shopping-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE SUMMER sales begin in most parts of France tomorrow - June 30 - despite complaints from several retailers that an earlier state date was needed this year.Items in many shops will be heavily disc...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-29</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Sarkozy targets excessive spending]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/spending-cuts-french-state-government-budget-nicolas-sarkozy-ministers-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE FRENCH government is to cut back its spending on official cars and ministerial accommodation under new austerity measures announced by Nicolas Sarkozy.The president has written to Prime Minister...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-29</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Occupation police records go online]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/france-digitise-police-records-archives-nazi-occupation-vichy-regime-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[EVERY police document from France's time under Nazi occupation is to be digitised and published online.Thousands of cardboard boxes of documents currently stored in a basement in the MusÃ©e de la Po...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-29</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Train fares rise for summer break]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/rail-travel-france-tickets-fares-prices-increase-corail-ter-sncf-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[TRAIN fares are to rise by an average of 2.5% from Thursday, hitting passengers ahead of next weekend's big summer holiday getaway.The price hike applies to Corail and IntercitÃ©s long-distance serv...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-28</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Hadopi warnings due in September]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/hadopi-online-web-piracy-illegal-downloading-warning-emails-ready-september-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[WEB anti-piracy body Hadopi has confirmed it is finally ready to begin work, with the first warning emails to illegal downloaders due in September.The official decrees that are necessary for Hadopi ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-28</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Â€3 cinema deal all this week]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/fete-du-cinema-cheap-films-tickets-france-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[MORE than four million cut-price cinema tickets are up for grabs all this week in the summer FÃªte du CinÃ©ma.The scheme allows film fans to buy one ticket and receive a passport offering entry to a...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-28</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Course changes raise textbook row]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/cost-textbooks-lycee-students-to-rise-dispute-funding-regional-councils-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A DISPUTE over who should pay for secondary school textbooks could add at least Â€100 to the cost of going back to school for many families this year.Parents whose children are due to start lycÃ©e t...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-28</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[IÂ’ve sold my house -now what happens?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/sold-house-what-happens-to-mortage-final-payment-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[What happens to the final mortgage payment when a property is sold?]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-25</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Dispute over loan  database scheme]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/dispute-over-loan-database-scheme-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[All individuals who take out loans would be listed on a central database under proposals being discussed by MPs ]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-25</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Be flexible with currency]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/currency-flexibility-essential-protect-your-assets-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Uncertainty in the currency markets mean it is important that you diversity and do not put all eggs in one basket]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-25</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Root out 'crazy' finance behaviour]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Michel-Camdessus-former-governor-bank-of-france-interview-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Michel Camdessus is a former governor of the Bank of France and a former president of the International Monetary Fund.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-25</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Do's and don'ts of apÃ©ritifs]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/aperitifs-dos-and-donts-making-friends-with-neighbours-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[An invitation for an apÃ©ro is a well-known way to break the ice with neighbours, but what are the do's and don'ts?]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-25</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Our man in Paris, Peter Westmacott]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/british-ambassador-france-sir-peter-westmacott-interviews-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Sir Peter Westmacott was appointed UK ambassador to France in 2007. Connexion met him at his official residence in Paris]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-25</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[How to stop the dream going sour]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/how-to-stop-the-dream-going-sour-moving-to-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Janice Moody has lived in France for almost 20 years and looks at offers advice on how to survive difficult times]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-25</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Riviera is picture perfect all year]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/french-riviera-where-we-live-our-guide-property-prices-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[With year-long sunshine and stunning views, property prices in the Riviera really know no bounds.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-25</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[David Lynch's French connections]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/david-lynch-interview-france-paris-film-director-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[David Lynch's films are often dark but on his latest France visit the director wants to bring peace through meditation]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-25</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Student grants unfair and slow]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/student-grants-university-funding-france-unfair-report-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[GROWING numbers of students are being denied grants to study at university, according to an official report.France's education ombudsman, Monique Sassier, says in her annual report that the current ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-25</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Tougher flood laws planned for 2011]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/flood-zones-maps-building-construction-banned-var-floods-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A NEW map outlining the parts of France where construction is banned because of a flood risk will be published in the new year, it has been announced.The Ecology Ministry is working on redrawing the...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-25</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Hacker avoids jail for Twitter attack]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/twitter-accounts-hack-french-hacker-croll-avoids-jail-barack-obama-britney-spears-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A FRENCH hacker who broke into social networking site Twitter - including the accounts of Barack Obama and Britney Spears - has avoided time in jail.FranÃ§ois Cousteix, known as Hacker Croll, used t...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-25</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Companies offering UK food deliveries]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/uk-supermarket-food-deliver-france-companies-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A number of firms ship UK supermarket food and household products to France. Here are some of their details.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-24</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[July edition out now: what's inside]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/connexion-july-edition-out-now-dita-von-teese-summer-holidays-pays-de-la-loire-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE JULY issue of The Connexion is out now, packed with 68 pages of news, interviews and practical information about life in France.The big interview: Dita von Teese follows her fantasy to strip at ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-24</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Doctors warn of chickenpox spread]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/chickenpox-illness-increase-france-doctors-warning-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[CHICKENPOX is on the rise in many parts of France, doctors have warned.GPs' network Sentinelles-Inserm said it had seen a strong growth in the number of cases of the highly contagious illness since ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-24</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Baby milk bottle chemical banned]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/bisphenol-a-chemical-baby-milk-bottles-illegal-banned-cancer-diabetes-risk-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A CHEMICAL frequently used in plastic packaging is to be banned from baby milk bottles from next year.French MPs have voted unanimously in favour of the ban on the manufacture and sale of baby bottl...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-24</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Sarkozy cancels summer party]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/nicolas-sarkozy-summer-garden-party-cancelled-economic-crisis-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[NICOLAS Sarkozy has cancelled this year's summer garden party at the ElysÃ©e palace because of the economic crisis.According to Le Parisien, the traditional Bastille Day celebration on July 14 will ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-24</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Teachers, trains and buses strike]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/june-24-strike-schools-teachers-trains-buses-public-transport-sncf-ratp-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[MORE than half of primary school teachers are on strike today - the biggest industrial action of this academic year, according to unions.The biggest teaching union, SNUipp-FSU, said 52.5% of its mem...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-24</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Probe into France World Cup failure]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/france-world-cup-defeat-full-investigation-sports-minister-south-africa-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A FULL investigation is to be launched into France's disastrous World Cup performance, after the team crashed out of the tournament last night.Les Bleus drew one match and lost two, coming bottom of...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-23</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Gas cut-offs soar as prices grow]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/gas-disconnections-cut-off-prices-up-gdf-edf-electricity-price-rise-inevitable-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE NUMBER of homes having their gas supply disconnected because of a failure to pay has multiplied by 30 in just two years.GDF estimates that 300,000 homes will be cut off this year - it has alread...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-23</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Baby food deal is unnecessary]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/danone-baby-food-discount-scheme-unnecessary-letters-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Wouldn't it be cheaper to mash some home-made food?]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-22</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[French is not a  'useless' language]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/letters-is-french-useless-chris-bryant-speaking-english-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[... and expecting French firms to be able to speak English is discourteous. Connexion readers have their say on language]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-22</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Art exhibition in Pyrenees resto]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/art-exhibition-pyrenees-orientales-taurinya-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Artist Martin Bedford's latest work will be exhibited for a month from July 4 in Taurinya.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-22</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[British Legion's Somme anniversary]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/somme-anniversary-royal-british-legion-events-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[The Somme branch of the Royal British Legion is holding a series of events on July 1]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-22</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[International school open day]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/open-day-international-high-school-paris-june-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[International high school near Paris is opening its doors to prospective students and parents on June 25.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-22</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Dr Feelgood play Charente festival]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/verteuil-music-festival-charente-dr-feelgood-robert-johnson-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Dr Feelgood and Robert Johnson are among the acts confirmed for the Verteuil en Musique in July.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-22</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Author's talk on Vichy inspiration]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/american-library-paris-vichy-france-allan-massie-talk-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Fascination with Vichy France is the topic of a talk by novelist and historian Allan Massie in Paris on June 30]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-22</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Coffee morning for animal charity]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/charente-limousine-coffee-morning-july-15-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Charente-Limousine Exchange is holding a coffee morning in Lesterps on July 16.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-22</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Get paid to party: site seeks writers]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/nightlife-nice-pubs-bars-clubs-website-seeks-contributors-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A nightlife review website is looking for contributors on the south coast, especially Nice, to "get paid to party".]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-22</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Aude barbecue for Help for Heroes]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/aude-barbecue-antugnac-help-for-heroes-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Fundraising event in Antugnac on June 27.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-22</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Dordogne business fair on July 15]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/angel-traders-business-fair-english-dordogne-eymet-july-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Angel Traders English-language business fair returns to Eymet in the Dordogne on July 15, the town's market day.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-22</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Radars to guard level crossings]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/level-crossings-danger-cameras-automatic-fine-lose-licence-points-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[CAMERAS are to be installed at 100 of France's most dangerous level-crossings by 2012 to automatically fine drivers who ignore warnings.The special radars will record the details of any vehicles tha...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-22</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Protection against nuisance callers]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/spam-voicemail-nuisance-mobile-calls-marketing-text-messages-blacklist-campaign-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A NEW service has been unveiled to protect mobile phone users against unwanted voicemail messages and marketing phone calls.From early 2011, consumers will be able to add their number to an official...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-22</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Cycle helmet law proposed]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/bike-helmets-france-cyclists-law-fluorescent-jackets-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[CYCLISTS in France could be fined for not wearing a helmet and fluorescent jacket under a proposed new law.Corsica MP Sauveur Gandolfi-Scheit has submitted a draft law to parliament which has been s...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-22</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Second-hand book sale in Rennes]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/book-sale-rennes-institut-franco-americain-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Ideal opportunity to stock up on some summer reading]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-21</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Apply now for rentrÃ©e payment]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/back-to-school-grant-allocation-rentree-apply-now-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Several million families are entitled to an annual payment to help cover the cost of getting children back to school.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-21</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Air France joins June 24 strike]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/june-24-strike-air-france-flights-cancelled-disruption-latest-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[AIR FRANCE pilots and cabin crew are to take part in this ThursdayÂ’s national industry-wide strike to defend their right to retire at 60.Five unions representing the French airlineÂ’s workers have ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-21</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[French team on brink of collapse]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/france-world-cup-football-team-conflict-strike-emergency-meeting-dispute-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[AN EMERGENCY meeting has been called in South Africa today to try to resolve a conflict within the French national football team.Politicians have publicly condemned the team after they walked out on...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-21</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[UK booze cruise shops quit Calais]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/booze-cruise-calais-tesco-sainsburys-closing-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[TESCO and Sainsbury's have both announced plans to pull out of France, closing their stores in Calais catering for "booze cruise" visitors from the UK.The euro's relative strength against the pound ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-21</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[France fÃªtes music tonight]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/fete-de-la-musique-free-concerts-france-programme-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THOUSANDS of free concerts take place this evening as France celebrates its 29th annual FÃªte de la Musique.From the big Paris squares to rural salles des fÃªtes, some 18,000 events are planned. Thi...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-21</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Birth of a new airport for Brive]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/brive-vallee-dordogne-airport-opens-paris-flights-cityjet-london-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FRANCEÂ’S newest airport has opened at Brive-VallÃ©e de la Dordogne, where the Lot, CorrÃ¨ze and Dordogne departments meet.The airport opened on June 15 with  flights to Paris. The first of three Ci...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-20</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Leclerc axes food price match deal]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/leclerc-price-match-promo-deal-scrapped-rivals-comparison-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[HYPERMARKET giant Leclerc is scrapping a promotional deal that promised to match its local rivals' prices.The "Garantie promo" scheme refunded the price difference to loyalty card holders if Leclerc...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-18</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Insurance help for Var flood victims]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Var-flash-floods-home-damage-insurance-claims-deadline-extended-fast-payouts-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[INSURERS have extended the deadline for homeowners in the Var to declare damage from this week's deadly floods - and have promised to speed up the payout process.GEMA - which represents most of the ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-18</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Dad stereotypes abound in TV ads]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/tv-ads-fathers-stereotypes-france-sexist-report-sociologist-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[TELEVISION ads in France are reinforcing sexist stereotypes about fathers, according to a study published ahead of Father's Day this weekend.The research by sociologist Eric MacÃ© for professional e...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-18</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[General de Gaulle gets an iPhone app]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/general-charles-de-gaulle-resistance-call-bbc-london-iphone-app-70th-anniversary-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE 70th anniversary of General de Gaulle's call to the French Resistance is being celebrated in a modern way today - with the launch of an iPhone application.The Fondation Charles de Gaulle has unv...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-18</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[State bailout for loss-making trains]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/train-routes-france-subsidy-loss-making-long-distance-corail-night-trains-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[SOME of France's loss-making long-distance train routes could be subsidised by the French state to ensure their survival.The SNCF is in talks with the government about the cash injection for Corail ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-17</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Baby food discount for lowest earners]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/danone-baby-food-discount-vouchers-low-income-families-pilot-scheme-trial-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[LOW-income families are to be offered vouchers for discount baby food under a new initiative being tested out in three parts of France.The project is being supported by food manufacturer Danone, the...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-17</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Paris muggers fake heart attacks]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/paris-mugging-trend-fake-heart-attacks-collapse-street-good-samaritans-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[GOOD samaritans have become the target of a new mugging trend in Paris, police have warned.A number of thefts have been reported in recent weeks involving victims who rush to help a passer-by who ha...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-17</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[June 24 strike plan takes shape]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/strike-june-24-confirmed-unions-pension-reforms-sncf-train-services-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[TRADE unions have confirmed a full industry-wide strike for June 24 to protest against the government's plan to increase the retirement age to 62.The day of industrial action was announced at the be...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-17</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[25 dead in Var flooding disaster]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/var-floods-dead-missing-rescue-operation-heavy-rain-airport-closed-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Thursday 10pm update: The death toll from the Var flooding has grown to 25, with several people still reported missing and 80,000 homes without electricity.The heavy rainfall, which began on Tuesday...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-17</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Firms lack English language skills]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/english-language-skills-in-french-businesses-research-league-table-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[MANY of France's biggest companies are not doing enough to equip their staff with English-language skills, according to new research.The study, published in Les Echos, found executives in 120 top Fr...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-16</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Minister's World Cup bill revealed]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/sports-secretary-hotel-bill-world-cup-rama-yade-expenses-revealed-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A FRENCH politician who criticised the national football team's choice of luxury hotel for the World Cup had planned to stay in an even more expensive one herself, it has been revealed.Sports Secret...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-16</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA['Racist' internet apÃ©ros banned]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/facebook-party-anti-muslim-racist-campaigners-goutte-dor-wine-saucisson-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[ANTI-RACISM campaigners have succeeded in getting a Paris "wine and saucisson" party banned because it is deliberately provocative to Muslims.The June 18 event was organised through Facebook like ot...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-15</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Charity donations up despite crisis]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/charity-donations-individual-increase-poverty-groups-medical-research-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FRENCH people are continuing to donate generously to charities despite the economic crisis, with donations up 5.5% last year, new figures reveal.Charities body France GÃ©nÃ©rositÃ©s said medical res...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-15</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Easyjet sued for refusing disabled]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/easyjet-disabled-passenger-refused-boarding-legal-action-halde-discrimination-body-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FRANCE'S anti-discrimination body, the Halde, has begun legal action against Easyjet for refusing a disabled passenger who was travelling alone.Marie-Patricia Hoarau, from FrÃ©jus in the Var, who ha...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-15</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[South-east storms expected today]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/weather-alert-south-east-france-storm-rain-winds-precautions-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[ELEVEN departments in the south-east corner of France are on storm alert today, with persistent heavy rain and strong winds expected.The MÃ©tÃ©o France warning applies to all of the Paca region, plu...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-15</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Flood hits Paris phones and net]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/homes-businesses-telephone-internet-access-cut-off-paris-flooding-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[ABOUT 30,000 homes and businesses in the centre of Paris are facing a week without telephone or internet access due to flooding.Heavy rainfall on Friday night has caused severe damage to a telephone...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-14</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Prison threat for  Sarkozy TV leak]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/nicolas-sarkozy-leaked-tv-clip-legal-action-journalist-receiving-stolen-goods-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A JOURNALIST who published a leaked video of Nicolas Sarkozy giving a lesson in manners to a TV technician has been charged with receiving stolen goods.Augustin Scalbert, who works for news website ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-14</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Union deal avoids SeaFrance strikes]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/seafrance-rescue-package-job-cuts-strikes-avoided-summer-holidays-ferry-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[SEAFRANCE looks to have avoided the threat of strike action over the summer holiday despite announcing a massive job cuts programme that will see almost half of workers leave.The CFDT union, which r...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-14</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[France supports adopting Belgium]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/southern-belgium-wallonia-become-part-of-france-survey-support-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE MAJORITY of French people are in favour of the southern half of Belgium becoming part of France if the country is split up, a new poll has revealed.The Ifop poll for France Soir found growing po...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-14</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Ordering groceries from the UK - why?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/letters-expats-ordering-food-uk-delivery-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Have you shopped this way - and how much does it really save?]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-11</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Banking in France: your experiences]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/banking-in-france-your-experiences-letters-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[We asked Connexion newsletter readers about their experiences of banking in France. Here are some of their replies.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-11</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[French Big Brother seeks peace deal]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/israel-palestine-conflict-middle-east-peace-french-reality-tv-show-challenge-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A GROUP of young Israelis and Palestinians are to share a house together in a new French reality TV show that aims to show that a resolution can be found to the conflict in the Middle East.Les Accor...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-11</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[France considers bull-fighting ban]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/bull-cock-fighting-france-animal-welfare-draft-proposed-law-parliament-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[BULL and cockfighting could be banned in France under a draft law that has been submitted to the French parliament.Two MPs - Socialist GeneviÃ¨ve Gaillard and UMP politician Muriel Marland-Militello...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-11</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Register your gite with mairie now]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/gite-holiday-home-lets-register-mairie-town-hall-compulsory-tourism-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[HOLIDAY home-owners in France face a fine of up to Â€450 if they do not register their property with the local mairie by the end of this month.The new requirement applies to anyone who runs a gite o...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-11</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Benefit cheats may lose nationality]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/benefit-fraud-social-security-lose-french-nationality-law-change-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FOREIGN residents in France who acquire French nationality could have it taken away from them if they commit benefit fraud.Interior Minister Brice Hortefeux says he is considering a change to the Co...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-10</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Restaurant VAT cut should be scrapped]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/vat-restaurant-reduced-rate-tax-break-should-be-scrapped-survey-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[ALMOST two thirds of French people want restaurants to lose the right to charge a specially discounted VAT rate, a new survey has revealed.The BVA poll for La Tribune and BFM radio found 61% of peop...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-10</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA['Tiger mosquito' disease concerns]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/tiger-mosquitoes-france-tropical-diseases-provence-riviera-region-prevention-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[RESIDENTS on the south-east coast are being advised to take preventative action to stop mosquitoes this summer, after a small number of tropical "tiger mosquitoes" were discovered in Marseille.The c...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-10</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[1,700 government buildings for sale]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/buy-a-government-building-1700-for-sale-property-france-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE GOVERNMENT has announced it is looking to sell off some 1,700 properties it owns throughout France to help cut the country's debts.A chateau overlooking Lac LÃ©man in the Haute-Savoie, a former ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-10</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Nine departments on storm alert]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Storm-alert-heavy-rainfall-nine-departments-meteo-france-dordogne-lot-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[METEO France has issued an orange weather alert this morning for nine departments in the south-west and north-east of France.Storms and heavy rainfall are expected in the Dordogne, Lot and CorrÃ¨ze,...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-09</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Medics' protest blocks Paris roads]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/paris-traffic-arc-de-triomphe-anaesthetists-protest-disruption-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A GROUP of anaesthetists brought traffic in the centre of Paris to a standstill for two hours with a protest at the foot of the Arc de Triomphe.Up to 3,000 medics took part in the demonstration on t...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-09</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[99% of new energy meters don't work]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/electricity-meters-new-intelligent-device-edf-trial-not-working-problems-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A TRIAL into a new type of electricity meter that will be compulsory in most homes within ten years has hit a problem - 99.9% of them do not work.The European Union requires 35 million households in...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-09</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Cricket events in La Roche sur Yon]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/la-roche-sur-yon-cricket-club-twinning-event-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Club will be giving a demonstration of the sport to residents in the town at a special twinning celebration]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-08</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[ThÃ©Ã¢tre Chabanois take to the stage]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/theatre-chabanais-charente-drama-performance-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Mix of drama, dance, poetry and prose in the Charente.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-08</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Walk with donkeys at open days]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/donkey-refuge-tarn-et-garonne-open-days-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A donkey welfare charity in the Tarn-et-Garonne is holding four open days this month.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-08</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Charente-Limousin group at fun day]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/charente-limousine-exchange-family-fun-day-lessac-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[The Charente-Limousine Exchange will have an information stand at the Etcetera Family Fun Day in Lessac on June 20.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-08</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[English business fair in CorrÃ¨ze]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/angel-traders-english-business-fair-clergoux-correze-june-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[The next Angel Traders English-speaking business fair takes place in Clergoux (CorrÃ¨ze) on June 20.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-08</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Christian summer camp for children]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/summer-camp-christian-provence-registrations-open-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Five-day event for children near Aix-en-Provence includes music, drama, crafts and games in English.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-08</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Paris blocks more Sunday shopping]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/printemps-galeries-lafayette-department-stores-shopping-paris-sundays-closed-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[PARIS city council has rejected an application from the big department stores on the Grands Boulevards to open every Sunday.The Galeries Lafayette and Printemps wanted to be classed as a tourist zon...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-08</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Shock drink-drive campaign video]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/drink-driving-young-people-video-clip-campaign-road-safety-shock-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A NEW shock campaign to warn young people about the dangers of drink-driving has been unveiled.The five-minute video clip, which is only available online, features real firefighters and aims to give...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-08</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Easyjet may have to change name]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/easyjet-change-name-stelios-legal-dispute-budget-airline-licensing-deal-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[EASYJET could be forced to change its name in a legal dispute with its founder and rebel shareholder, Stelios Haji-Ioannou.Stelios, who charges a token fee of Â£1 a year to use the Easyjet brand, cl...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-08</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Minister told off for World Cup dig]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/french-football-team-hotel-south-africa-flashy-sports-secretary-rama-yade-criticised-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FRANCE'S Sports Secretary has been accused of failing to get behind the national football team after she criticised their choice of hotel for the World Cup as too "flashy".Rama Yade said in a radio ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-07</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[SNCF warns of train fare rise]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/sncf-train-fares-ticket-prices-increase-2011-electricity-energy-bills-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[TRAIN fares in France could rise next summer to help meet the cost of a proposed hike in electricity prices, the SNCF has warned.The rail operator says a new law being discussed in parliament this w...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-07</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Public back guns for local police]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/municipal-local-armed-police-guns-public-survey-firearms-support-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[MORE than half of people in France support the idea of giving firearms to all municipal police officers, a new survey has revealed.The poll of 711 people by Le Parisien found 56% of respondents agre...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-07</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Forgotten child car alarm planned]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/forgotten-children-car-alarm-death-young-girl-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[CAR manufacturers are to look at fitting alarms to remind parents that they have a child with them, after the death of a young girl who was accidentally left for four hours in her mother's car.Famil...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-07</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Free eye tests  at opticians]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/free-eye-tests-from-opticians-journee-vision-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[SIX thousand opticians around France are offering free eye tests from June 7-12.The JournÃ©es de la Vision are aimed at getting more people to check their sight - around 10% of people who should wea...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-05</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Should bloggers reveal identity?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/letters-bloggers-anonymity-proposed-law-france-full-name-address-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[What effect would proposed French law forcing bloggers to publish full name and address have on freedom of expression?]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-04</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Mains tap water - or bottled?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/tap-water-safety-france-bottled-water-letters-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[90% of French people say they consider their tap water safe to drink. Do you?]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-04</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Minister convicted of racist slur]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Interior-minister-Brice-Hortefeux-fine-750-euro-for-racism-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[INTERIOR minister Brice Hortefeux has said he will appeal against a conviction for making racist remarks to an Arab youth during a political summit last autumn.A video clip of Mr HortefeuxÂ’s quip t...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-04</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Poker delay for web gambling law]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/online-gambling-law-sport-horse-bets-web-poker-delayed-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A NEW French law regulating online gambling has hit a last-minute delay - following a complaint from Malta.Online sport and horse racing bets will be opened up to new, legal competition as planned f...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-04</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA['No risk of power cuts this summer']]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/power-cuts-france-electricity-supply-shortages-summer-demand-edf-energy-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[HOUSEHOLDS in France will not be hit by any enforced power cuts this summer, electricity network operator RTE has claimed.The company says the national grid has enough capacity to cope with demand u...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-04</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Postal workers are 'exhausted' ]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/postal-workers-la-poste-postmen-physically-mentally-exhausted-health-report-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[POSTAL workers in France are "physically and psychologically exhausted", a new report has warned.A group of doctors responsible for looking after La Poste's 300,000 staff says a growing number of em...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-04</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[EU probes expat health cover ban]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/expat-early-retirement-state-healthcare-ban-cmu-european-commission-rules-investigation-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A LAW which bans non-French early retirees from joining the state health system is being investigated by the European Commission.The Commission is in talks with France to see if the policy is agains...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-03</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Nantes tests out digital radio]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/digital-radio-france-nantes-experiment-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[NANTES has become the first French town to launch an experiment into digital radio - more than six months behind schedule.A dozen stations in the Loire-Atlantique capital are broadcasting digitally ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-02</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Car sales decline as bonus is cut]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/new-car-sales-france-buying-prime-casse-scrap-bonus-scheme-decline-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[NEW car sales in France have begun falling as the government gradually phases out its popular scrap bonus scheme.The prime Ã  la casse - a contribution towards the cost of a new car when scrapping a...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-02</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Banks blasted for fee smokescreens ]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/banking-charges-fees-france-complicated-expensive-consumer-group-investigation-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[BANKING charges in France are becoming more complicated and more expensive, an investigation by a consumer group has revealed.UFC-Que Choisir said there was a need for urgent reform of the fees char...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-02</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[FranceÂ’s hottest  boulanger]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/tvs-hottest-boulanger-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[TV chef wants to pass on his passion for the dishiest breads]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Paris's professor of bread]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/paris-professor-of-bread-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Professor of bread sorts wheat from chaff in the boulangerie]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-01</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Time to switch off Eng channels?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/time-to-switch-off-english-tv-channels-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Watching French TV can improve children's general level of their vocabulary]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-01</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Shepherds lived  high life]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/shepherds-lived-high-life-flock-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Stilts or Ã©chasses were used to get about the boggy marais countryside in Les Landes]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-01</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Old pet cemetery holds stars]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/oldest-pet-cemetery-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Alexandre DumasÂ’ dog and Rin Tin Tin buried in Paris ground]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Tell your left from right wing]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/french-politics-left-right-wing-jean-marie-le-pen-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Lecturer Luc Baranton-Bordas looks at the far-right and far-left parties Jean-Marie Le Pen has left behind]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Revision help for brevet and bac]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/brevet-bac-exams-france-school-revision-online-help-tests-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[There is plenty you can do to help children get ready for the Brevet and BaccalaurÃ©at.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-01</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Charity challenges need your support]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/charity-challenges-need-your-support-donate-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Connexion readers have been getting in touch to tell us about the charity challenges they have set themselves]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-01</pubDate>
	</item>
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		<title><![CDATA[Expat winegrowers promote Grenache]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/expat-winegrowers-conference-avignon-grenache-grape-variety-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Two vineyard owners organise major international conference on the grape variety]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Bloops clothes sale for charity]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/bloops-charity-clothes-sale-marciac-gers-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Hundreds of new and nearly new clothes and accessories go on sale in Marciac (Gers)]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Free inheritance talk in English]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/free-seminar-inheritance-english-normandy-marigny-june-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Our local paper for Normandy, The Advertiser, is organising a free seminar in English on inheritance issues]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Garden open-day in Haute-Loire]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/garden-open-day-haute-loire-community-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Le Boucharel, in Champagnac-le-Vieux, is opening its doors to the public]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Group seeks calendar photos]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/get-together-deux-sevres-photos-calendar-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Deux-SÃ¨vres expat support group looking for photos of the department for its 2011 calendar.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[High-tech scheme for Lyon metro]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/high-tech-scheme-lyon-metro-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[ TRAVELLERS on the Lyon underground will be able to get real-time transport information on their mobiles via Bluetooth from September.Sound or text messages will give updates about issues like waiti...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[One in four lifts fails safety rule]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/quarter-of-lifts-france-fail-safety-rules-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A QUARTER of lifts do not meet safety standards, according to the FÃ©dÃ©ration des Ascenseurs (Lift Federation).The lifts must be properly equipped by 2011, the date set by law in 2003. Owners hav...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-01</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[ApÃ©ro organisers must pay for help]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/facebook-drinks-parties-apero-geants-pay-for-medics-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[LARGE outdoor drinks parties in towns and cities around France Â– a sweeping trend that claimed a life last month Â– will not be banned, says the government.More than 60 apÃ©ros gÃ©ants have been or...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[School smoking rising again]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/children-smoking-schools-france-rising-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[SMOKING is on the rise among teens, reports anti-smoking body Paris Sans Tabac.The association says the number of collÃ¨ge age youths (12-15) who smoke daily doubled between 2007 and 2010.In schoo...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[France TÃ©lÃ©com trailing rivals]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/france-telecom-trailing-rivals-broadband-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FRANCE TÃ©lÃ©com is lagging behind rivals in capturing new clients for broadband.The former state-owned telecoms giant, which had a telecoms monopoly until 1998, now picks up just 14% of new broadba...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Buzzard attacks cycling pair]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/buzzard-attacks-cyclists-dordogne-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Cyclists in the Dordogne have being advised to wear helmets after a buzzard attacked a father and son as they cycled along a country road near PÃ©rigueux.The bird Â– which has a wingspan of about a ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-01</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[If France wins Cup you win a TV]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/france-world-cup-tv-giveaway-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[CONFIDENCE in France's football team has hit such a low that two stores are offering free televisions to customers if les bleus win the World Cup.Just 4% believe that France will win the tournament ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Three-year freeze on public spend]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/france-government-spending-freeze-three-years-debt-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[GOVERNMENT spending is to be frozen for three years to cut public debt.France has pledged not to raise spending in 2011, 2012 or 2013 above that of 2010, however much inflation goes up. The aim is...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[New law to ban insulting Tricolor]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/new-law-ban-insulting-french-tricolore-flag-fine-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[INSULTING the Tricolore could soon become punishable by a maximum Â€3,000 fine and a compulsory citizenship course.Justice Minister MichÃ¨le Alliot-Marie has called for a change in the law following...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[What happened to our votes?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/general-election-uk-postal-votes-what-happened-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[EXPATS have added their voices to those of voters in Britain unable to cast ballots due to poor organisation in some constituencies during the General Election.Reader Nicholas Inman said: Â“When a s...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Blind reading aid wins top prize]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/device-that-helps-blind-read-wins-invention-of-year-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A HAND-HELD device allowing blind people to read has won a prize for the best invention of the year at an annual inventorsÂ’ forum. The Concours LÃ©pine, a contest named after a Paris police chief w...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Schools failing poorer children]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/france-failing-children-poorer-backgrounds-report-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FRANCE is the western democracy where social background has the biggest impact on success at school.Research by state auditor the Cour des Comptes found that only 18% of children from the least well...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Tiring school term to be overhauled]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/tiring-school-terms-overhauled-holiday-dates-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A MAJOR shake-up of the school calendar could result from a national debate to be held this month.Education Minister Luc Chatel has called for a complete review of the system which has been accused ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-01</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Midi-PyrÃ©nÃ©es is a digital pioneer]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/midi-pyrenees-schools-digital-pioneers-interactive-sites-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[SCHOOLS in the Midi-PyrÃ©nÃ©es region are leading the way in the digitalisation of French schools.By the end of next year 272 secondary schools in the region will use interactive websites which allo...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Jockey looks to 2nd Chantilly win ]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/jockey-olivier-peslier-hopes-for-second-chantilly-win-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[JOCKEY Olivier Peslier, 37, is hoping for a second win in the French Derby this month.Peslier last won the Prix du Jockey Club, which is run every June on the prestigious Chantilly racecourse, on Pe...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-01</pubDate>
	</item>
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		<title><![CDATA[School mobile phone ban passed]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/france-bans-mobile-phones-primary-schools-colleges-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A ban on the use of mobile phones by pupils in primary school and collÃ¨ge (start of secondary school) has been passed as part of a raft of environmental measures.Other measures in the law, now pass...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-01</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Fraud victims turn down 85% offer]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/graham-templeton-fraud-victims-turn-down-compensation-offer-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[VICTIMS of Dordogne conman Graham Templeton have rejected an increased offer of compensation from bank SociÃ©tÃ© GÃ©nÃ©rale over their claim for Â€2million.The bank, which allowed Templeton to pay c...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Radical regional shake-up scrapped]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/radical-regional-shake-up-boundaries-scrapped-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[PLANS to redraw FranceÂ’s regional boundaries that would have unified Normandy and carved up Poitou-Charentes and Picardy between their neighbours have been scrapped.The idea was part of a law to si...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[GM wine trial - playing with fire?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/france-genetically-modified-wine-playing-with-fire-environmentalists-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[ENVIRONMENTALISTS have attacked a state decision to allow trials of genetically modified vines in Alsace.The experiment could harm the image of Alsacian wine and risks causing environmental damage, ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-01</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[AngoulÃªme-London flights cancelled]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/cityline-swiss-flights-angouleme-london-gatwick-postponed-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE LAUNCH of a new air link from AngoulÃªme to London has been postponed at the last minute, with all summer flights on the route cancelled.Cityline Swiss was due to start running three return flig...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-01</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[National strike plan for June 24]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/national-strike-industrial-action-france-june-24-pensions-reform-unions-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[ANOTHER national industry-wide day of industrial action is being planned for later this month.Six of France's biggest trade unions have jointly agreed on a June 24 protest for workers across several...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-01</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[More students heading abroad]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/french-students-heading-abroad-studying-foreign-university-grants-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FRANCE has overtaken Germany for having the highest number of students heading abroad for university, but thousands of grants to help cover the costs are going unclaimed.The number of French people ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-01</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA['Parking fines should double']]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/parking-fines-double-deterrent-new-website-avoid-traffic-wardens-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[PARKING fines in France should almost double from Â€11 to Â€20 to act as a better deterrent, an MP has recommended.Val-de-Marne MP Gilles Carrez will submit the proposal to parliament this morning t...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-01</pubDate>
	</item>
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		<title><![CDATA[Class sizes set to rise - leaked memo]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/school-france-class-sizes-increase-more-rural-closures-efficiency-measures-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[CLASS sizes would increase and more small rural schools are facing closure under new efficiency measures being drawn up by the Education Ministry.Education Minister Luc Chatel has written to local e...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-06-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Bid to improve bowel cancer tests]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/bowel-cancer-screening-france-campaign-improvements-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A campaign to encourage people aged 50-74 to get screened for bowel cancer has been launched by the Ministry of Health.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-31</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Poll finds racial prejudice growing]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/racist-prejudice-stereotypes-homophobia-france-survey-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[RACIST and xenophobic prejudices are becoming more prevalent in France, a new study has warned.The poll commissioned by SOS Racisme and the Union of Jewish Students in France found almost half of th...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-31</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Channel swim for man without limbs]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/quadruple-amputee-philippe-croizon-french-man-english-channel-swimming-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A FRENCH man who lost all of his limbs following an electric shock is training to become the first quadruple amputee to swim across the English Channel this autumn.Philippe Croizon, from ChÃ¢tellera...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-31</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[France gets boost from Euro 2016]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/euro-2016-host-country-france-new-stadiums-new-jobs-economic-boost-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FOUR French cities are to get new state-of-the-art stadiums and eight others will have their existing facilities improved after France was confirmed as the host of the Euro 2016 football tournament....]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-31</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Deadline day for income tax]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/income-tax-france-deadline-today-paper-returns-online-filing-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[TODAY is the deadline for filing your 2009 paper tax return in France - but if you are registered to file online you have some extra time.Completed forms must be posted by midnight.If you live in ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-31</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Paris transport prices up in July]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/paris-public-transport-fares-tickets-cost-price-increase-metro-bus-tram-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[USING public transport in Paris is to become more expensive from July 1, with price rises of up to 6.7% on some tickets.The increases are due to be passed by the Ile-de-France region at a meeting th...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-31</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[June edition out now: what's inside]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/june-edition-connexion-english-language-newspaper-france-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE June issue of The Connexion is out now, packed with 68 pages of news, interviews and practical information about life in France.What's more, if you live in Normandy or the Dordogne, you'll find ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-29</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[International meet returns]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/international-meet-allemans-du-dropt-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Allemans-du-Dropt in the Lot-et-Garonne has its fifth intercultural evening]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-28</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Drop-in centre at Creuse hospital]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/gueret-hospital-creuse-cancer-support-drop-in-centre-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Creuse branch of Cancer Support France has opened an English-language drop-in centre at GuÃ©ret hospital]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-28</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Saumur cricket vs Manchester]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/saumur-cricket-club-university-of-manchester-match-june-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Saumur Cricket ClubÂ’s busy summer of fixtures begins with a match against the University of Manchester ]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-28</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Cancer charity run in Brittany]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/cancer-support-france-race-for-life-brittany-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Cancer Support France is organising a 5km sponsored Â“race for lifeÂ”]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-28</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[800 classic cars gather for Le Mans]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/classic-cars-corvette-le-mans-festival-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[The Corvette is celebrated at a festival near Le Mans this month for car-lovers on their way to the famous 24-hour race.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-28</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Investigation into unfair legal fees]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/legal-action-lawyers-fees-investigation-companies-individuals-unfair-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FRANCE'S constitutional court is to launch an investigation into lawyers' fees following a complaint that the current system gives companies an unfair cost advantage over individuals.Lawyers argue t...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-28</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Backlash over MP's blog anonymity ban]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/bloggers-anonymity-law-france-reveal-name-address-backlash-anger-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A PROPOSED law in France forcing bloggers to ditch their anonymity and publish their full name and contact details has provoked a backlash among web users.Moselle MP Jean-Louis Masson has submitted ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-28</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[France's cleanest beaches revealed]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/frances-cleanest-blue-flag-beaches-coastline-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[TWENTY-ONE beaches around France have been awarded a blue flag for the first time this summer, bringing the total along the French coastline to 341.The prize is awarded to local authorities that can...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-28</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[GDF could raise gas bills by 5%]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/gdf-gas-prices-rise-july-five-percent-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[HOUSEHOLD gas bills could rise by almost 5% in July - just three months after a 10% price hike.According to Le Figaro, energy experts are expecting GDF to ask for the increase of between 4% and 5% t...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-28</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Buy used cars at government auction]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/buying-used-cars-state-auction-bargains-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Bargains can often be had if you buy a car at a state auction Â– une vente domaniale.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-27</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Low-cost holidays for over-60s]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/over-60s-cheap-low-cost-holidays-ANCV-seniors-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Scheme offers holidays in France for over-60s at budget prices]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-27</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Pharmacies made easy]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/pharmacy-france-basic-supplies-first-aid-kit-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[The French have some trusted brands to stock up the home first aid kit]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-27</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[SeaFrance problems won't stop ferries]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/seafrance-passenger-ferry-bookings-cross-channel-safe-bankruptcy-protection-debts-losses-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[SEAFRANCE says it will continue operating a normal ferry service throughout the summer and bookings are safe, despite entering bankruptcy protection.The loss-making cross-Channel ferry provider has ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Free test for skin cancer today]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/free-screening-skin-cancer-test-today-france-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A FREE skin cancer screening is available at 300 points around France today for national skin cancer awareness day.The test does not require an appointment and takes between five and 10 minutes.Th...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-27</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[SNCF promises clearer pricing]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/sncf-train-ticket-prices-clearer-family-tgv-carriages-online-ticketing-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE SNCF has pledged to publish a full explanation of all the different types of ticket it offers - and how the prices are calculated - for the first time.The initiative is one of a series of new me...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Municipal police Taser ban lifted]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/municipal-police-taser-stun-gun-ban-lifted-france-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[MUNICIPAL police have been allowed to start using Taser electronic stun guns again, following a nine-month ban.A new decree published in the Journal Officiel this morning sets out strict training re...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Nationwide strike has limited effect]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/strike-france-may-27-school-teachers-train-transport-disruption-closures-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FOUR in ten teachers will be taking part in Thursday's national industry-wide day of strike action, according to estimates from the biggest teaching union, Snuipp.Six unions are calling on members t...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[More women dying from lung cancer]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/lung-cancer-women-smoking-high-numbers-growing-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE NUMBER of women dying from lung cancer from smoking is rising sharply in France, while the number of cases in men has halved in a decade.New research by official health watchdog the Institut de ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-26</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[French motorways 'safest in Europe']]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/motorway-road-safety-report-france-europe-driving-conditions-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[MOTORWAYS in France are among the safest in Europe - but many dual carriageways and local roads are not up to scratch, according to a new report.The study by the European Road Assessment Programme g...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-26</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Patients condemn high dentist costs]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/dentist-costs-fees-expensive-healthcare-specialists-survey-medicines-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[DENTISTS in France charge patients far too much for treatment, according to the results of a new poll.A survey by top-up health insurer Pasteur MutualitÃ©, published in Le Parisien, found 88% of peo...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-26</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Income and wealth tax exchange rates]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/wealth tax-income tax-return-exchange rate-pounds-sterling-euro-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[When making your income and wealth tax declarations you have to use slightly different exchange rates]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-25</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Thousands waiting for plane refunds]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/ash-cloud-flights-plane-disruption-compensation-refund-ombudsman-complaints-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[MORE than 10,000 people have complained to France's air travel ombudsman about airlines failing to provide a refund for the ash cloud disruption - and only 12 cases have been settled so far.Mediator...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-25</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Row over use of 'solidarity' funds]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/solidarity-day-france-charity-fundraiser-use-investigation-elderly-people-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[ALMOST Â€2bn raised from France's national "day of solidarity" has not made it to the charities that were supposed to benefit, according to an MP investigating how the annual fundraiser works.Social...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-25</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Schools experiment with six-day week]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/school-timetable-experiment-six-day-week-lessons-morning-sport-afternoon-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[CHILDREN at 100 secondary schools in France are to test out a new timetable from September, with lessons in the morning and sport and cultural activities in the afternoon.The experiment will see the...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-25</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Burqa law shows tolerance limit]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/burqa-law-tolerance-limit-letter-may-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[All things in moderation Â– including religious tolerance]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-21</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[IT bug stops SNCF selling tickets]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/computer-bug-sncf-train-tickets-bank-holiday-weekend-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[RAIL travellers trying to get away for the bank holiday weekend have been unable to buy tickets this afternoon due to a technical problem.The SNCFÂ’s central reservation system stopped working earli...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-21</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[End in sight for low savings rate]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/livret-a-savings-interest-rate-could-rise-august-after-record-low-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[INTEREST rates on France's most popular tax-free savings account look set to rise in August for the first time in two years.According to Les Echos, growing inflation means it is likely that the Livr...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-21</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Paris-London hit by BA crew strike]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/paris-london-flights-british-airways-cancellations-disruptions-cabin-crew-strike-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[BRITISH Airways flights to and from France are facing disruption from Monday until June 9 as a strike by cabin crew is back on.The airline was granted a high court injunction preventing the walkout ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-21</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Tram passenger  forgets Â€35,000]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/woman-leaves-35000-euros-cash-in-plastic-bag-on-tram-bordeaux-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A BORDEAUX woman who accidentally left Â€35,000 in a plastic bag on a tram has been cautioned for wasting police time.The 57-year-old pretended she had been mugged by four Bulgarian passengers and s...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-21</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Broken alarm aids Â€100m art thief]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/paris-museum-art-theft-100-million-euros-alarm-broken-security-lapses-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[PARIS city council has admitted that a robber managed to make off with Â€100m of prized art from a museum because a broken burglar alarm had not been fixed.The break-in has prompted questions to be ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-21</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Ryanair considers quitting Marseille]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/ryanair-marseille-flights-base-could-close-employment-law-dispute-legal-action-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[RYANAIR has threatened to close its Marseille base, reduce its routes to the city and move all of its jobs out of France if it is prosecuted for employing French staff on Irish work contracts.The bu...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-21</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Google StreetView in privacy probe]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/google-street-view-france-data-protection-privacy-camera-cars-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[WEB giant Google is being investigated by the French data protection authorities after admitting that its StreetView service accidentally collected details of some people's internet use in the streets...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-20</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Camping enjoys youth renaissance]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/camping-france-visitor-numbers-increase-new-young-trendy-image-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[CAMPSITES in France are enjoying a renaissance in the economic crisis, with growing visitors and a new, younger clientele.The number of people going camping grew by 7% last year and is forecast to i...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-20</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Air France defends its safety record]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/air-france-safety-record-investigation-book-record-losses-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[AIR France has defended its safety record in response to a new book that describes the company as a "second-division" airline.La Face CachÃ©e d'Air France, by investigative journalist Fabrice Amedeo...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-20</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[36-hour train strike next week]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/sncf-train-rail-services-disruption-strike-may-28-delays-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[TRAIN drivers and conductors will today confirm plans for a 36-hour strike starting at 20.00 on May 26.Four unions representing railway staff - the CGT, Unsa, Sud-rail and CFDT - will lodge a formal...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-20</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Police complaints  up 50% in a year]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/police-behaviour-france-complaints-grow-custody-homophobic-racist-remarks-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE NUMBER of people lodging formal complaints about police behaviour has grown by 50% in a year, official new figures show.Police complaints watchdog CNDS said 228 people sought its help in 2009 re...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-19</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[France allows GM wine trial]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/genetically-modified-gm-wine-alsace-trial-vineyard-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A WINE producer in Alsace has been given permission to begin France's first full trial into genetically-modified vines.Agriculture Minister Bruno Le Maire has announced the experiment which will see...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-19</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Record year for French cinemas]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/cinema-france-attendance-figures-best-performance-in-27-years-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[CINEMAS in France have defied the economic crisis by recording their highest attendance levels in 27 years.More than 200 million tickets were sold in 2009, according to new figures from the Centre N...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-19</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[SNCF sues over track protests]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/sncf-track-protest-gare-montparnasse-paris-demonstration-delays-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE SNCF is taking legal action after a protest by medical workers on the tracks outside the Gare Montparnasse in Paris delayed up to 100,000 passengers yesterday afternoon.According to the rail ope...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-19</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Tap water toxins too high - report]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/tap-mains-water-safety-quality-investigation-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[HOUSEHOLD water supplies are to be subject to more thorough safety checks after a TV documentary claimed millions of people are drinking tap water containing high levels of toxins.An eight-month inv...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-18</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Rivals refuse to talk to Free ]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/mobile-phone-network-free-france-negotiations-orange-sfr-bouygues-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[INTERNET service provider Free has hit problems in its plans to launch France's fourth mobile phone network.The company's three existing rivals - SFR, Orange and Bouygues Telecom - are reportedly re...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-18</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Bikes can ignore one-way rules]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/cyclists-one-way-streets-france-wrong-direction-new-rules-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[CYCLING the wrong way up a one-way street is to be made legal in France from July 1 - but with certain restrictions.The new rules will only apply to roads in a 30kph zone, and individual town halls ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-18</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Shops to cut fruit and veg profits]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/supermarkets-agree-profit-margin-cut-fruit-vegetables-producers-deal-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[SUPERMARKETS have agreed to cut their profit margins on fruit and veg to help producers make ends meet.The new deal, which was signed at the ElysÃ©e palace yesterday, will see big food outlets bring...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-18</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Pressure grows for Â€500 note ban]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/500-euro-note-ban-uk-banks-bureaux-de-change-money-laundering-france-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[BANKS and bureaux de change in the UK have been banned from giving out Â€500 notes to customers with immediate effect - putting further pressure on Europe to scrap the note entirely.Anyone trying to...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-17</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Ash delaying planes again]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/ash-cloud-flights-france-paris-london-uk-disruptions-delays-ba-strike-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[7pm update: The high court in London has granted an injunction preventing the BA strike from going ahead.AIRLINE passengers travelling between France and the UK over the coming days are facing disru...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-17</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[French schools under performing]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/education-standards-school-france-cour-des-comptes-inequality-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE GAP between the best and worst-performing school pupils is getting bigger, according to an official new report comparing French education standards with other developed countries.The State's off...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-17</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[French wealth tax explained in full]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/wealth-tax-france-explained-impot-de-solidarite-sur-la-fortune-isf-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Read our comprehensive guide to the controversial ImpÃ´t de SolidaritÃ© sur la Fortune (ISF) - France's wealth tax]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-15</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[We have lost our right to vote]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/UK-election-your-letters-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A selection of readers' comments following the UK General Election]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-12</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[I choose the films at Cannes festival]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Thierry-Fremaux-choses-films-Cannes-interview-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Thierry FrÃ©maux has final say on which films are shown at Cannes. He tells Connexion how he chooses]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-12</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Red alert for bank holiday traffic]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Bank-holiday-traffic-in-France-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[RED alerts have been issued for traffic over the coming days by road monitoring group Bison FutÃ©.Many people are expected to use tomorrowÂ’s bank holiday as the start of a long weekend. (A habit kn...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-12</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[3 years for Robin Hood bank robber]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Musulin-gets-three-years-for-French-11-million-euro-Robin-Hood-bank-robbery-but-prosecution-appeals-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[BULLION van robber Tony Musulin has been jailed for three years after being found guilty of stealing Â€11.6million.Musulin, who had been called the French Robin Hood, told the court he had hijacked ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-12</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Few holiday makers know sea dangers]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/holidaymakers-beach-dangers-France-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FEW holidaymakers are aware of the dangers posed by the sea according to statistics from a lifeguard agency.A survey carried out for the  SociÃ©tÃ© nationale des sauveteurs en mer (SNSM) found that ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-12</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Chirac FranceÂ’s   top politician]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Jacques-Chirac-favourite-politician-of-French-public-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FORMER President Jacques Chirac is FranceÂ’s most popular politician according to a recent poll.Chirac, 77, came top of a list with 75% of people giving a good opinion of him. The latest poll puts h...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-11</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Lights out on roads to save CO2]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Paris-motorways-switch-off-lights-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[MOTORWAYS around Paris will have their lights turned off in the coming days to save on costs and reduce CO2 emissions.It is only the second time that a French authority has turned off the street lig...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-11</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[A380 to fly London Paris shuttle runs]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/A380-flies-London-Paris-Air-France-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE world's largest passenger jet is to start daily shuttle runs between London and Paris this summer.Air France will be using the A380 on flights between Heathrow and Charles de Gaulle from June 12...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-11</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Police in Facebook party-pooper bid]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Paris-police-join-internet-site-to-monitor-illegal-Eiffel-Tower-Facebook-drinks-party-aperos-geants-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[PARIS police have signed up to internet site Facebook to try to stop the rash of illegal instant parties apÃ©ro-gÃ©ants that have sprung up across the country.One, planned for May 23 under the Eiffe...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-10</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Ash cloud stops some flights]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/flights-cancellations-Iceland-volcano-ash-cloud-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FRENCH airspace will remain open despite a new cloud of volcanic ash disrupting flights in Europe, FranceÂ’s civil aviation authority has announced.Over the weekend more than 70 flights were cancell...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-10</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Should I declare  UK account - how?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/French-income-tax-UK-bank-accounts-interest-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[We have declared UK interest for income tax forms but have heard of Brits being fined for not giving account details]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-07</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[May 27 strike over pension reform]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/nationwide-strike-france-may-27-unions-pension-retirement-reform-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FIVE of the biggest trade unions in France have called a national day of industry-wide strike action on May 27.The planned protest will come two months after a similar walkout on March 23 which hit ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-07</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Local tax rules need reforming]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/local-residential-taxes-france-habitation-fonciere-unfair-amounts-reform-report-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[LOCAL residential taxes paid by households in France are inconsistent, unfair and unsuitable for today's economic climate, according to an official report.The Conseil des PrÃ©lÃ¨vements Obligatoires...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-07</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Paris taxis keep airport monopoly]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/paris-taxis-keep-monopoly-charles-de-gaulle-taxi-rank-airport-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[MPs have backed down on plans to open up the taxi ranks at France's busiest airport to competition.The proposed change at Charles de Gaulle airport has been deleted from the Grenelle 2 law going thr...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-07</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Getting divorced to become easier]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/divorce-proceedings-france-getting-divorced-made-easier-legal-fees-court-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[ENDING a marriage by mutual consent is to be made easier under a new law being drawn up by the Justice Ministry.The draft legislation will put a cap on lawyers' fees in the most straight-forward cas...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-07</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Slow progress for disabled access]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/disabled-access-disability-discrimination-law-public-buildings-law-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[DISABLED people are still unable to access the majority of public buildings in France, five years after a law on accessibility was passed.According to research by the Association pour Adultes et Jeu...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-07</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Primary school is failing children]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/primary-school-report-failing-children-lack-basic-skills-thinktank-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FOUR out of ten children are leaving primary school without basic spelling and numeracy skills, a new report has warned.The Institut Montaigne, a leading French think-tank, said up to 300,000 childr...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-06</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Sarkozy prepares his party for 2012]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/nicolas-sarkozy-third-anniversary-french-president-2012-reelection-campaign-hint-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[NICOLAS Sarkozy today marks his third anniversary as French president, and is reported to have given a strong hint to his party colleagues that he is considering standing for re-election in 2012.Sar...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-06</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Euro falls, French want franc back]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/euro-pound-sterling-exchange-rate-falls-low-greece-debt-survey-french-franc-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[NEARLY 40% of French people say it is time to ditch the euro and go back to using the franc, according to a new survey.The poll result is published as the euro hits its lowest level against the poun...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-06</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Music CD sales increasing again]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/cd-music-sales-growing-first-quarter-record-industry-digital-downloading-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[MUSIC sales in France have started rising again after three consecutive years of decline, new figures have revealed.According to music industry trade boy Snep, sales climbed 8% in the first three mo...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-05</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Baker fined Â€650 for noisy rounds]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/baker-fined-excessive-use-car-horn-morning-delivery-legal-complaint-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A NOISY baker in the Val d'Oise has been ordered to pay Â€650 for "excessive use" of his car horn while making home deliveries - ending a lengthy legal battle.A couple in Nesles-la-VallÃ©e began leg...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-05</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Freak weather hits south of France]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/weather-alert-south-of-france-snow-wind-high-tides-damage-cote-d-azur-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[METEO France has issued an avalanche alert in the Pyrenees this morning, as large parts of the south of France count the cost of damage from freak winter weather.Winds of up to 120kph hit the Midi-P...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-05</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Refund deal signed as ash cloud back]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/scotland-ireland-flights-delayed-cancelled-airports-closed-volcanic-ash-latest-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[SOME flights from France to Scotland and Northern Ireland are cancelled today and others to England may be affected later following a second burst of ash from the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajoekull....]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-05</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Tickets-restaurant could be taxed]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/tickets-restaurant-meal-vouchers-tax-proposal-trade-unions-workers-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[UNIONS have condemned a proposal by the government to start taxing the lunchtime meal vouchers that many French companies give out to their employees.Until now, tickets-restaurant have been complete...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-04</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Another delay in Hadopi launch]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/hadopi-internet-piracy-body-france-further-delays-warning-emails-online-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[WEB users who illegally download and share music and films will not be targeted by France's new anti-piracy body for another couple of months at least.Hadopi general secretary Eric Walter said the f...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-04</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Women's trouser ban faces axe]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/women-wearing-trousers-banned-france-obscure-law-overturned-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A CAMPAIGN has been launched to scrap an obscure 210-year-old law that still makes it technically illegal for women in France to wear trousers.The law, which dates from November 1799, requires "any ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-04</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Social network for Paris metro users]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/submate-social-networking-website-paris-metro-commuters-make-friends-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A NEW website has launched allowing passengers on the Paris metro to make friends with their fellow commuters and make the daily trip more sociable.Submate.com has launched in public test mode ahead...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-03</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Lower turnout for  May Day marches]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/may-day-workers-demonstrations-france-turnout-protest-pensions-reform-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE NUMBER of people taking part in this year's May 1 demonstrations around France fell by more than half compared with last year's record turnout.About 195,000 workers took to the streets on the fÃ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-03</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[New driving test goes nationwide]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/new-driving-test-theory-practical-exam-learning-to-drive-france-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A NEW driving test that aims to make getting a licence quicker and cheaper has come into force across France this morning.The simpler procedure was introduced in four test regions in March and has n...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-03</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Soc Gen trader's 'scapegoat' claim]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/jerome-kerviel-societe-generale-trader-trial-colleagues-witnesses-testify-bank-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A FORMER bank trader accused of losing billions of euros in unauthorised deals has urged his ex-colleagues at SociÃ©tÃ© GÃ©nÃ©rale to come forward and give evidence in his defence.JÃ©rÃ´me Kerviel h...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-03</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Getting insurance for your gite]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/getting-insurance-for-your-gite-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[The short-term letting of furnished property presents particular insurance issues for a landlord. ]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[France invented the strawberry]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/how-france-invented-the-modern-strawberry-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[With cream they are unmistakably British, but garden strawberries originated in France and can be used in many ways]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Income tax queries answered]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/french-income-tax-your-questions-answered-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Here is a selection of reader questions - with expert answers - on elements of your income tax return]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Pay-outs for  train delays]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/compensation-payouts-for-train-delays-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[If your train is delayed by more than half an hour, the following compensation rules apply]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[If spouse dies you may lose cover]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/if-spouse-dies-you-may-lose-health-cover-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[It is possible to be excluded from healthcare due to the death of a spouse you were dependent on for healthcare rights]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[US: learn from French healthcare]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/united-states-could-learn-from-french-healthcare-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Veronica De La Cruz visited France to see what lessons America could learn]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Take a swing at free golf days]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/take-a-swing-at-free-golf-days-in-may-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[If you have never played golf but fancy having a go, then from May 12-17 you have the perfect chance ]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Should wealthy pay more tax?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/how-much-tax-should-wealthy-pay-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Nicolas Sarkozy's 50% cap on tax is under attack]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Doctor cover is a postcode lottery]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/doctor-coverage-france-postcode-lottery-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[The coverage of GPs varies greatly across France]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Should we tax carbon emissions?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/should-we-tax-carbon-emissions-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Was the taxe carbone a missed opportunity or a tax too far?]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Uniting Calais' Anglican expats]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/sara-mcvane-anglican-priest-pas-de-calais-interview-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[The new Anglican priest in the Pas-de-Calais, Sara McVane, on the challenges ahead]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[10 years of cat welfare charity]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/les-amis-des-chats-welfare-charity-10th-anniversary-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Les Amis des Chats, the cat welfare charity based in Tarn-et-Garonne, celebrates 10th anniversary]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Artist set for 1st French exhibition]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/artist-doris-murray-exhibition-landscapes-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Colourful oil and acrylic paintings depict both French and South African life]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Triumph for 100km walkers]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/help-for-heroes-sponsored-100km-walk-lezay-saintes-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Eight expat women walk 100km in three days to raise money for Help for Heroes]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Lot village welcomes author]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/booker-prize-author-indra-sinha-vin-dhonneur-lot-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Booker Prize-nominated British author living in the Lot has been honoured by his neighbours]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Charente chamber concerts return]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/chalais-charente-chamber-concerts-may-festival-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Musicians from all over the world and hundreds of visitors will pack into the 16th-Century church in Chalais]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Income tax help in the Charente]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/income-tax-help-charente-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Event in Confolens on May 14 to help members understand and fill in their French income tax return]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Sponsored walk for cancer charity]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/sponsored-walk-cancer-support-france-riberac-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Cancer Support France RibÃ©rac are organising a 5km sponsored walk on Sunday, June 6]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[VIAC annual boules event]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/var-aperitif-club-viac-boules-competition-may-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[The Var International ApÃ©ritif Club is holding its annual boules competition in Agay on May 21]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Search for indoor bowls groups]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/indoor-bowls-clubs-in-france-brittany-tournament-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Club in the CÃ´tes dÂ’Armor (Brittany) is looking to get in contact with any other similar groups in France]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Ash cloud helps ferry firms]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/ash-cloud-helps-ferry-firms-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[CHANNEL ferry and rail firms saw an unprecedented boost to demand when flights were cancelled due to the volcanic eruption in Iceland.A Brittany Ferries spokesman said they carried 35,286 passengers...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Scandal reignites paid sex debate]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/scandal-reignites-prostitution-debate-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A PROSTITUTION scandal involving three French football team players has reignited a debate on legalising brothels.Sidney Govou, Karim Benzema and Franck RibÃ©ry were among people questioned by polic...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Wealth gap widens faster]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/wealth-gap-france-getting-wider-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE number of wealthy people in France increased rapidly in the f irst decade of 2000, according to figures from national statistics body Insee.The number of households earning more than Â€500,000 w...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Family benefit cut for unruly pupils]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/family-benefits-cut-for-unruly-pupils-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[CONFLICT training for teachers, community service for unruly pupils and cutting benefits for truantsÂ’ families are measures planned after a school safety summit.The summit followed rising concern o...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[No charges over work bomb threats]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/no-workers-charged-over-bomb-threats-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[WORKERS who threatened to blow up their factory have not been charged over the threats.At Sodimatex in Crepy-en-Valoise workers laid wooden pallets around a gas tank and threatened to blow up the bu...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Balloon record for adventurer]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/first-man-france-cross-north-pole-hot-air-balloon-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A 63-YEAR-OLD doctor-turned-explorer from the south-west of France has become the first man to successfully cross the North Pole alone in a hot-air balloon.Jean-Louis Etienne set off from the northe...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[SNCF reputation  hit by strike]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/sncf-rail-strike-damage-image-reputation-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A LONG-running strike by train drivers and conductors has seriously harmed the image of French public transport, a consumer group has warned.The walkout began on April 7 and affected services across...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Freemasons admit first woman]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/freemasons-france-first-woman-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[CONTINENTAL EuropeÂ’s oldest masonic order, the Grand Orient de France, has finally admitted women to membership, 277 years after it was founded.The move, which comes after decades of campaigning, a...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Mayor sued for floodwall failure]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/mayor-sued-for-floodwall-failure-storm-xynthia-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE MAYOR of the seaside village of Aiguillon-sur-Mer is being sued by a resident for failing to heed warnings of dangers such as the floods from TempÃªte Xynthia which overwhelmed the commune earlier...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Cars driven away  from the Seine]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/cars-seine-paris-moved-traffic-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[CARS will be banned from a large part of the banks of the Seine in Paris in a plan by Mayor Bertrand DelanoÃ« to create a greener, more social atmosphere in the heart of the city.His e40million proj...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Disability days: fight for access]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/disability-days-fight-for-disabled-access-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FRANCE is organising the first of a series of national Disability Days as part of its commitment to opening up access for the handicapped.The plans call for two weeks of JournÃ©es Territoriales de l...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[September deadline for pension reform]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/september-deadline-for-pension-overhaul-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE MAJORITY of French people and unions object to the speed with which retirement reforms are being pushed through by the government. Six out of ten people polled for Les Echos newspaper said there...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Stores bypass loss-leader ban]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/stores-bypass-loss-leader-ban-loyalty-cards-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[SUPERMARKET competition is reaching fierce new levels Â– and is set to get stronger this summer. It comes as shops test new ways of discounting products to bypass strict trading laws. FranceÂ’s ba...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Poison caterpillar on the move]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/poison-caterpillar-processionary-on-the-move-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[PROCESSIONARY caterpillers, found in much of France, are out in their single-file formations.Look but do not touch as the hairs can cause serious skin irritation and damage to the eyes. If a dog eat...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[France's green bill is 'dead']]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/green-bill-france-dead-say-campaigners-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[GREEN campaigners have walked away from the governmentÂ’s latest environmental bill pronouncing it dead.They say the original ideas of the Grenelle de lÂ’Environnement Â– a highly publicised green s...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[6,000 turbines - but where?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/wind-turbines-planned-in-france-but-where-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE Â‘ANARCHIC developmentÂ’ of wind turbines in France has to be stopped, a report to MPs claims.France has pledged to put up an extra 6,000 turbines in addition to its 2,600 existing ones to meet ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Vegetarians come out of the closet]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/marching-vegetarians-come-out-of-the-closet-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[WHEN FranceÂ’s vegetarian society, Association VÃ©gÃ©tarienne de France (AVF), sent out a press release stating Nicolas Sarkozy had gone vÃ©gÃ©talien (vegan) it turned out to be an April Fool. Howev...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Brive opens with UK flights]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/brive-vallee-dordogne-opens-airport-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[BRIVE-VallÃ©e de la Dordogne airport opens next month - three years after the original planned opening date. It will run CityJet flights to London City Airport three times a week as of  June 25 and ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Miss France split over saucy pics]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/miss-france-split-over-saucy-pics-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[MISS France Committee president GeneviÃ¨ve de Fontenay plans to start her own contest to rival Miss France - claiming the current producers have degraded the pageantÂ’s values.Ms de Fontenay, who or...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Brits still top property buyers]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Brits-still-top-foreign-property-buyers-in-France-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[BRITONS remain the biggest foreign buyers of French property Â– but other nations are catching up.A study by the Notaires de France on non-new-build property sold in 2009 shows Britons bought around...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-05-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Steinbeck's Pearl performed in Paris]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/steinbeck-the-pearl-english-play-paris-act-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Theatre company ACT puts on performance on May 28.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-30</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Burqa fine could be up to Â€15,000]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/burqa-law-france-ban-violence-threat-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[MEN who order their wives to wear a burqa in public could be fined up to Â€15,000 under a new law being drawn up the French government.Le Figaro has seen a draft copy of the law on the full Islamic ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-30</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Lily vendors face tough competition]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/lily-of-the-valley-may-day-france-flower-sales-tradition-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A TRADITIONAL sprig of lily of the valley on May 1 will cost 5% more than last year as producers fight to bring in revenue despite falling demand.Stands selling muguet will spring up all over France...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-30</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Children's cough medicines banned]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/cough-medicines-babies-young-children-withdrawn-from-sale-france-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[PHARMARCISTS in France have been ordered to stop selling 20 different types of cough medicine for children over safety fears.Health safety body Afssaps said it was taking the precautionary measure f...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-30</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[350km of jams as school break ends]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/weekend-travel-motorway-delays-traffic-jams-france-spring-school-holidays-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[SEVERAL hundred kilometres of traffic jams are expected on the French road network this weekend as the last of the spring school holidays come to an end.Families in Zone C - the Ile-de-France and so...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-30</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[What's inside our May edition]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/the-connexion-may-edition-newspaper-subscribe-french-news-in-english-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE MAY issue of The Connexion is out now, packed with 68 pages of news, interviews and practical information about life in France. Here's a peek at what's inside.Big interviewsOur man in Paris, B...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-29</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[CRS police refuse halal canteen food]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/halal-meat-staff-canteen-crs-police-protest-islam-union-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FRANCE'S biggest police union has attempted to distance itself from a protest by some of its members over the use of halal food in a staff canteen.A group of CRS officers in Rouen have written a tra...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-29</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Benefit fraud much worse than thought]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/caf-benefit-fraud-allocations-familiales-confidential-report-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE NUMBER of people committing benefit fraud in France is 20 times greater than initial estimates and the cost to the system is 10 times bigger, according to a new report.The first major study of i...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-29</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[iPad unavailable in mobile shops]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/apple-ipad-france-on-sale-may-buy-fnac-darty-not-mobile-shops-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[EARLY adopters who want to get their hands on Apple's new iPad when it launches in France at the end of May will not be able to buy one from a mobile phone shop.Apple has announced that the new touc...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-29</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[France starts building again]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/building-permits-planning-permission-france-new-houses-construction-rise-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A RISE in the number of building permits granted in France for the first time in the two and a half years is the "first sign of a recovery" in the housing market, the government says.Almost 93,000 p...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-28</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[French job market is 'stabilising']]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/unemployment-figures-france-jobs-market-households-survey-pessimistic-economy-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[UNEMPLOYMENT in France has fallen slightly for the first time in 10 months - but a new survey has found people are more pessimistic about the future of the economy than ever before.The number of peo...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-28</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Â€100,000 bill for six years in coma]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/six-years-coma-hospital-france-100000-euro-bill-son-legal-action-nancy-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A MAN whose mother died after six years in a coma following a medical error has received a bill from the hospital for her time in care - for almost Â€100,000.The 72-year-old woman died in January 20...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-28</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[French income tax 2010 helpguide out]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/connexion-help-filling-french-tax-form-2010-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[CONNEXION'S 2010 helpguide to filling in your French income tax declaration is now available.You can download the guide for Â€5 from the helpguide section of our website.The guide gives step-by-st...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-28</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Farmers to halt Paris traffic]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/farmers-protest-paris-traffic-disruptions-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THOUSANDS of farmers are planning to bring traffic in Paris to a standstill today in a major protest over living conditions and falling incomes.About 1,200 tractors are expected to join the processi...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[EU could force up broadband bills]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/broadband-internet-tv-phone-triple-play-package-france-prices-up-vat-europe-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE COST of an all-inclusive broadband, TV and phone package could rise after the European Commission ruled that the tax charged on subscriptions in France is too low.Brussels has criticised the Fre...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Mediator for air payout complaints]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/ash-cloud-air-travel-complaints-plane-refund-compensation-france-ombudsman-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[AN OFFICIAL ombudsman is to be appointed to deal with air passengers' complaints following last week's volcanic ash disruption.Tourism and Commerce Secretary HervÃ© Novelli has announced the setting...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Find out school's exam performance]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/school-performance-league-tables-exam-results-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[You can compare schools in your area on the Education Ministry website. We explain what the scores mean]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-26</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Clear your clutter at vide-greniers]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/vide-greniers-table-sales-in-france-clear-out-clutter-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Vide-greniers (car-boot sales) are a good way to get rid of unwanted household items]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-26</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Everybody needs good neighbours]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/meeting-french-people-integrating-fete-des-voisins-neighbours-may-26-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Joining in the FÃªte des Voisins on May 28 can help you integrate, says event's founder]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-26</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Our newspapers: September covers]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/our-newspapers-may-2010-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[The Connexion, Dordogne Advertiser, Normandy Advertiser, September 2010]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-26</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Violent passengers prompt bus strikes]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/passenger-violence-public-transport-bus-tram-strikes-nice-orleans-montpellier-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[BUS and tram services in a number of towns around France are returning to normal today after a series of strikes over violent attacks by passengers.Drivers in Nice walked out on Saturday night and m...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-26</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA['Xynthia tourism' angers residents]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/tourists-storm-xynthia-flooding-disaster-zones-anger-local-residents-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[HOMEOWNERS in towns ravaged by the Storm Xynthia flooding have condemned tourists who have begun visiting the disaster zone out of curiosity.Residents in La Faute-sur-Mer and L'Aiguillion-sur-Mer sa...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-26</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Use your finger to pay for shopping]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/france-fingerprint-payment-biometric-scanners-accord-bank-auchan-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[SHOPPERS in France could soon be able to use their finger to pay for everyday shopping, in a move that aims to tackle fraud and speed up supermarket queues.High-street bank Accord has been given per...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-26</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[One million euros for volcano chaos]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/volcano-trapped-French-airline-chaos-Ryanair-flight-compensation-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[ONE million euros has been set aside to compensate French citizens still trapped abroad after a volcanic eruption shut European airspace."As this is an exceptional situation, I have released one mil...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-23</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Money makeover: Remortgaging help]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/remortgaging-your-home-in-france-questions-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Should we remortgage our French home for sterling and invest it in UK?]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-22</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Cash card, but no bank account]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/cash-payment-card-france-no-bank-account-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A new cash payment card that does not need a new bank account to operate is to launch in France this summer. ]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-22</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[I'm retired. What taxes do I pay?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/retirement-in-france-what-taxes-should-i-pay-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Worried about your tax liability here in France? Our finance expert Hugh MacDonald answers your questions]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-22</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Mortgage Q&A: The groundwork]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/mortgage-questions-financial-groundwork-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Is there any way of getting assurance on a mortgage before signing the sales agreement?]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-22</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Make your pension pot more flexible]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/QROPS-pension-pot-more-flexible-expats-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Bill Blevins: British expats living in France could benefit from Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS)]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-22</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Minister promises no rail line cuts]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/no-french-rail-lines-will-close-says-minister-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[No RAIL lines in France will be closed down or face cuts in service says transport minister Dominique Bussereau]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-22</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Fare deal with online calendar ]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/find-cheap-rail-fares-france-online-calendar-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A new online calendar should help rail passengers to find the cheapest fares easier.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-22</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[High-speed ferry slashes times]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/le-havre-portsmouth-ferry-ld-lines-crossing-time-cut-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[LD Lines is putting its new high-speed catamaran the Norman Arrow on the Le Havre-Portsmouth route]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-22</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Travelling to UK  with your pet]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/travelling-with-pet-passport-rules-uk-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Pet passports allow animals to cross borders but transport companies vary in their approaches]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-22</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Rules on lights for caravans]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/caravans-need-lights-not-reflectors-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Caravans need lights, not reflectors in France]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-22</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Where do I get  death certificate?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/getting-death-certificate-in-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Anyone is allowed to request a copy of a death certificate in France. It has to be done at the mairie where person died]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-22</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Do French use Nato alphabet?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/spelling-out-letters-on-the-phone-in-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Is there an official way to spell out letters on the phone?]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-22</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Buy cheap tyres via the internet]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/save-money-ordering-tyres-online-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Motorists can save money on tyres by ordering online. ]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-22</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Insurance covers your pet's health]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/pet-insurance-cover-in-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Various companies offer assurance santÃ© pour les animaux - pet health insurance. ]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-22</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Report spam at dedicated website]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/report-spam-on-dedicated-website-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[You can report spam from French companies on www.signal-spam.fr]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-22</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Learn to drive the eco-friendly way]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/learning-to-drive-eco-friendly-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Half-day courses across France for those who want to drive in a greener way. ]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-22</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Inherited property sales made simpler]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/law-simplifies-sale-inherited-property-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Heirs of inherited homes can no longer use inaction as a means to delay a sale]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-22</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Always cancel by registered letter]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/sending-registered-letters-france-cancelling-contract-lettre-recommandee-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[When you cancel a contract in France it is strongly recommended that you do so by lettre recommandÃ©e]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-22</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Find a doctor who speaks English]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/finding-english-speaking-doctor-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Doctors are forbidden from advertising their services - making finding an English-speaker difficult]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-22</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Is my hospital good enough?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/hospital-checks-2010-league-tables-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Patients' opinions will be taken into consideration in new set of hospital tests]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-22</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[France's historic train routes]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/historic-train-rides-routes-france-steam-trains-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Passengers still drawn by pulling power of historic train routes]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-22</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[How to keep your horses fit]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/keeping-horses-fit-france-barefoot-bitless-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[New movement is spreading across Europe to keep horses barefoot and bitless Â– and outside on the land all day, every day]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-22</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Making Asterix funny in English]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/asterix-english-translator-anthea-bell-interview-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Anthea Bell has been translating Asterix for 40 years. She talks to Oliver Rowland about what's involved]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-22</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[France to Spain 'sea motorway']]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/motorway-of-the-seas-nantes-spain-gijon-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[New link from Nantes to Gijon in Spain aims to get heavy vehicles off the road network]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-22</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Next-generation ticket machines]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/next-generation-train-ticket-machines-france-touch-screen-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Touch-screen devices designed to make journey-planning easier]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-22</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[France's red tape to all go online]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/french-bureaucracy-administration-online-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[End of queuing at the mairie as planning permission, health forms and driving documents available on web]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-22</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Ryanair refuses to pay compensation]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/ryanair-compensation-hotels-food-flight-delays-airline-rights-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[RYANAIR passengers who were stranded at airports because of the volcanic ash cloud will not have their hotel or food bills repaid if they amount to more than the original ticket price, the budget airl...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-22</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Doubts over burqa ban enforcement]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/burqa-ban-public-law-reaction-human-rights-police-racism-campaigners-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE FRENCH government has decided to press ahead with plans to ban the burqa in public places, which anti-racism campaigners say is unconstitutional and unenforceable.A total ban in public had been ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-22</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Train services back to normal]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/sncf-train-strike-called-off-french-rail-services-return-to-normal-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[TRAIN drivers and conductors across France have returned to work this morning following a 14-day strike.Union members in the RhÃ´ne-Alpes and Midi-PyrÃ©nÃ©es were among the last to call off the indu...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-22</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Benefits cut for truant families]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/child-benefit-france-lost-if-pupil-truant-from-school-new-law-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[PARENTS whose children repeatedly skip school face tougher sanctions including an automatic cut to their benefits under a new law.Nicolas Sarkozy has announced the plans to toughen up an existing la...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-21</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Fnac under fire over tricolore pic]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/fnac-photo-competition-politically-incorrect-tricolore-flag-toilet-paper-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[HIGH-STREET shopping giant Fnac has angered politicians by giving a prize to a photo of a man using the French tricolore flag as toilet paper.The "politically incorrect" photo competition was organi...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-21</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA['Everyone home within 48 hours']]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/getting-home-air-disruptions-cancellations-volcanic-ash-france-return-normal-airports-open-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE GOVERNMENT has pledged to get every French resident stranded overseas back home within 48 hours, as air traffic starts returning to normal.Every airport in France is open again this morning and ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-21</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[2.8% local tax rise in towns]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/local-residential-taxes-france-increase-habitation-fonciere-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FAMILIES living in one of the top 40 French towns and cities will pay on an average an extra 2.8% on their residential tax bill this year, according to new estimates.A survey of the biggest town and...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-20</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Fewer police on the beat]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/police-numbers-france-decline-gendarmes-report-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE NUMBER of beat police officers in France has halved in the past decade, a new report reveals.The study by criminologists Alain Bauer and Christophe Soullez, seen by Le Figaro, found sick leave, ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-20</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Airports reopening but delays persist]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/france-uk-travel-air-airports-closed-open-ash-cloud-disruptions-delays-getting-home-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[AIRPORTS are gradually starting to reopen today, but airlines say it will be several days yet before services can return to normal.Ecology and Transport Minister Jean-Louis Borloo said the return of...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-20</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[GP consultation fee rises to Â€23]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/seeing-doctor-france-fee-23-euros-increase-january-2011-gp-consultation-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE COST of seeing a doctor will rise by Â€1 at the end of this year, the government has confirmed.Nicolas Sarkozy has set a date of January 1 for the increase, which will cost the social security s...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-19</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Train strike to end on Wednesday?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/sncf-train-strike-rail-latest-return-to-normal-wednesday-traffic-disruptions-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[TRAIN services across France are expected to gradually return to normal between now and Wednesday, according to the SNCF.Drivers and conductors have been on strike for the past 13 days, disrupting s...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-19</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Cigarette shock pics confirmed]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/shock-pictures-cigarette-packets-france-2011-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[SHOCK images are to begin appearing on cigarette packets in France next year, more than two years after the idea was first proposed.Health Minister Roselyne Bachelot said she had signed the decree t...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-19</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Most airports shut until Tuesday 9am]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/volcanic-ash- airline-flight-delays-cancellations-france-airports-closed-latest -view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE MAJORITY of airports in France are to remain closed until at least 9.00 tomorrow morning as the volcanic ash cloud continues to cause havoc for European travel.Tens of thousands of flights have ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-19</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Check financial advisors online]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/checking-financial-advisors-registered-online-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[There are lots of financial advisors who offer help to expats. Here we explain how to avoid the cowboys and make sure they are properly regulated.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-16</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Toulouse marathon runner gets ready]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/karen-sweeting-toulouse-marathon-donate-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Tarn-et-Garonne resident Karen Sweeting is getting ready for her fourth marathon, this time in Toulouse]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-16</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Join a public speaking club]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/toastmasters-annual-conference-paris-public-speaking-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Toastmasters hold their annual conference in Paris on April 24]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-16</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Beatles hits for St George's Day]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/beatles-tribute-concert-st-georges-day-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Tribute band Get Back play Fab Four's classics in Sainte l'Heurine, Charente-Maritime]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-16</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Take CSF quiz to help raise money]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/cancer-support-france-vendee-fundraising-quiz-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Cancer Support VendÃ©e has launched a 100-question price quiz to help raise money for the charity.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-16</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[St George's tea party in Brittany]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/st-georges-day-party-poppy-appeal-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Raising money for the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-16</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Show-stoppers in Charente-Maritime]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/showstoppers-charente-maritime-music-from-musicals-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[New show by the Encore Theatre Company features music from the musicials]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-16</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Plant exchange near PÃ©rigueux]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/plant-exchange-near-perigueux-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[The fifth Troc aux Plantes takes place on April 18]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-16</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Dordogne lunch for women's group]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/dordogne-womens-group-april-lunch-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[The next networking lunch for the North-Eastern Dordogne WomenÂ’s Association will be on April 20]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-16</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Desperately seeking Barbie]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/barbie-dolls-sought-for-exhibition-in-rennes-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[The Franco-American Institute in Rennes is collecting Barbie dolls for an exhibition on May 18. ]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-16</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Marseille charity shop opens doors]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/British-style Red Cross charity shop in Marseille-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[British-style Red Cross charity shop in Marseille is now open for business]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-16</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Vatry wants to be 4th Paris airport]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/vatry-new-paris-airport-150km-champagne-region-ryanair-flights-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[RYANAIR is to begin running flights to Vatry, 150km east of Paris, which airport authorities hope to transform into the capital's fourth major airport behind Orly, Charles de Gaulle and Beauvais.The...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-16</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[1,500 pharmacies facing closure]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/1500-pharmacies-france-could-close-2015-report-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[ALMOST 1,500 pharmacies could be forced to close within the next five years as they struggle to make ends meet, new research has claimed.A survey organised of pharmacists belonging to the FÃ©dÃ©rati...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-16</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Weekend travel:  25 airports closed]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/airports-closed-flight-delays-france-uk-weekend-sncf-train-strike-motorway-congestion-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[TRAVELLERS are facing a nightmare weekend on the roads, trains and planes as school holidays coincide with a train strike and airport closures.Plane delays and cancellationsTwenty-five French airp...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-16</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[France-UK flights delayed by volcano]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/flight-delays-april-15-paris-edinburgh-glasgow-aberdeen-cancellations-volcano-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FLIGHTS from France to the UK are cancelled or delayed today - due to a volcanic eruption in Iceland.Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow airports were among the first to close as clouds of ash from the ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-15</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Brits still buying French properties]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/french-property-british-buyers-investments-france-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[BRITONS remain the biggest foreign buyers of French property, despite worsening exchange rates and the economic crisis, new figures have revealed.Research by the Notaires de France found the proport...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-15</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Mobile internet problems grow]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/mobile-broadband-internet-france-growing-number-of-complaints-billing-speeds-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[UNCLEAR pricing and disappointing download speeds have prompted a growing number of complaints from internet users in the past year, according to a consumer group.Telecoms and technology users' asso...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-15</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[No TGV tickets for south-east]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/sncf-stops-selling-tgv-tickets-paris-marseille-south-east-train-strike-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE SNCF has stopped selling TGV tickets between Paris and the south-east of France due to the long-running strike by drivers and conductors.The company says no more reservations will be allowed unt...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-15</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[GP surgeries in railway stations]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/sncf-plan-doctors-surgeries-pharmacies-railway-stations-2020-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[DOCTORS' surgeries could be set up inside mainline railway stations by 2020 under a new plan drawn up by the SNCF.The rail operator has unveiled its vision for the station of the future, including m...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-14</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Livret A savers are losing money]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/livret-a-savings-account-interest-rate-below-inflation-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE INTEREST rate paid on France's most popular tax-free savings account, the Livret A, has been held at 1.25% until at least August.The Banque de France said it could not justify increasing the rat...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-14</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Final chance to register to vote]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/register-to-vote-uk-general-election-final-chance-deadline-postal-proxy-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE DEADLINE for expats registering to vote in next month's UK general election is next Tuesday.Anyone who has not yet registered as an overseas voter and asked for a postal or proxy vote should fil...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-14</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Passengers refuse to board aircraft]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/passengers-refuse-board-dilapidated-old-tupolev-plane-unsafe-poland-crash-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A GROUP of passengers in Bordeaux who refused to board a plane over safety fears have finally reached their destination a day late on another flight.The 166 travellers were due to fly to Taba in Egy...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-13</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Train strike could last another week]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/sncf-train-strike-latest-rail-delays-cancellations-france-could-last-another-week-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A STRIKE by train drivers and conductors that has affected services for the past seven days could last another week, according to unions.The SNCF has said it is willing to negotiate - but has set an...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-13</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[More CCTV planned after tram attack]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/more-cctv-public-transport-safety-tram-violent-attack-gang-grenoble-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[BETTER safety measures on public transport, including more CCTV, have been promised by the government after a violent attack on a young man in Grenoble at the weekend.Interior Minister Brice Hortefe...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-13</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Homes unaware of plane noise grant]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/plane-noise-pollution-homes-flight-paths-airports-grant-sound-proofing-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THOUSANDS of homeowners living near airports are missing out on a special grant paying up to 100% of the cost of getting their property sound-proofed.Air noise pollution watchdog Acnusa estimates in...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-13</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Legal challenge to demolition plans]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/xynthia-flood-home-demolitions-charente-maritime-vendee-legal-action-protests-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[PROPERTY-owners in the VendÃ©e and Charente-Maritime are planning legal action against the government over plans to demolish their homes as a flood safety precaution.Demonstrations were held this we...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-12</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Â€5,000 summer job applying suncream]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/summer-job-applying-sun-cream-seaside-beach-resort-vendee-france-applications-open-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A BEACH resort on the Atlantic coast is looking to pay two people Â€5,000 each over the summer to work as "creamers" - applying sun lotion to holidaymakers.Les Sables d'Olonne in the VendÃ©e has lau...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-12</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Easyjet fined for breaking work law]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/easyjet-fined-employing-french-staff- uk-work-contracts-court-ruling-budget-airline-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[EASYJET has been fined Â€1.65m for employing French staff on British contracts for almost four years.The budget airline was found by a court in the Paris suburb of CrÃ©teil to have bypassed French e...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-12</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[AngoulÃªme flights to London restored]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/angouleme-london-gatwick-plane-route-flights-cityline-swiss-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[REGULAR flights from AngoulÃªme to London will be restored in June with the arrival of a new operator to replace Ryanair.CityLine Swiss has begun taking bookings for the three return flights a week ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-12</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Doctors' Â€1 fee rise ruled illegal]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/gp-doctor-fees-france-23-euros-illegal-court-ruling-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FRANCE'S highest court has ordered GPs to stop adding an extra Â€1 to their consultation fees.Several GPs have been charging Â€23 instead of the agreed Â€22 as part of a campaign to get the rate off...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-09</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[End in sight for SNCF walkout?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/train-strike-france-sncf-weekend-april-10-disruptions-cancellations-latest-info-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE SNCF has claimed that train services will start returning to normal from today, in time for the weekend - but unions are calling for drivers to keep up the strike.A nationwide strike by train dr...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-09</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Little chance of World Cup glory]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/football-fifa-world-cup-2010-south-africa-majority-of-french-say-they-will-not-win-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[ONLY 5% of people in France believe their national football team has what it takes to win this summer's World Cup, a poll has revealed.According to the Ipsos survey of 1,000 people by France Soir, h...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-09</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[France to legalise online medicines]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/buy-medicines-online-france-government-considers-legalising-web-pharmacies-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE sale of non-prescription medicines online could be legalised according to a proposal that has angered pharmacists' unions.According to Les Echos, Health Minister Roselyne Bachelot had an initial...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-09</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Â€50k damages for SNCF train death]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/sncf-train-accident-damages-istres-bouches-du-rhone-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE SNCF has been ordered to pay almost Â€50,000 in damages to the family of a young woman killed 12 years ago in a train accident.CÃ©line Avril's parents, sister and grandmother have been caught up...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-08</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[French still hide money at home]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/money-survey-cash-hiding-at-home-savings-37-euros-in-wallet-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A QUARTER of French people are hiding money in their house instead of putting it securely in a bank, a new study has found.The poll by public opinion body Ifop found 24% of people were using secret ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-08</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[GP surgeries and creches closed]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/gp-strike-doctor-surgeries-closed-creche-workers-childcare-protest-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[GPs and creche workers are back on strike today for the third time so far this year.Several doctors' surgeries will be closed after four unions, including the biggest groups MG France and the CSMF, ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-08</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[SeaFrance ferry back to normal]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/seafrance-dover-calais-services-return-to-normal-wednesday-strike-suspended-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[SEAFRANCE cross-Channel services between Calais and Dover are beginning to return to normal this morning after a five-day strike by French ferry workers.An agreement with unions about pay and staff ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-07</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Train strike to last several days]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/sncf-train-rail-strike-disruption-france-several-days-latest-information-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A NATIONWIDE strike by train drivers looks set to last until at least Thursday evening and could be extended further, according to unions.Services across France are disrupted today in the third nati...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-07</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Web gambling law ready for summer]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/world-cup-2010-online-gambling-betting-websites-legalised-france-new-law-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A NEW law legalising online gambling in France has finally been approved by parliament after a series of delays.The plan to license online operators offering sporting bets, horse racing and poker sh...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-07</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA['Xynthia tax' for Charente-Maritime]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/storm-xynthia-charente-maritime-local-tax-bill-increase-six-percent-homes-destroyed-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[LOCAL taxes in the Charente-Maritime could rise by up to 6% this year to pay for the repair operation from Storm Xynthia.Departmental president Dominique Bussereau will discuss the "storm solidarity...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-06</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Ashtray with every cigarette packet]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/cigarettes-tobacconists-france-disposable-ashtrays-compulsory-law-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[TOBACCONISTS in France could be required to provide a free disposable ashtray with every packet of cigarettes they sell under a new law being considered by MPs.The National Assembly's environment co...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-06</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[SeaFrance strike enters fifth day]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/seafrance-strike-latest-disruption-calais-dover-traffic-ferry-cancellations-france-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[SEAFRANCE has warned it could go bust by the end of this week if a strike by French ferry workers continues.The cross-Channel operator has had to cancel its crossings between Dover and Calais today,...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-06</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Remoted, rugged, beautiful Brittany]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/brittany-where-we-live-things-to-see-property-prices-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Brittany is one of the most beautiful and refreshing in France - and nowhere is more than an hour from the sea]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[French: language of laughter]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/french-comedians-language-laughter-funny-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Getting the joke is one of the challenges to anyone learning French but there are many funny comedians out there]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Don't let heat go down the drain]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/hot-water-shower-alternative-uses-not-to-waste-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[This column is written by Marc Asker, the head of EcoPower, a renewable energies company]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Property bargains for just Â€100k]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/french-property-bargains-under-100-thousand-euros-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Budgets are tight, but the bleak winter in the UK seems to have sparked renewed interest in relocating to France.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[0% loans for home insulation]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/interest-free-loans-for-home-insulation-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Poorer households may be able to get help to cut energy bills]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Planning consent not major worry]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/planning-consent-property-question-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[We have recently bought a property only to find out that no planning application was ever submitted for conversion works]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Do you talk about money?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/have-your-say-talking-about-personal-finance-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Have attitudes to talking about money changed? Is personal finance still a taboo subject?]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[France's attitude to obesity wrong]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/letter-obesity-attitudes-france-needs-change-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA["The moment I was born, the midwife harangued my mother that I was too big"]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Higher education under-performing]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/french-higher-education-system-letter-university-professor-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A university lecturer responds to Higher Education Minister ValÃ©rie PÃ©cresse's claims]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Building societies and non-residents]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/building-societies-non-residents-uk-letter-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Why is it so hard to find a building society prepared to take our cash? ]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Let's put a stop to ugly signage]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/putting-a-stop-to-ugly-signs-and-dog-mess-letter-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Let's try to make France, little by little, the beautiful country it should be]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Build a pond in a weekend? No way]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/building-a-garden-pond-takes-more-than-a-weekend-letter-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Your article says building a pond is an ideal job for a spring weekend. You'll be lucky.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Sole traders deserve freedom]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/sole-traders-deserve-more-freedom-letter-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[I was disappointed to see in your March edition the report on restrictions for new auto-entrpreneurs.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[GP referall not always necessary]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/letter-gp-referral-not-always-necessary-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[I have been advised that it is not necessary to obtain reference from your mÃ©decin-traitant]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
	</item>
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		<title><![CDATA[Â€1,200 better off thanks to article]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/overseas-dental-treatment-france-will-pay-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Thank you, The Connexion, for giving us the advice that led to our saving.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Cahors gig raises cash for Haiti]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/cahors-benefit-concert-haiti-earthquake-victims-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Special benefit concert brings in thousands of euros for earthquake victims]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Bordeaux RAF remembers friend]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/bordeaux-raf-remembers-andy-wilson-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Special event to honour Andy Wilson, who was killed in a car crash in November 2008. ]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Get Together's birthday bash]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/get-together-british-support-group-deux-sevres-21st-anniversary-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[21st anniversary of Deux-SÃ¨vres support group]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Get to know mayor for business help]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/getting-ahead-in-business-france-tips-get-to-know-your-mayor-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[If you run a business in France, your mayor can prove a useful work contact. ]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Sole trader asset  protection scheme]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/sole-trader-property-protection-scheme-2011-launch-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Business status that protects the personal property of sole-traders is expected to come into force from 2011.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[We're married to the building job]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/john-carden-bobbi-black-my-first-year-in-business-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Everyone remembers their first year of business. In our regular feature, independent businesspeople tell how they set up]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Â€96bn loans to help start-ups]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/loans-to-help-small-businesses-in-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A total of Â€96 billion has been set aside to help small and medium businesses in France]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[New summer air links to the UK]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/new-summer-flights-france-uk-travel-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Budget airlines are preparing to boost their services from France to the UK and Ireland this summer]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Paris world's most expensive city]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/paris-worlds-most-expensive-city-do-residents-agree-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[But do residents believe it and is life in the capital worth it?]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[State vs govt pension confusion]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/confusion-state-government-pensions-tax-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Confusion has arisen over the difference between a 'state' and a 'government' pension for tax purposes.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Nostalgia for 90s boom won't help]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/nostalgia-90s-boom-wealth-management-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Wealth management advice is more today important than ever before, writes Bill Blevins.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
	</item>
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		<title><![CDATA[Getting mortgage for renovations]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/renovation-mortgage-french-property-banks-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[All French banks are happy to arrange renovation mortgages. ]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Joint credit-debit card is success  ]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/double-action-debit-credit-card-success-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Success of CrÃ©dit AgricoleÂ’s Double Action card has prompted other banks to follow]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Banks can assist with home help]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/banks-can-assist-with-home-help-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Most banks now offer to arrange services Ã  la personne (home help)]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[EDF pays less for  solar electricity]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/edf-lowers-price-paid-for-buying-solar-electricity-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[EDF has lowered the price it buys electricity produced by homeowners using solar panels]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Cap on cost of internet abroad]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/price-caps-using-mobile-phone-internet-abroad-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[You can now request a cap on the cost of using your mobile phone for internet abroad.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Extra security for web purchase]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/extra-security-using-bank-card-online-shopping-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Many banks now demand extra security procedures when making certain online payments Â– called "3D secure code"]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Help with French driving lessons]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/online-help-with-french-driving-lessons-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[New website offers information about the different kinds of French driving licence]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Call out an IT expert]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/calling-out-it-expert-computer-repairs-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[You can also offset some charges against your income tax bill]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Wills, homes and  different children]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/new-eu-law-wills-homes-different-chidlren-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Law allowing you to choose law of your country of nationality to apply to your whole estate was adopted by EU last year]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Do I have to swap driving licence?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/driving-licence-france-uk-swap-question-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[I have a second home in France where I live for about four months a year - do I need French driving licence?]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Shop was wrong to insist on repairs]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/faulty-goods-shop-consumer-rights-repairs-replacement-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[If you buy something, the Code de la Consommation (Consumer Code) states it should be fit for purpose]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Cancer screening schemes in France]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/cancer-screening-france-costs-jargon-explained-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Each type of cancer has its own separate method of screening - and its own medical jargon and costs.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Walking to fitness the Nordic way]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/nordic-walking-groups-france-getting-exercise-seeing-outdoors-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Nordic walking is 10 years old in France and is an increasingly popular way of getting exercise]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Parents could get more school say]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/choosing-school-france-parents-could-have-more-say-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Minister says change is encouraging despite  teacher complaints]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Ryanair subsidies are just business]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/ryanair-airport-subsidies-just-business-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Air industry commentators say there is nothing unusual about airport's payments to budget airline]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Paris targets short-term rentals]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/paris-renting-apartment-illegal-short-term-and-holiday-lets-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[The Mairie de Paris has launched a crackdown on holiday lets and tenancies of less than a year]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Look after your home while away]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/protecting-second-home-holiday-france-burglars-breakins-alarms-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Second home-owners should think about the best ways to protect their homes. We look at burglary prevention methods]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[New expats denied vital healthcover]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/private-health-cover-france-denied-to-early-retirees-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Early retirees who recently moved to France are being refused private health insurance]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Angry bikers block streets]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/motorcycle-protests-around-france-bikers-block-streets-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THOUSANDS of motorcycle riders took to the streets across France in a protest about threats of increased harassment and the lack of recognition given to two-wheeled road users.The demonstrations, or...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Pupils lose year from absent staff]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/teacher-absences-pupils-lose-year-of-school-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[ABSENT teachers cost a pupil a yearÂ’s missed education over the course of their school life, an inquiry by the countryÂ’s biggest parents group has found.The FÃ©dÃ©ration des Conseils des Parents d...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[AngoulÃªme airport sues Ryanair]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/angoueleme-airport-directors-sue-ryanair-breach-of-contract-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Angouleme airport directors are in talks to begin a new service to London after Ryanair stopped its Stansted flights.The Syndicat Mixte des AÃ©roports de Charente is suing Ryanair for breach of cont...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Normandy leads digital TV switch]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/basse-normandie-digital-television-switchover-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[BASSE-Normadie has become the first region in France to switch off its analogue TV broadcasting signal. It will be followed by the Pays-de-la-Loire in May and Brittany in June. All of France is du...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[GPs strike over Â€23 visit fees]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/gps-strike-consultation-fees-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[GPs have held a one-day strike to protest that their consultation fees have remained frozen, despite a promise by the government to raise them.Fees for a visit to the doctor were supposed to rise fr...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Handball Henry is fans' No.1]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/thierry-henry-best-loved-footballer-france-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[HE MAY not be so popular in Ireland after that handball incident in the World Cup qualifying matches, but Thierry Henry is the best-loved footballer in France.Not only that, he is also its highest-p...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Why left do well in regional vote]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/why-left-do-well-in-french-regional-elections-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Why are regional elections dominated by the left, when the right tends to do better nationally and in presidential elections?This is partly due to the role these Â“mid-termÂ” elections play, where d...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Sarkozy mid-term election rebuff]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/french-regional-elections-nicolas-sarkozy-rebuff-socialist-party-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE Socialist Party is celebrating its comeback after a disastrous European election result last summer, coming top in 20 out of 22 parts of France in the regional elections.The party, led by Martin...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Simone Veil takes seat at AcadÃ©mie]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/simone-veil-academie-francaise-seat-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[HOLOCAUST survivor, first president of the elected European Parliament and the person who helped legalise abortion in France, Simone Veil, has become only the sixth woman to enter the AcadÃ©mie FranÃ§...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Stuffed owl sale causes trouble]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/stuffed-owl-online-sale-causes-trouble-for-couple-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A COUPLE from Nantes fell foul of the law when, after an attic clear-out, they put some stuffed owls they used to collect for sale on a website. A National Office for Hunting and Wildlife employee, ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Euroferries: one year of no service]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/ferry-boulogne-ramsgate-euroferries-non-service-one-year-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[EUROFERRIESÂ’ fast cross-channel service between Ramsgate and Boulogne is still not in service one year after the original launch date of April 2009.This year the company has already claimed its ser...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Â€23m laundry bill for La Poste]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/23million-euro-laundry-bill-la-poste-court-battle-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[POSTAL WORKERS have won a court battle with La Poste to get them to pay their dry cleaning bills. The 12 Tarn posties, backed by the CGT union, acted on a 2005 EU law on paying for and cleaning unif...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Postal votes may not arrive in time]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/uk-general-election-expat-postal-votes-not-arrive-in-ime-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[EXPATS voting by post at the next UK General Election may not have their votes counted, the British election authorities admit.  The Electoral Commission, which oversees voting in the UK, says that ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Flood homes will be abandoned]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/storm-xynthia-homes-abandoned-economic-impact-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[HOMES that were severely damaged by floods during Storm Xynthia and are no longer habitable will be bought up by the government at pre-flood prices and destroyed.President Nicolas Sarkozy said the r...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Property fraud: notaires accused]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/property-fraud-notaires-accused-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THREE notaires and a firm of financial advisors are facing criminal charges in a fraud case involving the sale of furnished flats in the south of France.Jean-Pierre Brines and Cyril Courant from Aix...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Carla Bruni gossip shows press divide]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/carla-bruni-gossip-shows-divide-france-uk-press-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[INTERNET gossip that Nicolas Sarkozy and Carla Bruni are both having affairs received widespread coverage in the UK Â– but the claims were shrugged off by the French public and completely avoided by t...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Johnny Depp dream to make own wine]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/johnny-depp-dream-making-his-own-wine-provence-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[WINE growers in Provence have welcomed the international publicity brought by celebrities producing their own wine in the region.It comes after Johnny Depp revealed his dream to make his own wine in...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Calls to scrap brevet exams]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/brevet-college-france-school-exams-replaced-continual-assessment-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE BREVET des collÃ¨ges exams taken by every 15-year-old in France are outdated, unsuitable and should be scrapped, a parliamentary report has urged.The National Assembly's cultural affairs commiss...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[UK passport fees up 3% for expats]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/lost-uk-passport-overseas-replacement-foreign-fees-increase-british-consulate-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE COST of replacing or renewing a British passport while abroad is set to rise by 2.9% from April 6, the UK Foreign Office has confirmed.While the cost of a standard adult passport issued in the U...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[07 mobile numbers to launch in May]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/mobile-phone-numbers-france-new-dialling-code-07-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[MOBILE operators are to begin handing out phone numbers beginning with 07 from next month to cope with growing demand.Orange and Bouygues Telecom will start offering the new numbers from May 3, foll...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA['VAT rate cut has saved restaurants']]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/restaurants-france-vat-tax-cut-saved-from-closure-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[SOME 25,000 restaurants have been saved from closure following last July's cut in VAT, a new report has claimed.The study by Gira Conseil, published nine months after the cut from 19.6% to 5.5% came...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-02</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA['English is badly pronounced French']]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/selected-quotes-on-franco-british-relations-over-the-years-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Selected quotes on Franco-British relations from Stephen Clarke's new book, 1,000 Years of Annoying the French]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[A French expat's view of the Brits]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/how-to-survive-the-english-a-french-expats-view-of-london-life-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Hortense de Monplaisir is a Parisienne in London who has written a guide on "how to survive the English"]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-01</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[1,000 years of France-UK tension]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/1000-years-of-annoying-the-french-stephen-clarke-interview-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Stephen Clarke trawled through 1,000 years of history to better understand the origins of Franco-British rivalry]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-01</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Meet French funny man Franck Dubosc]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/franck-dubosc-french-comedian-exclusive-interview-camping-2-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Rapid-fire French comedian Franck Dubsosc is a fluent English-speaker and once appeared in Coronation Street.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Easter weekend traffic warnings]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/easter-holiday-traffic-road-conditions-france-this-weekend-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[TRAFFIC conditions around France will be difficult from 16.00 this afternoon as the Easter weekend coincides with the start of the school holidays in Zone B.Official road watchdog Bison FutÃ© has pu...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-01</pubDate>
	</item>
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		<title><![CDATA[Sleeper trains to run in daytime]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/sncf-sleeper-trains-running-daytime-paris-toulouse-cheap-rail-travel-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE SNCF is planning to run its sleeper trains during the day from next month - so that passengers can have a comfortable nap while travelling.The French rail operator's new service, called TÃ©oz Ec...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Giant inflatable colon in Lyon]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/giant-inflatable-colon-lyon-place-de-la-republique-colo-rectal-cancer-screening-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A LARGE pink inflatable colon is being set up in the centre of Lyon this weekend to raise awareness of colo-rectal cancer.The huge blow-up tube comes from Germany - where it has toured a different c...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-01</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Growing violence against doctors]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/doctors-violence-patients-physical-threats-growing-seine-saint-denis-france-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[GPs are seeing a growing number of incidents of violent behaviour by patients, new figures by a doctors' group have revealed.L'Ordre des MÃ©decins' annual report found 540 reported cases of violent ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-04-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[UK U-turn over disability benefit]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/disability-benefit-uk-british-expats-france-reinstated-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Anyone who lost UK disability benefits on arrival in France between 2001 and 2007 can request reinstatement]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-31</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[New French words for buzz and chat]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/new-french-words-anglicisms-chat-buzz-newsletter-talk-tuning-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A JURY of French-language defenders have agreed on a new set of words to replace five anglicisms commonly used by young people.A competition was launched to ask students to come up with suggestions ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-31</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Local vote for all expats rejected]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/right-to-vote-local-elections-france-expats-non-eu-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[MPs have rejected a proposed law that would have given non-EU nationals living in France the right to vote in local elections.The law change, which was drawn up by the Socialist party, was defeated ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-31</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Another national train strike plan]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/sncf-train-strike-april-6-national-disruption-france-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[TRAIN drivers are planning another national strike from April 6 - the third so far this year.However unlike earlier strikes, the next one will be for an indefinite period - not just one day.The CG...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-31</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Plans to increase television licence]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/television-tv-licence-fee-rise-2011-advertising-france-redevance-audiovisuelle-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE cost of a television licence looks set to rise next year to compensate for the scrapping of advertising on public channels.Culture Minister FrÃ©dÃ©ric Mitterrand said a rise in the Â€121-a-year ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-30</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[8 months of Paris motorway delays]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/a6b-motorway-paris-orly-closed-resurfacing-work-traffic-disruptions-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[DRIVERS passing through Paris over the Easter holidays have been warned to expect severe delays as a key stretch of motorway outside the capital is closed for eight months of renovation work.Roadwor...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-30</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Flood alert today on Atlantic coast]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/weather-alert-atlantic-coast-france-flooding-winds-vendee-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[HOMEOWNERS living on the Atlantic coast have been urged to stay vigilant this morning as strong waves and high tides are expected - a month after the Xynthia storm.Although MÃ©tÃ©o France has not is...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-30</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Pay rise for some teachers]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/school-teachers-france-pay-rises-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[ALMOST 200,000 teachers are to be given a pay rise from the rentrÃ©e in September - but unions say the move does not go far enough.The increase will apply to about a quarter of primary and secondary...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-29</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Poor turnout for 'No Sarkozy Day']]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/no-sarkozy-day-protests-france-low-turnout-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FRANCE'S first "No Sarko Day" attracted just 2,000 protestors - 98,000 short of the organisers' target.The event was launched by a group of bloggers, inspired by the "No Berlusconi Day" in Italy las...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-29</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Easyjet turns away disabled passenger]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/easyjet-disabled-passenger-refused-discrimination-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A DISABLED woman who was made to get off an Easyjet flight from Paris to Nice because she was unaccompanied is considering legal action.Marie-Patricia Hoarau, who is 39 and from FrÃ©jus in the Var, ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-29</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Confusion over OAP EHIC cards]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/EHIC-pension-OAP-state-French-healthcare-abroad-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[BRITISH pensioners living in France are being advised to ignore confusing wording on letters being sent from UK DWP]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-26</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[What's inside our April edition]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/april-2010-issue-connexion-newspaper-english-speakers-france-free-french-tax-guide-help-news-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THIS month's Connexion has four-pages of information on French income tax.Our feature Â– an extract from our annual tax helpguide Â– gives you information on whether you should be paying income tax i...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-26</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Carla fling rumour web staff resign]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/affair-Bruni-Sarkozy-rumour-resign-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[TWO WORKERS involved with a news website that published rumours that Carla Bruni and Nicolas Sarkozy were both having affairs have resigned.The director general of Newsweb, which hosts the website o...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-26</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Free plans price hike for broadband]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/broadband-france-free-price-rise-35-euros-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[INTERNET service provider Free has warned of a likely Â€5 rise in the price of broadband by the end of the year.The second biggest ISP in France, behind Orange, says the price rise to Â€35 a month i...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-26</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[More cameras in towns and trains]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/cctv-video-surveillance-cameras-france-extra-security-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[AN EXTRA 3,500 video-surveillance cameras will be installed in 280 towns and villages around France, the government has announced.The state is putting Â€30m towards the cost of the programme - about...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-26</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[4,000 join Rennes Facebook party]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/unofficial-facebook-party-rennes-city-centre-france-4000-people-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[MORE than 4,000 people turned up for a "giant aperitif" in the centre of Rennes last night following an anonymous invite on Facebook.The appeal was launched about a week ago on the social networking...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-26</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[How we did it: running a gite]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/how-we-did-it-setting-up-a-gite-in-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Xavier-Gabriel Le Gall and Josiane set up a gite just outside Carcassonne. Here they share their tips]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-25</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[What makes a gite stand out?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/owning-a-gite-in-france-alistair-sawday-tips-for-success-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[We talk to Alistair Sawday, a former teacher who has become the guru of gites and chambres dÂ’hÃ´tes]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-25</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Grants help you renovate home]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/grants-to-renovate-and-improve-your-french-home-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A system of grant assistance for house renovation operates throughout France]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-25</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Home for sale? Give it a facelift]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/property-for-sale-france-give-home-facelift-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[With the housing market frozen over the past 18 months, now is the time to make your house look irresistible.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-25</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Can people gain squatters' rights?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/property-land-rights-squatters-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[What are the rules about rights to land in France?]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-25</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Must I change  my pool alarm?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/pool-alarms-standards-conform-upgrading-rules-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Private individuals with alarms conforming to one of the old norms are not obliged to change them]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-25</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Termite claim has sting in the tail]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/termite-problems-french-property-liability-seller-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A seller who knows there are termites in their property is liable for the cost of remedial works.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-25</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Light touch helps cut energy waste]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/energy-saving-lightbulbs-in-your-french-home-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[With the traditional lightbulb on its way out perhaps it is time to stock up on candles.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-25</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[What do the French think of Brits?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/french-expats-in-london-what-do-they-think-of-british-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[We ask French expats living in the UK what they think of British culture, humour and social behaviour]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-25</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Use number codes for French accents]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/alt-number-codes-french-accents-keyboard-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[If you are still having problems finding French accents on an English keyboard (see previous letters), try this]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-25</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[New standards for baby bottles]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/proposed-law-bisphenol-a-compound-plastic-baby-milk-bottles-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[SENATORS have agreed to ban a chemical found in some plastic packaging from being used in baby milk bottles due to health fears.The Senate voted in favour of the ban on Bisphenol A yesterday, after ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-25</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[SNCF lose Â€1bn as TGV numbers stall]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/sncf-2009-loss-one-billion-euros-tgv-passenger-numbers-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE SNCF lost almost Â€1bn last year in what it has described as an "annus horribilis".The French state rail operator said falling passenger and freight numbers in 2009 had contributed to the net lo...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-25</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Frenchman arrested for Obama hacking]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/barack-obama-twitter-account-hacked-french-man-arrested-faces-jail-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A FRENCH web hacker is facing up to two years in prison for breaking into US president Barack Obama's account on Twitter.The 25-year-old man from the Auvergne was arrested on Tuesday and released on...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-25</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Law targets loans and credit cards]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/credit-cards-loans-france-law-debt-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A NEW law that aims to prevent people getting into dangerous levels of debt is being debated in the National Assembly this week.The legislation, which was passed by senators last year, is designed t...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-25</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Church services: Easter in English]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/english-church-services-france-easter-2010-communion-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Our guide to the English-speaking services planned around France this Easter.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-24</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Car insurance to rise next month]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/car-insurance-costs-france-to-rise-due-to-increase-in-number-of-claims-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE COST of insuring a car in France is set to rise by up to 3% from April 1 as some of the major insurers' annual contracts come up for renewal.According to figures compiled by Les Echos, GMF is pl...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-24</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Saturday school back on agenda?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/school-france-four-day-week-wednesday-lessons-new-timetable-children-tired-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[WEDNESDAY or Saturday morning lessons could be back on the timetable for schoolchildren from this September, in an apparent U-turn by the government.The Education Ministry has written to local educa...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-24</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[9.5% gas price rise confirmed]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/gas-prices-france-gdf-increase-april-1-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[GAS bills are to rise by an average of 9.5% from next month, the first major increase in two years.The government's Energy Regulation Commission has agreed to GDF's request for the substantial rise ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-24</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Carbon tax dropped but not yet buried]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/carbon-tax-france-shelved-reaction-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[BUSINESSES and consumer groups have welcomed the government's announcement that it is shelving plans to introduce a "carbon tax" on fuel emissions.The tax on petrol and gas was originally due to com...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-24</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Storm damage: how to claim insurance]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/storm-damage-how-to-claim-insurance-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Payouts for storms differ from those resulting from natural disasters. Here we explain what you need to do]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-23</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Too much salt in French baguette]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/french-bread-baguette-too-much-salt-research-finds-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[TOO much salt is being added to the everyday French baguette, tests carried out by a consumer magazine have found.60 Millions de Consommateurs analysed 180 loaves from bakeries and supermarkets arou...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-23</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Air France strike threat called off]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/air-france-plane-cabin-crew-strike-called-off-abandoned-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[AIR France cabin crew have called off a proposed four-day strike from March 28 to 31. The strike was timed to coincide with the introduction of the airline's new European summer timetable, which uni...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-23</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Doctors to charge Â€1 more in protest]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/doctors-gps-france-consultation-fees-23-euros-funding-argument-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[GPs are planning to break the terms of their contract by charging an extra Â€1 for consultations from next month in a long-running dispute over funding.France's biggest doctors' union, the CSMF, is ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-23</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Today's strikes: what to expect]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/strike-tuesday-23-march-france-schools-trains-hospitals-disruption-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A BIG national strike will bring disruption to public transport, schools and other parts of the public and private sector today.TransportThe SNCF rail walkout began at 20.00 on Monday night and ser...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-23</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Oysters banned after toxin found]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/oysters-shellfish-dangerous-banned-vendee-charente-maritime-toxins-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[OYSTERS and other shellfish from the VendÃ©e and Charente-Maritime have been banned from sale and recalled from restaurants and supermarkets after they were found to contain dangerous levels of toxins...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-22</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Left-wing victory in regional ballot]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/socialist-party-left-wing-victory-regional-elections-france-ump-defeat-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE Socialist Party has confirmed its position as France's most popular political party, winning in all but two of 22 regions in yesterday's elections.Left-wing parties averaged 54.3% nationally in ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-22</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Second doctors' strike on April 8]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/doctors-srike-gps-surgeries-closed-april-8-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[DOCTORS are planning to close their surgeries on Thursday April 8 - their second one-day strike in a month.GPs' unions say the French healthcare system is "drifting without a pilot" and are calling ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-19</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Mayors demand swine flu refund]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/swine-flu-bill-refund-20-city-and-town-mayors-demand-government-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[ABOUT 20 towns and cities around France have joined forces to put pressure on the government to pay back the money they spent on tackling the swine flu outbreak.According to the local government bod...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-19</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Partial victory in surrogacy battle]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/surrogate-mother-legal-test-case-france-parents-partial-victory-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A FRENCH couple whose twin daughters were born to a surrogate mother in the US have won part of their long-running battle to be legally recognised as their parents.Dominique and Sylvie Mennesson pai...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-19</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Light bottles cut Champagne costs]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/champagne-bottles-lighter-65g-save-transport-costs-carbon-emissions-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[CHAMPAGNE bottles are to be made 65g lighter to save on transportation costs and carbon emissions, producers have announced.Champagne industry trade body CIVC said the new bottles, which weigh in at...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-18</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[More work needed to tackle hayfever]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/hayfever-season-france-high-pollen-emission-trees-plants-limits-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[AN AIR quality watchdog has called for strict limits on the planting of certain trees and plants to combat hayfever.Aerobiology surveillance body RNSA has drawn up a list of 16 types - including bir...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-18</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[SNCF closes web security loophole]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/sncf-website-personal-data-online-security-loophole-closed-hacker-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A WEB security loophole allowing hackers to access the personal details of thousands of rail passengers has been closed after it was uncovered by a newspaper.The SNCF has been aware of the flaw sinc...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-18</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Air France crew strike announced]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/air-france-cabin-crew-strike-planned-march-28-31-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[AIR France cabin crew have called a four-day strike from March 28 to 31.Six trade unions are supporting the walk-out to protest against changes to working conditions on short and medium-haul flights...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-17</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[SNCF announces fake TGV disaster ]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/sncf-train-explosion-macon-announcement-mistake-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE SNCF has mistakenly announced a massive explosion on a TGV train, killing 102 people and injuring hundreds.The dramatic announcement was posted on the rail operator's website at about 11.00 yest...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-17</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Banking probe puts fees in spotlight]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/banking-fees-france-government-investigation-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[AN INDEPENDENT investigation into banking fees has been launched by the Economy Ministry.According to Les Echos, the ministry has been keeping a very close eye on how much customers are charged afte...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-17</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[France has chronic sleeping problem]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/chronic-lack-of-sleep-france-insomnia-report-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE AVERAGE person spends less than seven hours a day sleeping and almost four million French people suffer from severe insomnia, a new report has found.The Institut National du Sommeil (national sl...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-17</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA['Jobs train' at a station near you]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/finding-work-in-france-job-train-tours-country-vacancies-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A SPECIAL train allowing jobseekers to find work, submit their CV and be interviewed on the spot is touring France this month.The Train de l'EgalitÃ© des Chances will be manned by representatives fr...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-16</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Ikea sofas for  Paris metro stops]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/ikea-sofas-paris-metro-platforms-publicity-campaign-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[IKEA has installed comfy sofas on a number of Paris metro platforms to improve the wait for commuters.The Swedish furniture giant has refitted four busy stations in the city centre with reading lamp...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-16</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Total to close 500 petrol stations]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/total-plans-to-close-500-petrol-stations-in-france-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[RURAL drivers could be affected by the closure of 500 petrol stations around France within the next two years.French petrol giant Total said it would axe about 10% of its 5,000 outlets - which inclu...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-16</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Tougher rules on supermarket bags]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/plastic-shopping-bags-ban-supermarkets-hypermarkets-recycling-2011-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A COMPLETE ban on plastic bags in supermarkets and hypermarkets could come into force next year, as part of a new law on reducing waste.Parliament is discussing a possible reinforcement of the curre...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-16</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Help for tenants facing eviction]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/eviction-helpline-tenants-landlords-renting-flat-france-winter-truce-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A FREE telephone helpline is to be set up tomorrow to help tenants and landlords as the "winter truce" on rent arrears comes to an end.The annual trÃªve hivernale started in November and officially ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-15</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[A disastrous year for Bordeaux wine]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/bordeaux-wine-sales-2009-catastrophic-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[2009 was a "catastrophic" year for Bordeaux wine, with revenue down almost a quarter on the previous year, producers have revealed.According to the Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins de Bordeaux, t...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-15</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Socialists triumph in regional vote]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/socialist-party-martine-aubry-france-regional-elections-first-round-results-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE SOCIALIST party has come top in the first round of the French regional elections, in a vote that was marked by a high abstention rate of about 54%.The PS received 29.48% of votes nationwide, ahe...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-15</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Drivers urged to look out for frogs]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/frogs-toads-crossing-road-france-drivers-urged-to-look-out-animal-welfare-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FROGS, toads and newts are at risk of being crushed by cars this month as they cross roads to get to wetlands to breed, an animal charity has warned.According to Aspas, which protects wild animals, ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-12</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Cigarette sales up patch sales down]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/cigarette-tobacco-sales-france-increase-2009-anti-smoking-campaign-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE NUMBER of cigarettes sold in France has started to grow again, while sales of nicotine replacement treatments in pharmacies has plummeted.The Observatoire FranÃ§ais des Drogues et des Toxicomane...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-12</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Secondary school teachers on strike]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/secondary-school-college-lycee-teachers-strike-today-march-12-france-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A MINIMUM level of service is place in most French collÃ¨ges and lycÃ©es this morning due to a nationwide strike by teachers.Eight trade unions representing the profession are behind the industrial ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-12</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[No rent rise for 1st time in years]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/flat-rent-cost-france-average-stable-no-rise-in-2009-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE COST of renting a flat in France remained stable in 2009 for the first time in almost 20 years, new research has found.Professional letting research body Clameur found the nationwide average ren...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-12</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Fishing season begins Saturday]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/fishing-season-france-2010-trout-salmon-begins-march-13-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE TROUT and salmon fishing season gets under way this Saturday, March 13, in most parts of France. Exceptions include 16 departments in the north of France (including the Ile-de-France region), wh...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-12</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Hadopi 2 fails to deter web users]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/hadopi-2-online-piracy-law-france-failing-to-deter-illegal-downloaders-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A NEW law designed to tackle online piracy is having the opposite effect on French internet users, according to a new study.Researchers at the University of Rennes found that since the Hadopi 2 law ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-11</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Storm Xynthia conman arrested]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/storm-xynthia-fraudster-arrested- posing-as-agriculture-ministry-worker-charente-maritime-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A SERIAL fraudster who posed as an Agriculture Ministry worker in the storm-hit Charente-Maritime has been arrested.Philippe Berre, 56, spent five days working with local officials in Charron before...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-11</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Creche workers on strike again]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/childcare-workers-strike-france-creche-closed-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[CRECHES in 30 towns and cities will be closed today as workers hold their second strike in less than a month.They join GPs and public transport workers in some areas who are also on strike today.F...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-11</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA['Brits cook more than the French']]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/cooking-at-home-british-spend-more-time-than-french-survey-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FRENCH people spend less time in their kitchens than their British counterparts and cook a smaller range of dishes, a new survey has revealed.The research by BBC food magazine Olive in the UK and Ma...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-10</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[New measures for teacher cover]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/supply-teacher-replacement-cover-schools-france-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[SCHOOLS are to be given better access to supply teachers from September following complaints from parents.Education Minister Luc Chatel said up to 20% of France's 50,000 supply teachers were being u...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-10</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Nice to be CCTV capital of France]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/nice-cctv-capital-of-france-600-video-surveillance-cameras-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE CITY of Nice has announced plans to more than double the number of CCTV cameras by the end of this year, becoming the most watched place in France.Mayor Christian Estrosi has announced 342 extra...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-10</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Basse-Normandie digital TV switch]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/basse-normandie-analogue-tv-signal-digital-switchover-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[ONE and a half million people in Basse-Normandie will be switched over to digital TV this morning as the old analogue signal is switched off across the region.The switchover will happen between 8.00...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-09</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[SNCF joins March 23 national strike]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/sncf-nationwide-train-strike-france-confirmed-march-23-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[TRAIN services around France are facing severe disruption on March 23 after drivers voted last night to join a national strike.The CGT, Unsa and CFDT unions have urged members to take part in the in...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-09</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Train stranded for 18 hours in snow]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/train-standed-18-hours-pyrenees-snow-south-france-travel-chaos-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[MORE than a hundred passengers have spent the night stranded on a broken-down sleeper train in the PyrÃ©nÃ©es-Orientales after it hit 40cm of snow near the Spanish border yesterday afternoon.The tra...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-09</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[New driving test launches today]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/new-driving-test-simpler-france-improve-pass-rates-cut-waiting-times-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A NEW simpler driving test comes into force today in four regions - with other parts of France switching over by the end of May.The 35-minute practical test is designed to give examiners more freedo...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-09</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Food shops ignore Sunday trade law]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/sunday-trading-law-france-food-shops-staying-open-all-day-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[MANY supermarkets and convenience stores are breaking the new law on Sunday trading by staying open all day, a newspaper investigation has found.Le Parisien found small local food shops (superettes)...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-08</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[School, GP and bus strikes this week]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/strikes-this-week-france-school-teachers-doctors-public-transport-bins-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[TEACHERS, doctors, binmen and public transport workers are all planning to go on strike later this week - just days before the French regional elections.Unions representing bus and tram drivers in a...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-08</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Swine flu campaign 'cost France Â€1bn']]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/swine-flu-cost-france-1bn-euro-scrutinised-vaccination-campaign-masks-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE FRENCH government has spent more than Â€1bn preparing for the swine flu outbreak since last summer, new figures have revealed.The official auditor - the Cour des Comptes - and two parliamentary ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-08</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Average results for half-term ski]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/ski-resorts-france-visitor-numbers-half-term-spending-down-tourism-research-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[SKI resorts around France have reported broadly stable visitor numbers but a decline in spending as the key half-term season ends.According to tourism research body Protourisme, 40% of French people...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-08</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[How to let your home to tourists]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/french-holiday-home-lets-rental-property-helpguide-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Letting your French property when it is not in use can be an excellent additional source of income. We explain how.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-05</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[EU slams French cigarette pricing]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/cigarette-prices-in-france-condemned-by-european-union-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A EUROPEAN court has condemned the French government's policy of fixing minimum retail prices for cigarettes.The Court of Justice of the European Union said the practice - which imposes a Â€5.10 min...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-05</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Unemployment  hits 10-year high]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/unemployment-france-10-year-high-sarkozy-35-hour-week-industrial-reforms-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE NUMBER of people out of work has reached a 10-year high, new official figures have revealed.National statistics body Insee says unemployment in the last quarter of 2009 stood at 2.7 million - it...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-05</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Rubbish collection strike on March 12]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/binmen-rubbish-collection-strike-france-march-12-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[BINMEN across France are planning to walk out on strike for an indefinite period starting on March 12.Six unions representing Ã©boueurs have called on members to stop collecting and treating rubbish...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-05</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Greengrocers take tickets-restaurant]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/new-rules-tickets-restaurant-meal-vouchers-fruit-veg-greengrocers  -view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[RESTAURANTS have reacted with anger to a new initiative allowing people to buy fruit and veg from greengrocers using tickets-restaurant.The decree - which was published yesterday in the Journal Offi...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-05</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Aix show planned for Stacey Kent]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/stacey-kent-anglo-american-jazz-singer-aix-en-provence-april-29-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Grammy-nominated Anglo-American jazz singer will sign in French and English at the Grand ThÃ©Ã¢tre on April 29]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-04</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Integration event in Lot-et-Garonne]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/integration-event-lot-et-garonne-foreign-residents-meet-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Ten foreign residents in Lot-et-Garonne will give a presentation on their home country and why they moved to France]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-04</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Major project to rebuild sea walls]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/vendee-flood-sea-defences-reinforcement-work-ecology-ministry-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FIVE years of work improving sea defences along the French coast have been promised to avoid a repeat of last weekend's deadly floods.The government has announced the setting up of a task-force whic...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-04</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Customers quit EDF for rivals]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/edf-electricity-supplier-competition-gas-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[ALMOST 1.4 million homes in France have ditched EDF for a rival electricity supplier, new figures have revealed.The French Energy Regulation Commission, CRE, said competing energy firms including Di...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-04</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Waiting time test for civil service]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/french-administration-performance-indicators-waiting-time-queues-satisfaction-survey-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[EVERY part of the French administration should be made to publish figures on waiting times to help improve the quality of service offered to the public, an MP has recommended.Haute-Marne MP FranÃ§oi...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-04</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Teen in court for meat-knife threat]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/teenage-girl-in-court-in-france-for-threatening-pupil-with-meat-cleaver-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A TEENAGE girl is to appear in court later this month accused of threatening a fellow pupil with a meat-cleaver in a row over a mobile phone.According to a TV report on France 3 MÃ©diterrannÃ©e, the...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-03</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Eiffel Tower tree exorcist caught]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/tree-exorcist-champ-de-mars-eiffel-tower-questioned-police-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[AN EXORCIST who hammered nails into 100 trees near the Eiffel Tower and painted them "to rid them of evil spirits" has been arrested and questioned by police.Gardeners looking after the Champ de Mar...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-03</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Truancy note web hoax revealed]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/hoax-school-absence-note-website-fools-french-media-parents-teachers-education-chiefs-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[EDUCATION chiefs, unions and the French media have been duped by a website claiming to sell fake absence letters to schoolchildren."Innovative start-up" Xkiouze.com announced it would start selling ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-03</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Storm insurance deadline extended]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/storm-xynthia-insurance-claims-deadline-extended-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[HOUSEHOLDS hit by last weekend's storm and floods have been given an extension to make their insurance claims.French insurance body FFSA says all of its members have agreed to push the deadline back...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-03</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Special measures for storm victims]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/insurance-claim-financial-help-storm-flood-damage-france-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A RANGE of financial help for homes and businesses in the four departments worst-hit by Sunday's deadly storms and floods has been announced by the government.President Nicolas Sarkozy signed a gove...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-02</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[New public power to challenge law]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/public-right-to-challenge-laws-france-constitutional-court-legality-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[TAXATION and foreign voting rights are among laws that could be re-examined under a new initiative that aims to give the public more of a say in the legal process.New rules have come into force givi...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-02</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Free hearing tests throughout March]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/free-hearing-tests-france-throughout-march-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A FREE hearing test is available to anyone in France this month as part of a campaign to raise awareness about the condition.The event - until March 31 - is being organised by Audition Mutualiste, a...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-02</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Box scheme lets you buy from farm]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/veg-box-scheme-buy-direct-from-farm-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Nationwide veg box scheme lets you cut out the middleman.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-01</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Potatoes: how long to grow?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/potatoes-grow-france-how-long-varieties-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Different variants take different time]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[French life still inspires authors]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/french-life-inspiration-generations-of-authors-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[From tSmollett through to Joanne Harris of Chocolat fame, France has proved an inspiration to generations of authors]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-01</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Midsomer writer's dreams of France  ]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/interview-anthony-horowitz-midsomer-murders-foyles-war-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[British writer Anthony Horowitz on how France first embraced his work and continues to inspire him]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-01</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Broadband attracts new wave of expats]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/broadband-internet-attracts-new-wave-of-expats-to-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[High-speed internet has enabled a new generation of young couples to experience life in France while pursuing a career.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-01</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Thin stereotype is just not true]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/skinny-french-women-stereotype-is-not-true-letter-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Readers react to Sally Ann Voak's piece exploring why French women are so skinny]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-01</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Foie gras ducks do suffer. I've seen]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/foie-gras-ducks-suffer-letter-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA["Philippe Baron of the foie gras producers' federation is talking nonsense"]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Superstore tactics costing us dear]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/supermarket-savings-costing-us-dear-letter-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA['Savings' offered by big supermarkets are not all they seem.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Thumbs up for France Telecom]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/france-telecom-customer-service-letter-thumbs-up-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Other readers have complained here, but my experience of France Telecom was superb.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[I'm poorer but happier in France]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/poorer-but-happier-in-france-letter-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA["I came to France in 2004. My standard of living has been lower than ever before."]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-01</pubDate>
	</item>
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		<title><![CDATA[French rail: poor, slow and decrepit]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/french-railway-sncf-poor-letter-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA["The alleged superiority of French railways is frequently trotted out as a given. I dispute this."]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-01</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[What age to retire at?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/retirement-age-france-60-your-opinions-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Parti Socialiste leader Martine Aubry has said that retirement at 60 is a right. What do you think?]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Proud of energy saving designs]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/my-first-year-arc-en-ciel-sud-ouest-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Everyone remembers their first year of business. In our regular feature, independent business people tell their story]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Auto-entrepeneur insurance issues]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/insurance-problem-autoentrepreneur-builder-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Self-employed builder finds difficulty getting the necessary professional insurance]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[New business tax could save money]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/taxe-professionnelle-replacement-small-businesses-benefit-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Small businesses are likely to pay less tax under the new business tax regime that is replacing the taxe professionnelle]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-01</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Changes made to auto-entrepreneur]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/changes-auto-entrepreneurs-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A number of changes to the auto-entrepreneur scheme have come into force.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[The Connexion privacy policy]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/privacy-policy-your-personal-data-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[This privacy policy sets out how The Connexion uses and protects any information that you give us when you use this site]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Long school days exhaust children]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/long-school-days-timetable-france-exhausting-children-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[TEACHERS and parents say the policy of four-day weeks in primary schools must be reviewed after medical research shows it is leaving children exhausted.The general secretary of teachersÂ’ union SNUi...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-01</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[New expats to register at mairie]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/new-expat-arriving-france-register-town-hall-mairie-new-law-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[All new immigrants wanting to live in France, including those from the EU, will have to register with their mairies within three months of arrival, once a new law is put into action.This will only a...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Teachers' anger at staff reform]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/teachers-anger-at-staff-reforms-demonstration-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[AROUND 10,000 teachers marched in Paris recently to protest against job cuts and government reforms to teacher training.Star of the occasion was a camel with placards stating: Les enseignants bossen...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Award for  comic adventure]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/film-director-wins-frances-biggest-comic-book-festival-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FRANCEÂ’S biggest comic book festival drew 200,000 visitors last month and awarded its top prize to a film director. The Festival International de la Bande DessinÃ©e dÂ’AngoulÃªme is the third most ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Frenchman world's best receptionist]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/hotel-receptionist-best-in-world-is-french-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[ONE OF FranceÂ’s first five-star hotels can also claim the worldÂ’s best receptionist. FranÃ§ois Lenne, 30, of Le Meurice, Paris, was named International Receptionist of the Year by the jury chaired...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Shops make 1m taking francs]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/french-francs-shopkeepers-make-a-million-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[SHOPKEEPERS in a French town have pulled in one million francs of business over the past three years by accepting francs.The president of the traders association in Blanc,  Indre,  Sylvie Auteau-MoÃ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Families: Russia owes us Â€100bn]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/russian-cathe-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[DESCENDANTS of French families who were financially ruined when their investments were erased after the Russian Revolution want to seize a cathedral in a battle over a Â€100bn debt.The debt, roughly...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[La Halde: how it can help]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/halde-anti-discrimination-body-how-it-works-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Anyone can apply to the Halde if they feel they are a victim of discrimination (by race, nationality, sexuality etc) over matters like housing, work and public services. About 20% of cases result in...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Doubts for future of the Halde]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/halde-anti-discrimination-body-in-doubt-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A LEADING anti-racism charity boss has questioned FranceÂ’s will to tackle discrimination as the future leadership and funding of its top equality watchdog La Halde is in doubt.Louis Schweitzer ends...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Dubai to build replica of Lyon]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/dubai-replica-lyon-old-town-construction-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[CONSTRUCTION of a replica of the old town of Lyon is to start in Dubai this month.Lyon DubaÃ¯ City, brainchild of a sheik who fell in love with the city, is reported to be going ahead despite DubaiÂ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Little support for seaweed cleanup]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/brittany-toxic-seaweed-fails-to-get-support-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A Â€134 million government package to rid BrittanyÂ’s coastline of toxic seaweed has failed to win support from farmers and ecology groups.Junior Ecology Minister Chantal Jouanno has set up a task-f...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Bluefin tuna ban would ruin us]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/bluefin-tuna-ban-fishermans-union-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[AN INTERNATIONAL ban on trade in Atlantic bluefin tuna would "destroy an entire sector of French fishing" and put coastal communities at risk, a union has warned.The ComitÃ© National des PÃªches Mar...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Armagnac seeks sales boost]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/armagnac-seeks-sales-boost-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[MAKERS of armagnac hope a pilgrimage to the Vatican to retrieve a 14th-Century text extolling the virtues of the drink will help flagging sales.FranceÂ’s oldest spirit celebrates its 700th anniversa...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Villepin above Sarkozy in poll]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/dominique-de-villepin-above-sarkozy-opinion-polls-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FORMER PM Dominique de Villepin has received a boost to his presidential ambitions with a poll putting him 19 points ahead of Nicolas Sarkozy in terms of popularity.Free of the Clearstream Affair wh...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Swindlers invent phone muggings]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/mobile-phone-muggings-invented-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[MOBILE phone owners are inventing muggings to claim insurance and get better models.Bordeaux police thought a gang was at work after a spate of reports of youths on scooters snatching phones but fut...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Who should pay to kill hornet nests]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/beekeepers-say-state-should-pay-to-remove-asian-hornets-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE NESTS of the deadly Asian hornet are a national problem and people should not have to pay Â€200 to have them removed, according to a beekeepers' union.March is when the nests are being built and...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[French chef opens fast food chain]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/french-chef-marc-veyrat-opens-fast-food-chain-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[LEADING French chef Marc Veyrat is setting up a chain of organic fast-food restaurants.Veyrat, known for his dark glasses, black hat and inventive "molecular cuisine," wants to bring his philosophy ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Â€70bn lost in tax exemptions]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/france-too-many-tax-breaks-lost-revenue-cour-des-comptes-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FRANCE offers too many tax discounts and exemptions - totalling Â€70billion a year - without finding a way of making up the lost revenue, the official public auditor has warned.The Cour des Comptes ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Refunds cut for 200 medicines]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/healthcare-medicine-refunds-15-per-cent-assurance-maladie-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE GOVERNMENT is cutting the rate of reimbursement for 200 medicines next month in a move expected to save Â€145m a year.Patients buying the medicines - which include indigestion tablet Gaviscon an...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-01</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Immigrants stop work for 24 hours]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/france-day-without-immigrants-24-hour-protest-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FOREIGN residents in France and French citizens born overseas are being encouraged to stop working today to highlight their contribution to the economy.The "day without immigrants" has been organise...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Natural disaster as storm kills 47]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/storm-xynthia-france-47-dead-natural-disaster-insurance-claim-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[INSURERS are preparing for a surge of claims this morning after France's deadliest storm in a decade.Storm Xynthia brought winds of 150-200kph to large parts of the west and north of France early on...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-03-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[What's inside our March newspaper]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/march-2010-issue-connexion-newspaper-english-speakers-france-free-hotels-book-wine-offer-interviews-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE CONNEXION has teamed up with Alistair Sawday to offer 500 free copies of his books French ChÃ¢teaux and Hotels and French Holiday Homes (RRP Â£14.99) - you just pay the postage.We are also offer...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-27</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Aid for unemployed facing benefit cut]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/financial-help-long-term-unemployed-france-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[LONG-TERM unemployed people who face having their benefits cut off this year could be offered paid training to help them get back into work.PÃ´le Emploi estimates that a million people who have not ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-26</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Agriculture show opens in Paris]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/paris-salon-agriculture-opens-this-weekend-france-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE most important event in the French farming community calendar, the Salon de l'Agriculture, opens this weekend in Paris.The event is also an annual pilgrimage for politicians looking to shore up ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-26</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Doctors plan March 11 strike]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/doctors-surgery-strike-march-11-france-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[GPs are planning a day of strike action on March 11 to protest against a lack of resources.Four unions - including the biggest, MG France - have urged doctors to take part in the walkout and close t...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-26</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Compulsory smoke alarms from 2015]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/law-requires-smoke-alarms-in-every-home-by-2015-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A LAW requiring every home in France to be equipped with a smoke alarm has been passed, five years after it was first discussed.The responsibility for buying the alarm and regularly checking it fall...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-26</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[French air traffic strike: the latest]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/air-strike-france-flights-cancelled-delayed-paris-orly-charles-de-gaulle-running-info-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A STRIKE by air traffic controllers is causing cancellations and delays for the fourth day running.The walkout is due to last until 8.00 on Saturday morning.Half of Friday's flights into and out o...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-26</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Doctors fined for using paper forms]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/assurance-maladie-doctors-feuilles-de-soins-carte-vitale-paperwork-waste-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[GPs who continue using paper forms instead of an electronic system will be issued fines in a bid to stop wastage]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[We're poorer but happier in France]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/we-are-poorer-but-happier-in-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[What prompts British people to give up jobs in the UK and move to France? We speak to families who made the move]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[The ups and downs of running chalets]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/running-a-ski-chalet-business-in-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[We ask three chalet owners how the peak winter ski season is looking]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Hiring children's ski clothes]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/hiring-childrens-ski-clothes-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A number of ski hire shops are branching out to offer children's ski clothes]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Beware trademark registration scam]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/logo-letter-targets-firms-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Business people unfamiliar with French should be wary of demands for money to register trademarks and products.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Useful English- language numbers]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/useful-english-language-phone-numbers-in-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Helplines with English-speaking staff]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[UK 0800 calls can cost 20p/min here]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/uk-0800-free-calls-can-cost-20p-a-minute-in-france-letter-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA["I would like to remind readers not to be taken in with UK 0800 numbers when phoning from France."]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[National Express Xmas travel woe]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/national-express-christmas-travel-woe-letter-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA['Flight back to the UK was fine. The problem was the connection - National Express would not honour our tickets']]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Travel problems poorly handled]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/travel-problems-were-poorly-handled-letter-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA['Easyjet Christmas delays were made worse by lack of communication']]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[100% health cover claim is deceptive]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/100-per-cent-healthcover-claim-deceptive-letter-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA['Mutuelle top up business is big business.However, let the buyer beware']]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Consulate cannot fill French forms]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/british-consultate-cannot-help-fill-in-french-forms-letter-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA['The British Consulate cannot help fill in a family's livret de famille']]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Supermarket ways of hitting shopper]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/supermarket-finds-ways-of-hitting-customer-letter-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA['Your January leader on Que Choisir and its criticism of supermarkets is to be applauded.']]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Ban smacking? What nonsense]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/proposed-french-ban-on-smacking-is-waste-of-time-letter-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA["I read with amused irritation in the December 2009 issue that an anti-smacking law is proposed in France"]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Why would French employ Brits?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/why-would-the-french-want-to-employ-brits-letter-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA['I get the impression that UK citizens living here expect it is their right to be able seek employment in this country']]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Getting back to UK for dying relative]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/mercy-dash-back-to-the-uk-dying-relative-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[If you have loved ones in the UK, France can be further away than you think if you need to get back in an emergency]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Do son's diplomas need translating?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/do-diplomas-need-translating-into-french-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Electricians are among those professions which need suitable diplomas to practise in France]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Problem joining electoral register]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/difficulties-registering-to-vote-uk-elections-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Overseas voter registration asks for a supporting declaration from a fellow holder of a British passport]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Help at home from La Poste]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/help-at-home-from-la-poste-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[La Poste's Genius service can help you find assistance at home]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Do you know your French spoons?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/do-you-know-your-french-spoons-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[French kitchen measurements can sometimes be confusing to people used to UK ones.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Keeping mobile number is a right]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/keeping-mobile-number-is-a-right-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Did you know that keeping your old mobile number is a right if you change operator?]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[What does Cedex mean on letters?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/what-does-cedex-mean-on-french-letters-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Ever wondered why some bodies have Cedex as a part of their address?]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
	</item>
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		<title><![CDATA[Health cover for low-earners]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/health-cover-for-low-incomes-cmu-complementaire-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[People on low incomes should investigate benefits called the CMU complÃ©mentaire]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
	</item>
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		<title><![CDATA[Find a mutuelle  that suits you]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/choosing-a-mutuelle-for-healthcare-cover-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[More than 90% of people have some form of top-up insurance]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Top-up health cover costs up 5%]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/healthcare-costs-rising-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[The cost of top-up health insurance rose by an average 5% at the beginning of 2010]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
	</item>
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		<title><![CDATA[Get fit: joining a French gym]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/get-fit-joining-a-french-gym-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[If you promised yourself that this year you were going to get fitter you might like to look into joining a gym.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Your rights if air travel goes wrong]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/air-travel-cancellation-delay-passenger-rights-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A range of European regulations and international conventions provide you with certain rights when using flights]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Brittany Ferries wins Which? prize]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/brittany-ferries-wins-which-prize-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Brittany Ferries has been awarded a top five stars for customer service in a survey by British consumer group Which? ]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Second-hand ticket sales are rising]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/second-hand-ticket-sales-up-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Sales of second-hand train tickets have doubled in a year, one website says]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Can I book free with Ryanair?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/avoiding-ryanair-charges-change-to-payment-fee-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Ryanair's policies on card administration charges have changed]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Lending your car may prove costly]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/lending-your-car-may-prove-costly-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Many car insurance policies which allow others to drive your car have higher excess costs]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Top savings don't always add up]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/top-savings-returns-france-assurance-vie-contracts-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Assurance vie contracts can be very tax efficient, but that cannot be the only criteria for selecting an investment]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[New French income tax bands released]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/2010-french-income-tax-bands-revealed-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[The tax bandings for 2009 income have been released. Income tax forms will be sent out in April.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Tax rise in France - not if but when]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/higher-taxes-in-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[There is no guarantee that we will not see direct tax increases in France in the not too distant future]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Euribor 3-month mortgage rates]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/euribor-three-month-mortgage-rate-explained-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[The majority of French mortgage products are linked to three-month or 12-month European rates]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Premium Bond wins taxable in France]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/premium-bond-wins-are-taxable-in-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Lottery wins are not taxable in France but Premium Bond wins are - here's why]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Non-profitable accounts closed]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/banks-close-unprofitable-current-accounts-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Banks are closing accounts they think are not making them enough money, says bank usersÂ’ association Afub]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Tax change for Brits in France]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/capital-gains-tax-changes-for-british-people-in-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Expats' UK properties may soon be subject to Capital Gains Tax]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Why must we write place on cheques?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/writing-place-name-when-signing-cheques-why-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Why do you have to write on a cheque the town where it was signed?]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Can I get home sound-proofed?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/getting-your-home-sound-proofed-grants-property-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Do you suffer regular noise from aircraft flying overhead? Grants are available to pay for sound-proofing]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Burst pipes: check the small print]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/burst-pipes-insurance-policy-small-print-property-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Most insurers state you must turn the water off at the stop-cock if you are going away for a certain period]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Put quality first with solar panels]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/put-quality-first-when-choosing-solar-panels-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[The most common question about eco systems is payback: "How long will it take to recoup my investment?"]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Insurance firm won't pay in full]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/insurance-firm-will-not-pay-in-full-property-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Property questions are answered by David Yeates, a freelance journalist who is editor of www.french-property.com]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Tenant evicted in rent v repairs row]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/withholding-rent-because-flat-is-in-poor-condition-legal-battle-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A tenant who withheld rent due to the poor condition of his home has failed to overturn an eviction order]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Don't lose plot over boundaries]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/avoiding-boundary-disputes-property-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Working out where your property ends and your neighbour's begins is a difficult judgement ]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Permission needed to alter your flat]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/getting-permission-to-change-your-flat-copropriete-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[You must get permission before changing the external appearance of a flat if you live in a copropriÃ©tÃ©]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Business property sale loophole open]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/loophole-lets-commercial-buyers-pull-out-of-contract-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Commercial buyers can use a loophole which allows them to pull out of a sale and keep their deposit]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[How James Bond settled in France]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/sir-roger-moore-interview-james-bond-star-living-in-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Bond star Sir Roger Moore talks to Liz Morgan about filming and living in France]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[My plan to rebuild our universities]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/valerie-pecresse-interview-higher-education-minister-universities-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[France has set aside an extra Â€19bn for research and higher education. The minister in charge ValÃ©rie PÃ©cresse explains]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Driving in snow: how to prepare]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/driving-in-snow-france-rules-chains-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[What the highway code says about staying safe in the snow when driving - and the fines if you ignore the rules]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Raise a glass to top British beer]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/british-real-ale-festival-in-toulouse-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[More than a dozen varieties on tap at a festival on the outskirts of Toulouse this month ]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[London band seeks gigs in France]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/london-band-seeks-concerts-in-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[The Mishaped Pearls are looking for village summer fayres to play at this summer]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Cricket club gets ready for summer]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/st-aulaye-cricket-club-prepares-for-summer-season-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Saint Aulaye cricket club on the border of the Dordogne and the Charente is holding its annual fundraiser]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Monthly meet for Cahors folk group]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Monthly-meet-for-Cahors-folk-group-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[WORLD champion harmonica player Michel Herblin is this monthÂ’s guest of honour at the Cahors Folk Club]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Buy a book to help SOS charity]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/buy-a-book-to-help-sos-charity-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Aadvice and counselling service SOS Help will be raising funds with its spring booksale on March 20]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Anglo-French club in Lot and CorrÃ¨ze]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/anglo-french-social-group-lot-and-correze-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Foreign residents in the Lot and the CorrÃ¨ze are invited to get involved with a new Franco-English social group]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Knitting group seeks advice]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/knitting-group-seeks-advice-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[British woman in Aveyron wants to get the project off ground but is not sure where to start]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Lyon loto raises cash for animals]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/lyon-loto-raises-cash-for-animals-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Lyon branch of animal welfare charity SPA is holding a fundraising lottery event]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Old dolls-house sought for raffle]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/old-dolls-house-needed-for-normandy-charity-raffle-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Do you have an old, unwanted dolls-house lying around at home?]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[VIAC walking tour around Les Arcs]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/viac-walking-tour-around-les-arcs-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Var International ApÃ©ritif Club (VIAC) is planning a guided walking tour round the historic old town of Les Arcs]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Comedy trio in Riviera shows]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/riviera-comedy-club-march-gigs-nice-antibes-cannes-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Riviera Comedy Club is bringing three more English-speaking comedians to the CÃ´te dÂ’Azur]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[100km walk for soldiers' charity]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/help-for-heroes-sponsored-charity-walk-deux-sevres-british-expats-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Women in the Deux-SÃ¨vres to walk 100km to raise money for injured British soldiers]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[UK cyclists join Brittany race]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/racing-cycling-club-in-rugby-join-brittany-race-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Team from Racing Cycling Club in Rugby have accepted an invitation to race in Les Boucles GuÃ©gonnaises tournament]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Cats charity in fundraising push]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/les-amis-des-chats-2010-fundraising-push-after-key-backer-pulls-out-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA['Vigorous fundraising' needed for Les Amis des Chats after key backer pulls out]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[St Patrick's Day events in France]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/saint-patricks-day-events-france-2010-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[You can celebrate St Patrick's Day without flying to Ireland with plenty of events taking place around France]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Petrol shortage threat is lifted]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/petrol-shortage-france-total-oil-refinery-workers-call-off-strike-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A NATIONWIDE petrol shortage has been averted after striking oil refinery workers agreed to return to work this morning.Staff at five Total plants around France walked out on strike last Thursday, p...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Seniors march in pensions protest]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/state-pension-amount-france-retired-people-demonstrations-cost-of-living-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THOUSANDS of retired people have taken to the streets to call for changes to the way the state pension is calculated.According to organisers, up to 3,000 people took part in a march yesterday in Par...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Two-thirds not expecting pay rise]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/two-thirds-of-french-employees-not-expecting-a-pay-rise-in-2010-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[ALMOST two-thirds of French people are not expecting a pay rise this year, according to a new survey.The poll of 1,000 workers by research body BVA, published in Les Echos found only 37% of people t...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-25</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Ground heat pumps to keep tax credit]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/ground-heat-pumps-spared-tax-credit-cut-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Geothermal heat pumps are now expected to retain a 40% green tax credit this year]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-24</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Rebel passengers allowed home]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/brazil-paris-flight-plane-rebellion-french-tourists-freed-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A GROUP of French tourists accused of starting a rebellion on a plane in Brazil have been allowed to return home after 11 weeks.The two men and a woman were arrested in SÃ£o Paulo on December 7 for ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-24</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[SNCF fined Â€5m over travel site ]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/sncf-fined-5-million-euros-travel-agency-website-expedia-partnership-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE SNCF has been fined Â€5m for stifling competition with its online travel shop, voyagessncf.comA court in Paris has ordered the French state rail operator to pay damages to rival online travel ag...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-24</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Calls for ban on anti-smoking ad]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/anti-smoking-ads-teenagers-cigarette-submission-welfare-groups-controversy-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A SHOCK anti-smoking campaign showing teenagers in a submissive position with a cigarette between their lips has outraged child welfare groups and ministers.Health Minister Roselyne Bachelot has des...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-24</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[French red tape is failing people]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/french-administration-nightmares-red-tape-ombudsman-complaints-civil-service-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FRENCH administration makes people feel "psychologically tired", tense, nervous and helpless, the country's official ombudsman has warned.The MÃ©diateur de la RÃ©publique, Jean-Paul Delevoye, says h...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-23</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Uni students slam 'unfair' policies]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/university-rules-exams-assessment-teaching-hours-unef-student-union-complaints-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A DOZEN universities in France are imposing unfair rules that are denying students the chance to succeed, national students' union Unef has complained.The union says there are inconsistencies in the...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-23</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[GDF wants 9% gas bill rise in April]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/gas-prices-bills-rise-9-percent-april-gdf-suez-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[GDF wants to raise gas prices by 9% in April to account for the growing cost of production, it has emerged.According to Le Figaro, the gas supplier wants to hike tariffs from Â€41.50 per megawatt ho...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-23</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Air traffic strike closes airports]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/air-traffic-controller-strike-france-airport-check-flight-disruptions-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FIVE French airports are closed today and hundreds of flights across the country cancelled due to a strike by air traffic controllers.There are no flights landing or taking off from Pau, Biarritz, G...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-23</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Exams ahead for bilingual sections]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/school-bilingual-sections-entrance-exams-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[International sections provide a middle ground between private schools and state schools]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-22</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[English library closure protest]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/english-library-montpellier-sudden-closure-protest-petition-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Hundreds sign petition protesting at sudden closure of Anglophone Library of Montpellier]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-22</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA['Ageing well' label for towns]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/ageing-well-elderly-accreditation-for-towns-and-villages-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A new accreditation scheme will recognise communes that look after their elderly people well]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-22</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Old-time variety show in English]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/reaction-theatre-deux-sevres-old-time-variety-show-performances-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[English-language theatre group in the Deux-SÃ¨vres has five performances planned for March]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-22</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[English business fair in Souillac]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/angel-traders-business-fair-souillac-lot-march-27-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[March 27 trade show in the Lot will allow English-speaking businesses to network and meet potential clients]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-22</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Free Normandy talk on retirement]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/normandy-retirement-seminar-advice-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Free series of seminars for anyone in the area with questions about making the most of their retirement]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-22</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Graham Templeton talks to Connexion]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/graham-templeton-warren-dordogne-expat-fraud-jail-exclusive-interview-the-connexion-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[We tracked down the Dordogne conman and asked him why he was not in jail. He has now begun his two-year sentence]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-22</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Graham Templeton begins jail term]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/graham-templeton-warren-dordogne-expat-fraud-begins-jail-sentence-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[CONMAN Graham Templeton is in prison starting his two-year jail sentence for defrauding a group of Dordogne expats out of Â€2 million, The Connexion can reveal.French prison authorities said that th...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-22</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Porn sites blocked on MPs' computers]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/french-mps-national-assembly-banned-pornographic-websites-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[MPs in the French national assembly have been told that pornographic websites are now blocked on their office computers.Parliament has implemented a new web filtering system that aims to block any i...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-22</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Petrol shortage fears after strike]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/total-oil-refinery-strike-petrol-shortages-france  -view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[DRIVERS have started queuing for petrol in parts of France as oil refinery workers extend their strike.Six refineries owned by Total have been closed since Thursday in protest at plans to close the ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-22</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Orly worst-hit by air traffic strike]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/flight-delays-paris-france-orly-air-traffic-controllers-strike-baggage-handlers-disruptions-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[AIR passengers are facing delays at Orly airport in Paris today ahead of a nationwide air traffic controllers' strike that starts tomorrow. Ground-handlers called a sudden strike at the weekend over...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-22</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Drivers question French car quality]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/french-car-standards-reliable-international-survey-drivers-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE RELIABILITY of French cars has been called into question in an international survey of drivers.Almost a quarter of a million motorists in France, Germany, Switzerland, Brazil and China were aske...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-19</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Government names 'stressful' firms]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/stress-work-government-survey-work-ministry-named-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[STARBUCKS, BP, Glaxo SmithKline and Toys R Us are among the companies accused of failing to deal with employee stress in a new government report. The Work Ministry has published a list on its websit...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-19</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[New speed cameras made harder to see]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/hidden-speed-cameras-road-safety-france-drink-driving-prevention-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A NEW generation of hidden speed cameras is to begin appearing on French motorways in a bid to stop drivers suddenly braking to avoid being caught.Prime Minister FranÃ§ois Fillon has announced that ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-19</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Speeding biker caught by video]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/motorcyclist-midi-pyrenees-speeding-video-camera-police-arrest-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A MOTORCYCLIST who filmed himself speeding through the Midi-PyrÃ©nÃ©es at up to 175kph has been caught by police Â– after he accidentally dropped the camera on the roadside by a police station.Offic...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-18</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[National teachers' strike on March 12]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/teachers-strike-secondary-school-france-industrial-action-march-12-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[SECONDARY school teachers across France are planning a one-day strike on March 12.Eight teachers' unions have backed the action, which will bring disruption to collÃ¨ges and lycÃ©es nationwide.The...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-18</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[12 convicted for fake wine scam]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/french-red-wine-languedoc-scam-pinot-noir-convicted-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[TWELVE wine producers and dealers in the Languedoc have been convicted for selling more than 18 million bottles of fake Pinot Noir to the US.The scam, which judges believe netted about Â€7m, went un...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-18</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Taxis plan go-slow at Paris airports]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/paris-taxi-drivers-go-slow-convoy-protest-orly-charles-de-gaulle-airport-disruptions-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[TAXI drivers in Paris are planning to hold up traffic around Orly and Charles de Gaulle airports and parts of the city centre next Thursday.They are staging a go-slow protest after a group of MPs dr...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-18</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[ Free legal advice on French issues]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/free-legal-advice-france-property-tax-inheritance-helpline-notaires-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A FREE telephone advice line is running this week to help anyone with questions about family life, buying a property or inheritance in France.The service is part of the annual Semaine d'Information ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-17</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Two-thirds want French franc back]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/survey-two-thirds-want-return-to-french-franc-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A GROWING number of French people say they miss the franc and would like it to return.A survey by Paris Match magazine found 69% would like the old French currency to come back in place of the euro....]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-17</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Help promised for unemployed seniors]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/unemployment-france-benefit-near-retirement-age-social-security-system-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A BENEFIT scheme designed to help unemployed people nearing retirement age has been temporarily saved after the government abandoned plans to get rid of it.Nicolas Sarkozy has agreed to keep the all...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-17</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Creche strike over childcare reforms]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/creche-workers-strike-government-childcare-reforms-france-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[CRECHE workers around France are holding a one-day strike today which will affect both municipal and private services.Four unions have called the day of action to protest against work conditions and...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-17</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[National strike plan for March 23]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/nationwide-strike-france-march-23-employment-retirement-unions-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FIVE trade unions have called a nationwide day of strike action on March 23 in protest at the French governmentÂ’s proposed pension reforms.The CFDT, CGT, FSU, Solidaires and Unsa are planning the i...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-16</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[UGC call police in cinema food row]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/ugc-cinema-france-calls-police-customer-food-drink-paris-argument-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[UGC has admitted sending armed police in to a busy cinema auditorium to confront a customer who had brought in her own food and drink - the third case of its kind in as many weeks.The woman was visi...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-16</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[French schools to go 100% digital]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/schools-teaching-france-digital-technology-interactive-blackboards-podcasts-project-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[EVERY school in France should be equipped with high-speed internet and digital teaching equipment by 2012 to catch up with the rest of Europe, a report commissioned by the government has urged.Educa...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-16</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[British woman dead in Riviera home]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/british-woman-expat-carol-hagues-stabbed-death-cagnes-riviera-france-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A RETIRED British woman has been found stabbed to death at her French Riviera home.Sixty-five-year-old Carol Hagues, who lived in Cagnes-sur-Mer on the CÃ´te d'Azur, had been stabbed at least three ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-16</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Get the most from currency exchange]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/foreign-currency-exchange-international-transfer-pounds-euros-france-best-rates-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Our guide to the options available when transferring pounds sterling to euros in France]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-15</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Trial date set for Soc Gen trader]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Jerome-kerviel-societe-generale-trader-bank-investment-risks-court-date-set-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A FORMER SociÃ©tÃ© GÃ©nÃ©rale trader accused of losing the bank billions of euros in unauthorised deals is to stand trial this summer, two and a half years after the incident came to light.JÃ©rÃ´me ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-15</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Get the most from currency exchange]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/foreign-currency-exchange-international-transfer-pounds-euros-france-best-rates-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[IN THE past two years, unprecedented volatility in the currency markets has seen the value of sterling fluctuate by over 30% against the euro. It is therefore especially important that when you tran...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-15</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Firm invites staff to move to Hungary]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/-france-factory-workers-redundant-closure-hungary-job-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[WORKERS at a Philips factory in the Eure-et-Loir have been sent letters telling them not to turn up for work today Â– and inviting them to apply for jobs in Hungary instead.The technology firm annou...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-15</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Increasing number of TGV rail delays]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/sncf-train-services-france-rail-punctuality-ter-tgv-running-late-figures-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FRENCH national rail operator SNCF has announced it is changing its definition of "on time" in a bid to improve this year's punctuality stats.Almost one in five long-distance train TGV services fail...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-15</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Competition pushes water bills down]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/water-prices-france-drop-competition-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[HOMES in France are beginning to benefit from a significant drop in the cost of water, as competition in the market is forcing prices down.New figures from the FÃ©dÃ©ration Professionnelle de l'Eau ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-15</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Ban on playground game web videos]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/playground-dangerous-games-children-school-france-video-sharing-websites-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[VIDEO-sharing websites such as YouTube are to be banned from displaying clips of children taking part in dangerous playground games under a new law.MPs have voted unanimously in favour of the legisl...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-12</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Go-ahead for rent guarantee scheme]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/government-rent-guarantee-scheme-landlord-tenants-france-property-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A NEW scheme that aims to make it easier for low-earners to find a home and give better protection to landlords has been launched by the government.The Garantie des Risques Locatifs is a state-backe...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-12</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Another eBay fine in brand-name row]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/louis-vuitton-ebay-auction-site-ruling-brand-names-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[ONLINE auction giant eBay has been hit with another fine for promoting and selling brand-name goods on its French site.eBay had taken out a series of online ads that appeared alongside search result...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-12</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Toddler left for six hours on bus]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/school-bus-three-year-old-girl-abandoned-parents-legal-action-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A COUPLE in Brittany are taking legal action against the local council after their three-year-old daughter was locked inside a school bus for six hours.The young girl, called Emma, is believed to ha...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-11</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[More departments on weather alert]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/france-weather-more-snow-meteo-france-alert-driving-conditions-school-buses-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FIFTEEN departments along the Channel coast and the south-east corner of France are on weather alert this morning because of snow, which is forecast to hit most of the country later today.MÃ©tÃ©o Fr...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-11</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Auditors condemn doctors' paperwork]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/assurance-maladie-doctors-feuilles-de-soins-carte-vitale-paperwork-waste-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE FRENCH healthcare system is wasting up to Â€200m a year on excessive paperwork, auditors have found.The Cour des Comptes said too many doctors were still issuing paper feuilles de soins (medical...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-11</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Thousands driving without a licence]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/banned-french-motorists-driving-without-licence-unaware-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[MORE than 300,000 French motorists are unaware that they are banned from driving, according to a campaign group calling for changes to the way the penalty system works.SOS Permis Assistance says too...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-11</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[The small car that runs on thin air]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/the-small-car-that-runs-on-thin-air-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[This super-efficient little French car, made near Nice, runs on air, costs just Â€3,700, and is quietly taking over the w]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-10</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Importing a car from the UK]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/steps-to-take-when-importing-second-hand-cars-from-uk-to-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[The steps you need to take if buying second-hand in the UK and shipping back to France]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-10</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Bergerac Airport: the big take off]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/bergerac-airport-the-big-take-off-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Passenger numbers have risen nearly twenty times in six years and 95% of fliers are British.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-10</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Will Ryanair keep  free flights goal?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/will-ryanair-keep-free-flights-goal-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Airline promised 50% tickets to be free by 2010. But what about all the charges? Their Europe spokesman explains]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-10</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Rail travel: Where to find best deals]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/rail-travel-where-to-find-best-deals-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Planning ahead and making the most of reduction schemes can result in considerable savings on train travel]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-10</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Celebrating 15 years of Eurostar]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/celebrating-15-years-of-eurostar-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Eurostar France head of marketing Lionel Benbassat talks to Connexion about Eurostar's 15 years and its future plans]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-10</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Save on your UK rail journeys]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/save-money-on-uk-rail-journeys-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A pass from www.britrail.com could save you money and give extra convenience]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-10</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Buy second-hand train tickets]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/second-hand-train-tickets-buying-online-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Internet sites which sell second-hand train tickets can offer useful savings]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-10</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Town councillor on 'hunger strike']]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/town-councillor-hunger-strike-brittany-france-protest-government-funding-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A TOWN councillor in Brittany is nearing the end of her third week on "hunger strike" to protest against an overdue government subsidy payout.Marie-Reine Tillon, who sits on the Saint-Cast-le-Guildo...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-10</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Disappointing end for January sales]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/january-sales-shopping-france-winter-disappointing-results-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[SHOP-OWNERS have reported disappointing results from this year's January sales, which officially ended at midnight last night.Bad weather across France was blamed for much of the decline - however m...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-10</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Can I buy UK home on euro mortgage?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/euro-mortgage-to-buy-property-in-uk-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[With the drop in the value of the pound and property market, house prices in the UK are starting to look reasonable]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-09</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Don't pay tax in wrong country]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/income-tax-france-uk-paying-in-wrong-country-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[The law decides in which country you pay tax, not you personally, says financial advisor Bill Blevins]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-09</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Music tuition for children in France]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/teaching-musical-instruments-children-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[From the top conservatoires to home tuition, there are many options forchildren with a love of music]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-09</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Know the rules on capital gains tax]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/france-capital-gains-tax-selling-property-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[The issue of whether or not you will pay CGT is an important one when considering whether to sell your home]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-09</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Getting a grant to renovate gite]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/financial-help-gite-owners-renovation-grants-loans-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Grants and cheap loans are available for the development of rural gites and chambres dÂ’hotes]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-09</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Viager sales can go wrong]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/viager-life-annuity-scheme-buyer-defaults-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Problems can arise with life annuities if the buyer defaults]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-09</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Coping with late Urssaf demands]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/urssaf-late-demands-cashflow-problems-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[High social charges are one of the bugbears of life for the self-employed in France and can cause a cashflow problem]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-09</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Q&A: Penalised for non-existent bill]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/urssaf-bill-never-arrived-penalised-rights-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[What are your rights if Urssaf chase you for a bill that never arrived?]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-09</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Buying into a fastfood franchise]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/subway-france-franchising-deal-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[American sandwich chain Subway is appealing for managers to open 100 new stores in towns and cities around France]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-09</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Readers' woe at France Telecom]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/france-telecom-problems-complaints-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[The Connexion has received several letters recently from readers experiencing problems with France Telecom]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-09</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Are we eligible for the CMU?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/cmu-french-healthcare-rights-low-income-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[The couverture maladie universelle gives healthcare rights to low-earners in France]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-09</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Help is at hand to quit smoking]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/quit-smoking-in-france-nicotine-replacement-medical-help-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[GP-prescribed nicotine replacement therapies can be reimbursed up to Â€50 a year per person]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-09</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[English library opens in Creuse]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/english-library-la-souterraine-creuse-limousin-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Two British residents in the Limousin are celebrating the opening of their new library]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-09</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Adopt a rescued Spanish greyhound]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/adopt-a-spanish-greyhound-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Charity for abandoned Spanish greyhounds is looking for anyone in France interested in adopting]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-09</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Poitou-Charentes business help]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/english-language-business-support-group-poitou-charentes-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Support group is being set up in the Poitou-Charentes to help English-speakers in the region share work and advice]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-09</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[French exchange for motor-homes]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/french-exchange-for-motorhomes-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Site lets motor-home owners swap with others in other countries to get a cheap holiday]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-09</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Dinard church plea for choir singers]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/dinard-church-brittany-seeks-english-choir-singers-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[An English-speaking church in the north Brittany seaside resort of Dinard is seeking new choir members]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-09</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[VAT cut fails to encourage diners]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/french-restaurants-vat-tax-rate-cut-customer-numbers-decline-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A VAT cut in restaurants has done nothing to increase customer numbers, new figures have revealed.The number of people visiting restaurants fell by 1.2% in 2009 according to data by consumer researc...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-09</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Numericable unveil Â€10 internet offer]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/numericable-broadband-internet-package-10-euros-low-income-households-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[INTERNET service provider Numericable has become the first French operator to launch a cut-price package reserved for low-income households.The operator has announced plans for a Â€9.99-a-month pack...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-09</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Power fault brings chaos to TGV line]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/tgv-trains-power-supply-fault-technical-problems-delay-sncf-france-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE SNCF has promised a full refund to passengers who were stuck for up to six hours on stationary TGVs yesterday due to a technical fault in the Bourgogne.Power supply problems near MÃ¢con in the S...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-09</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Companies hit by commuting stress]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/paris-public-transport-commuting-stress-companies-workers-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[COMPANIES need to do more to help workers deal with the stress of commuting, a report has found.The study, based on interviews with staff and human resources directors, said French firms tended to c...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-09</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Trilogy of English plays in Vaucluse]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/trilogy-english-plays-vaucluse-theatre-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Bafta-nominated British TV and film director Christopher Neame puts on three plays at end of February]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-08</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Speed dating night in Cerizay]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/english-speed-dating-cerizay-deux-sevres-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Angel Traders are to hold a speed dating night on February 13 in the Deux-SÃ¨vres]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-08</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Bordeaux branch for Cancer Support]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/bordeaux-branch-for-cancer-support-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[CANCER Support France is planning to set up a new branch in Bordeaux this year and is looking for members]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-08</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Women's network February meeting]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/dordogne-womens-association-february-lunch-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[North-eastern Dordogne WomenÂ’s Association will be holding its February lunch on 23rd]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-08</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Listeners needed for SOS helpline]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/listeners-needed-for-sos-helpline-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[SOS Help is looking to hire more volunteers to run its English-language advice and counselling phoneline]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-08</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Get Together 21st birthday bash]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/get-together-english-association-deux-sevres-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[English-speaking association in the Deux SÃ¨vres will be celebrating its 21st anniversary with a party on February 26.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-08</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Village walk in the Deux-SÃ¨vres]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/village-walk-deux-sevres-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[The Anglican Chaplaincy of Poitou-Charentes is planning its next randonnÃ©e on February 12]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-08</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Armed police eject cinema toddler]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/ugc-cinema-armed-police-throw-out-two-year-old-girl-disney-princess-and-frog-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[CINEMA chain UGC has apologised for calling armed police to eject a two-year-old girl and her family from a screening of the new Disney film.Officers stormed into the CinÃ© CitÃ© complex at Les Hall...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-08</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA['Continental six' sentences reduced]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/continental-tyre-factory-workers-protest-appeal-fined-france-sentences-reduced-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[SIX tyre factory workers who ransacked a local council building in a protest over job losses have had their sentences downgraded by an appeal court.The workers at the Continental factory in Clairoix...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-08</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Alps and Pyrenees on avalanche alert]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/ski-holiday-france-alps-pyrenees-avalanche-safety-warning-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[METEO France has issued an avalanche alert for the Pyrenees and the southern French Alps as the half-term ski holidays get underway.Skiers have been told to be extremely vigilant because of strong w...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-08</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Councillor jailed in smuggling plot]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/french-town-councillor-politician-jailed-smuggling-vietnamese-illegal-immigrants-uk-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A TOWN councillor who helped her son smuggle 16 Vietnamese immigrants from France to the UK has been jailed for three years.Christiane Chocat, who sits on the Lumigny-Nesles-Ormeaux council in the S...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-08</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Voluntary service given go ahead]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/voluntary-service-young-people-france-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[YOUNG people will be paid for carrying out work in the community under a proposed law debated yesterday in the National Assembly.Called the service civique (to replace the current service civil) it ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-05</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Camembert loses  top cheese title]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/camembert-cheese-france--view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[CAMEMBERT has lost its place as France's favourite cheese.The soft white cheese has been knocked into second place by the sturdy yellow Emmental. In third place is brie.The change in France's chee...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-05</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Arrest for fake Paris bus driver]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/paris-fake-bus-driver-ratp-transport-enthusiast-arrested-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[POLICE in Paris have arrested a transport enthusiast who posed as a trainee driver and managed to briefly drive a bus with passengers on board.The 26-year-old man found a spare uniform for Paris pub...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-04</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[PM: police custody figures 'shocking']]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/police-custody-abuse-france-prime-minister-francois-fillon-reform-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE GOVERNMENT has promised to take urgent action to reform the French system of police custody amid claims it is being over-used and contravenes basic human rights.Prime Minister FranÃ§ois Fillon s...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-04</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[February issue out now: what's inside]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/february-2010-connexion-newspaper-france-graham-templeton-roger-moore-valerie-pecresse-tax-treaty-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE FEBRUARY issue of The Connexion has sent out to subscribers and newsagents, packed with 68 pages of news, interviews and practical information about life in France.In this month's paper Â– three...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-03</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Burqa husband denied nationality]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/husband-forcing-woman-wear-burqa-banned-french-nationality-islam-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A MAN who admitted making his wife wear a burqa in public is to have his request to gain French nationality turned down.Immigration Minister Eric Besson has signed a ministerial decree and asked Pri...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-03</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Air traffic strike over half-term]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/france-air-traffic-controllers-strike-half-term-air-france-pilots-travel-disruption-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[AIR traffic controllers have called a five-day strike at the end of February that could affect flights over the school half-term holidays.Four unions representing workers at the Direction GÃ©nÃ©rale...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-03</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Report finds sex  education failing]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/teenage-pregnancies-sex-education-schools-report-abortion-access-failure-france-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[NOT enough is being done in schools to teach young people about sex - and women seeking an abortion are faced with unacceptably long waiting lists, a critical report has found.The Inspection GÃ©nÃ©r...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-03</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[France to launch secure web login]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/secure-web-login-password-france-internet-online-trial-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE FRENCH government is planning to launch a central online login service that it claims will protect web users against identity fraud.The project, called IDÃ©Num, will allow consumers to login to ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-02</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[New safety drive  for every school ]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/school-safety-security-protection-measures-france-college-lycee-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[SCHOOLS across the country will bring in better measures to improve pupils' and teachers' safety by the end of the academic year, Education Minister Luc Chatel has announced.Each of France's 8,000 c...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-02</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Give a horse a better home]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/phoenix-association-looking-for-people-to-adopt-rescue-horses-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[The Phoenix Association has put out an appeal for anyone interested in adopting a rescue horse]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Jail for verbal abuse in marriage]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/jail-for-verbal-abuse-in-marriage-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[HUSBANDS and wives could face prison for threatening or verbally abusing each other under a new bill.The idea, backed by Prime Minister FranÃ§ois Fillon, would see husbands or wives facing charges o...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-01</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Send manure in the post as a joke]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/mail-order-manure-from-jura-farmer-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A FARMER from the Jura has diversified into mail-order manure - the perfect gift for someone who has offended you.For Â€8.50 plus Â€5.50 postage www.fumier.com sends 100g of manure from the MontbÃ©l...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-01</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[House sales to pick up in 2010]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/french-property-sales-to-pick-up-in-2010-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[OVER 10% more houses will be sold this year compared to last, according to estate agentÂ’s representatives Fnaim.Fnaim president RenÃ© Pallincourt says it is likely there will be more than 600,000 s...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[French film export still takes Â€350m]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/french-film-exports-350-million-euros-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FRENCH films pulled in audiences of 66 million worldwide last year but failed to match the record global success of Babylon A.D., AstÃ©rix and Taken in 2008.Even though the figure is 22% short of th...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Oceans hopes to lead 2010 films]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/french-films-2010-oceans-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FOUR years of diving in 75 expeditions to 50 locations worldwide have produced the dazzling underwater spectacle of Oceans, which opened in cinemas across France at the end of January.Produced in Fr...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Bid to give local vote to all expats]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/bid-to-give-local-vote-to-all-expats-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[SOCIALIST Party leader Martine Aubry is calling for all foreign residents to be given the right to vote in municipal elections - not just EU citizens as now.The comes ahead of next monthÂ’s regional...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[TGV threatens Bordeaux vineyards]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/news-tgv-route-to-spain-threatens-oldest-vineyards-in-bordeaux-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[TEN of the oldest vineyards in Bordeaux are under threat from plans to expand the TGV network in the south west with lines from Bordeaux towards Toulouse and Spain.RÃ©seau FerrÃ© de France (RFF) whi...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[50% off tracks to stop music piracy]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/music-downloads-france-50-per-cent-off-online-piracy-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[YOUNG web-users are to be offered half-price music downloads in a government scheme to lure them away from illegal sites.President Nicolas Sarkozy said subsidising the cost of buying songs online fo...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Normandy plans English university]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/all-english-university-campus-in-caen-normandy-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[NORMANDY is planning to build what it claims will be the biggest all-English university campus in mainland Europe in a bid to improve the regionÂ’s international reputation.The huge complex in the c...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[France can help disabled expats]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/disabled-expats-who-lose-uk-benefits-can-get-help-from-france-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[DISABLED expats who have had their benefits cut by the UK may be eligible for help in France, Connexion has found.In principle people moving between EU states should be able to support themselves, h...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Tax change for Brits in France]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/capital-gains-tax-changes-for-british-people-living-in-france-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[BRITONS living in France but owning property in the UK are subject to an important change in the new double tax treaty between the UK and France which comes into full force in April. Previously if a...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Victims' anger at compensation delay]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/graham-templeton-victims-fraud-compensation-societe-generale-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[VICTIMS of Graham Templeton's Â€2m Dordogne fraud are still waiting for SociÃ©tÃ© GÃ©nÃ©rale to come up with an improved offer of compensation for its alleged role in letting the scam happen.The ban...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-01</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Templeton worked in pub in Kent]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/graham-templeton-dordogne-fraud-worked-pub-kent-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[BOSSES at a gastropub washed their hands of Dordogne fraudster Graham Templeton when they heard of his past.Dave and Nicola Rose said that Templeton had offered them financial advice just before Chr...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Cheque loophole must close: MEP]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/mep-sharon-bowles-france-cheque-fraud-loophole-graham-templeton-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A BRITISH MEP is taking action at EU level to get France to close the banking loophole used by Graham Templeton to fleece his victims.Sharon Bowles, the Liberal Democrat MEP for south-east England, ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Taxi drivers block Charles de Gaulle]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/paris-taxi-drivers-blockade-charles-de-gaulle-airport-strike-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[TRAVELLERS flying out of Paris Charles de Gaulle today should allow extra time to get to the airport due to a strike by taxi drivers.The Paris drivers' union began the blockade at 6.00 this morning ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Better protection needed for elderly]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/elderly-people-violence-attacks-protection-sanctions-double-murder-oise-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[ELDERLY people living on their own should be visited regularly by army reserves to check on their situation, the interior minister has recommended.Brice Hortefeux has called for better measures to p...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[3.5 million people poorly housed ]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/housing-sub-standard-conditions-fondation-abbe-pierre-france-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THREE and a half million people in France live in sub-standard conditions due to rising rents and a lack of social housing, a new report has found.The Fondation AbbÃ© Pierre - part of the EmmaÃ¼s we...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Bank fees cheaper but inconsistent]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/bank-fees-france-decline-comparison-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[BANKS are cutting the fees they charge customers for day-to-day operations, but there are still large differences from one to the next, according to a consumer watchdog.CLCV has analysed the fees ch...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-02-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Exchange rate correction]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/average-pound-euro-exchange-rate-2009-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Unfortunately we published an incorrect pound-euro exchange rate for 2009 in our February edition]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-29</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Foreign students banned from lab]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/inria-nancy-research-institute-bans-foreign-students- security-measure-iranian-algerian-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A PRESTIGIOUS French science research institute has provoked anger among foreign students by banning them from using the labs and computers outside of certain hours as a security measure.According t...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-29</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Ryanair in court over work rights]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/ryanair-employment-contracts-irish-law-france-low-cost-airline-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[RYANAIR is being sued in a French court over claims that staff at its Marseille base are illegally working on Irish employment contracts.The low-cost airline is accused by two pilots' unions of igno...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-29</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Swine flu vaccine centres close down]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/swine-flu-vaccination-centres-closed-gps-give-jab-in-surgeries-france-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[ANYONE wanting to get vaccinated against swine flu will only be able to do so at their GP's surgery from this weekend.The French government is closing the 1,000 vaccination centres it specially set ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-29</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Doctors say school day far too long]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/long-primary-school-day-france-children-tired-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[PRIMARY school children are turning up to lessons tired because their timetable is too packed, a report by French doctors has found.The National Academy of Medicine said the four-day week does not s...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-29</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Clearstream trial: Villepin cleared]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/clearstream-affair-trial-verdict-dominique-de-villepin-nicolas-sarkozy-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FORMER French prime minister Dominique de Villepin has been cleared of attempting to smear Nicolas Sarkozy ahead of the 2007 presidential elections.Villepin was the most high-profile figure among fi...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-28</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Woman dragged by train sues SNCF]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/sncf-accident-train-doors-tarascon-passenger-legal-action-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A WOMAN who was seriously injured after getting off a train on the wrong side has begun legal action against the SNCF.Christine Desfoux was trapped by a closing door and dragged several hundred metr...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-28</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[MPs consider youth curfew measures]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/youth-delinquency-france-curfew-law-under-13-parliament-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[MORE French towns and cities could follow the lead of Nice and impose a night-time curfew on under-13s.MPs in the National Assembly will today debate a law that would give each department the freedo...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-28</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[36-hour railway strike next week]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/sncf-train-strike-february-3-confirmed-france-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FOUR rail unions are have confirmed plans for a 36-hour nationwide strike next Wednesday, February 3.The walkout will severely disrupt services between 20.00 on February 2 and 8.00 on February 4.F...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Rubber stamp for partners' equality]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/british-civil-partnerships-pacs-rights-status-france-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[GOVERNMENT journal the Bulletin Officiel des ImpÃ´ts has confirmed equal status of people in France with British civil partnerships to French pacs partners relating to inheritance, donations and incom...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Expo remembers great Paris flood]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/paris-flood-1910-exhibition-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A HUNDRED years ago Paris suffered its worst flood since 1658 - stations under water, drains and electricity disrupted, 20,000 residential buildings flooded and streets turned into canals. In 1910Â’...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[French hope for Vancouver victory]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/france-winter-olympics-team-vancouver-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[TRIPLE Olympic gold-winning biathlete Vincent Defrasne will carry the French flag in Vancouver on February 12 as France sends 109 competitors to do battle in the Winter Olympics. The two-week contes...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Higher education in France]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/university-in-france-higher-education-system-explained-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Considering going to university in France? We explain how the higher education system works and how to apply]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-26</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[French disability benefits explained]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/disability-benefits-money-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Help is available in France if the UK has cut off your disability living allowance]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-26</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[French disability benefits explained]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/disability-benefits-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Help is available in France if the UK has cut off your disability living allowance]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-26</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Buy second-hand train tickets]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/second-hand-train-tickets-buying-online-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Internet sites which sell second-hand train tickets can offer useful savings]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-26</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Buy second-hand train tickets]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/second-hand-train-tickets-buying-online-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Internet sites which sell second-hand train tickets can offer useful savings]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-26</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[How do the French stay so slim?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/slimming-france-compared-uk-weight-loss-dieting-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A British slimming expert who lives part-time in France explores the difference in attitudes to food]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-26</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Tim Rice: France  and the musicals]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/tim-rice-musicals-lion-king-paris-france-interview-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[The Lion King is the longest running musical in Paris - a victory in a country where such shows struggle, says Tim Rice]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-26</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Plantu: The power of press cartoons]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/plantu-le-monde-cartoonist-interview-french-newspaper-satire-jean-plantureux-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Le Monde's cartoonist has opened an exhibition of war and peace drawings in Caen. Connexion spoke to him in 2007]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-26</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[French parliament considers Â€1 note]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/one-euro-note-louis-giscard-d-estaing-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE SON of former French president ValÃ©ry Giscard d'Estaing has launched a new campaign to introduce a one-euro note.Puy-de-DÃ´me MP Louis Giscard d'Estaing has assembled a parliamentary committee ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-26</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[EDF denies plans for 24% price hike]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/edf-energy-electricity-prices-france-increase-denied-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[EDF has denied reports that it has asked the government to increase electricity prices by 24% between now and 2015.Les Echos claimed yesterday that the price hike was being considered to finance fur...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-26</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Twingo is France's most-stolen car]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/renault-twingo-car-stolen-smart-fortwo-audi-q7-league-theft-league-table-france-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE RENAULT Twingo has been named France's most-stolen car in a study published today.The compact Smart ForTwo came second in the theft league table compiled by motoring magazine AutoPlus.Accordin...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-26</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Radars to measure average speed]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/average-speed-cameras-introduced-france-roads-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[NEW speed cameras that measure a car's average speed over several kilometres are to be introduced on French roads by early next year.Road safety bosses say the new devices will help get the number o...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-26</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Eco-prÃªt: 0% loan for renovations]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/eco-loan-interest-free-zero-green-home-renovations-improvements-environmentally-friendly-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[An interest-free loan of up to Â€30,000 is available to carry out environmental improvements to your home.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-25</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Eco-prÃªt: 0% loan for renovations]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/eco-loan-interest-free-zero-green-home-renovations-improvements-environmentally-friendly-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[An interest-free loan of up to Â€30,000 is available to carry out environmental improvements to your home.]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-25</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Air France plans low-cost services]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/air-france-nice-airport-low-cost-domestic-flights-easyjet-ryanair-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[AIR France is planning to take on Easyjet and Ryanair by launching a range of low-cost domestic flights linking French cities.According to a report in La Tribune - which Air France has refused to co...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-25</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[TV grilling for Sarkozy tonight]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/-sarkozy-tf1-debate-french-television-january-25-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[PRESIDENT Nicolas Sarkozy is to face a live TV grilling from 11 members of the French public tonight in a series of programmes that has angered opposition parties.He will be interviewed for about 10...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-25</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Thousands protest against TGV line]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/paris-madrid-rail-tgv-line-protest-hendaye-france-spain-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[ABOUT 15,000 people have joined a demonstration to protest against plans for a new high-speed rail line linking France and Spain.Protestors took to the streets of the border town of Hendaye yesterda...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-25</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Employing people to help at home]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/home-employment-hiring-cleaner-handyman-nanny-cheque-emploi-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Hire a handyman, cleaner, nanny or teacher at home the legal way by using the ChÃ¨que Emploi Service Universel]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-22</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Employing people to help at home]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/home-employment-hiring-cleaner-handyman-nanny-cheque-emploi-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Hire a handyman, cleaner, nanny or teacher at home the legal way by using the ChÃ¨que Emploi Service Universel]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-22</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Employing people to help at home]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/home-employment-hiring-cleaner-handyman-nanny-cheque-emploi-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Hire a handyman, cleaner, nanny or teacher at home the legal way by using the ChÃ¨que Emploi Service Universel]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-22</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Sales shopping: know your rights]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/january-sales-france-bargains-shopping-consumer-rights-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[It is important to know your rights when buying in the sales. We explain the law relating to faulty goods and refunds]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-22</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Sales shopping: know your rights]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/january-sales-france-bargains-shopping-consumer-protection-rights-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[It is important to know your rights when buying in the sales. We explain the law relating to faulty goods and refunds]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-22</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[EDF's 'Robin Hood' suspended from job]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/edf-electricity-france-robin-hood-unpaid-bills-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[AN EDF employee who took pity on a low-income family and restored their cut-off electricity supply has been suspended.Dominique Liot, who describes himself as the Robin Hood of electricity, said it ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-22</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[New rules on using tickets-restaurant]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/tickets-restaurant-meal-vouchers-france-supermarkets-ban-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[SUPERMARKETS are to stop customers from buying day-to-day groceries with tickets-restaurant from the beginning of March.The government has announced new restrictions on how the meal vouchers are use...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-22</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Choosing a care home in France]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/retirement-care-homes-france-assisted-living-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Moving into a retirement home can be costly but a large choice is available in France. We explain what is on offer]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-21</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Choosing a care home in France]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/retirement-care-homes-france-assisted-living-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Moving into a retirement home can be costly but a large choice is available in France. We explain what is on offer]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-21</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Leclerc medicine prices ad banned]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/leclerc-pharmacy-medicine-prices-campaign-advert-banned-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[SUPERMARKET chain Leclerc has been ordered to stop a series of adverts that accuse pharmacies of over-charging.The group launched a public campaign in November claiming the prices charged for 4,000 ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-21</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Eurostar sued for false imprisonment]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/eurostar-breakdown-channel-tunnel-delays-suing-false-imprisonment-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A PASSENGER who was trapped for five hours on a Eurostar train shortly before Christmas is suing the rail operator for false imprisonment.Willy Risi was on one of four trains that broke down on the ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-21</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Electricity costs based on demand?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/electricity-prices-demand-edf-france-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[ELECTRICITY could be made more expensive at peak times to encourage homes to consume less, the government has suggested.La Tribune says the proposal is designed to "encourage customers to  limit the...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-21</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Primary school teachers on strike]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/primary-school-teachers-strike-france-civil-servants-january-21-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[ALMOST two thirds of primary school teachers are out on strike today in certain departments as part of a nationwide day of action by civil servants.Teachers' union SNUipp says 62% of staff are expec...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-21</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[French population continues to grow]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/life-expectancy-france-birth-rate-insee-population-figures-2009-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FRENCH people are living longer and have one of the highest birth rates in Europe, new population research from Insee has revealed.According to the latest figures, a child born today will live seven...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-20</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[CrÃ©dit Agricole tops complaints]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/french-bank-fees-credit-agricole-complaints-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[CREDIT Agricole has been crowned France's most complained-about bank by a consumer group.French bank users' association Afub put the company at the top its first-ever league table of complaints.Th...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-20</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Air France makes obese pay extra]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/air-france-obese-passengers-pay-extra-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[OBESE passengers travelling with Air France will be made to pay 75% extra from later this year, the airline has announced.The rule, which comes into effect in April, requires anyone who cannot fit i...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-20</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[10 euro broadband for lowest earners]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/france-broadband-internet-access-low-income-families-cheap-rates-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[LOW-INCOME families could get broadband internet and phone access for less than Â€10 a month under a new initiative.The government wants to create a special cut-price rate to allow low-income househ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-19</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA['Civic contract' for 18-year-olds]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/national-identity-contract-18-year-olds-rights-responsibilities-france-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[EVERY French teenager should sign a contract on their 18th birthday reminding them of their civic rights and responsibilities, Immigration Minister Eric Besson has suggested.Speaking at a debate on ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-19</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[TGV lines may be axed to save cash]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/sncf-tgv-services-axed-loss-making-train-strike-france-february-3-unions-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE SNCF is looking to cut a number of cross-country TGV services by the end of this year to save money, it has emerged.Les Echos reveals today that routes from Strasbourg to Nantes, Bordeaux and Li...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-18</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Man arrested for plane bomb joke]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/plane-bomb-joke-arrest-french-tourist-abu-dhabi-terrorism-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A RETIRED French tourist has been arrested on a plane from Paris to Bangkok for joking that there was a bomb on board.Jean-Louis Lioret, 66, has spent the past six days in custody in Abu Dhabi - whe...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-18</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[French choose cats over dogs]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/france-pets-cats-more-popular-than-dogs-animal-charity-spa-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[GROWING numbers of French homes are choosing cats over dogs as their preferred pet, according to new research by an animal welfare charity.The SociÃ©tÃ© Protectrice des Animaux (SPA) says there are ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-18</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Paid leave to care for terminally ill]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/paid-leave-care-dying-relative-france-law-terminally-ill-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A LAW giving workers the right to paid leave to care for a dying friend or relative has been passed unanimously by the Senate and is close to coming into force.MPs from all parties in the National A...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-18</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA['90% of emergency calls not urgent']]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/samu-medical-emergency-number-15-trivial-calls-protest-action-france-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[EMERGENCY operators have held a nationwide protest over pay, conditions and what they claim is a growing number of trivial phone calls to emergency number 15. About 2,000 call-handlers are employed ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-14</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[French councillor admits smuggling]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/french-councillor-people-smuggling-christiane-chocat-portsmouth-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A TOWN councillor from the Seine-et-Marne has pleaded guilty to helping to smuggle 16 Vietnamese immigrants from France to Britain.Christiane Chocat, who sits on the Lumigny-Nesles-Ormeaux council o...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-14</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Normandy welcomes new English paper]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/normandy-advertiser-new-free-monthly-newspaper-in-english-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A NEW English-language newspaper for Normandy from the publishers of The Connexion has been welcomed by the local community.The Advertiser has an initial print run of 10,000 and contains local news,...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-14</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Livret A savings stuck at 1.25%]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/livret-a-savings-account-france-interest-rate-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[NEARLY 50 million savers in France will be stuck with 1.25% interest on their Livret A account until at least May.The government has decided to keep the savings rate at its lowest-ever level for ano...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-13</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Is the swine flu epidemic over?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/swine-flu-cases-epidemic-france-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[SWINE flu is no longer officially an epidemic in France, according to new figures from a doctors' union that have been contested by flu observation network Grog.The Sentinelles-Inserm network, which...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-13</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Renault warns of steering problems]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/renault-kangoo-scenic-safety-recall-power-steering-france-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[RENAULT has recalled 144,000 cars sold in France over safety concerns linked to the power steering.The French car manufacturer has urged anyone who bought a Scenic made between January 2006 and Marc...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-13</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[PS wants to give expats the vote]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/foreign-expat-voting-france-local-elections-socialist-party-law-debate-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[EVERY foreign resident in France could win the right to vote in local elections under a new law being drawn up by the Socialist Party.Party leader Martine Aubry brought up the issue of expats' votin...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-13</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Flights disrupted by strike and snow]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/france-airport-delays-cancellations-strike-snow-orly-charles-de-gaulle-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[HUNDREDS of flights into and out of France have been cancelled today as a strike by air traffic controllers clashes with bad weather.Staff at the Direction GÃ©nÃ©rale de l'Aviation Civile are protes...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-13</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Motorway tolls to rise next month]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/motorway-tolls-increase-february-2010-france-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[DRIVERS are facing a hike in the cost of motorway tolls from the beginning of February - but the scale of the increase will not be made public until later this month.The three main motorway operator...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-12</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Anti-piracy logo pinches font]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Hadopi-logo-uses-font-without-permission-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE designers of the new logo for internet anti-piracy body the Hadopi have apologised for using a font without permission.Design agency Plan CrÃ©atif issued a statement admitting that a font owned ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-12</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Weather warning lifted for France]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/severe-weather-warning-lifted-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[METEO France has lifted its severe weather warning for the whole of the country, but travel conditions could remain difficult for some days as roads remain icy.Snowfall in Brittany, Normandy, the Au...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-11</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Record year for gambling in France]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/record-year-for-gambling-in-France-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FRENCH households are spending a record amount of money on gambling during the economic crisis, a new survey has found.Research by Agence France-Presse has found people are spending 24% more on gamb...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-11</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[UK debate on expat disability benefit]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/disability-living-allowance-british-expat-benefits-parliament-debate-roger-gale-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[BRITISH expats who have been refused UK disability benefits since moving to France have been urged to email their MPs ahead of a debate on the issue in parliament next week. North Thanet MP Roger Ga...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-08</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[No voucher needed for swine flu jab]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/swine-flu-vaccine-no-voucher-needed-assurance-maladie-france-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[SWINE flu vaccination centres across France will now accept anyone who turns up, regardless of whether or not they are officially registered for healthcare.Until now, it was necessary to wait for th...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-08</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[More delays after Eurostar breakdown]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/eurostar-train-breakdown-channel-tunnel-revised-timetable-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[EUROSTAR is running a reduced service today and over the weekend after another train broke down in the Channel Tunnel.Nine early morning and late evening services have been cancelled and the cross-C...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-07</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Full body scanners in French airports]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/airport-security-terrorism-full-body-scanners-france-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FRENCH airports are to begin a trial into full body scanners in the wake of a failed bomb plot on a flight from Amsterdam to Detroit on Christmas Day.Nicolas Sarkozy has asked the Interior Ministry ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-07</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Â€750 fine proposed for wearing burqa]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/burqa-ban-france-muslim-dress-law-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[WOMEN who wear full Muslim dress in public could be fined Â€750 under a proposed new law.Jean-FranÃ§ois CopÃ©, the president of the UMP group in the National Assembly, will be putting forward the bi...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-06</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[France quality of life best in world]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/france-quality-of-life-research-international-living-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FRANCE has been named the best place in the world to live for the fifth year running, according to research by a US magazine.International Living - which specialises in overseas relocations - ranked...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-06</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[GDF pays Â€500k for wrong bills]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/gdf-gas-bills-incorrect-meter-readings-compensation-france-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[GAS supplier GDF has agreed to pay half a million euros in compensation to customers in Picardy who received bills based on incorrect meter readings.About 4,000 homes around the town of Montataire i...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-06</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Shoppers enticed by 70% discounts]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/winter-sales-soldes-france-discounts-70-percent-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[SHOPPERS will be enticed with discounts of up to 70% from today, as the winter sales officially kick off.The fashion industry in particular is hoping this year's winter sale will give the boost it n...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-06</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[July 1 plan for new carbon tax]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/carbon-tax-france-taxe-carbone-july-2010-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE GOVERNMENT has set a new deadline of July 1 to bring in a tax on petrol, heating fuel and polluting businesses - six months after originally planned.The taxe carbone should have begun on January...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-05</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[GPs allowed to give swine flu jab]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/swine-flu-vaccination-jab-france-doctors-surgeries-health-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[DOCTORS have won the right to give the swine flu vaccine to patients in their surgeries following a U-turn by the Health Ministry.Until now, the jab has only been available in about 1,000 specially ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-05</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Blackout warning for Brittany]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/brittany-power-cuts-electricity-shortage-edf-warning-winter-weather-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[HOMES in Brittany have been told to cut their electricity usage to a bare minimum tonight due to a "real and imminent" risk of power cuts.The region has been placed on red alert by electricity suppl...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-05</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Drivers to keep Â€1,000 car bonus]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/france-new-car-bonus-scrappage-scheme-prime-a-la-casse-1000-euros-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[DRIVERS who scrap an old car and buy a new one look set to still receive a Â€1,000 bonus - despite the government cutting the incentive this month.Since January 1, the prime Ã  la casse - a bonus to...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-04</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[France to sell off surplus flu jabs]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/swine-flu-vaccine-jab-surplus-france-sells-overseas-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE FRENCH government has confirmed it is trying to sell off millions of swine flu vaccines to foreign countries because it bought too many.Le Parisien revealed yesterday that France has been trying...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-04</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Arrests up in NYE arson crackdown]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/new-years-eve-reveillon-burnt-cars-arson-arrests-police-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[POLICE chiefs have reported a slight drop in New Year's Eve arson attacks on cars and more than double the number of arrests compared with last year.About 45,000 officers were on duty across France ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-04</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Sarkozy: 2010 is year for 'renewal']]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/nicolas-sarkozy-new-year-speech-french-government-pensions-reform-carbon-tax-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[NICOLAS Sarkozy has promised to press ahead with a major reform of France's state pensions system and care arrangements for the elderly in 2010.The president said in his third annual televised New Y...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-04</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Foreign accounts deadline extended]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/overseas-tax-evasion-france-amnesty-deadline-extended-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FRENCH taxpayers with undeclared overseas bank accounts have been given an extension to come clean and get their affairs in order.The Budget Ministry launched a crackdown on tax dodgers last April a...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-03</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Receive our free weekly newsletter]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/weekly-email-newsletter-signup-form-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[The latest news about France, practical information, What's On events and competitions delivered to your inbox each week]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Buying responsibly can lighten life]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/responsible-buying-interview-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Marie-France Corre led consumer body UFC-Que Choisir's testing department for two decades. She talks to Oliver Rowland]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-01</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Sole traders get more protection]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/sole-trader-france-property-protection-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A NEW business status for sole traders would allow them to shield their personal property from creditors if they got into debt.At present people who trade in their own names with an entreprise indiv...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Uni chief told off for Anglicisms]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/carpette-anglaise-university-chief-english-use-france-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[AN ANNUAL Â“awardÂ” given to a member of FranceÂ’s elite who has show Â“relentless determination to promote the domination of English in France to the detriment of FrenchÂ” has been won by the head of...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-01</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Suffocation game kills 13 children]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/dangerous-playground-game-france-suffocation-children-deaths-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A PLAYGROUND game that deprives a childÂ’s brain of oxygen has caused more than a dozen deaths in the past year, a parentsÂ’ group has warned.Child safety groups have called for vigilance by parents...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-01</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Alzheimer's help for families]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/alzheimers-patients-free-training-for-family-care-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[People who care for relatives with AlzheimerÂ’s Disease can now have 14 hours of free training to help them cope.PEOPLE who care for relatives with AlzheimerÂ’s Disease can now have 14 hours of f...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-01</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Illegal OAP homes must clean up]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/illegal-oap-homes-must-clean-up-or-close-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[MORE than 200 retirement homes that are operating illegally could be shut down if they do not get their affairs in order by March 31. The minister for elderly people, Nora Berra, made the threat aft...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-01</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Immigration expert -ID debate harmful]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/french-national-identity-debate-racism-prejudice-harmful-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE NATIONWIDE debate on what it means to be French is being used by politicians to fuel racism and prejudice, a former advisor to the government has warned.Historian GÃ©rard Noiriel was one of eigh...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-01</pubDate>
	</item>
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		<title><![CDATA[French women do get fat, poll show]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/french-women-do-get-fat-poll-shows-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE myth that Frenchwomen do not get fat has been exploded with a major nutrition study showing 32% of Frenchwomen are now overweight or obese. For men the figure is 46%.The study also shown that gl...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Tax victory for UK civil partners]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/tax-victory-for-uk-civil-partners-in-france-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[BRITISH civil partners who have recently paid full French inheritance tax after their partner died are to be refunded.Budget Minister Eric Woerth has announced that the right of couples in foreign c...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-01</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[UK in dock over disabled benefit]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/disability-benefit-uk-france-expats-legal-action-european-commission-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[BRITAIN is facing legal action by the European Commission over its refusal to reinstate disability benefits wrongly taken away from expats when they moved to France.The commission said the UKÂ’s dem...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Â€2m jackpot split after court row]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/fruit-machine-slot-jackpot-2-million-argument-france-court-ruling-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A COURT has given 20% of a Â€2.2 million jackpot to the man who pulled the lever on the winning slot machine and the rest to the woman who leant him Â€50 to play.Lawyers at the court in Montpellier ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[New advertising tax angers firms]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/outdoor-billboard-advertising-tax-france-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A TAX on the surface area of outdoor advertising from billboards to framed menus on restaurant walls is angering firms. The taxe locale sur la publicitÃ© extÃ©rieure, which was created in 2008, repl...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Supermarket prices come under fire]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/supermarket-food-prices-france-criticised-by-consumer-group-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[SUPERMARKETS have been heavily criticised after a leading consumer group revealed many mark up the price of basic food items by up to four times what they buy them for.Shelf prices in 1,250 stores a...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2010-01-01</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Air France plane 300m from crash]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/air-france-plane-near-miss-el-al-belgrade-serbia-collision-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[AN AIR France passenger jet carrying 70 people has narrowly avoided a mid-air collision with another plane over the skies of Belgrade.The flight from Paris to the Bulgarian capital of Sofia entered ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-31</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Petrol ban to stop annual car burning]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/petrol-sale-ban-to-reduce-car-arson-attacks-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[EIGHTEEN departments have banned the sale of petrol in cans today in the hope of reducing the number of arson attacks on cars.Last year 1,147 cars were set alight over the course of New Year's Eve Â...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-31</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[New Year revellers might drive home]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/new-year-drink-driving-road-safety-france-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[HALF of drivers going out to celebrate the New Year tonight say they have not decided how they will get back home and have not ruled out getting behind the wheel, a survey reveals.Government road sa...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-31</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Pilots' fear over airport security]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/airport-security-paris-orly-charles-de-gaulle-air-france-terrorist-attack-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[PARIS's two major airports are failing to detect potentially dangerous luggage items during security checks, a group of pilots has warned.Air France pilots union SPAF says the outside contractors hi...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-30</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Xmas travel chaos: were you affected?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/christmas-travel-chaos-eurostar-easyjet-ferries-snow-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Eurostar breakdowns, Easyjet cancellations and icy roads - we want to hear your Christmas travel horror stories]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-29</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Peter Mayle: 20 years in Provence]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/peter-mayle-interview-a-year-in-provence-20-years-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Two decades have passed since Peter Mayle's A Year in Provence was published - but what does he think of it now?]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-29</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Make new friends at Gard expat cafÃ©]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/cafe-des-expat-gard-meetings-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[The Cafe des Expats is holding a cooking workshop for expatriates in the Gard on January 5 at 14.30]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-29</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Boulogne bar role for British lawyer]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/gerard-barron-honorary-british-consul-boulogne-bar-lawyer-elected-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Gerard Barron has been elected vice-president of the Pas-de-Calais bar, representing more than 100 local lawyers]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-29</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Support group for cancer baldness]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/baldness-cancer-taxotere-sanofi-aventis-cancer-support-group-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[English-speakers in France with permanent hair loss after cancer provide mutual support]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-29</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Burns Night 2010 events in France]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/burns-night-celebrations-france-2010-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Scots around France will be celebrating Burns Night in style this year]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-29</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Van play starts homeless campaign]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/international-players-lady-in-the-van-le-pecq-paris-english-play-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[English-language play based on true story of a woman who lived for years in a van in central London]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-29</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Simpler way to get foreign VAT back]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/foreign-overseas-vat-reclaiming-france-tax-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Reclaiming VAT on goods or services bought from another EU country is now to be easier]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-29</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Toy fire engine could catch fire]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/French-hypermarket-Auchan-recalls-toy-fire-engine-that-could-catch-fire-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A TOY fire engine sold in Auchan over the peak Christmas shopping period has been recalled because of concerns that it could overheat - and catch fire.The hypermarket giant has recalled the JSI remo...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-29</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Taxe carbone axed at eleventh hour]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/french-carbon-emissions-tax-cancelled-at-eleventh-hour-nicolas-sarkozy-major-setback-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A NEW "carbon tax" on petrol and gas has been scrapped, just two days before it was due to come into effect.The Conseil Constitutionnel, which examines the legality of new French laws, ruled last ni...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-29</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Strike disrupts St Lazare trains]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Rail-strike-hits-Paris-St-Lazare-station-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[SUBURBAN train services in and out of Saint Lazare station in Paris are disrupted today due to an indefinite strike by a rail union.Half of trains linking the capital with Versailles, Saint-Nom-la-B...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-29</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Need help getting fit for 2010?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/english-slimming-exercise-club-poitou-charentes-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Slimming and exercise club for English-speakers in Poitou-Charentes is welcoming new members for the new year]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-28</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Compensation for Eurostar delays]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/eurostar-refunds-compensation-channel-tunnel-breakdown-snow-paris-london-christmas-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[EUROSTAR is offering refunds and "enhanced compensation" to thousands of travellers who were delayed by a series of breakdowns in the Channel Tunnel last week.About 2,000 people were left stuck in t...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-28</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[New Year rise in health insurance]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/mutuelle-health-insurance-costs-to-rise-five-per-cent-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE PRICE of top-up health insurance will rise by about 5% in the new year as insurers pass on the rising cost of healthcare to customers.The increase - which will range from 3% to 7% depending on y...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-28</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[TGV ticket prices to rise 2% in Jan]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/TGV-ticket-prices-up-two-percent-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[TGV ticket prices will rise nearly 2% in January.The 1.9% increase, announced in Le Figaro is said to compensate for a rise in charges to use the railways and dropping ticket sales.While  RÃ©seau ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-24</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Air chaos follows Eurostar blockage]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/flights-cancelled-easyJet-Eurostar-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[BRITONS trying to visit family in the UK for Christmas faced new setbacks yesterday as low-cost firm easyJet cancelled around 200 flights, including many to and from France, and Luton airport closed b...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-23</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Limited Eurostar  service resumes]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/SNCF -Eurostar-Christmas-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A EUROSTAR train has left Paris for London for the first time in four days.The train left at 8.10 as a limited service starts up again after technical problems caused trips to be suspended from Frid...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-22</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[France calls probe on Eurostar faults]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Eurostar-Channel-Tunnel-snow-Paris-London-Christmas-passengers-France-breakdown-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[TRANSPORT secretary Dominique Bussereau has demanded an inquiry into the Eurostar service after 2,000 people were left stuck in the tunnel for 11 hours and 120,000 people were stranded on either side ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-21</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[How does planning permission work?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/how-planning-permission-works-in-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[You can only oppose a plan after permission has been given]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-18</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Save on your UK rail journeys]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/save-money-on-uk-rail-journeys-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A pass from www.britrail.com could save you money and give extra convenience]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-18</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Getting a loan repayment break]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/getting-a-loan-repayment-break-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[If you are having difficulties repaying a loan, you may be able to seek a court ruling giving more time to pay]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-18</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Clearer rules for professional lets]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/clearer-rules-on-professional-letting-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[New rules defining who is classed as a professional letter of furnished property have been set]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-18</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[French tax relief on charity gifts]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/get-french-tax-relief-on-charity-donations-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[75% of donations to charities like MÃ©decins Sans FrontiÃ¨res could come off your final tax bill]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-18</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Importing a car from the UK]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/steps-to-take-when-importing-second-hand-cars-from-uk-to-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[The steps you need to take if buying second-hand in the UK and shipping back to France]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-18</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Give old clothes to charity]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/donating-old-clothes-to-charity-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Your mairie can advise on which schemes operate in your area and have designated collection points]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-18</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Using cashback websites to save]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/using-cashback-websites-in-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Do your online shopping via an intermediary site and get a share of the commission]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-18</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Has your boiler had its check?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/has-your-boiler-had-its-check-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Owners of boilers are meant, by law, to get them checked and adjusted by a professional each year]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-18</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[What is the law on self-defence?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/french-law-on-self-defence-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Self defence is legitimate if it occurs at the same time as the threat, is proportionate and the threat is unjustified]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-18</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Family-friendly ski resorts]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/pick-the-best-family-friendly-ski-slopes-in-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[To make sure the whole family has a good time skiing one of the Famille Plus Montagne resorts could fit the bill]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-18</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Returning to UK for university]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/returning-to-the-uk-for-university-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[The official Ucas deadline is January 15. Grants are available from France and loans from UK]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-18</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Get an EHIC card for Xmas travel]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/european-health-insurance-card-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[The Carte EuropÃ©enne dÂ’Assurance Maladie is a must-have for anyone heading to the UK, or any other EU country]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-18</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Help is available for dyslexia]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/how-to-get-help-with-dyslexia-in-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[It is important for children who might be dyslexic to be identified and offered help as soon as possible]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-18</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Miss France: glam - but not sexy]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/interview-with-miss-france-organiser-genevieve-de-fontenay-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Organiser GeneviÃ¨ve de Fontenay fears she is fighting a losing battle to protect her 'Cinderella dream' from vulgarity]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-18</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Lean years ahead for oyster farmers]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/lean-years-ahead-for-french-oyster-farmers-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Producers hope sales will see them through tough years to come]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-18</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Cancer study for English-speakers]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/dealing-with-cancer-in-french-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Cancer Support France has launched an online survey to find out more about English-speakers' experiences]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-18</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Website shows how to cut power bills]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/new-price-comparison-website-launches-for-french-electricity-suppliers-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A new internet-based price comparison guide has been set up by energy watchdog MÃ©diateur National de lÂ’Energie]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-18</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Radio reading of A Christmas Carol]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/hear-a-christmas-carol-in-english-on-radio-accords-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Five-part adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic A Christmas Carol to air on Radio Accords in Poitou next week]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-18</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Panto fun unites French and English]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/english-language-pantomimes-in-france-this-winter-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[There's nothing like a bit of panto to beat off the winter blues. Here are our bilingual selections]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-18</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[The charm of non-league footie]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/non-league-football-in-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[It's at the bottom end of the football league structure where the best fun is to be had, says Stan Bissinger]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-18</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[New challenge for charity bike rider]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/british-cyclist-in-lot-et-garonne-to-cycle-through-china-for-charity-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A British singer in the Lot-et-Garonne has raised almost Â€3,000 in a charity bike ride through Jordan]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-18</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Christmas for all in Normandy]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/normandy-charity-plans-christmas-meal-for-least-well-off-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Residents in Normandy who have fallen on hard times will be treated to a big group dinner and party on December 24]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-18</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Â€3k fine for man sleeping under TGV]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Man-who-fell-asleep-on-TGV-line-fined-three-thousand-euros-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A DRUNK music festival-goer who survived a TGV running over the top of him as he slept has been ordered to pay the SNCF Â€3,000.The 19-year-old was returning from a concert in Saint-Nolff in the Mor...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-18</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Cafes ignoring smoking ban]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Cafes-ignoring-smoking-ban-in-France-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[BARS and restaurants are continuing to flout the ban on smoking in public places, an anti-smoking group has claimed.Droit des Non-Fumeurs has submitted a report to the Health Ministry to coincide wi...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-18</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Icy weekend for Christmas travel]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Snow-hampers-Christmas-getaway-in-France-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[TRAFFIC conditions across France will be difficult this weekend as the Christmas getaway coincides with icy weather.Road monitor Bison FutÃ© has issued an "orange" warning for today and Saturday, ad...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-18</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Swine flu jab now open to all]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Swine-flu-vaccination-now-open-to-all-in-France-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE CAMPAIGN to get France vaccinated against swine flu has been extended to the general public, two months after at-risk groups started getting the jab.Health Minister Roselyne Bachelot has confirm...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-17</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Orly and Eurostar Christmas strikes]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Orly-Airport-and-Eurostar-staff-to-strike-over-Christmas-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[CHRISTMAS flights out of Orly airport in Paris and Eurostar services could be disrupted in the coming days due to a strike.Alysia SÃ»retÃ©, the private contractor responsible for checking passengers...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-17</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Snow disruption for 50 departments]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Snow-disrupts-50-departments-and-may-delay-flights-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[ABOUT 50 departments across the north and west of France are preparing for up to two inches of snow today.		MÃ©tÃ©o France has given out an "orange" weather alert - its second highest level - and is...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-17</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Brittany and Paca power cut warning]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/brittany-and-paca-regions-face-power-cuts-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[HOMES in Brittany and Paca are facing power cuts for the next few days as the electricity supply network struggles to cope with increased demand in the cold weather.EDFÂ’s distribution arm, RTE, is ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-16</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[UMP campaign video breaches copyright]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/UMP-breaches-copyright-in-party-video-...again-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE UMP has apologised for using a song without the performer's permission in a campaign video that features a dozen government ministers dancing and miming.The clip of senior politicians including ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-16</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Christmas strike hits Amazon France]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Amazon-France-hit-by-Christmas-strike-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[ONLINE shopping giant Amazon has said it is doing all it can to deliver presents in time for Christmas following a strike by staff at its French distribution centre in the Loiret.About 60 workers be...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-16</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Vote mix-up kills off region reform]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Vote-mix-off-kills-regional-reform-bill-instead-of-passing-it-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[PLANS to redraw the map of France and reduce the number of regions from 22 to 15 have been thrown out after a senator cast a group vote against them by mistake.The reform, which has already been pas...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-15</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Restaurants sign VAT-cut pay deal]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Restaurants-sign-VAT-bonus-deal-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Five restaurant workers' unions have reached a pay deal with management - six months after a VAT rate cut was introduced that should have improved conditions for staff.In a meeting with catering bos...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-15</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Gas prices frozen for the New Year]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Gas-prices-frozen-for-first-months-of-new-year-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[HOMES that use gas for cooking and heating will not see a rise in their bills in the New Year, the Ecology and Energy Ministry has promised.Despite a 1.5% increase in the cost of producing gas, the ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-15</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[France braced for freezing cold week]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Homeless-housing-plan-in-action-as-cold-weather-strikes-north-France-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FOUR departments have put in place emergency measures to cope with a wave of cold weather that will hit the whole of France this week.The Manche, Marne, Ile-et-Vilaine and Loire Atlantique are givin...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-14</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Pig feet used in mosque attack]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Racists-leave-pigs'-feet-and-swastikas-on-mosque-in-Castres,-Tarn-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[VANDALS have attacked a mosque in the south of France, leaving xenophobic messages on the walls and pigs' feet and ears at the entrance.Police were called to the place of worship in Castres, in the ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-13</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[No shop disruption by lorry drivers]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Lorry-drivers-drop-Christmas-blockade-plans-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[CHRISTMAS deliveries of food and gifts to shops will not be disrupted after lorry drivers reached a deal on pay and agreed to cancel their strike.About half a million drivers working for distributio...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-13</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Tourists arrested for air rebellion]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/French tourists arrested after complaints on Rio to Paris flights-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THREE French tourists have been arrested and detained in Brazil for refusing to travel on a plane that was experiencing technical difficulties before take-off.The two men and a woman - aged between ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-11</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Weekend train strike called off]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Unions call off this weekend's train strike-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[TRAIN drivers and conductors have called off plans for a nationwide strike that would have affected rail services from this evening.Three unions - CGT, UNSA and CFDT - were planning to walk out over...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-11</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Man jailed for getting baby drunk]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Babysitter-jailed-for-giving-pastis-to-18-month-old-baby-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A BABYSITTER has been jailed for six months and fined Â€4,000 for giving alcohol to a baby to send it to sleep.Jean-Pierre Saint Germain, from Brignoles, in the Var, was asked to look after 18-month...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-10</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Tourist safe after 44 hours in snow]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Spanish-skier-survives-44-hours-lost-in-snow-at-Deux-Alpes-ski-resort-France-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A SKI tourist has miraculously been found alive after two nights missing in the Alps.The 18-year-old Spanish man was caught out by bad weather in the Deux-Alpes resort in the IsÃ¨re on Sunday aftern...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-10</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[French tax data stolen from HSBC]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/French-government-admits-Swiss-bank-account-information-may-have-been-stolen-from-HSBC-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE GOVERNMENT has admitted that some of the information it used to launch a crackdown on overseas tax dodgers might have been stolen.French tax authorities received a list in August of 3,000 people...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-09</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Ministers sing in UMP youth video]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/French-government-ministers-sing-and-dance-in-UMP-party-video-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A DOZEN government ministers have taken time out from running the country to dance and mime in a campaign video for the UMP partyÂ’s youth branch.Finance minister Christine Lagarde, immigration mini...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-09</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Christmas shoppers face cash shortage]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Cash-machines-in-France-could-run-empty-as-workers-who-refil-them-go-on-strike-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[CASH machines across France could run out of money in the peak shopping days before Christmas due to a planned strike.Six trade unions representing dabistes - security workers who are responsible fo...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-09</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Policemen caught stealing from shop]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/Policemen-caught-stealing-from-shop-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[TWO policemen in Paris have been suspended and charged with theft after they were caught on CCTV stealing telephone cards during a visit to a shop.The officers, who work for the Paris police force's...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-09</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Taxi driver convoy hits Paris traffic]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/taxi-driver-convoy-hits-paris-traffic-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[MORE than a thousand taxi drivers are preparing to bring traffic in Paris to a standstill today with a go-slow protest.Between 1,000 and 1,500 drivers are taking part in one of two convoys, which se...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-08</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[20,000 owe money after RSI tech bug]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/20000-owe-money-after-rsi-tech-bug-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THOUSANDS of self-employed people have been forgotten about by the social security system for the past two years due to an administrative problem and now face huge bills for overdue health and pension...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-07</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[71% do not know who runs region]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/71-do-not-know-who-runs-region-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[NEARLY three quarters of people do not know the name of their region's president, a new poll published three months before the regional elections has revealed.The survey, which was commissioned by a...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-07</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Rail unions call  weekend strike]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/rail-unions-call-weekend-strike-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[RAILWAY travellers could face disruption tomorrow and over the weekend as rail unions have called a national protest and a separate 24-hour strike.TomorrowÂ’s protest in Paris will highlight concern...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-07</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Fiat recall over steering problem]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/fiat-recall-over-steering-problem-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FIAT has recalled 32,000 Punto models sold in France for safety reasons.The Italian car manufacturer has detected a potential fault linked to the steering column in the Grande Punto.It has written...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-07</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Paris museum strike continues]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/paris-museum-strike-continues-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[SOME of Paris's most popular museums and monuments could remain closed this week as staff continue their strike action.Workers at the MusÃ©e d'Orsay, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, the Louvre and the ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-07</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Telethon donations down 5% to Â€90m]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/telethon-donations-down-5-to-90m-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[SUPPORTERS of the Telethon donated Â€90m to charity this weekend, down 5% on last year but better than the 20% decline seen in the first few hours.The annual event, which broadcasts non-stop for 30 ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-07</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Nice introduces curfew for teens]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/nice-introduces-curfew-for-teens-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE CITY of Nice has imposed an evening curfew on young children, with parents warned they could lose certain benefits if they repeatedly ignore it.The ban, which comes into effect today, prevents u...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-04</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Children unhappy with canteen food]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/children-unhappy-with-canteen-food-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[HALF of secondary school children are dissatisfied with their lunchtime meal and leave the canteen still feeling hungry, a new survey has revealed.Research by the Consommation, Logement et Cadre de ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-04</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[SNCF to refund delayed trains]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/sncf-to-refund-delayed-trains-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[LONG-DISTANCE train passengers who are delayed by more than an hour will be entitled to a partial refund from this week.A new European directive means the SNCF must now offer travellers money back i...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-04</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Greenpeace invades National Assembly]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/greenpeace-invades-national-assembly-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[PROTESTORS from Greenpeace brought chaos to the National Assembly yesterday, interrupting a debate on climate change and prompting the whole building to be evacuated.About a dozen campaigners in the...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-03</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Children given flu jab overdose ]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/children-given-flu-jab-overdose-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FIVE young children in Brittany have put under close medical surveillance after they were each given four doses of the swine flu jab by mistake.Local health authorities in the FinistÃ¨re said none o...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-03</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Sarko promo video uses USA families]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/sarko-promo-video-uses-usa-families-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[AN ECO-friendly house with solar panels on the roof, smiling schoolchildren and a mother hugging her girl in a beautiful garden.France's governing UMP party thought they were perfect images to illus...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-03</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Shock campaign for scooter safety]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/shock-campaign-for-scooter-safety-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[ROAD safety campaigners have unveiled a new preventative campaign in an attempt to cut road deaths linked to scooters.The launch of the site, at www.mortelscooter.fr, comes as new research shows sco...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-02</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Lorry strike could hit supermarkets]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/lorry-strike-could-hit-supermarkets-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[DELIVERIES to supermarkets in the weeks leading up to Christmas could be hit by an indefinite strike by lorry drivers.About half a million drivers belonging to five trade unions are planning to stop...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-02</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Paris museums face strike disruption]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/paris-museums-face-strike-disruption-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[MUSEUMS, libraries and theatres in Paris including the Louvre and the ChÃ¢teau de Versailles could be hit by strike action today as staff protest against budget cuts and non-replacement of departing s...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-02</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Cash to encourage mobile recycling]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/cash-to-encourage-mobile-recycling-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE GOVERNMENT is looking to launch an eco-bonus scheme for anyone who takes their old mobile phone back to the shop to be recycled.Junior Ecology Minister Chantal Jouanno said the bonus-malus would...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-02</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[No plans to raise minimum wage]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/no-plans-to-raise-minimum-wage-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE MINIMUM wage looks unlikely to rise next year in an attempt to keep costs down for businesses struggling in the current economic climate. A group of experts commissioned by employment minister X...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Restaurants fail to reach VAT deal]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/restaurants-fail-to-reach-vat-deal-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[RESTAURANTS have missed a December 1 deadline to reach a deal on passing the VAT rate cut on to customers and staff.Representatives from five major restaurant and hotel unions spent 17 hours in disc...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[eBay fined Â€1.7m for perfume sale]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/ebay-fined-1.7m-for-perfume-sale-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[EBAY has been fined Â€1.7m by a Paris court for selling brand-name perfumes without the manufacturer's consent.The ruling in favour of the Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy (LVMH) group comes after the on...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-12-01</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Celtic suspends Portsmouth ferry]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/celtic-suspends-portsmouth-ferry-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[The newest cross-Channel ferry service between France and England has been suspended indefinitely just days after one of its vessels was impounded in Portsmouth over safety concerns.Celtic Link Ferr...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-11-30</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Restos du Coeur expect record year]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/restos-du-coeur-expect-record-year-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[WELFARE charity Les Restos du Coeur is predicting a record number of people will come to the group for help this year due to the economic crisis.The charity launches its 25th winter campaign today, ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-11-30</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[GPs want to give swine flu vaccine]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/gps-want-to-give-swine-flu-vaccine-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[TWO French doctors' unions have urged the government  to allow GPs to give out the swine flu vaccine in their surgeries to help reduce queues.The ConfÃ©dÃ©ration des Syndicats MÃ©dicaux FrancÃ§ais a...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-11-30</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Postman keeps mail at home for months]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/postman-keeps-mail-at-home-for-months-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A POSTMAN in Bourgogne has been arrested for keeping 300kg of post at his home to avoid having to deliver it.According to local paper Le Bien Public, police found several months of post at the man's...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-11-30</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[France back at top of world wine list]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/france-back-at-top-of-world-wine-list-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FRANCE has reclaimed the title of the biggest wine producer in the world, after two years in second position behind Italy.New figures from the Organisation Internationale de la Vigne et du Vin put F...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-11-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Legal action over Sarko TV clip leak]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/legal-action-over-sarko-tv-clip-leak-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A France 3 employee has been charged with leaking a clip of Nicolas Sarkozy giving a lesson in manners to a TV technician ahead of a live interview.The footage, which has been watched 2.6 million ti...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-11-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Not quite the cash robbery of decade]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/not-quite-the-cash-robbery-of-decade-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A SECURITY worker has been charged with stealing Â€9,000 from vending machines over a period of nine months -- entirely in Â€2 coins.The amount is a long way from the Â€11.6m that turned bank robber...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-11-27</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Pas-de-Calais put on flooding alert]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/pas-de-calais-put-on-flooding-alert-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[METEO France has issued an "orange" weather alert - the second highest level out of four - for the Pas-de-Calais department in the north of France.The weather forecasting body said water levels alon...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-11-27</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Miss France is still going strong]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/miss-france-is-still-going-strong-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[As Miss Normandy, Malika Menard, is named Miss France 2010, Connexion looks back at the contest's history, characters and controversies]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-11-26</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Rural trains could be axed for buses]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/rural-trains-could-be-axed-for-buses-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A NUMBER of rural train services in France could be axed and replaced by coaches after an official report found large parts of the network were too expensive and polluting.The French national audit ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-11-26</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Violence erupts at winemaker protest]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/violence-erupts-at-winemaker-protest-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[POLICE stepped in to break up a violent demo in Montpellier last night as Languedoc wine producers gathered to protest at falling revenues and a claimed lack of financial help.Between 3,500 and 10,0...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-11-26</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Jose BovÃ© avoids jail for GM attack]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/jose-bov-avoids-jail-for-gm-attack-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FORMER presidential candidate JosÃ© BovÃ© has avoided time in prison and been allowed to keep his job as a European MP for his involvement in an attack on genetically modified crops in 2006.Prosecut...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-11-26</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Three steps for a Â€5 Ryanair flight]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/three-steps-for-a-5-ryanair-flight-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[CONNEXION has teamed up with Ryanair to offer readers the chance of jetting off to a host of exciting European destinations on one of 1,000 Â€5 all-inclusive flights.The flights can be taken to Ryan...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-11-26</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Swine flu jab for school children]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/swine-flu-jab-for-school-children-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[THE VACCINE against swine flu will be extended to FranceÂ’s five million school children from today.Parents of collÃ©giens and lycÃ©ens should have received a bon de vaccination in the post, or will...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-11-25</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Clubs to foot  fan security bill]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/clubs-to-foot-fan-security-bill-view-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[FOOTBALL clubs should pay for match security outside of stadiums according to the Minister of the Interior Brice Hortefeux. He said that an average 11 riot police units were used for a Ligue 1 game ...]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-11-25</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[What is the law on child seats?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/what-is-the-law-on-child-seats-in-cars-france-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[All children under ten should travel in the back of the car, with two exceptions]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-11-24</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Angel Traders Christmas fair]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/angel-traders-christmas-fair-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Expect festive stalls and carols at the Angel Traders Christmas Fayre at the ChÃ¢teau Le Mas de Montet at RibÃ©rac]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-11-24</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Dordogne women's networking lunch]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/dordogne-womens-networking-lunch-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[North East Dordogne WomenÂ’s Association holds its annual Christmas lunch at midday on December 15 in Sorges]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-11-24</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Dinner and dance for rescue charity]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/dinner-and-dance-for-rescue-charity-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Christmas dinner and dance in aid of horse rescue charity the Association Saint Hippolyte Aquitaine]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-11-24</pubDate>
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		<title><![CDATA[Fete raises cash for winter food]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/fete-raises-cash-for-winter-food-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Two groups in Vienne are organising their annual Christmas market on the morning of December 8 in La Margelle, Civray]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-11-24</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Riviera groups plan party night]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/riviera-groups-plan-party-night-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[British Association, WomenÂ’s Club of the Riviera and the Var International ApÃ©ritif Club planning joint Christmas bash]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-11-24</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Make new friends over a curry]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/make-new-friends-over-a-curry-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A chef in the Dordogne is looking to launch a supper club to help people socialise in a relaxed setting]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-11-24</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Brit welfare group Christmas cards]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/brit-welfare-group-christmas-cards-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[British Association of the Var has launched a range of 20 Christmas cards to raise money for the group]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-11-24</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Have a laugh at stand-up evening]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/have-a-laugh-at-stand-up-evening-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Three stand-up evening gigs in Cannes, Antibes and Nice]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-11-24</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Grocery site gives cancer help]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/grocery-site-gives-cancer-help-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[A UK grocery website that sells food to expats has launched a campaign to help people in France affected by cancer]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-11-24</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Brit-run charity shop in Marseille]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/brit-run-charity-shop-in-marseille-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Donations are needed for what claims to be FranceÂ’s first British-style charity shop, opening soon in Marseille]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-11-24</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[To the rescue of French business]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/to-the-rescue-of-french-business-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[The mÃ©diateur du crÃ©dit was set up to push banks to loan to firms during the credit crunch. Its new director talks to us]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-11-24</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Business fairs for expats]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/business-fairs-for-expats-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Amanda Smith's Angel Traders puts English-speaking firms and expats in touch by organising business fairs. ]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-11-24</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Are you ready for digital TV switch?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/are-you-ready-for-digital-tv-switch-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Cherbourg has become the first large French town to change entirely to digital television. Here's what is involved]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-11-24</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[What is the law on child seats?]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/what-is-the-law-on-child-seats-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[All children under ten should travel in the back of the car, with two exceptions]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-11-24</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Tips for sending Christmas post]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/tips-for-sending-christmas-post-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Now is the time to get thinking about sending parcels and cards to make sure they reach people before the holidays]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-11-24</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Switching banks is made easier]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/switching-banks-is-made-easier-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Voluntary code of practice on freedom of movement between banks came into force this month]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-11-24</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Money-saving tips with the low pound]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/money-saving-tips-with-the-low-pound-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[With the pound low and the recession not over yet, many expat families will need to make their money go further]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-11-24</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Insurer pays your excess for you]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/insurer-pays-your-excess-for-you-news-article.html</link>
		<description><![CDATA[New service makes it possible to claim back full cost of car damage repairs without paying a contribution]]></description>
		<pubDate>2009-11-24</pubDate>
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Find an English- speaking care home]]></title>
		<link>http://www.connexionfrance.com/find-an-english-speaking-care-home-