Connexion Back Issues

Baby boom sets record for France * QUIETLY CONFIDENT OSCAR HOPES FOR SILENT MOVIE * Rush to beat second home tax rise * Johnny Has-his-day * Crime falling but burglaries are up by 16% * Strike law to cut chaos at airport * Bullies will pick on anyone different - including expats * Peer backs ending 15-year voting rule * Mums make French great kissers * Green protest over Ryanair bid to boost airport travellers * SNCF in record €230mpay-out to government * 20,000 sign up to France’s first social network for pets * Tears of joy as family are told they can keep Bambi * Johnny to play his first gig in the UK – at 69 * Farmers still flouting battery hen cage laws * Why has Sarkozy not declared yet? * Angry customers sue wine firm over missing deliveries * New delay hits pension lump sum tax ruling * Ferry firms see opportunity following  Sea France demise * Baby boom means that population hits record * South is the big hot spot for incomers * Zoo welcomes giant pandas * Hollande’s rating is cut after blunder over his real adversary * Don’t hold your breath * Baby boom helps pensions * You can’t keep ’em down * OBE is just reward * UK influence for top French coach * What is wrong with a bride wearing a veil? * Language barrier is much harder to climb at our age * Stand up for your child’s education * More students not the answer * Are there restrictions on bringing in plants? * How do I change mobile firm? * New life in a new country: so time for a new you * Laughter is the best medicine * No jobs for the boys – or girls – but there are ways to find work * Looking for premises? Consider buying a bail * French ‘Madoff case’ shows need to check all advisors * Livret A rate will not be increased in February * Peer-to-peer lending now on offer in France * Taxing times to set up new cafe * Time to take control of your taxes * Brittany * Sea’s key role in regional life * Fishing disaster mystery is still unsolved * Green tide threatens tourism * Oyster farms on the brink * Dyson: Provence is where I come to relax and recharge * 2012’s Oscars: Prospects * Hopes of an Oscar are high for French films * France prepares for its own awards – Les Césars * Breton cartoon loses out * Listen out as tawny owls start to woo... * Should you keep your old francs or exchange them? * Living in France really does make you happier * A friendly place to learn arts and crafts * Giulia, meet the new 21st-century family *  Hundreds give up rat race to be boulangers * No need to fear competition by Chinese reds * Around the world in 45 days * Improve your website and your customer base * Quality linen and furnishings at affordable prices * New sales record for Houses on Internet in 2011 * Help children retain their English mother tongue * What happens in your home while you are away? * Light removals between the UK and France * The wood boiler we have all been waiting for * Furniture company launches oak designs for 2012 * Banish hard water problems with a water softener * French language learning designed for expats * Property prices may drop 10% * Renegotiate your mortgage interest rate * Ideal location makes our home special– plus all our hard work * There are several loan options for renovation * Coco’s shop is the province of love *

Sea France workers ask state to help fund buy-out * More tax and obligatory breath tests on their way * Changes ahead for Brits if UK quits EU * David Ginola * Learn French! It will make life much easier * 2020 vision gives faster internet and fewer queues * Copé wins ‘raspberry’ for English TV idea * Heirs reject poisoned inheritances * Early-warning alerts planned * Hotels are closing as tourist industry has ‘no strategy’ * Banks scrap currency fee * Presidential hopefuls line up to back Made in France products * Missing dog and owner reunited after two years * What would happen to all the Britons living in France if UK did leave EU? * Sea France staff want state aid in buy-out * Treaty advances despite UK veto * Anger as oil spill fouls Breton coast * Should serving presidents keep legal immunity? * Shops and firms will have to switch off signs at night * Business is booming for two-hour ‘love rooms’ * Anger at plan for ‘torture’ general to be honoured in Les Invalides * Air France aims to use jets better * Surgeon refuses to operate on late-paying man * Fight over name Daemon * Twin-towners unite against plan to end 46-year alliance * Chances slim that 2012 will be a happy new year for the president * Too little, too late * Seeing the light * Twins: not just for Christmas * Enter stage left * Breathalysers will not improve road safety * The United States of Europe * No help to loyal Bergerac users * I do not believe I am ‘integrated’ * Vets as doctors ‘unlikely’ * Fight against consumerism * Offers not good as gold * Reasons to buy your TV in France, not UK * Would prostitution ban work? * 2012: an election and the end of the world * A busy year ahead and what it means for you * Télémédecine: how will you benefit? * How do I show I’ve cut ties with UK? * Expertise was at heart of early links * Accounts change finally rejected for auto-entrepreneurs * Flexible working gets a boost * Help us find our family * Bank credit cards do exist in France * Money in accounts is guaranteed * Make your pension work best for you * Understand currency exchange * Ile-de-France * Housing and transport are region’s main issues * Three recent events that shaped the capital * ‘The city is losing its Parisians to suburbs’ * It’s not all downhill on the slopes * I always have a great time in France; they appreciate good movies * I am weaving dreams for my brides* Harry Potter director’s film to tell story of heroic raid at Saint-Nazaire * Forget pricey restaurants, sign up for a supper club * My ultimate New Year’s resolution for wine Tour de France * ‘Giraffe tree’ is best in France * Foreign exchange transactions in record time * Good value glasses provided by online retailer * LED lighting looks good and can save you money * Is translation work for you? * Bidding auction website means low delivery costs * A different strategy for keeping weight off * Demand increases for mobile dog wash service * Hauliers with clients’ goods every step of the way * Technology and experience make quality surveys * British animal feed now available in France * Property is still a safe bet over the longer term * Service helps retirees to move to new area * Mayor faces retrial for‘ racism over house sales’ * Building flats out of wood is latest trend * Are mountain prices still on the up? * Why that classic chalet looks the way it does * Learn French! We just want  to see you have a go *

New cuts harshest since 1945 * LIGHT FANTASTIC Millions getr eady for Lyon’s world class wonder display * Why Johnny loves France * House prices are still rising * OAP,71, sues for €10,000 mailshot ‘prize’ – and wins * Bérénice is new 007 co-star * Cat peppered with pellet sand blinded by hunter * No-contact bank cards to be trialled * Taxes go up, benefits go down * France’s AAA rate‘ at risk’ * Confusion over TVA rules for B&Bs and gites * Corsica start for 100th Tour de France * France has the most millionaires in Europe * ‘November 11 should remain for WW1 only’ * New presidential candidate * Templeton loophole still open * Sarkozy risks EU fall-out over eurozone‘ integration’ * Clarity over pension lump sums due soon * Rail competition will improve eservice for all, say campaigners * SNCF plans to beat the winter freeze * Towns on alert as boar numbers soar * Meals with family and friends remain sacred * Bomb victim’s daughter presses for Sarkozy corruption inquiry * Protest over mayor’s bid to sell St-Emilion cloisters * Radar flashed ‘moped’ at 141kph * Demand is the key to our flight plans * Road deaths down ahead of peak Christmas period * ‘Nuisance’ beach club looking for new home * You can fool some of the people all of the time: or so Sarko hopes * On the right lines * Table talk * On to a winner * Taxi to stardom * Liberté, égalité... so why no gay marriage? * Billi terminal is hell * Ferry fares have risen * Integration is possible if you put in the effort * Why are French bills sent from UK address? * Unlit motorway move is worrying * Can I use a British television in France? * Benefits of installing winter tyres * Make the most of recycling * A parent’s tips on teacher relations * Smile! Expats are happier than others, survey reveals * English-speakers have help to settle in * Centres de santé keep costs low * Dentists oppose ‘smile bars’ * Better take-up for flu jab * Let us lead way on jobs, say young entrepreneurs * Bicycle is a star design * Make most of tax-free savings * Will you be giving étrennes this year? * Will holiday make me resident? * Will family or taxman inherit your health? * Helpguide to French inheritance law * Rhône-Alpes * We’re always looking for ways to stay ahead * Haute-Savoie wants more English voices * Lyon:the city that is always on the move * Johnny Depp * Go Windows shopping * Chic and cheerful ways to get festive look * Panto adds variety to expat lifestyle * Culture to chase away winter blues * Foie gras Delicious or a disgrace? * Champagne lovers need to look for a taste of terroir * French Quiz * Festival lights up Lyon for millions * Top of the paints * Natural and organic pet food straight to your door * Make the White move to cut removals costs * Need the write incentive? * Be your own architect * Company offers fast deliveries across Europe * Gobble gobble for Christmas * Free business advice for English speakers * Eco-heating solutions * Food and parcel deliveries from the UK to France * Don’t forget your healthcare * Houses for sale across France * Home stage for a quick sale * More efficient energy checks * Syndic, AG, conseil syndical... what do they do? * Improve your home with a grant * Baking bread for village is our passion

Wealthy say France safer than Britain * Fresh or frozen...diners get boost * Joan Collins on family, fashion and life in France * Spying claims put pressure on Sarkozy * Blame French feet not cheese! * Heiress loses €17bn battle * Supermarkets must reveal profit margins * Well-off eye France for safe life * France faces possible AAA rating downgrade * Use florilège not ‘best of’, says Académie * Fighting franglais with new French words * MPs point the finger at frozen ready meals * 500 jobs go as Ritz closes for two years * MPs in speed bid * Websites targeted * Win this for £5 – as couple raffle home * Carla ‘deeply touched’by gifts and support * France saves councils as bank rescue agreed * French still like the euro * High street crosses Channel * Fuel bills cut for less well-off * Gamblers arrested over poker invisible-ink con * French test to become a citizen * Festival city turns into G20 fortress * Thousands are hit in epidemic of gastric flu * Quadruple amputee’s continental swim bid * Strike-hit paper will go online * Seconds out for battle over time * P&O Ferries aims for plain sailing * Comette family catch a falling star * Human rights decision approaching over UK’s ‘15-year rule’ * See-through floor for Eiffel Tower * Hollande is a man many left-wing UMP supporters could vote for * Still alive; alive and kicking * What’s in a word? Plentyif it is seen as very sexist * How can 22 minutes last two hours? * Mayor is wrong on this sad lonely death * Green tax credits: are your specs right? * Roll-out of super fast internet is new priority * Pain has no borders as families are torn apart * A court order is best to make sure you will see your children * MPs vote for ban on Bisphenol A in food containers by 2014 * Memory problems hit Bettencourt and Chirac * Hire student help online * Law aims at a simpler life for firms * British pensioner publishes book on his 2,000km charity walk * Bank tightens loan criteria * Can I sell to nephew cheaply? * Be aware of new trust rules * Help others with micro-loans from as little as €20 * Big events will help bring in more * British are welcome with their bold ideas * We are improving the town for residents and tourists * Iconic actress Joan Collins on men, manners, morals and more * Joan’s south of France address book * Prix Goncourt: the prize each French writer wants to win * Work now to keep your garden alive * France has its own version of the poppy * Rise to the occasion for Remembrance * Beaujolais Nouveau – a joyful aperitif or whiplash in a bottle * Europe’s highest building site * Invest in a piece of French history * Estate agencies call for reforms * Get free advice on property * Adil helps people to buy on coast * No more laughing at Gendarmede St Tropez *

Savers told tokeepcash safety net * Inquiry into £1bn currency charges * Only I know what the name will be! * Drivers say new speed alert signs are a ‘waste’ * High euro hits Britons’ dream move to France * Rising costs could make mutuelles too expensive * Row over credit card fraud * Savers told to keep some cash at home‘just in case’ * Hotline gets rid of cold-calling pests * Doctor faces charges over euthanasia * Veiled Muslim women are fined * Toxic algae could fuel power plants near Brittany farms * Energy minister rules out gas rise * Our recipe to make la France great again * Making the most of LD Lines * Schools could do better says the OECD * Sarkozy friends held * Formula 1 ‘set to come back to France’ in 2013 * Senator’s €42,000 pizza bill * Socialists have a chance of winning, but don’t have a worthy winner * Luxury is his middle name * France gets under your skin * We have had a great time this summer * Must I take a course to insure a scooter? * Make the most of price war as phone firms battle it out * Future is bright for gap-year volunteers * Distruptive pupils face new sanctions * Does the sécu pay for acupuncture? * Web school looks for next generation of entrepreneurs * No more cross-Channel trips as freemasons get their own lodge * Capital gains changes mean more must pay * How your income affects local taxes * It pays to take advice in taxing times * Midi-Pyrénées - There’s no such thing as too many tourists for Midi-Pyrénées tourism chief Philippe Guérin and he tells SAM TAYLOR that he aims to bring in even more to enjoy the wide open landscape * Region has ambition that knows no bounds * Department is ready for a decade of challenges * Driving hard to the future * Tintin on the big screen * Young artists are keeping old art of chanson alive * The secret of chanson is to sing a lot; sing your life * Has the traditional gallic art of seduction had its day? * Hergé would be proud as Tintin finally hits the silver screen * See a totally different side of art during Nuit Blanche * Savour salon’s melting moments * Cries of the stag herald autumn * Converted to conversions * Sell now but move out later * Advisors give energy tips to save you money * Keeping the entente cordiale

Sweeping cuts will hit every home * ‘Stroppy’ Paris women need more colour * France is the safest country for Brits * Chic Paris is dressed down by cheeky Brit * Strauss-Kahn 2012 hopes hit buffers * Tax hike plan is ‘like an avalanche’ * Pilfering at the palace as Elysée art vanishes * 50 Brittany beaches closed after toxic fumes kill boar * Baguettes coming to a McDo near you * Plea for wolf cull as attacks rise * Who will be chosen to fight for Socialists? * Innovation lets us safeguard heritage and build future * Sky-high ambition to get it right * Briton lay dead for months * Bars face new smoking checks * France has been living beyond its means for too many years * New man at Michelin helm * Changes are needed to bring in more tourists * No way out for those hit by Euro problems * Does France have a knotweed law? * You can deal with red tape over the internet * Work out your clothing sizes * Help your child get ready for the rentrée * Our top-ten back to-school favourites * How safe are your medicines? * Readers complainabout CMU decisions * French gadget firm that pipped Apple * Welcome group helps people start their new lives in France * Time to invest in a shares account? * Transferring a home to your child * Better off in France or UK? * Wealth tax reforms are now official * Aquitaine - Region looks to get on the fast-track * Head away from the coast for new delights * We’re so happy to see the British back again * Nature, nurture and classic cuisine * Alain Ducasse, the Michelinstarred chef behind this month’s gastronomic extravaganza Tous au Restaurant, talks to Connexion and presents the first in a monthly series of recipes * From royal feasts to haute cuisine for all * Tous au Restaurant offers top tables at low prices * Rugby legend says bigger players are wrong for game * Heritage is world renowned * Stranger than fiction - From alien-hunters in the Aude to Austrian croissants, a Spanish Eiffel tower and the mayor who banned death, Rodger Matthews reveals some surprising facts about France * Cherchez la femme Women are starting to take over the world of wine * Turn the cave into your classroom to learn basics of wine * Researchers show off rare dinosaur discoveries * ‘Seniors’ villages’ becoming popular * Forests can offer attractive growth * Why does power firm want me to save energy? * SAFER helps keep communities alive * September iswhenwe close the doors

Bumper numbers holiday in France * Health U-turn: Nothing Changes * Duncan Ballantyne - I couldn’t have done it in France * New incentives for rural work by GPs * Baby bounce in polls as Carla shows off bump * Plan to cut smoking fines to free up courts ‘ludicrous’ * Sécu tells man to prove that he is still alive * Pupils are taught to swim on grass * No change onCMUrules * Elodie passes bac with a record 20.68 out of 20 * Tourists make a bumper summer * Property boost as international buyers return * Canal du Midi set to lose thousands of iconic plane trees * Shuttle boss takes readers’ complaints on board * Empty citiesmeanmillions speak to no one formonths * Greece wins Eurobillions but we will all be losers * Now Eva faces toughest fight * I left because I couldn’t work * Readers give verdict on BBC chief’s licence query * Persistence pays off as we changed healthcare status * How can I auction off furniture? * Retrospective annulment of gardes à vue could cause chaos * Labels and numbers show the origin of eggs * Decisions must be made now if your child is planning to study at university * Save money and buy glasses online * Entrepreneurs use their loaf to dream up money-makers * Pyrenees village celebrates its Rudyard Kipling links * Invest your money ethically * I need a loan so I can downsize * British tax residency rules changed * Limousin * Limousin goes global for tourists * Helping people to help themselves * Open for business with lots of advice * Cook the French way with Poldark * Robin turns to the kitchen in bid to beat diabetes with healthier cooking * Try two of Robin’s recipes * Dragon’s den is on the French Riviera * Alain Rey: the words of Monsieur Dictionnaire * Perfect ways to spend lazy days * Caught in the act Fishermen net fish by listening out for their mating calls * Enjoy these treasures of the seas * Still ringing the bells at 87 * Could this be your next home? * France is world’s no2 for swimming pools * Are solar voltaic panels a panacea for energy needs? * Heritage foundation can help fund restoration work * Turn your bin into a work of art * Pizza vans: The inside story

EU forces U-turn on health ban * Why Ben Fogle loves France * See-through Airbus on way * EU ruling lifts French ban on foreign notaires * France forced to end early retiree health ban * Extra hot July and August will add to farmers’ woes * Eagles and Jarre to play at wedding * MPs want regulated cannabis industry * Villagers fund teacher salary to keep school * Prostitutes say plans to make it illegal to pay for sex are dangerous * French ‘Pentagon’ due for completion by 2014 * The 25-points to give consumers greater powers * Multi-trips, shops and docking: DFDS answers your queries * France is No1 for home tuition * New international nuclear regulations backed * U-turn on new bear for Pyrénées * ‘One-for-all’ web password revived * Self doubt may make Bastille Day the last for President Sarkozy * A moral lead for a tainted sport * Still going strong: the original Tour de France * Peaks of perfection Don’t swelter on a beach, enjoy a refreshing holiday in the cool, clear mountain air * Aim high for the summer * Our top 10 things for you to see anddoon your mountain holiday * Ben Fogle’s France - The popular journalist and TV presenter is far from the archetypal ‘Brit abroad’ * See what you find on a day at the beach - Pays de la Loire * Cycling to success * Becoming a local in Le Mans * It’s hard work but there’s always time for a festival * Life in Laval goes virtual * Balloonists aim high for world take-off record * Eat local * Rosé is not a grape and it’s not red and white wine mixed * Don’t give your child a silly name * Strike a light * Bargains not worth the weight * Nationality debate is a divisive stunt * U-turn flips tax anger into relief * What do different water restriction levels refer to? * How long does a French MOT last? * ‘Nettle plonk’ fertiliser legalised * Families get first priority in France * What we like is that children are really looked after here * What is the cost of alternative medical care? * Group medical practices to quadruple by end of 2011 * Anger over bank ban * Lump sum tax decision due July * How is non-resident’s income taxed? * How will proposed tax reforms affect you? * Briton triumphs in French long bow championships * A phone mast on your roof can be worth _15,000 * Add value to your home * Sell it yourself and get a better price * It takes pluck and skill to make violins

Dismay over tax on second homes * A surprisingly large number of French could not see why this little local difficulty for DSK should be a bar to his progress... * Renault heirs seek compensation for state’s confiscation of firm after war * CM2 tests ‘will move to June’ * Foreign OAPs may lose pension top-up benefit * Mass protest at bullfighting heritage plan * Humane cages for foie gras ducks * Caught! French do snack between meals * ‘We don’t want more bears’ * Police back on the beat ‘to reassure the public’ * French spend_3bn a year on their pets * Inside Robespierre’s mind: the state buys his papers * Prizes for inventions from the life-saving to the weird * Huge variation in price of water * Greens say shale gas ban is ‘smokescreen * Water restrictions hit one-third of France * Minister apologises over expat benefits * VAT debacle allows 790,000 to switch mobile phone firms * Parents greet plan to shut bullies’ Facebook accounts * Speeders to face blitz on roads * Without us this house would be a ruin, and they want to tax us again * DSK arrest means voters are left with only Le Pen or Sarkozy * My life in the fast lane * I started driving at the age of eight in my mother’s car — I had long legs * British crowds celebrate the classics * Le Mans, the race that grew into a legend... * Who was France’s Capability Brown? * Barefoot trails bring new walkers to the mountains * Explore the revolution of thought, society and industry * Full speed to the future * Bridging road, rail and sea * Set for take-off at airports * Street music fête marks 30 years * Priests aim to repeat charity success * MPs give taste of their homelands * Five words for dishcloth across parts of France * Marching with the country’s vegetable brethren * Eye Robot can speak its mind * Monsieur Grey paints Paris red * Bureaucracy failed to protect French heritage * Give police respect, not guns and drink * UK has 500,000 state workers with special work status, France has 5.5 million * Emergency passport rules improved for expatriates * Three-speed mail service as cost of stamps goes up * Michael bids farewell to the chaplaincy he helped build * Legion has events to mark 90^th birthday * Tempting chat, tasty garlic and a very full diary * A second equity release U-turn for Britons resident in France * Should I declare UK capital gain? * New French ‘exit tax’ details unveiled * Financial privacy is a right but it is under new threat * Minister announces 80 changes to cut paperwork for small businesses * No power plants needed for future green houses * Savings can be made from just a few simple changes * Why books and wine are natural bedfellows

GPs strike in bid to change to fixed pay * Starkozy Film of president’s rise to power to be screened at Cannes Festival * What lies behind French women’s longevity? * Bid to ban foreign flags as French win Union Jack deal * Debate sparks fears for Catholics * Political tug of war will not help secularism in France * Laid-back bistro in ‘world’s best’ list * Statistics reveal truth on shortage of French doctors * Woman wins €3,525 in landmark smoking case * Protesters step up pressure on shale gas ban ahead of vote * No wealth tax to pay in 2011 for fortunes under €1.3m * Revolution on way for professionals * Minister joins farmers in plea for rain * ‘Greenest ever’ Channel ferry will run on gas and electricity * Cheap minicab firm fined for ‘unfair competition’ * Gas prices locked until July 2012 * Playing ‘British card’ could be a winner * A&F hunks on the way * Pussyfooting Sarkozy may pay price for not soothing real concerns * There is no right to death * Should French schools begin religious studies? * Dos & Don'ts of French manners Tips from the school of etiquette and protocol * ‘Manners are very much a part of French identity’ * What to do if you find an injured or abandoned animal * 5,000 free events to celebrate Nature * You need to die in Paris to get in here * The busiest graveyard in the world with 2 million visitors * Developing the Riviera EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS - Paca president Michel Vauzelle, - Alpes-Maritimes head Eric Ciotti - Côte d’Azur tourism boss Bruno James - Antibes Mayor Jean Leonetti * Tourism is still the key for Côte d’Azur to maintain success * Transport links open up Alpes-Maritimes * Population rise means choices... and chances * Technology and tourism give Antibes a vital edge * How far would 100 words of French get you? * Designers develop our tastes for the fine arts * Wines and spirits don’t mix unless you add in talent * French rebels showed punk rockers the way * Idyllic riverside views transform dull block * Chronopost failed to deliver for mail or customer service * Latest mobile news and tips * Can over-65s get free bus passes? * Only dinosaurs buy when it is so easy to rent what you need * Ageing is not the same as growing old * Top tips to enjoy your new ‘old’ age * Paris crowns dental price league * Potluck cookbook helps boy walk * Make new friends at May’s Fête des Voisins * Members to cycle 1,000km in aid of the British Legion * How do couples cope when they become business partners? * Waterway to make a living; we love it * Your working relationship is vital safeguard * Jelly meetings bring home workers out of the house * Hosting English teaching courses could earn you €670 a week * Schooling your child out of catchment * I have a second home in France - do I need a special tax form? * Reduce investment risk with pound cost averaging * Cancelling insurance policies to become easier * Study finds online banks have fewest charges * Don’t depend on selling your excess solar power * Still homeless after nearly a year * Onion domes will rival Eiffel Tower on Paris skyline *