-
A Parisian explains his city’s 20 arrondissements
To many foreigners, Paris means romance, culture and iconic landmarks but for Parisians, the city has a different feel
-
These districts of Paris are most popular amongst Americans in France
More arrondissements are seeing US buyers in the wake of the Trump presidency, specialist estate agencies say
-
UK seeks easier EU travel for pets under new rules
Cats and dogs could soon travel from the UK to the EU without costly vet certificates if a proposed agreement on rejoining pet passport scheme is approved
12,000 plastic ducks released into river for charity
A huge basket of 12,000 plastic bath ducks was released on to the Aa river in Saint-Omer (Pas-de-Calais, Hauts-de-France) as part of a charity fundraising duck race this week.

The bright yellow surge was part of a giant charity tombola, literally named “The Duck Race”, with each duck featuring a number allowing it to be tracked along the waterway.
Spectators watched as the ducks were slowly released into the water and cheered along the route.
Each duck was available to buy, for €5 each, or €10 for three. Prizes for the owners of the winning ducks included a weekend away worth €700, a 3D printer, an off-road bike, a holiday worth €2,000; and even a Fiat 500 car.
All profits of the tombola will go to charity associations that take care of children with cancer, and those who are fighting against motor neurone disease (also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Lou Gehrig’s Disease and as la maladie de Charcot in French).
The first little duck took 18 minutes to travel the length of the specific water route, with special counter volunteers recording the arrival of each duck as it finished.
The next Duck Race will take place on June 30 in Saint-Laurent Blangy.
Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers in France