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GR, GRP, PR: What do the French hiking signs mean?
What are the coloured symbols on French hiking routes? Who paints them there and why?
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Miss France: glam - but not sexy
Miss France organiser Geneviève de Fontenay fears she is fighting a losing battle to protect her 'Cinderella dream' from vulgarity
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Normandy Landings visit for Queen
Queen Elizabeth has confirmed a state visit to France, ending rumours she is handing over duties to Charles
No pension rights for civil partner
Anti-discrimination body the Halde is challenging the rule that pacs partners cannot have a pension
ANTI-DISCRIMINATION body the Halde is challenging the rule that pacs partners cannot have a pension de réversion (widow/er’s pension).
They say the rule is discriminatory because it means only heterosexual couples benefit. Heterosexual and gay couples can be in a pacs but only heterosexual couples can marry.
This is one of several areas where those in or considering a French pacs should be aware they have lesser rights compared to a married couple (though in some cases they benefit from fewer responsibilities and greater simplicity).
For example, a pacs partner does not automatically inherit any of their partner’s estate – it must be specified in a will. However, if the couple’s main residence is part of the estate, a survivor benefits from an automatic right to use it for a year.