The good times have rolled

FRANCE'S 'national happiness quota' peaked in 2001 according to a Canadian study.

The measure, ( Bonheur intérieur net ) seen as an alternative to gross domestic product, takes into account several elements including average household spending, social equality and economic stability.

According to the Canadian think-tank the Centre d'Etude des niveaux de vie (CENV), France hit its highest level of national happiness in 2001.

Unemployment was below two million, the dot com bubble had not burst and when salaried people were starting to feel the benefit of the 35-hour working week, said the study.