Employment law in France is, to an outside observer used to the Anglo-saxon system, all about employee rights. Trade Unions are strong and their socialist leanings mean that acquired employee rights cannot be taken lightly. The desire of the current right-wing government is to make employment law more flexible for employers, allowing them to have […]

Nathan had a regular appointment at the respiratory physiotherapist this Wednesday. He’s been having treatment for a cough and blocked nose. I’m sad to say he’s relapsed and the physio said we should take him to the emergency department at the local hospital as he had become very blocked up. So off we drove and […]

Usually when I drive towards Versailles, I’m going to see friends or taking friends to see the palace. Or it’s a wedding, since friends of Yasmina got married in the town hall there just last year. Today, Nathan was going for a follow up test after inconclusive results in a nationwide newborn screening program.
Just 2 […]

I was late to work today because on the bridge I take over the Seine en route, a car was stopped with the hazard warning lights flashing.
As I looked to find out why, I saw flames under the passenger wheel. I thought maybe just the tyre was burning. But as I passed, I saw […]

As most of you know, the French love to go on strike. Especially the public sector, with the lead generally being held by train workers. Yesterday, the SNCF (French national train company) were on strike, causing packed trains and leaving many people stranded waiting for a train to get home. Even with only 30% (highest […]

It’s dropped below 10°C here which means it’s feeling very cold. The heating has been switched on in our flat and cars are already beginning to be frosted if left outside overnight.
The riots have calmed slightly; every night on television the count of burned cars drops, but the figures are still alarmingly high. Gennevilliers, a […]

Residential areas around France are burning. Cars are being torched. Local commerce is being reduced to broken glass, ash and smoke-damaged furniture and fittings. For the last couple of weeks, there have been a number of events around Paris which have caused widespread alarm.
The initial event which seems to have sparked off the violence is […]

I’ve been busy with Nathan over the last few days, who is now at home and living it up in his bedroom with all his presents and toys. Yasmina left hospital just four days after the birth but I think she’s pleased to be home rather than staying in hospital. Friends have been round to […]