[Photo] Monique

French Matters

An Irregular French Letter

New London-Paris Ideas Forum

This looks interesting and rather fun. Sponsored by a weekly news round-up magazine called “The Week” there is a London Paris Festival taking place in London over 6 – 8 October 2006.

The Festival will cover a wide range of serious debates and discussions: politics, whether Paris would be a better alternative to the “special relationship” with Washington, emigration to France and events in the Middle East.

But it’s not all serious: there will be a welcoming cabaret show from Kit and the widow (suitably re-named Chat et la veuve for the occasion). These two guys are very funny and my links page already provides a link to their website.

There is also going to be a debate entitled “English sparkling wine vs French Champagne”. In their enthusiasm the organisers have committed a small, but rather English mistake here. The true Frenchman would say I fear that the word “French” before “Champagne” is a tautology as no sparkling wine made outside Champagne can properly be called “champagne” so far as I know You may say I’m just being a bit pedantic, but that would be sour grapes!

A contest between English sparkling wines and French sparkling wines could include all the wonderful regional sparkling varieties such as the under-rated Blanquette de Limoux from the foothills of the Pyrénnées.

This Festival is a great initiative and I wish them well in establishing this as an annual event. Check them out on www.iq2londonparisfestival.com

Why not share your own thoughts with me and other readers on these topics through my blog.

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