How times have changed: Britons want to be French

Those are awful news, OAK. That's always a heartbreaking..

Terrible news.


Condolences to all those affected by this tragic accident.

Ilove French house music.

The reason so many Brits like France is that France is a nicer place to live work and raise kids than England.

No doubt. I think that's probably the same with most other European countries.

If there wasn't that funny slang they speak there ...

I have heard it's because (outside of the main conurbations) it's more conservative, has fewer immigrants and less of an ethnic mix. And a better health service.

Which might, to some people, be another way of saying the same thing.

Sadly I cant actually think of a single quality of life factor (climate food scenery work/leisure balance etc) which isnt better in France. How many French settle in England? Not many. However I will concede my perception may be skewed by the association of 'France' with 'holidays'.

There was only one major immigration window for them: 1066.

Part of my family was on the boats from Normandy back then.

I've visited the village they came from: Moutiers Hubert near Lisieux - very pretty but rather too quiet for a Londoner!

P de la C

Well I'm glad they left the horse and donkey chewing over there!

I have some British friends living near to St Rochelle. It's not far beyond that to the Vendee, (is it ?)
Frances, what are the roads like bwtween Paris & St. Rochelle ?

Francis is probably busy at this time of night O&K, Gay Pareee! and all that jazz, so I'll answer your question in case it's urgent.

If it isn't-forget it.

The roads between the two places you mention are much the same as roads anywhere. A strip of tarmac with a white line up the middle to keep drivers oriented and as population density increases the number of directives increase so that if you are on a orbital motorway in a big city you have temporarily, it is hoped, lost control of yourself.

The time of day is probably a factor as well. And the odd diversion is probably not unknown at this time.

If the World Cup final is on for example and France are in the final with Brazil I should think you could really put your foot down and allow the French countryside to go past in a blur.

But watch out for the cowshit on the bends.

Sorry....since becoming a dog-mommie, I've toned down my ways. :wink:

Your wrong there Spendi, a new gas main is being installed along the stretch under debate. There is a contra-flow system in operation and a JCB is digging away, doing the work of a hundred Micks at a fraction of the cost.

Unfortunately the temporary traffic lights have gone on the blink and a couple of flag men are playing with the traffic, doing their level best to get a crash or two on a blind bend.


I bet Henry Miller didn't have traffic problems when he settled down in the city of Love.

never mind O&K, you didnt come here for a serious answer did you?

It's a bit of a stretch to suggest ol' Henry ever settled down anywhere.

Can you racall that passage when Alf was getting the slapper from down the hall to change the light bulb??

thanks guys,,,,,,, I can see the shoulders shrugging, the gaulloise is being shuffled from one side of the mouth to the other, the baguete is strapped across the handlebars of le bicycle & a freaking great camion from le pompiers is heading for le bistro for lunch.
I'm just hanging out for Le Rugby World Cup 2007

p.s. ---- anyone fancy a game of boules ? that is after the Eurostar A2K Sunny Day Special has ambled thru Le Patron's buffet franchise. I'll have 2 pan aux raisins mit mons cafe au lait.

and spendi -- "white line up the middle" ? I thort white lines went down the middle & then up the nasal passage