Auvergne

Finding Grace Kelly in Paris

Those looking for a taste of the glamorous side of the 1950s can find it in Paris. The City of Lights and snobby waiters was a hot spot for the Brad Pitts and Angelina Jolies of yesteryear.

Grace Kelly is probably the ultimate example of 50s fame. An exhibit at the Hotel de Ville showcases the life and times of the American movie star who the French embraced after she married Prince Rainier of Monaco and became Princess Grace.

Paris Airports Help Passengers Groove

A service at Paris area airports will have people dancing in the terminals. Literally.

As a special summer promotion provided by Aeroports de Paris, dance classes will be offered to passengers before they hop, or samba, onto their flight. Call it France's version of the reality hit So You Think You Can Dance. Styles include tango, salsa, modern jazz, and mambo. There is even instruction in hip hop and rock and roll.

« Madame du Barry » : Historytainment. (2/5)

Christian-Jaque carefully wraps his film in many layers of artificiality, like a beautifully dressed and made up actress, to prevent any misunderstanding about what we are about to see : « Historytainment », rather than a scholarly lecture in colour about the roots of French Revolution, though we shall witness the joyful deliquescence of a « Régime » which, before the century ends, shall have become « ancien », or past.

« Madame du Barry » : on our way to the king’s bed. (1/5)

Summer break is looming, but there is still time for one final History lesson. No worry : it will be light.