Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Employment Law In France - Vive La Difference!

The Law for Employment, followed in France is different! It is unique in its own manner. An ideal law, found nowhere else in this world. This is just a synopsis on what is all the hue about.

You are fired! These three words are not to be made common according to this law. This means that, the circumstances and the boundary line for throwing out an employee are more restricted. Employment law in France is not out of their wish, not as one opts for. The reasons for the employee being thrown out ought to be brought to his or her notice.

On an over view, the law implies that, firing or dismissing an employee is a formal practice and is no melodrama! There a certain set of very complex procedures and rules to be followed, to sack the person.

Apart from dismissing the employee, the second eye catching regulation that makes the Law for Employment in France, ideal from other countries is lay offs. These lay offs are also known as redundancies. Considering the constraints of the regime's economy, lay offs also has a set of convoluted restraints and principles to be followed. These are provided exclusively for the effect of lay offs in mass in particular.

A peculiar fact in this Labor Law of France is their processing towards legitimacy, in which, the entity of France, should be financially in debt, to justify their actions in firing one of the staffs or rendering them superfluous. Due to this, as such, certain agencies of the State of France have the authority to get the info on the laying off of any of the faculty members of private sector units.

This methodology or the tradition followed, is beneficial in one way, and secures the state as well, by the fact that the organizations that want to process the laying off of the staffs, have to rely on other agencies that are run independently. In this way, it also paves the way for a second opportunity for them.

A not so expensive and not very difficult task for an employee is, starting a law suit in opposition to her or her previous employer. The courts file their complaint and the judges are elected by the employees or the employer, themselves. The courts that deal with relationships between the labourers and their employers is called Conseils de Prud'homme. As compared to the United States, where you become a pauper if you file a law suit, France legitimacy is more acceptable and reasonable.

In France it is a rare sight for dismissing claims without the employer being awarded in opposition to him or her. This is so unlike the law followed in US. These kinds of claims are generally made on consideration of each case.

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Supermarkets in France

There are some 30 large chains of supermarket in France, from the budget to the bijoux, there is something for everyone's taste and pocket.

Most are one stop shops, but, especially at the cheaper end, it's the brand name and fresh produce items that you might have to shop around for.

From Aldi and Netto at one end to Geant at the other, there is every conceivable type of good for sale, it's just perhaps at the budget end you might not be offered the choice of 20 breakfast cereal, just five, but of course this is the point of shopping around to find what best suits you.

Generally most small towns will be served by at least one of the chains, but in reality it is more likely to be a number far higher than this, with many grouped on a trading estate on the outskirts of town.

These are great places to pull up in and do the weekly shop, parking is usually free in these estates as there is not such a premium on space however in cities what with given space restrictions it is likely a fee will be charged and you will generally be limited to that operator's store.

It is not just French brands that are trading, Sainsbury's and Tesco have now got a toehold in Calais, but mostly catering to visiting Brits seeking to stock up on liquid refreshment before hopping back over the English Channel. But it is a start.

Many chains also offer some form of loyalty card scheme, so it can pay off if you are likely to be traveling around the country for some time to investigate this as an option.

It's just a question of taste and in France all tastes are served.

Football in France

France is a beautiful country famous for its world renowned landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Musée du Louvre, and Notre Dame de Paris. However, aside from these famous places, France is also home to the most prestigious sports events in the world such as Tour de France, Six Nations Rugby, Andros Trophy, French Open, and much more. With these sports events, it is only expected that various sports can also be observed in France. Some of the popular sport in France, rugby, cycling and football of course.

Football in France can be traced back to the beginning of 1872 as well. The sport was introduced Havre in France by British sailors in the port of Le. Over the years, France has one of the best countries in 1998, when it comes to football. History of France in the world of football, July 12, the day defeated Brazil 3-0 with a goal and won the girls championship. Inaddition, France also achieved two other European Championships. Also, in 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, United States, France won the gold for football, which gave major boost to the country.

In addition, France is also home to various foot ball clubs such as AJ Auxerre, AS Monaco FC, Marseille, and Lyon. There are also famous football players that came from France like Patrick Viera, Zinedine Zidane, Thierry Henry, Lilian Thuram. The domestic football league in France is called the Ligue de Football Professionnel. At present, football is the most watched sport among all French people.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Get Mediterranean Cruise Packages to France, Spain, Greece and Monte Carlo

France

A French Mediterranean cruise itinerary will generally be determined by one's choice of cruise line since France has so many ports of call. One of themost popular ports of call is the second largest city -- Marseille. Considered to be the largest port of the entire Mediterranean Sea, Marseille is the departure point for many visits to the Provence region of the country. It is also one of the starting off points towards the French Riviera such as Nice or Cannes. Cruisers will have the option to do some shopping activities at any of the high fashion boutiques, take a visit to the Basilica of Notre Dame or Aix, or even walk along the famously relaxing beaches of Cannes.

Greece

People can also take any of the numerous cruises that come from Athens and sail around the Greek Isles and the Mediterranean Sea. They are a great opportunity to enjoy all of the awesome natural beauty and exciting nightlife of the Greek Islands.

Barcelona

Barcelona cruises are another one of the more popular options. In point of fact, more than a million travelers a year will take this route due to the city's amazing shopping, food, nightlife, and famous architecture. A lot of people agree that Barcelona in Spain is one of the best departure ports.

Monte Carlo

Situated between the mountainous Alps and the Mediterranean, a cruise from Monte Carlo can be another great option. It is where one can find the stunning Cote d'Azur, which is adorned by yachts and luxurious beach houses by the rich and famous people of the French Riviera.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Affordable Shopping In Paris France

Feeling the Paris pinch? Take a stroll down the rue Saint-Placide in the heart of the tres cher 6th arrondissiment. At the end of the road, you'll find one of Paris's most famous department stores, Le Bon Marché, and foodie's paradise, Le Grand Epicerie. But on your way to splash the cash, you can check out a street that's a treat for bargain hunters.

No. 58 La Generale de Pharmacie sells many French cosmetics and beauty products at 40% cheaper than a normal drugstore. Look for Roche Posay, a French brand for sensitive skins -- easily as good as Clinique and 1/3 price. Stock up.

At no. 45 is a clandestine chausseure operation, depicted above, going by the name of Moda. The exterior windows are stacked high with shoe boxes; the owner does not want any publicity because they have an agreement with the big names to keep schtum about their wares. Inside, you'll find cute and colorful Marc Jacobs, Cacharel, Chloe loafers, and sexy Viktor and Rolf high heels. They also have men's shoes, including Prada sneakers and good-quality formalwear shoes. All this at 50-60% less than normal price.

At no. 35, Pullsion sells cut-price classic French brand Petit Bateau, a brand for kids but worn by everyone from French teenagers to grandmothers, priced from EUR9 euros -- a fraction of the cost at the shop on the Champs Elysées.

The Latin Quarter adopted its name from the early Latin speaking students that lived there and has been inhabited since the early Middle Ages. You will generally find artists, intellectuals, and others who have adopted a Bohemian lifestyle. This area include various Paris landmarks like the Musée de Cluny, the Institut du Monde Arabe, the Muséum National d'histoire Naturelle, and the Jardin des Plantes. At the heart of Latin Quarter, as its symbol, stands famous University La Sorbonne . It's a vibrant neighborhood with both historical buildings and fine shops. At night, enjoy the smoky pubs and jazz clubs.

This quarter has a vast array of stores that are beautiful and with a good quality at a price that fits on our budget.

Directory of Flea & Antique Markets

Marché d'Aligre
Address: Place d'Aligre, 75012 Paris
One of the city's most interesting markets, made up of the covered Marché Beauvau (open since 1777) and an open-air market in the surrounding square with produce as well as flea-market stalls. Aligre is both well supplied and typically Parisian. It's a great place to get an insight into life in the capital, and shows off its cosmopolitan side with numerous Asian and North African shops located around the market. Don't get there too late, or you'll find all the good things have gone.
Hours: Tues. - Sat., 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 to 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Ledru Rollin (line 8)

Marché aux Puces de Montreuil
Address: avenue de la Porte de Montreuil, 75020 Paris / 93100 Montreuil-sous-Bois
Like one vast car boot sale, this market disgorges mountains of second-hand clothing, parts for cars, showers and sundry machines, and a jumble of miscellaneous rubbish from its dusty, grungy bowels. You'll find little pre-1900, but there are fun collectables like branded pastis water jugs.
Hours: Sat. - Mon., 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Porte de Montreuil (line 9)

Marché aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves
Addresses: avenue Georges Lafenestre & avenue Marc Sangnier, 75014 Paris
Phone: (+33) 06.88.64.82.77; E-mail: pucesdevanves@free.fr
Every weekend of the year, 350 stall holders await you: furniture, trinkets, paintings, fabric, glassware, time pieces, jewelry, military objects, photography, music, and curios. In the heart of Paris, an exciting place that will capture your imagination. It's the place to visit for flea market enthusiasts.
Hours: Weekends; avenue Marc Sangnier until 1 p.m.; avenue Georges Lafenestre all day.
Porte de Vanves (line 13)

Les Puces de Saint-Ouen
Address: 48, rue Jules Vallès (Marché des Antiquaires), 93400 Saint-Ouen
(between the Porte de St-Ouen and Porte de Clignancourt, just outside 18th arrondissement)
The world's biggest flea market welcomes 200,000 visitors each weekend. You name it, this place has it: furniture, pictures, new and second-hand clothes - all at rock-bottom prices (especially if you're adept at haggling). There's a jovial fairground atmosphere, with the aroma of food wafting in the air and people crowding round the stalls, hoping to pick up a 1970s leather jacket or rare Louis XV chest of drawers. Make sure to bring cash, as stallholders seldom accept credit cards and the nearest available ATM always has a line.
Hours: Sat. - Mon., 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Porte de Clignancourt (line 4), Porte de St-Ouen (line 13)

Paris, France - Arc De Triomphe - Triumphal Arch

The Arc de Triomphe stands majestically in the centre of the Etoile, a large roundabout designed by Baron Haussmann, from which 12 avenues, including the Champs-Elysees, emanate. It is celebrated as one of the greatest - if not the greatest - triumphal arches in the world.

The arch was commissioned by Napoleon to commemorate his victorious battles. He had already built an arch at the place du Carrousel, but was disappointed with its final size and went on to supercede it with the much larger and grander Arc de Triomphe. Work on the 50m (164-foot) tall structure began in 1806, but was not completed until 30 years later under Louis-Phillippe, largely because of Napoleon's defeat and fall from power. Fittingly, his funeral procession passed under the arch on its way to its final resting place at Les Invalides.

Today, the arch remains a symbol of pride and regularly hosts national commemorations. On May 8 each year it plays a central role in the VE Day celebrations; on July 14 it hosts an event to mark Bastille Day; and Napoleon's victory at the Battle of Austerliltz in 1805 is marked at the foot of the arch on December 2. Beneath the arch is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a victim of World War I, who was buried on November 11 1920, and where Remembrance Day events are held every year. A Memorial Flame above the tomb is lit at 6:30pm every day.

The arch is lavishly adorned with sculptures by Jean-Pierre Cortot, Antoine Etex and Francois Rude. Among them is Rude's famous liberty sculpture, La Marseillaise. Above the sculptures is a frieze depicting Napoleon's troops leaving for battle and their victorious return, along with 30 shields, each of which bears the name of a revolutionary or Imperial victory. Cortot's relief depicts the Treaty of Vienna peace agreement of 1810, while others portray Battle of Aboukir by Seurre the Elder and the Battle of Austerlitz by Gechter. General Marceau's funeral is shown above the entrance to the arch's museum.

Crowning the Arc de Triomphe is a viewing platform from where you can see Haussmann's design of 12 avenues and the world-renowned axis, or line of vision, known as the Axe Historique. This runs from the Grande Arche at La Defense to the Arc de Triomphe, along the Champs-Elysees to the obelisk in the centre of the place de la Concorde, and on to the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel and the Musee du Louvre. Placed in a perfect straight line, they constitute a grand panorama.

Inside the arch is a museum that tells the fascinating history of the structure, and details of Napoleon's victories. If you feel energetic enough, you can walk up the 184 steps to the viewing platform.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Cassis France - A Jewel on the Mediterranean

Cassis is a charming little fishing village in the south of France, near Marseille. If you'd like to spend some time on the Riviera but want something a little more down to earth, come to Cassis. You won't be disappointed!

A stroll through this picture-postcard village will reward with the sight of some beautiful buildings, many of which have been restored. Old fountains are the centerpiece of the squares, adding a graceful look and a cool sound to the surrounding activities. Many of the Cassis houses are painted in pastel colours which adds to the local charm.

Cassis is famous for its white wine. The blanc de blanc complements the fresh local seafood, or try the local rosé. This should not be confused with the blackcurrant brandy of the same name!

What to do in Cassis
Cassis has a regular open-air artists' market which is delightful to wander around. Paintings make great gifts and affordable souvenirs of time spent here.

The prettiest part of Cassis is the old harbor and a gentle stroll in the sunshine is the best way to enjoy this historic district. Sitting in one of the harbourside cafes is also alot of fun, especially when the local fisherman bring in their fresh catch of the day.

There are plenty of local boats called 'pointus' with their traditional bow posts. These boats advertise trips to the nearby Calanques, or cliffs, famous for their Cassis stone quarries. Rock climbers also like to be dropped at the foot of the calanques for a challenging climb.

Pick up a walking route map from the local Office de Tourisme and take one of the scenic walks around the area, or amble down to the lovely sandy beaches. The Plage de la Grande Mer is just beyond the port, or try the Plage du Corton and the Plage de l'Arène nearby. Some beaches to the west of the port are popular nudist beaches.

Wednesday is market day in Cassis, a great opportunity to buy some local produce or flowers. Cassis is also a great place to dine at one of the terrace cafés and restaurants. Away from the port there are several bistros full of local character serving excellent fixed price lunches.

Cassis is a delightful village to head for if you are staying in the region. Enjoy the laid back lifestyle and the sunny climate whatever you choose to do here.