Background: Although ultimately a victor in World Wars I and II, France suffered extensive losses in its empire, wealth, manpower, and rank as a dominant nation-state. Nevertheless, France today is one of the most modern countries in the world and is a leader among European nations. Since 1958, it has constructed a presidential democracy resistant to the instabilities experienced in earlier parliamentary democracies. In recent years, its reconciliation and cooperation with Germany have proved central to the economic integration of Europe, including the introduction of a common exchange currency, the euro, in January 1999. At present, France is at the forefront of efforts to develop the EU's military capabilities to supplement progress toward an EU foreign policy.
July 23rd 2008Europe » France » Limousin » Creuse » Crocq It was our last day in Bordeaux and our last day with our amazing and wonderful hosts, Jean-François and Colette. I have no idea how we will ever be able to repay them for their kindnesses and hospita ... 10 photos[full story]
July 19th 2008Europe » France » Limousin » Creuse » Crocq Today I just laid low for most of the day. Still feeling a bit under the weather but I think I'm on the mend as I could eat today :) You may have noticed a lack of food descriptions the past few days! ... [full story]
July 18th 2008Europe » France » Limousin » Creuse » Crocq Well, I am back in Crocq after 2 very nice and busy days in Limoges. Somehow I caught a cold over here and have not been feeling very energetic but that didn't stop us from checking out Limoges and sh ... 18 photos[full story]
July 17th 2008Europe » France » Limousin From Tours to Brantome (northern part of the Perigord region) we will pass through Limoges which has a beautiful porcelain museum ( www.musee-adriendubouche.fr ).
In Brantome we will stay at Maison ... 6 photos[full story]
July 17th 2008Europe » France » Limousin » Limoges Just a quick entry to say I'll write all about Limoges tomorrow after Mom is safely on her way home and I am back in Crocq. Nice here in Limoges. The hotel is quite funky. It's got an amazing collecti ... [full story]
July 14th 2008Europe » France » Limousin » Creuse » Crocq Today we woke up to sunshine and blue skies and so we decided to drive east to the next region called le Puy de Dome. This region is known for the many volcanoes in the western part of the region. Puy ... 13 photos[full story]
July 13th 2008Europe » France » Limousin » Creuse » Crocq We left Crocq this morning at around 9:30 am heading in the direction of Lupersat, to the north. They have a Sunday market there and we were going to see what it was like. BUT we didn't find Lupersat! ... 14 photos[full story]
July 12th 2008Europe » France » Limousin » Creuse » Crocq Today I woke up and walked up to the boulangerie to buy their special "pain feuilleté" (Jean-François - help!??) which is a cross between a croissant and a baguette and they only make it on the weeken ... 15 photos[full story]
July 11th 2008Europe » France » Limousin » Creuse » Crocq I woke up today to thunder and lightning and pouring rain! Luckily, it was 7 am LOL Strange to hear and see that first thing in the morning. Usually in Calgary we don't get thunder and lightning until ... 9 photos[full story]
July 10th 2008Europe » France » Limousin » Creuse » Crocq Today we had the pleasure of watching the Tour de France pass through Crocq directly past Jean-François's house. The main road into, through and out of Crocq was repaved especially for the tour to pas ... 12 photos[full story]
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