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.
June 30th 2008Europe » France » Poitou-Charentes » La Rochelle 23.Juni Mandag
Siden vi ikke hadde noen spesefik reise destinasjon, så hadde vi det heller ikke travelt med å komme oss avgårde... Ikke noen overaskelser der... Det ble en lang morgen med frokost, ... [full story]
June 17th 2008Europe » France » Poitou-Charentes » La Rochelle Excellent weather made our 2 day stay in La Rochelle memorable. Friday the 13th was indeed a good day. We met at the train station in Tours for a 7.45 departure for La Rochelle--about a 3-hour trip ... [full story]
June 15th 2008Europe » France » Poitou-Charentes » La Rochelle Laurelin's parents, Bob and Becky, left today after a one week visit. We were so pleased to host them, and had a wonderful time showing them around some of our favorite hidden spots and discovering n ... [full story]
May 14th 2008Europe » France » Poitou-Charentes » La Rochelle Brittany was just picture post card perfect. On the drive south the buildings are subtly changing from the dark stone with slate roof’s of Brittany (and most of Ireland and Wales) to a pale sand ... [full story]
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