Eleanor Beardsley http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=17796129&ft=1&f=17796129 Eleanor Beardsley began reporting from France for NPR in June 2004, following all aspects of French society, politics, economics, culture and gastronomy. en Copyright 2013 NPR - For Personal Use Only NPR API RSS Generator 0.94 Sat, 25 May 2013 05:55:00 -0400 http://media.npr.org/images/npr_news_123x20.gif Eleanor Beardsley http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=17796129&ft=1&f=17796129 War Of Words: France Debates Teaching Courses In English The French Parliament is at odds over a measure that allows French universities to teach in English. Those in favor say it will help attract more international students, while opponents fear it will marginalize the French language. Sat, 25 May 2013 05:55:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2013/05/25/186540645/war-of-words-france-debates-teaching-courses-in-english?ft=1&f=17796129 http://www.npr.org/2013/05/25/186540645/war-of-words-france-debates-teaching-courses-in-english?ft=1&f=17796129 The French Parliament is at odds over a measure that allows French universities to teach in English. Those in favor say it will help attract more international students, while opponents fear it will marginalize the French language.

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]]> Far-Right Historian Commits Suicide In Notre Dame Cathedral Dominique Venner, a well-known French historian who embraced and wrote about ultra-conservative causes for decades, committed suicide today in front of the alter at Notre Dame Cathedral. He had left a post on his blog decrying the legalization of same sex marriage in France. "An infamous law ... can always be repealed," he wrote. "It will require new, spectacular and symbolic actions to rouse people from their complacency." Tue, 21 May 2013 15:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=185839242&ft=1&f=17796129 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=185839242&ft=1&f=17796129 Dominique Venner, a well-known French historian who embraced and wrote about ultra-conservative causes for decades, committed suicide today in front of the alter at Notre Dame Cathedral. He had left a post on his blog decrying the legalization of same sex marriage in France. "An infamous law ... can always be repealed," he wrote. "It will require new, spectacular and symbolic actions to rouse people from their complacency."

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]]> An Ancient Religious Pilgrimage That Now Draws The Secular The 1,200-year-old European pilgrimage route known as the Way of St. James is undergoing a revival. Tens of thousands of people are walking across France to the Spanish coastal city of Santiago de Compostela, and the relics of St. James. Once a religious affair, it's now a cultural and social phenomenon as well. Mon, 20 May 2013 17:19:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/blogs/parallels/2013/05/20/185577205/Modern-Pilgrims-Find-New-Meaning-Walking-An-Ancient-Path?ft=1&f=17796129 http://www.npr.org/blogs/parallels/2013/05/20/185577205/Modern-Pilgrims-Find-New-Meaning-Walking-An-Ancient-Path?ft=1&f=17796129 The 1,200-year-old European pilgrimage route known as the Way of St. James is undergoing a revival. Tens of thousands of people are walking across France to the Spanish coastal city of Santiago de Compostela, and the relics of St. James. Once a religious affair, it's now a cultural and social phenomenon as well.

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]]> France Proposes Technology Tax To Pay For Culture Content The French government is weighing a proposal to tax Google, Apple and possibly other large technology firms to raise revenue for the arts and cultural programs. The government contends the new tax would be similar to taxes already imposed on TV users, broadcasters and Internet providers. Tue, 14 May 2013 04:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2013/05/14/183840288/france-proposes-technology-tax-to-pay-for-culture-content?ft=1&f=17796129 http://www.npr.org/2013/05/14/183840288/france-proposes-technology-tax-to-pay-for-culture-content?ft=1&f=17796129 The French government is weighing a proposal to tax Google, Apple and possibly other large technology firms to raise revenue for the arts and cultural programs. The government contends the new tax would be similar to taxes already imposed on TV users, broadcasters and Internet providers.

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]]> In France, A Renewed Push To Return Art Looted By Nazis Nearly seven decades after the end of World War II, France is still attempting to locate the rightful owners of art that was looted by the Nazis. The Internet and improved technology have helped, but it's still a painstaking process. Wed, 08 May 2013 11:37:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2013/05/08/180037498/in-france-a-renewed-push-to-return-art-looted-by-nazis?ft=1&f=17796129 http://www.npr.org/2013/05/08/180037498/in-france-a-renewed-push-to-return-art-looted-by-nazis?ft=1&f=17796129 Nearly seven decades after the end of World War II, France is still attempting to locate the rightful owners of art that was looted by the Nazis. The Internet and improved technology have helped, but it's still a painstaking process.

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]]> Bombing Suspects' Chechen Roots Weigh Heavy On Nation's Refugees NPR's Eleanor Beardsley talks to Chechen refugees living in France, and hears how they're reacting to news of of the recent Boston Marathon bombings. There are some 10,000 Chechen refugees in France and Germany, and upwards of 25,000 in Austria. Sat, 27 Apr 2013 08:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2013/04/27/179415156/bombing-suspects-chechen-roots-weigh-heavy-on-nation-refugees?ft=1&f=17796129 http://www.npr.org/2013/04/27/179415156/bombing-suspects-chechen-roots-weigh-heavy-on-nation-refugees?ft=1&f=17796129 NPR's Eleanor Beardsley talks to Chechen refugees living in France, and hears how they're reacting to news of of the recent Boston Marathon bombings. There are some 10,000 Chechen refugees in France and Germany, and upwards of 25,000 in Austria.

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]]> Routine On U.S. Racetracks, Horse Doping Is Banned In Europe The Americans and the Europeans have different approaches to horse racing, and one key split is over the question of doping. While many drugs are allowed in the U.S., they are banned in European racing. Tue, 23 Apr 2013 16:03:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2013/04/23/178622935/routine-on-u-s-racetracks-horse-doping-is-banned-in-europe?ft=1&f=17796129 http://www.npr.org/2013/04/23/178622935/routine-on-u-s-racetracks-horse-doping-is-banned-in-europe?ft=1&f=17796129 The Americans and the Europeans have different approaches to horse racing, and one key split is over the question of doping. While many drugs are allowed in the U.S., they are banned in European racing.

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]]> Large Police Presence Surrounds Margaret Thatcher's Funeral Margaret Thatcher was laid to rest in a funeral attended by dignitaries from around the globe as well as Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip on Wednesday. It's the first funeral of a British politician attended by the Queen since Sir Winston Churchill's in 1965. Wed, 17 Apr 2013 15:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2013/04/17/177650614/large-police-presence-surrounds-margaret-thatchers-funeral?ft=1&f=17796129 http://www.npr.org/2013/04/17/177650614/large-police-presence-surrounds-margaret-thatchers-funeral?ft=1&f=17796129 Margaret Thatcher was laid to rest in a funeral attended by dignitaries from around the globe as well as Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip on Wednesday. It's the first funeral of a British politician attended by the Queen since Sir Winston Churchill's in 1965.

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]]> Supporters Turn Out To Pay Respects To Margaret Thatcher Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher will be laid to rest Wednesday in an elaborate funeral that will be attended by the queen — her first of a politician since Winston Churchill's death in 1965. Thousands of police will deployed to protect the many expected to line the streets. Thatcher's death reignited anger from those who suffered from her harsh policies. Wed, 17 Apr 2013 04:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2013/04/17/177566617/a-preview-of-margaret-thatchers-funeral?ft=1&f=17796129 http://www.npr.org/2013/04/17/177566617/a-preview-of-margaret-thatchers-funeral?ft=1&f=17796129 Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher will be laid to rest Wednesday in an elaborate funeral that will be attended by the queen — her first of a politician since Winston Churchill's death in 1965. Thousands of police will deployed to protect the many expected to line the streets. Thatcher's death reignited anger from those who suffered from her harsh policies.

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]]> Louvre Employees Walk Off Job After Rash Of Pickpocketing Pickpockets closed Paris' famed Louvre museum. Staff went on strike seeking greater protection from pickpockets, including children, who have been targeting staff and tourists alike. Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2013/04/11/176954650/louvre-employees-walk-off-job-after-rash-of-pickpocketing?ft=1&f=17796129 http://www.npr.org/2013/04/11/176954650/louvre-employees-walk-off-job-after-rash-of-pickpocketing?ft=1&f=17796129 Pickpockets closed Paris' famed Louvre museum. Staff went on strike seeking greater protection from pickpockets, including children, who have been targeting staff and tourists alike.

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]]> Versailles Gets Spiffed-Up On Its Day Off Nearly 7 million people visit the Chateau at Versailles a year. But one day a week, it's closed. That's a spa day of sorts, when conservation work and cleaning takes place at the Grande Dame of France royal residences. The hardwood floors alone require nearly 1,000 gallons of wax a year. Fri, 29 Mar 2013 03:04:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2013/03/29/175295984/versailles-gets-spiffed-up-on-its-day-off?ft=1&f=17796129 http://www.npr.org/2013/03/29/175295984/versailles-gets-spiffed-up-on-its-day-off?ft=1&f=17796129 Nearly 7 million people visit the Chateau at Versailles a year. But one day a week, it's closed. That's a spa day of sorts, when conservation work and cleaning takes place at the Grande Dame of France royal residences. The hardwood floors alone require nearly 1,000 gallons of wax a year.

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]]> New Bells Chime With Modern Pitch At Notre Dame Cathedral For its 850th anniversary, Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is getting new bells. Nearly all of its bells date from an 1856 renovation. Experts say the 19th century bells toll off key. NPR's Eleanor Beardsley reports the new bells will join one original bell, known as Emmanuel, which remains in the south tower. Sun, 24 Mar 2013 08:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2013/03/24/175173103/new-bells-chime-with-modern-pitch-at-notre-dame-cathedral?ft=1&f=17796129 http://www.npr.org/2013/03/24/175173103/new-bells-chime-with-modern-pitch-at-notre-dame-cathedral?ft=1&f=17796129 For its 850th anniversary, Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is getting new bells. Nearly all of its bells date from an 1856 renovation. Experts say the 19th century bells toll off key. NPR's Eleanor Beardsley reports the new bells will join one original bell, known as Emmanuel, which remains in the south tower.

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]]> As Global Chains Move In, The Champs Elysees Gets A New Look Some Parisians worry that an avenue once considered the most beautiful in the world is starting to take on the character of an American shopping strip. Thu, 14 Mar 2013 16:40:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2013/03/14/174320146/as-global-chains-move-in-the-champs-elysees-gets-a-new-look?ft=1&f=17796129 http://www.npr.org/2013/03/14/174320146/as-global-chains-move-in-the-champs-elysees-gets-a-new-look?ft=1&f=17796129 Some Parisians worry that an avenue once considered the most beautiful in the world is starting to take on the character of an American shopping strip.

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]]> Catholics Around The World React To Announcement Of New Pope We have reaction from around the world to the selection of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, Argentina, as pope. Wed, 13 Mar 2013 15:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2013/03/13/174231289/catholics-around-the-world-react-to-announcement-of-new-pope?ft=1&f=17796129 http://www.npr.org/2013/03/13/174231289/catholics-around-the-world-react-to-announcement-of-new-pope?ft=1&f=17796129 We have reaction from around the world to the selection of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, Argentina, as pope.

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]]> In Algeria, Foreign Companies On Alert Since terrorists seized an oil and gas site in the Algerian desert in January, foreign companies operating in the country have been worried about keeping their personnel safe. And in Algeria, that problem is compounded by the war in neighboring Mali against Islamist extremists. Wed, 13 Mar 2013 04:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2013/03/13/174174561/in-algeria-foreign-companies-on-alert?ft=1&f=17796129 http://www.npr.org/2013/03/13/174174561/in-algeria-foreign-companies-on-alert?ft=1&f=17796129 Since terrorists seized an oil and gas site in the Algerian desert in January, foreign companies operating in the country have been worried about keeping their personnel safe. And in Algeria, that problem is compounded by the war in neighboring Mali against Islamist extremists.

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