When you look back on the old classic Italian films of the last century, you cannot help feeling that life was so much more glamorous. Don't get me wrong, Rome is still a vibrant and buzzing city, one that is full of elegance and culture. As I relax in my Rome rentals apartment I do consider myself very lucky to be here and yet I pine for the times that I never knew.

La Dolce Vita is really the one that epitomises that glamour of old to my mind. The excitement of the script, the scenery of Rome in the nineteen fifties. Anita Ekberg being pursued through the city and that wonderful, wonderful scene at the Trevi fountain which everybody seems to know even if they have not seen the film.

Women dressed so much more femininely then; they looked glamorous in their headscarves in a way which we seem to have forgotten. Sitting primly on the back of those Vespas and enjoying life without the excesses of today. (more...)

Although the average French person may not agree, we all know that, for at least the moment, just about everyone needs to speak English if they wish to do business on the international business stage which is in the English language. But, does the average French person wish to learn English? Do they feel the need to learn English? And would they take the step, the painful step, to participate in an English language course, intensive or otherwise.

We, like so many English people or indeed many other nationalities, whether they speak English or not, have the same doubt.

Your average French person, and in particular the 10 million plus people that live in Paris are only a train ride away from a cours anglais intensif if they really wish to take advantage. (more...)

When it comes to cinema, France is where it all began. French cinema is a bit like French antiques or French wine. It has been around a long time, and vintage pieces get better over time. Many French directors are among those considered to be the greatest film makers of all time.

The famous French Lumiere brothers, with their short film depicting the arrival of a train at a railway station, first used the concept of cinematography. The film consists of a single shot of a train and makes clever use of perspective and camera angle.

The French new wave is an important movement in cinematic history and theory, and started with revered directors such as Jean-Luc Godard, Eric Rohmer and François Truffaut among others. French vintage classics are like french antiques , they just keep getting better with age. (more...)

If your home is jam-packed with delicate electronics, like a home cinema system with all the trimmings, then it's more important than ever that you find a good international moving company to deal with your Removals to France, Prague, or whichever city you're emigrating to.

To begin with, you should ask around among your friends and family. Chances are someone close to you will be able to recommend a moving company that won't destroy your technically complex belongings, and this will save you the trouble of having to comb the internet for the right professionals to do the job.

However, if no one you know can help you, get online and do a simple straightforward search for international moving companies operating out of your area. Short list the best options and if possible enter their details into a comparison page which will allow you immediately to see price and benefits weighed up against those of other firms. (more...)

Paris has everything. Fashion, cultural, and history are all parts of a fantastic vacation in this rare city. Some travellers know one amazing part of Paris that is often overlooked, and that is in this city a knowledgeable tourist can find movies showing at almost any time of the day or night. Here, in the city of love one can find passion, action, or drama on the cinematic screen to the heart's content.

Paris apartment hotels can be booked in advanced from a variety of travel agents and travel websites. Whether by agent or website, make sure those making the arrangements have seen the accommodations and know in advance they are secure and comfortable.

If booked in advance it might be possible to find a location close to the Cinematheque Francaise. Part cinema museum and part theatre this Frank Gehry-designed building is a magnet for those who love the history and magic of the movies. Here the art and movie lover will also find a cinema library and research centre. (more...)

With the advent of blu-ray, HD television and mind-blowing surround sound, the place of the cinema has been usurped in recent years by the home theatre system. Even in France, a country with one of the great cinematic audiences, the number of regular movie-goers has dwindled.

It doesn't help matters, of course, that often commercial movie theatres leave much to be desired. Uncomfortable, outdated seats, stale popcorn and swarms of crawling Punaise de Lit are hardly prospects to whet the appetite.

However, even in cinema buildings which have been recently renovated and which offer movie goers a range of high quality snacks and seating options, people are still refusing to go to the movies. It is for this reason that 3D productions were instituted a few years ago. (more...)

Many of history's greatest events have been recreated either on the big screen or in other events such as the Bastille day ball London.

Although there are many records which do exist from events such as the French Revolution, both in written format and on official records, which give us information on what really happened at the time, there has to be a large element of poetic licence when recreating history for a film.

In the case of events which took place several hundred or even thousands of years ago it becomes even more difficult to recreate what happened faithfully and although the film or event can portray key events of the time, it can never be one hundred per cent and there will always be a combination of fact and fiction. (more...)

Regardless of whether you are travelling to France because you are keen to check out some of the local cinematic festivals, you will doubtless be eager to make sure you get the best deals on flights and accommodation.

In order to ensure that you have plenty of money left over to spend on classic French cinematic paraphernalia, you will want to organise your trip so that you save all that you can. To begin with, this will mean booking you plane tickets as far in advance as is possible.

As soon as you know the dates of the film festivals you would like to attend, get online and begin searching for available plane seats. Be sure you use reputable comparison sights: these will help you to determine which vol pas cher is the best for you and your schedule. (more...)

At the end of the day, you could sit in front of as many French cinematic greats as you like, but this will never provide you with a 100% authentic experience of the culture of the city of Paris. For that, you really do have to be there to take in the sights, smells and sounds of this vibrant city.

There is absolutely no denying the fact that Paris must rank as one of the most culturally-rich cities in the entire world. No doubt this is why literally millions of people visit to experience Paris travel and culture each and every year.

But what exactly are the factors that all come together to make Paris one of the most cultural cities on our planet? Well, number one is likely to be the history and art that is on hand to be experienced here. There are amazing museums and some of the most famous art galleries in the entire world situated within Paris. (more...)

If you want to buy a ski chalet in France, there are various things that you must consider. It has been seen that around one million British tourists are in search of chalets for sale. For the French ski slopes, huge number of ski lovers has been seen buying their own ski chalet. Purchasing a ski chalet is a life-time investment. While shopping for ski chalets, you must realize that you have paid for your foreseeable future skiing holidays. These days the rental income of ski chalets has touched the sky.

Businesses that rent chalets are provided with regular rental which is not limited to the winter months. Various property prices have increased in the skiing regions. This is why most buyers look forward to earning a substantial return in the long run on their investment. Research has shown that a huge number of British tourists keep looking for ski chalets and chooses France as their second home. It can be difficult to find good Chalets for sale in the landscape of Alpine countries. Strict ownership of chalets has been regulated in France.

There are varieties of skiing available even for the beginners' skiers and the experienced skiers which is why chalet sales is such a booming business. A large number of people has realised the advantages of owning a chalet instead of renting one. However, renting a chalet is cheaper than staying in a hotel. Many chalets are available for half the price of staying in a hotel. (more...)