Mickey Mouse and Asterix escape French tax hike -- for now

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Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse along with various characters waves to the crowd on a giant birthday cake, at Euro Disney's theme park on the edge of Paris, in a file photo.

Credit: Reuters/File

PARIS | Thu Sep 1, 2011 1:41pm EDT

PARIS (Reuters) - Asterix the Gallic warrior and his big-eared American friend Mickey Mouse can breathe easier after lawmakers torpedoed French government plans to more than triple the tax on theme park entrance fees.

President Nicolas Sarkozy has ordered his government to find more money to help plug the hole in public finances but one of the proposals, a sales tax hike of 5.5 to 19.6 percent on entry ticket sales to approximately 200 theme parks in France, was rejected by a key committee in the lower house of parliament.

Budget Minister Valerie Pecresse said on Thursday she still hoped to get the measure adopted but for now the attempt to net an annual 90 million euros ($129 million) extra is in abeyance after the backlash from lawmakers with major theme parks located in their constituencies.

Parc Asterix, less than an hour's drive north of Paris, charges children 30 euros and enchanted grown-ups 40 euros to relive the legendary Roman-repelling feats of the plucky Gallic warrior and his colleagues, according to the park's webpage.

Along with Eurodisney, the European home of Mickey Mouse and a myriad of other heroes of American culture, Asterix is one of the more internationally known crowd-grabbers within a wider theme park offer that includes a futuristic multimedia attraction in the political constituency of a former prime minister, the Futuroscope park in Western France.

Minister Pecresse says other holiday and leisure offers are taxed at the near-20 percent VAT rate and in hard times there is no reason to continue a theme park discount introduced in the 1980s under last Socialist President Francois Mitterrand.

(Writing by Brian Love, editing by Paul Casciato)

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French website sends flowers to maid in DSK case

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By Alexandria Sage

PARIS | Mon May 23, 2011 4:46pm EDT

PARIS (Reuters) - A small group of French activists have organized an Internet campaign to send roses to the woman who has accused former IMF head Dominique Strauss-Kahn of attempting to rape her in New York.

At www.une-rose-pour-ophelia.fr, well-wishers are invited to "Offer a rose to Ophelia," a nickname for the 32-year-old chambermaid who has accused Strauss-Kahn of attacking her.

Her claims and his subsequent arrest last week set off an international firestorm, prompting the prominent economist's resignation from the IMF and dashing his hopes of running for the French presidency in 2012.

French feminists have accused public figures and the media of showing more concern for Strauss-Kahn than the maid -- whose accusations that he locked her in a bathroom and forced himself on her -- have led to charges of a criminal sexual act, attempted rape and unlawful imprisonment.

"Dear Ophelia, a rose to forgive us for not thinking enough of you," reads the statement on the website, which has attracted enough clicks since its launch Saturday to send some 400 roses to the woman, who is in protective custody in New York.

"We have talked a lot about our countryman, his detention, his emotions, and not enough about yours. That's why, without presuming a ruling yet to be handed down and respecting the presumption of innocence, we send you these flowers," it says.

Saturday, hundreds of protesters demonstrated in Paris against what they said was a flood of misogynist commentary from public figures. [nLDE74K069]

The website's organizers -- a small group of political activists with libertarian views called "Les Liberaux" -- will send the roses to the office of the woman's lawyer at the end of the week. The website clicks are free, and all costs will be assumed by the organizers.

Businessman and attorney Didier Salavert, one of the group's members, said that at stake in the Strauss-Kahn affair is the voice of the individual against more powerful interests.

"Power in France is very clannish," he said. "Where is the freedom of speech here?"

(Editing by Paul Casciato)

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By Alexandria Sage

PARIS | Mon May 23, 2011 4:46pm EDT

PARIS (Reuters) - A small group of French activists have organized an Internet campaign to send roses to the woman who has accused former IMF head Dominique Strauss-Kahn of attempting to rape her in New York.

At www.une-rose-pour-ophelia.fr, well-wishers are invited to "Offer a rose to Ophelia," a nickname for the 32-year-old chambermaid who has accused Strauss-Kahn of attacking her.

Her claims and his subsequent arrest last week set off an international firestorm, prompting the prominent economist's resignation from the IMF and dashing his hopes of running for the French presidency in 2012.

French feminists have accused public figures and the media of showing more concern for Strauss-Kahn than the maid -- whose accusations that he locked her in a bathroom and forced himself on her -- have led to charges of a criminal sexual act, attempted rape and unlawful imprisonment.

"Dear Ophelia, a rose to forgive us for not thinking enough of you," reads the statement on the website, which has attracted enough clicks since its launch Saturday to send some 400 roses to the woman, who is in protective custody in New York.

"We have talked a lot about our countryman, his detention, his emotions, and not enough about yours. That's why, without presuming a ruling yet to be handed down and respecting the presumption of innocence, we send you these flowers," it says.

Saturday, hundreds of protesters demonstrated in Paris against what they said was a flood of misogynist commentary from public figures. [nLDE74K069]

The website's organizers -- a small group of political activists with libertarian views called "Les Liberaux" -- will send the roses to the office of the woman's lawyer at the end of the week. The website clicks are free, and all costs will be assumed by the organizers.

Businessman and attorney Didier Salavert, one of the group's members, said that at stake in the Strauss-Kahn affair is the voice of the individual against more powerful interests.

"Power in France is very clannish," he said. "Where is the freedom of speech here?"

(Editing by Paul Casciato)

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By Alexandria Sage

PARIS | Mon May 23, 2011 4:46pm EDT

PARIS (Reuters) - A small group of French activists have organized an Internet campaign to send roses to the woman who has accused former IMF head Dominique Strauss-Kahn of attempting to rape her in New York.

At www.une-rose-pour-ophelia.fr, well-wishers are invited to "Offer a rose to Ophelia," a nickname for the 32-year-old chambermaid who has accused Strauss-Kahn of attacking her.

Her claims and his subsequent arrest last week set off an international firestorm, prompting the prominent economist's resignation from the IMF and dashing his hopes of running for the French presidency in 2012.

French feminists have accused public figures and the media of showing more concern for Strauss-Kahn than the maid -- whose accusations that he locked her in a bathroom and forced himself on her -- have led to charges of a criminal sexual act, attempted rape and unlawful imprisonment.

"Dear Ophelia, a rose to forgive us for not thinking enough of you," reads the statement on the website, which has attracted enough clicks since its launch Saturday to send some 400 roses to the woman, who is in protective custody in New York.

"We have talked a lot about our countryman, his detention, his emotions, and not enough about yours. That's why, without presuming a ruling yet to be handed down and respecting the presumption of innocence, we send you these flowers," it says.

Saturday, hundreds of protesters demonstrated in Paris against what they said was a flood of misogynist commentary from public figures. [nLDE74K069]

The website's organizers -- a small group of political activists with libertarian views called "Les Liberaux" -- will send the roses to the office of the woman's lawyer at the end of the week. The website clicks are free, and all costs will be assumed by the organizers.

Businessman and attorney Didier Salavert, one of the group's members, said that at stake in the Strauss-Kahn affair is the voice of the individual against more powerful interests.

"Power in France is very clannish," he said. "Where is the freedom of speech here?"

(Editing by Paul Casciato)

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French town stages world's first electric Grand Prix

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By Olivia Bordenave and Nicholas Phythian

PAU, France | Mon May 23, 2011 8:33am EDT

PAU, France (Reuters Life!) - The French Pyrenees town of Pau, which staged the world's first Grand Prix nearly a century ago, raced into the 21st century as it hosted the world's first electric car Grand Prix over the weekend.

Although electric cars may be the future vehicle of choice, they remain out of reach of most drivers due to their scarcity and expense. Electric car races on tarmac are an even greater novelty.

"You need to give it time to develop but I think we're giving things a helping hand with the car races," said Luc Marchetti of Exagon Engineering, who is convinced the electric car will one day take pole position both on the race track and on the road.

Some spectators watching the 12 racers had mixed feelings.

"It's pleasant -- and odd," said Aude, who watched the races with her husband and baby. "It's a change but it lacks the charm of F3."

But others found the low-pitched whine, akin to the sound of a jet engine but much quieter, a pleasant change from the ear-splitting roar of the traditional racing engine.

The 2.8 km (1.7 mile) course in Pau, which winds through the picturesque town, hasn't changed much over the decades.

Pau hosted the first event to carry the name Grand Prix in 1901, although the event was a one-off, and an annual Pau Grand Prix was not inaugurated until 1933, with its winding route through the town earning comparisons with better-known Monaco.

The resort in southwestern France, just 50 km from the Spanish border, has proved a testing ground for future Formula 1 world champions on Formula 2, 3 or 3000 vehicles.

But for the die-hard motor sports fans raised on the roar, smell and sheer power of high-powered petrol engines on full throttle, electric car racing might seem a little tame.

"It's worthless!" scoffed Marcel, a Grand Prix regular who said the cars took too long to lap the track. "It just wasn't exciting."

Mounted on tubular chassis, the cars' Siemens' engines can reach speeds of 180 km per hour (113 miles per hour).

Marchetti acknowledged it might take time for fans to develop a taste for electric car racing.

"I think there needs to be an evolution in mentalities," said Marchetti.

The first electric car races in 2009 were driven on ice, not tarmac.

Saturday's Grand Prix featured Nicolas Prost, the son of France's Formula 1 World champion Alain Prost, as well as Fabien Barthez, the former goalkeeper who helped France win the World Cup in 1998.

But it was Mike Parisy, a local driver with minimal experience racing electric cars, who won the race in front of thousands of locals.

(Editing by Alexandria Sage and Paul Casciato)

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By Olivia Bordenave and Nicholas Phythian

PAU, France | Mon May 23, 2011 8:33am EDT

PAU, France (Reuters Life!) - The French Pyrenees town of Pau, which staged the world's first Grand Prix nearly a century ago, raced into the 21st century as it hosted the world's first electric car Grand Prix over the weekend.

Although electric cars may be the future vehicle of choice, they remain out of reach of most drivers due to their scarcity and expense. Electric car races on tarmac are an even greater novelty.

"You need to give it time to develop but I think we're giving things a helping hand with the car races," said Luc Marchetti of Exagon Engineering, who is convinced the electric car will one day take pole position both on the race track and on the road.

Some spectators watching the 12 racers had mixed feelings.

"It's pleasant -- and odd," said Aude, who watched the races with her husband and baby. "It's a change but it lacks the charm of F3."

But others found the low-pitched whine, akin to the sound of a jet engine but much quieter, a pleasant change from the ear-splitting roar of the traditional racing engine.

The 2.8 km (1.7 mile) course in Pau, which winds through the picturesque town, hasn't changed much over the decades.

Pau hosted the first event to carry the name Grand Prix in 1901, although the event was a one-off, and an annual Pau Grand Prix was not inaugurated until 1933, with its winding route through the town earning comparisons with better-known Monaco.

The resort in southwestern France, just 50 km from the Spanish border, has proved a testing ground for future Formula 1 world champions on Formula 2, 3 or 3000 vehicles.

But for the die-hard motor sports fans raised on the roar, smell and sheer power of high-powered petrol engines on full throttle, electric car racing might seem a little tame.

"It's worthless!" scoffed Marcel, a Grand Prix regular who said the cars took too long to lap the track. "It just wasn't exciting."

Mounted on tubular chassis, the cars' Siemens' engines can reach speeds of 180 km per hour (113 miles per hour).

Marchetti acknowledged it might take time for fans to develop a taste for electric car racing.

"I think there needs to be an evolution in mentalities," said Marchetti.

The first electric car races in 2009 were driven on ice, not tarmac.

Saturday's Grand Prix featured Nicolas Prost, the son of France's Formula 1 World champion Alain Prost, as well as Fabien Barthez, the former goalkeeper who helped France win the World Cup in 1998.

But it was Mike Parisy, a local driver with minimal experience racing electric cars, who won the race in front of thousands of locals.

(Editing by Alexandria Sage and Paul Casciato)

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By Olivia Bordenave and Nicholas Phythian

PAU, France | Mon May 23, 2011 8:33am EDT

PAU, France (Reuters Life!) - The French Pyrenees town of Pau, which staged the world's first Grand Prix nearly a century ago, raced into the 21st century as it hosted the world's first electric car Grand Prix over the weekend.

Although electric cars may be the future vehicle of choice, they remain out of reach of most drivers due to their scarcity and expense. Electric car races on tarmac are an even greater novelty.

"You need to give it time to develop but I think we're giving things a helping hand with the car races," said Luc Marchetti of Exagon Engineering, who is convinced the electric car will one day take pole position both on the race track and on the road.

Some spectators watching the 12 racers had mixed feelings.

"It's pleasant -- and odd," said Aude, who watched the races with her husband and baby. "It's a change but it lacks the charm of F3."

But others found the low-pitched whine, akin to the sound of a jet engine but much quieter, a pleasant change from the ear-splitting roar of the traditional racing engine.

The 2.8 km (1.7 mile) course in Pau, which winds through the picturesque town, hasn't changed much over the decades.

Pau hosted the first event to carry the name Grand Prix in 1901, although the event was a one-off, and an annual Pau Grand Prix was not inaugurated until 1933, with its winding route through the town earning comparisons with better-known Monaco.

The resort in southwestern France, just 50 km from the Spanish border, has proved a testing ground for future Formula 1 world champions on Formula 2, 3 or 3000 vehicles.

But for the die-hard motor sports fans raised on the roar, smell and sheer power of high-powered petrol engines on full throttle, electric car racing might seem a little tame.

"It's worthless!" scoffed Marcel, a Grand Prix regular who said the cars took too long to lap the track. "It just wasn't exciting."

Mounted on tubular chassis, the cars' Siemens' engines can reach speeds of 180 km per hour (113 miles per hour).

Marchetti acknowledged it might take time for fans to develop a taste for electric car racing.

"I think there needs to be an evolution in mentalities," said Marchetti.

The first electric car races in 2009 were driven on ice, not tarmac.

Saturday's Grand Prix featured Nicolas Prost, the son of France's Formula 1 World champion Alain Prost, as well as Fabien Barthez, the former goalkeeper who helped France win the World Cup in 1998.

But it was Mike Parisy, a local driver with minimal experience racing electric cars, who won the race in front of thousands of locals.

(Editing by Alexandria Sage and Paul Casciato)

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Royal treatment for Korean books taken by French troops

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SEOUL | Thu Apr 14, 2011 4:03am EDT

SEOUL (Reuters Life!) - A collection of centuries-old Korean royal documents, taken by French troops when they invaded an island off the peninsula nearly 150 years ago, are being returned to Seoul after a presidential agreement.

The Oegyujanggak books contain rare hand-written stories and pictures of major royal events that took place in the last Joseon Dynasty from 1392-1910.

"It's been a long and difficult process to retrieve Oegyujanggak," said Culture Minister Choung Byoung-gug at the National Museum of Korea, which will store the books.

The 297-volume set was stolen by French soldiers in 1866 when they invaded Kangwha Island in retaliation for Korea's persecution of French Catholic missionaries. The books were then kept at the National Library of France.

Seventy-five books arrived back in Seoul Thursday, and the rest would be returned by the end of May in three further shipments.

Seoul had long sought to retrieve the books, which dictate the protocols of royal ceremonies and rites. One of the books was returned to South Korea in 1993 by then-French President Francois Mitterrand.

Current President Nicolas Sarkozy agreed to return the remainder of the texts during a meeting with South Korea President Lee Myung-bak on the sidelines of a G20 summit in Seoul last year.

"These books should provide an invaluable opportunity for children to study our history," Choung said, who hailed the determination of the two leaders to build a new future between their nations.

"I expect that this would have a positive influence on our efforts to also retrieve our cultural relics that have been taken away from us against our will."

(Reporting by Yerim Kim; Editing by Jeremy Laurence)

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SEOUL | Thu Apr 14, 2011 4:03am EDT

SEOUL (Reuters Life!) - A collection of centuries-old Korean royal documents, taken by French troops when they invaded an island off the peninsula nearly 150 years ago, are being returned to Seoul after a presidential agreement.

The Oegyujanggak books contain rare hand-written stories and pictures of major royal events that took place in the last Joseon Dynasty from 1392-1910.

"It's been a long and difficult process to retrieve Oegyujanggak," said Culture Minister Choung Byoung-gug at the National Museum of Korea, which will store the books.

The 297-volume set was stolen by French soldiers in 1866 when they invaded Kangwha Island in retaliation for Korea's persecution of French Catholic missionaries. The books were then kept at the National Library of France.

Seventy-five books arrived back in Seoul Thursday, and the rest would be returned by the end of May in three further shipments.

Seoul had long sought to retrieve the books, which dictate the protocols of royal ceremonies and rites. One of the books was returned to South Korea in 1993 by then-French President Francois Mitterrand.

Current President Nicolas Sarkozy agreed to return the remainder of the texts during a meeting with South Korea President Lee Myung-bak on the sidelines of a G20 summit in Seoul last year.

"These books should provide an invaluable opportunity for children to study our history," Choung said, who hailed the determination of the two leaders to build a new future between their nations.

"I expect that this would have a positive influence on our efforts to also retrieve our cultural relics that have been taken away from us against our will."

(Reporting by Yerim Kim; Editing by Jeremy Laurence)

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