If ever you find yourself in France during the month of July, you will find it hard to ignore the carnival that is the Tour de France.  The 2009 race kicks off on Saturday, 4th July at Port Hercule in the independent monarchy of Monaco.  It will be the 17th time since 1954 (Amsterdam) that the cycle race has started outside the borders of “l’Hexagone” (France).  The Tour ends on Sunday, 26th July in Paris.

Energy group GDF Suez says it recorded a significant dip in delivery of Russian natural gas on Tuesday.

PARIS – Deliveries of Russian gas to France were down 70 percent from their normal level on Tuesday amid a dispute between Russia and Ukraine, energy group GDF Suez said.

Who doesn’t want to look fabulously cool in a swimsuit or bikini? When someone in incredible beach body puts on a swimsuit the beauty can be almost obscene.

Hemlines may rise during times of economic capriciousness, but this summer there will be more fabric involved in swimwear than we’ve seen for a long while. After years of the string bikini’s absolute poolside reign, the one-piece swimsuit will enjoy its moment back in the sun as a fashionable holiday wardrobe staple.