Hello All,

Oh happy day! Spring has sprung. I won't get too attached to the warmer weather. Calendar-wise a few more weeks of winter remain, but I am seasonally giddy each year as brilliant blooms begin to emerge and the sky fades from grey to blue.

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Here is an idea for a weekend getaway:

Train to Brussels
Aboard the TGV, French-speaking Belgium is less than an hour and a half away from Paris. Reputed for the confection of chocolate and beer, and its wealth of Art Nouveau architecture, why not steal a weekend away in Brussels?

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art12050.asp

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Or a daytrip to Chateau Pierrefonds nestled in the Picardie forest:

http://prettyparispicture.blogspot.com/2008/02/blog-post.html


If the French countryside is a bit far to travel to in a day, you might find some inspiration for house painting projects.


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Also, French Fashion Week is upon us. Gather inspiration from the best. Follow the link in the forum.

http://forums.bellaonline.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=postlist&Board=416

I hope to hear from you sometime soon!
Melissa Demiguel, French Culture Editor
http://frenchculture.bellaonline.com