Mes Amis,

The hubbub and glitter of the Cannes film festival has come and gone under a rain cloud and picnic season has ensued. I hope the spring to summer transition is a beautiful one wherever you are.

We have a new Socialist president in France and even the elementary school children have a mouthful to say. In this right-leaning neck of the woods, they echo their parents’ disdain in stolen words from dinner table conversations.

The day after being elected Francois Holland attended the vernissage, the opening night party, for the Monumenta exposition.

Monumenta at the Grand Palais
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art176744.asp

Take care,

Melissa Demiguel, French Culture Editor
http://frenchculture.bellaonline.com