FRANCOIS is a typically Houellebecqian protagonist: middle-aged, misogynistic, spiritually bereft and disgusted by his parents, and Submission is a typically Houellebecqian novel.

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre has left out fly-half Francois Trinh-Ducfrom his 31-man World Cup squad, in favour of Frederic Michalak.

The European Court of Human Rights has allowed France to take a man in a coma off life support, in a case that has torn a family apart and could influence the extent to which euthanasia is endorsed by law across the continent.

You could forgive Francois Louw if his last trip to Leinster caused him to wonder whether he had made a mistake in moving to Bath.

The pressure eased slightly on coach Fabien Galthie as Montpellier ended a run of seven successive defeats with a thrilling 23-20 victory over Toulouse in their Top 14 clash on Saturday.

Joe Schmidt’s incredible year was recognised yesterday with his confirmation as Philips Sports Manager of the Year, but the main topic of interest at the Shelbourne Hotel was the day that must rank as his most painful.

French President François Hollande’s ex-girlfriend writes in a tell-all book to be published today that months after their public breakup he was trying to win her back with flowers, dinner invitations, and barrages of text messages.

We dare you to watch this and not cry.

At least 65 journalists have been killed since the Syrian conflict began and kidnappings are rife. Former war reporter Janine di Giovanni writes about the risks involved in filing from the frontline.

Four French journalists taken hostage in Syria were reunited with family and colleagues yesterday in an emotional homecoming after 10 months in captivity during which they were chained together and held in dingy basements.

We all know about the French President Francois Hollande.

Best Skin Perfector

France head coach Philippe Saint-Andre will abandon tradition and gladly settle for the most tedious of victories against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey ***

Salma Hayek is still acting thanks to Oliver Stone.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny is to address the nation on the fiscal treaty referendum on Sunday evening.

Humble beginnings and a good work ethic will help the new first lady hold her own in French circles, writes Elaine Ganley

Socialist Francois Hollande and conservative President Nicolas Sarkozy are heading for a run-off in the race for France’s presidency, according to partial official results after a first round of voting today.

Brothers David and Stéphane Foenkinos’ debut feature Delicacy is a quirky romcom starring Amelie’s Audrey Tautou, says Declan Cashin

A landmark legal case in France may have far-reaching implications for those who claim to have been negatively affected by pesticides and other agro-industrial inputs.

FRANCE coach Marc Lièvremont has sprung a major surprise by handing Morgan Parra a rare start at fly-half for this weekend’s pivotal World Cup Pool A clash against New Zealand.

THE FIRST part of the challenge has been overcome and Leinster move forward to Paris on Friday with sights firmly set on securing a home Heineken Cup quarter-final draw.

SKILLED veterinary surgeons have helped a lame circus camel overcome a major hump.

SKILLED veterinary surgeons have helped a lame circus camel overcome a major hump.

SOUTH AFRICA coach Peter de Villiers says Frans Steyn’s kicking ability was the decisive factor in his selection for the Tri Nations encounter against Australia on Saturday.

A French man who hacked into the twitter accounts of Britney Spears, Lily Allen and Barack Obama has been arrested.

A FRENCHMAN who broke into Barack Obama and Britney Spears’ Twitter feeds insisted yesterday he is no hacker but a “kind pirate” seeking to expose security weaknesses.

FRANCE centre Mathieu Bastareaud believes a Grand Slam is now top of their agenda after Saturday’s 33-10 victory over Ireland in Paris.

Matt Damon took six months to learn a South African accent.

Matt Damon was worried about playing a rugby player in new film 'Invictus'.

South Africa coach Peter de Villiers has made four changes from the team beaten by France last weekend for Saturday’s clash with Italy in Udine.

FRENCH culture minister Frederic Mitterrand is facing calls for his sacking over a growing scandal involving an old admission that he had paid for sex with boys.

French Culture Minister Frederic Mitterrand is facing calls for his sacking over a growing scandal involving an old admission that he had paid for sex with boys.

Springboks 28 Lions 25

The boss who presided over disastrous losses at BT pocketed almost £3m (€3.44m) in his last year with the telecoms giant, it was disclosed today.

POLICE in France have launched a probe after burglars reportedly stole more than 100 “highly intimate” photos and film footage of the country’s first lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy from a Paris apartment.

DESCRIBING Philip Carberry as having been around the block once or twice is hardly wide of the mark, considering he’s now in his ninth season as a professional jockey.

Antique dealer Francois (Daniel Auteil) discovers friends are scarce at a dinner party in Patrice Leconte’s ‘My Best Friend’ (Optimum, €24.99).

Reigning world champion Sebastien Loeb is on course for a record-breaking sixth consecutive Rally Germany crown after establishing a 37.8-second lead ahead of the final day.

REAL MADRID failed to take advantage of slip-ups from La Liga’s frontrunners with a woeful display at the Riazor as they went down to Deportivo last night.

French raider Foreman was cut to 10-1 by totesport for the Irish Independent Arkle at the Cheltenham Festival after landing the intercasino.co.uk Novices’ Chase at Lingfield.