Graham Robb has that rare gift of storytelling that compels riveted attention from readers of non-fiction as much as fiction and he understands that stories may spring emotionally from places but inevitably embrace the lives of people.

New technology is lighting up cities and saving energy.

France's incendiary political and society soap opera came to a shuddering halt after three years yesterday.

Continental Airlines says it's a farce that a French court has put the blame on them for the 2000 Concorde crash.

A retired French electrician and his wife have come forward with 271 undocumented, never-before-seen works by Pablo Picasso estimated to be worth at least €60m (NZ$105m).

The Wallabies are preparing for more international sides to target main man Quade Cooper, with France this Sunday no exception.

France is on a campaign to propel its top hotels into the super-luxury bracket.

All Blacks' assistant coach Wayne Smith has suggested Sonny Bill Williams could spend some time on the side of the scrum in the future.

Germany has seen one of its largest anti-nuclear demonstrations in 30 years.

Dan Carter is set to leave the All Blacks next year and become the highest paid player in world rugby.

As Dan Carter's departure after the World Cup looks set to create a large hole in the All Black ranks, Gregor Paul looks at European clubs' continuing ability to pay the big bucks and lure top players away.