Cherbourg, France News

A S a family we have always been rather big fans of holidays in France, ever since my daughters were toddlers.

John Lichfield has been The Independent's man in Paris since 1997, covering French news.

The Film Society of Lincoln Center will honor French actress Catherine Deneuve at its 39th annual Chaplin Award Gala to be held at New York's Alice Tully Hall on April 2. "The Board is very excited to have Catherine Deneuve as the next recipient of The Chaplin Award," Ann Tenenbaum , the Film Society of Lincoln Center's board chairman said.

Titanic Festival, April 14 and 15, remembering the 100th anniversary of the famous ship and its history.

I am, understandably, usually thought of as "that ultra conservative columnist." In keeping with the true spirit of Christmas, I decided to soften up, and share with you a still warm and bright memory of one of my Christmas evenings, retrieved from the far distant past.