Ah, romantic Paris ... but this time with children. Don't panic, Margaret St John provides an essential guide, from fun trips to kids' cuisine

WHEN PUCCINI first resolved to write a Trittico of three one- acters to be run together on the same night, his publisher dismissed the idea as crazy - or words to that effect in Italian - and history has tended to agree. The triptych is rarely done complete; it makes a long night; and although the components could be said to mimic the cohering architecture of a concert score - a meaty opening drama, a contemplative slow movement and brisk scherzo-finale - they never in practice fit together, not least because their quality is so uneven. The scherzo, Gianni Schicchi, is comedy of genius, no question there. But Il Tabarro, the drama, is equivocal, and Suor Angelica, the middle movement, dire - unless you enjoy sentimental tosh about singing nuns that plays like The Sound of Music minus Julie Andrews.

Women fascinated Puccini - and not just for carnal pleasure, writes Malcolm Hayes

Get to the heart of Paris in the spring by exploring its main artery. Natasha Edwards offers a riverbound guide to the city

RICHARD EHRLICH'S BEVERAGE REPORT; Why buy your wine in Britain when Paris is just a few hours away?

Jacques Guillon, naval officer: born Cosne-sur-Loire (Nievre), France 27 December 1910; died Meriot (Aube), France 8 December 1997.

What does it take to become a serial travel competition winner?

The trial of the Vichy official Maurice Papon for his role in the persecution of French Jews has taken an unexpected turn. As John Lichfield reports from Paris, Mr Papon has also been asked to explain the deaths of up to 300 Algerians in the city in 1961, when he was the police chief.

Jean-Noel de Lipkowski, diplomat and politician: born Paris 25 December 1920; Deputy for Seine-et-Oise 1956-58, for Charente-Maritime 1962-97; Mayor of Rohan 1965-77, 1983-89; Secretary of State, Foreign Affairs 1968-72, 1973-74; MEP 1980-81; married 1963 Nadine Hecquet d'Orval (one son, one daughter); died Paris 20 September 1997.

As the summer began, the Princess of Wales - in Manhattan ahead of the auction of her dresses at Christie's - spoke frankly about her life with the editor of the 'New Yorker' magazine

Disturbing levels of the poison dioxin have been discovered in some French dairy products, according to the newspaper Le Monde. Although the quantities identified are far below the accepted danger level, some are higher than the limits recommended by the Council of Europe. One of the milk-producing areas worst affected, apparently by atmospheric pollution from surrounding industry, is the Pas-de-Calais, just across the Channel from Kent.

It began with paparazzi in Sardinia and ended in a hospital named Pity. John Lichfield in Paris traces the trail

A hassle-free property across the Channel? Head for France's untrampled north, says Gerard Gilbert

Paris (AP) - A double-decker tourist sightseeing boat rammed into a bridge on the Seine yesterday, injuring 28 people, at least one seriously. No one fell into the water, and most of the injuries were light.