French town turns eyes to American cousin - John Kerry

0 Comments | AFP, March, 2004

SAINT-BRIAC-SUR-MER, France (AFP) — This small seaside resort in northwest France has had its eyes turned toward America ever since John Kerry, who spent part of his childhood here, became a serious candidate for the US presidency.

The mayor's automobile has a Kerry bumper sticker, which is hardly surprising in view of the fact that the mayor, Brice Lalonde, is Kerry's cousin.

Kerry and Lalonde, France's former environment minister are the sons of sisters from the wealthy American Forbes family. A large property here called "Les Essarts" has belonged to the family since the beginning of the last century.

Kerry's mother was one of 11 siblings who spent much of her youth at this estate and Kerry, who was sent for a time to boarding school in Switzerland, often...