The French government is weighing a proposal to tax Google, Apple and possibly other large technology firms to raise revenue for the arts and cultural programs. The government contends the new tax would be similar to taxes already imposed on TV users, broadcasters and Internet providers.

Nearly seven decades after the end of World War II, France is still attempting to locate the rightful owners of art that was looted by the Nazis. The Internet and improved technology have helped, but it's still a painstaking process.

NPR's Eleanor Beardsley talks to Chechen refugees living in France, and hears how they're reacting to news of of the recent Boston marathon bombings. There are some 10,000 Chechen refugees in France and Germany, and upwards of 25,000 in Austria.

The Americans and the Europeans have different approaches to horse racing, and one key split is over the question of doping. While many drugs are allowed in the U.S., they are banned in European racing.

Margaret Thatcher was laid to rest in a funeral attended by dignitaries from around the globe as well as Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip on Wednesday. It's the first funeral of a British politician attended by the Queen since Sir Winston Churchill's in 1965.

Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher will be laid to rest Wednesday in an elaborate funeral that will be attended by the queen — her first of a politician since Winston Churchill's death in 1965. Thousands of police will deployed to protect the many expected to line the streets. Thatcher's death reignited anger from those who suffered from her harsh policies.

Pickpockets closed Paris' famed Louvre museum. Staff went on strike seeking greater protection from pickpockets, including children, who have been targeting staff and tourists alike.

Nearly 7 million people visit the Chateau at Versailles a year. But one day a week, it's closed. That's a spa day of sorts, when conservation work and cleaning takes place at the Grande Dame of France royal residences. The hardwood floors alone require nearly 1,000 gallons of wax a year.

For its 850th anniversary, Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is getting new bells. Nearly all of its bells date from an 1856 renovation. Experts say the 19th century bells toll off key. NPR's Eleanor Beardsley reports the new bells will join one original bell, known as Emmanuel, which remains in the south tower.

Some Parisians worry that an avenue once considered the most beautiful in the world is starting to take on the character of an American shopping strip.

We have reaction from around the world to the selection of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, Argentina, as pope.

Since terrorists seized an oil and gas site in the Algerian desert in January, foreign companies operating in the country have been worried about keeping their personnel safe. And in Algeria, that problem is compounded by the war in neighboring Mali against Islamist extremists.

The Illinois-based Titan tire company was weighing the purchase of an ailing factory in France. But in a leaked letter, Titan's CEO said the deal was off because the workers were unproductive and the unions "crazy." A war of words has ensued.

Just five months after his election, Francois Hollande is facing protests from people who voted for him. His popularity has plummeted and his once-lauded "steady approach" is now perceived as dithering.

Drug- and gang-related shootouts have killed 20 people so far this year in France's second largest city. The crime wave has prompted one Marseille politician to call for the army to be sent in. The city's isolated housing projects breed despair and are home to a parallel economy based on drugs.

Bikers are everywhere in Copenhagen. And now the city is building new, high-speed routes into the city that will make it easier to commute, even from the distant suburbs.

The French celebrate Bastille Day on Saturday, and in the name of equality, new President François Hollande plans to massively raise taxes on the rich. Most of the French — including some of the rich — support the move.