Eleanor Beardsley began reporting from France for NPR in 2004 as a freelance journalist, following all aspects of French society, politics, economics, culture and gastronomy. Since then, she has steadily worked her way to becoming an integral part of the NPR Europe reporting team.
Authorities are searching for the arsonists who set fire to high-speed train infrastructure in France, stranding tens of thousands at the start of the Paris Olympics.
The Olympic games begin Friday. For the first time in the modern era, the opening ceremony won't be in a stadium. The Games will kick off with a parade through Paris in boats along the river Seine.