The euro's second-largest economy (and the man who leads it) has been in the spotlight recently. France finds itself in a similar bind as Greece, Italy and Spain — how do you balance the state budget without crippling economic growth?

France has more churches than any country in Europe, but some believe the cost of preserving these ancient structures is getting too high.

The new numbers out on the eurozone weren't as abysmal as expected, but they're not good either.

Happiness is relative in Europe these days: Investors are cheering news the euro area's top economies did not turn in the abysmal results many had expected. Instead, things are just "garden-variety" bad.

The Bank of England forecasts this morning the U.K. economy will not grow at all in the coming quarter. Across the channel, the French central bank says the euro's second-largest economy is headed for its own recession. And Germany's being infected by all this through its exports, which fell in June.

Monks on the island of St. Honorat, near Cannes, France, run an upscale restaurant and grow wine so they can make money to give to the poor.

Tomorrow is Bastille Day in France, the French will be celebrating despite the rainy weather and eurozone turmoil. This week French carmaker, Peugot, announced major layoffs, signaling the tough economic climate facing the country.

Looking ahead at what's to come for other eurozone countries and what's happening at the G20 summit.

Voters in France this weekend gave President Francois Hollande's Socialists a solid majority in the lower house of parliament, complementing their majority in the upper house and thus, complete legislative power in the government.

Patrons of the Bar La Fusee in Paris offer their thoughts on the euro and the eurozone economic crisis.