Ian B. Thompson

Air transport liberalisation and the development of third level airports in France

Abstract The liberalisation of air transport in the European Union encouraged a proliferation of new entry airlines exploiting the opportunities offered by minor airports. This was particularly apparent in France where “third level” airports experienced growth associated with start-up airlines using low-capacity aircraft. A summary of these trends is followed by a detailed examination of the Centre-East District, which demonstrates that the aspirations of both airlines and airports have been compromised by recent restructuring of the French airline industry. Far from providing greater competition, deregulation has increased the quasi-monopoly of Air France as market forces proved to be stronger than liberalisation. As a result, many third level airports face an uncertain future, especially in the light of the terrorist attack on the United States and its likely effect on airline economics.

HIGH-SPEED TRANSPORT HUBS AND EUROCITY STATUS: THE CASE OF LYON.

Abstract Accessibility is a major factor in the ranking of European cities. This study examines the case of Lyon, France, which has ambitions to expand its European role, and in particular the attempt to develop a multi-modal high-speed transport hub centred on Lyon-Satolas International airport. The three high-speed networks — motorway, high speed train and airport — are considered and the conclusion formed that Lyon is an emerging rather than a completed hub but that transport accessibility is not a major constraint on Lyons European ambitions.

Anew kind of location decision — Where to build high‐speed railway stations: The French case

Abstract The French high‐speed train (T.G. V.) network now serves much of the national space and in the near future will include international connections. The system includes new purpose‐built stations. This paper argues that the siting of these stations involves a new set of location factors. By examining eleven sites the paper suggests that factors of operational requirement, environmental quality, market access and transport‐system integration explain the selection of locations for new stations.

Industrial restructuring in contemporary France: Spatial priorities and policies

List of tables List of figures Acknowledgements The Process of Deindustrialisation: Introduction, Factors provoking industrial decline, Spatial variations in decline, Contrasts between industries, Consequences of factory closures Spatial Policies and Industrial Redevelopment: Introduction, Government regional policy, Regional development grants, The development of new infrastructure, Conversion poles, Assistance from the European Community, Corporate aid, Enterprise zones and business advice, The action of local authorities The Impact of Remedial Policies: Introduction, Government expenditure of regional development, Improvements to transport networks, The impacts of conversion poles and enterprise zones, The role of redevelopment companies, Growing assistance from the European Community, A wide range of local initiatives An Overview of Change: The changing role of state intervention, The case of Lorraine, Summary Issues for the 1990s: Notes, Bibliography.

Sustainable rural development in the context of a high mountain national park: The parc national de la Vanoise, France

Abstract The European Alps are being transformed from regions of flight to regions of development, with consequent threats of environmental degredation and reduced biodiversity. One response is the creation of National and Regional Parks coupled with the search for sustainable forms of rural development. The example of the National Park of the Vanoise, France, is examined and by reference to case studies it is argued that sustainability is achieved via a trajectory rather than by finite legislation and, further, that pluriactivity plays a crucial role.

The production of urban space by the Train à Grande Vitesse: Three case studies of Gares‐bis

Abstract The Train a Grande Vitesse (hereafter TGV) has shrunk the time‐distance equation in France to a degree comparable with the original railway system. For technical reasons, many of the new TGV stations have been located outside the towns they serve (gares‐bis), recalling the peripheral locations of the original stations with their associated quartiers‐gares. The hypothesis is explored that the gares‐bis might be expected to have ‘produced’ urban space in the form of a new kind of quartier‐gare. This is tested by reference to three contrasted cases; Mâcon, Le Creusot and Vendome. The conclusion is reached that although the TGV has had general positive effects, this has not been translated into significant development at the station sites and they have not as yet acted as producers of urban space. Explanations are offered in terms of economic circumstances, local government reactions and environmental constraints.

Book Reviews : Ethnogéographies. Edited by P. Claval Singaravelou. Paris, L'Harmattan. 1995. 380 pp. 210 fr. ISBN 2 7384 3475 4

nuances about emphasis in general may confuse an undergraduate, and the particular interpretations of their culture’s interest in the world may confuse a student who believes that people can be genuinely and altruistically concerned about others. Similarly, in this light the value of the local is seen primarily as a locus of resistance. That it can also be other things, including a source of oppression, is largely overlooked (except by Agnew.) Another potential difficulty, especially for American students, is the use without definition of technical social