Amsterdam's Sofitel Grand is a luxury hotel with a Gallic touch, says Rodney Bolt.

Saturday is opening night for two orchestras, both with a Gallic touch, and a chamber choir.

Posters of French Impressionists and framed menus from three-star French restaurants add the Gallic touch.

When Mr. Bouley works foreign influences into his dishes, he does so with impeccable taste and a light Gallic touch.

Lace half-curtains at the windows and nosegays of fresh flowers on the tables are pleasing Gallic touches.

Food combines Swedish husmanskost with savvy Gallic touches.

He was tried for collaboration and sentenced to a year's imprisonment in his absence, and - a particularly Gallic touch this - declared "a disgrace" to la patrie.

Gallic touches such as a Louis XVI buffet in the hallway, some antique French prints.

This exquisite baroque bronze work had been presented on permanent loan by the Tenth Republic of France, as though to give a Gallic touch to distant Lunaplex.

The lace half-curtains at the windows and the tape of Edith Piaf's singing in the background are the only Gallic touches.