(National-UAE) Barely 30 kilometres from the renowned Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles, France’s perpetual search for harmonious relations with its post-colonial Muslim population has its own reflection in the troubled recent history of one small town.
On first encounter, Ecquevilly — a community of only 4,200 people — seems just another part of the commuter belt west of Paris.
Smart detached houses, some proudly flying French tricolours, are found a few paces from drab but functional blocks of low-cost apartments.
A diversified population evokes France’s multicultural World Cup-winning team. But not everyone embraces the notion that a sporting triumph drawing on all ethnic strands can truly accelerate the process of integration and inspire what the French call “vivre ensemble,” living together in mutual tolerance and respect.
