Seduction, surgery and more at separation fair

PARIS: The city of romance got a lesson in love's hard knocks, as thousands flocked to the French capital's first divorce fair.

In France, nearly one out of two marriages ends in divorce, according to the country's National Institute of Demographic Studies. More than 130,000 divorces were registered in 2007, as compared to just 50,000 three decades ago.

The New Start trade fair aimed to tap into that booming market by bringing together 60 stands offering up both services obviously related to separation - law firms and counselors - and also more obscure disciplines aimed at helping people get back on their feet, like tarot card readers, makeover specialists and self-esteem coaches.