The French courts have long had a reputation for supporting the process of international arbitration. This is exemplified by the well-known Hilmarton case, in which the Cour de Cassation found that an arbitral award remained extant and capable of recognition in France, despite the fact that it had been annulled at the place of arbitration – in that case Switzerland. A recent decision of the Paris Court of Appeal shows a more interventionist approach, according to Justin Williams, London head of international arbitration at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld