Marches, mimosa, Molière: The week ahead in France

This week (February 13-19) is also set to include a controversial healthcare debate (and a strike about it), another day of pension protests, a wine show and more

A wine expo, more strikes, a controversial healthcare Senate debate, and a mimosa festival are on the calendar this week in France
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Monday, February 13

European economics

The European Commission is set to present its economic forecast for 2023-2024.

Wine salon

The Wine Paris and Vinexpo salon begin in Paris and will run until February 15.

Floral parade

A carnival parade and ‘flower parade of the sea’ on naval ships takes place in Villefranche-sur-Mer (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur), with folk music in Place Amélie Pollonais.

Tuesday, February 14

Senate reading of healthcare bill

The first reading of the Loi Rist (‘Rist law’) in the Senate The law’s stated aim is to help improve management of healthcare centres and public access to healthcare.

Independent GP strike

GPs are striking against the above Rist law.

Read more: Why many doctors’ surgeries will be closed for a day in February

Saint-Valentin

Valentine’s Day is celebrated worldwide, and known as the Fête de Saint-Valentin in France.

Read also: Single shoppers show status with a ‘love basket’ at French supermarket

Wednesday, February 15

Property taxes due

The second monthly collection of property taxes if due, including the taxe foncière and d'habitation for those who have opted for this timeframe for payments.

Read also: Are French second home property taxes different for non-residents?

Energy meeting

Meeting of the Agence Internationale de l’Energie (AIE) in Paris, to evaluate the gas market situation.

Thursday, February 16

Pension strikes

The fifth day of action by workers against the proposed pension reforms.

Read also: France braces for standstill on March 7 over pension reform protests

Read also: Unions call for tougher, longer pension strikes in France

Friday, February 17

The language of Molière

The 350th anniversary of the death of the famous playwright.

Saturday, February 18

It was all yellow

The annual festival in celebration of mimosa, the distinctive flower, takes place this weekend at Bormes-les-Mimosas in the south of France. It will end on Sunday 19.

Below are the nine favourite pictures taken last year in Bormes-les-Mimosas.

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