French news

Up to 30 mayors in France are resigning before the end of their mandate with many citing the transfer of their powers to the communauté de communes plus cuts in government grants.

Protesters are trying to halt windfarm plans beside Agin­court battlefield as the 16 turbines would be in full view of the site, scene of a historic English triumph in 1415 in the Hundred Years War.

Researchers are looking for signs of extraterrestrial life using a giant radio telescope in the heart of the Sologne forest in the centre of France.

France must go further in relaxing laws to allow more shops to open on Sundays, a group of 20 MPs from President Macron’s LREM party has said.

A think tank set up by the prime minister to look at ways to make savings has advised reducing state funding to regional airports – a measure which opponents say could put at risk many small airports.

New-look campsites have seen visitor numbers leap 20% over the past decade as they introduced new features and activities with 124 million nights booked in 2017 in 9,000 sites across France.

A mayor aims to boost taxe foncière payments after using Google Earth to spot undeclared or unauthorised swimming pools and other constructions in the commune.

A neuro-surgeon has warned that rugby has to take “drastic” action to reduce head injuries after the deaths of two players in France.

Ryanair is to start charging for cabin baggage after old rules caused boarding delays.

Many wine-growing areas are predicting high-quality wines this year due to good weather conditions which have led to early harvests around France.