Environment

News updates on environmental issues affecting life in France, from green transport initiatives to being eco-friendly at home.

French eco-villages find way to combat depopulation

Imagination, commitment and hard work can help rebuild rural life as these three villages in Dordogne and Limousin show

Environment news round up in France this May

Rennes bans grass clippings at tips, Lyon bans polluting fireplaces and more

Practical tips for buying rainwater collector as sales surge in France

DIY stores say there are now waiting lists for rainwater collectors as people look to overcome drought restrictions

Returnable glass beer and wine bottles making a comeback in France

A group of ten organisations are trying to standardise the ‘use and return’ practice across the country for environmental and economic reasons

Old electric French post office bikes get ‘up-cycled’ for resale

The sturdy bikes sell for half the price of new models - you can even choose the paint colour

Low-emission zones are a bad idea, say French greens

Victor Joly / Alamy Stock Photo / Leitenberger Photography / Shutterstock

As the French senate launches a survey into the decision to ban older cars from city centres, the green party says it is “the worst possible way” to improve air quality

Putting down roots: French departments plant tree for each child born

The project helps cool urban areas during heatwaves and bonds families to the locality

Dangerous pesticides found in areas around French vineyards

A new study has found significant traces of pesticides which are suspected of causing cancer in a wide area surrounding vineyards in France

Project to make wastewater fit for drinking in France

The Jourdain project in western France is the first of its kind in Europe, and could provide a solution to future droughts

Homeowners in France urged to help ease drought and forest fires

We explain the yellow, orange and red drought warnings and what action to take to prepare for restrictions

Water management expert throws doubt on French minister’s drought plan

The public will not pay for new infrastructure and local authorities do not have the expertise, says research director

France imposes regulations on use of solar panels on farms

Farmers in France will soon only be able to define their activity as ‘agrivoltaics’ if the solar panels benefit their agricultural production in some way

Plans for a giant solar park anger residents in south-west France

First it was wind turbines but now it is 44,000 photovoltaic panels that are at the heart of tensions in the Lot

Anti-pollution measures launch in several areas of southern France

The speed limit on major roads has been reduced. People are advised to limit time outdoors if in a vulnerable group. The burning of garden waste is also banned in one department

‘Strawberry tree’ helps woods recover after fire, French experts claim

Its deep roots allow it to recover quickly after a fire and stop soil erosion

MAP: 4,000 earthquakes a year in France; where, and what risk level?

See which seismic zone your region falls under

Change to recycling rules in France and what can go in yellow bins

A new rule is said to simplify the system for the public but we look at why some campaigners feel betrayed

French MPs approve bill to speed up development of renewables

France aims to multiply solar energy production by 10 and increase both off and onshore wind farms

French rural residents ‘must be protected from pesticides’

The Conseil d’Etat has ruled that minimum distances between homes and pesticide-approved agricultural land insufficient

French golf clubs’ plea to relax rules on reusing wastewater

Golf courses were criticised for watering greens during last year’s heatwave - but using treated wastewater comes with ‘onerous’ restrictions

Algae farm windows help French flats go green

The initiative allows firms to make money from harvesting the crop while at the same time reducing energy consumption in the building

Cart horses collect Christmas trees and ‘bring joy’ across France

Around 200 towns use horse-drawn carts to collect recycling, take children to school or senior citizens to market