Environment

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

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Got a question about nature or the environment in France? Get in touch at news@connexionfrance.com

A wind turbine on the side of a hill in rolling country

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

France’s Citizens’ climate body explained

The Convention Citoyenne pour le Climat is made up of 150 volunteers randomly selected from the public to brainstorm ideas to tackle climate change

France tightens plastics ban

The country is to take another step towards the end of single-use plastic packaging from January 1

Griffon vultures no longer in danger of extinction in France

Breakthrough for French ornithologists as the vulture species, once thought to be extinct, now has around 2,000 breeding couples around France

New 'pay as you throw' rubbish system rolled out in France

A new waste collection payment system is being gradually introduced to residents in one department of France – the more bags you throw out, the more you pay.

Meet the company making furniture from cigarette butts

French company MéGo! is the first of its kind in Europe to recycle cigarette ends into useful end products

Uncertain future for historic Ile-de-France allotments

Expanding Paris is threatening gardens which, for over a century, have been oases of green, reports Mike Diliën

Locals fight to save rural French land that Proust loved

A peaceful rural landscape described by Marcel Proust in A la recherche du temps perdu could be surrounded by 150m wind turbines unless literature-lovers win a last-gasp fight.

Where will you find the best weather in France?

Which department in France has the most pleasant climate? We currently live in the mountains of Málaga province in Spain, and we, and our dogs, really struggle with the heat two months of the year. We all love crisp winter days, a promising fresh and bright spring, and glorious autumn leaves. We love summer, but not 40c heat!

Beware Asian hornets nests widespread in France this summer

Nests of dangerous Asian hornets are expected to be widespread this summer after a sunny spring.

Using natural 'bio' mosquito repellent may kill birds

A scientist is demanding a review of the use of natural bio mosquito control, claiming it is harmful to some birds.

Gardeners in France: why you shouldn't mow your lawn weekly

Landscape gardener Eric Lenoir refuses to systematically mow lawns for clients, saying it is better to let the grass grow.

France to introduce bug that eats harmful ragweed plant

Should a bug that eats harmful ragweed be deliberately introduced into France?

Environmental news in France: July

In this month's round up of the environmental news making headlines in France, we talk air quality, beekeeping, and the new must-buy eco-friendly rosé from the Loire.

Positive environmental news in France: June

In this month's round up of the positive environmental news making headlines in France, we talk waste, pesticide use, and solar panels on a supermarket.

Farmers can spray pesticides within 5m of rural homes

Nature and ecology groups supported by about 100 mayors have lost an urgent legal challenge to laws allowing farmers to spray weedkiller and pesticides close to homes in the French countryside.

Join battle in France to stop butterfly extinction

The survival of some of nature’s most beautiful creatures is in your hands. Jane Hanks looks at how the drop in butterfly numbers can be reversed

Pay-per-bag waste tax to start in France

Dordogne is to become the first department to charge all its households a separate bill for waste disposal.

French company finds way of wasting less food

Waste not, want not is key to kitchen savings

French company makes glasses from unwanted seashells

Unwanted seashells reborn as frames for sunglasses

Recycling in France by using Ressourceries and reusing

“Rubbish” is being given a second chance of life, thanks to a network of 157 Ressourceries spread throughout the country.

New French government site helps for old objects

Don’t throw out your old possessions!