National service for all
France’s ‘universal national service’ scheme is to be opened up to all French 15 to 17-year-olds next year.
It will be the first time that numbers will not be capped.
The scheme, launched in 2019, saw 32,000 people participate this year.
The voluntary programme includes a two-week camp focused on developing ‘republican values’, and 84 hours of volunteering – for example, in a charity or local authority.
Read more: Make sense of... Service national
Lidl cars up for grabs
Lidl France is to offer the chance to win three Mini cars painted in the chain’s colours.
Clients can participate until November 13 via the Lidl app.
It follows the surprising success of the store’s own-colour trainers.
Read more: Lidl’s internet-sensation trainers back on sale in France
Yes to Lyon light show
Lyon’s famous Fête des Lumières festival is to go ahead from December 8-11 this year despite attempts by the city to reduce energy use.
City hall said LED lighting would be used, so the energy needed for the light shows would be “marginal”.
Related articles
Biennale de Lyon art fair now one of France’s key cultural events
Why some French towns are switching off their street lights at night
Visa and residency cards for France*
Inheritance Law and Wills in France* 
