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‘Lynx crossing’ signs, WW2 Paris footage found: French news in brief
Road signs aim to reduce car accidents with lynx, care home workers wear suits that simulate old age and the liberation of Paris on film
Bad year for olives
High temperatures and long periods of drought earlier in the year have resulted in a disappointing olive harvest, which also began earlier than usual this year.
Several producers in Var, Alpes-Maritimes and Vaucluse have reported a drop in production of 50% or more, which could have a knock-on effect on olive and olive oil prices.
Read more: French olives: Quality over quantity
‘Lynx crossing’ signs
A wildlife centre in Jura has produced road signs warning motorists to slow down to avoid collisions with lynx, of which a small number are found in eastern France.
At least 16 lynx have been hit by cars – 10% of the species’ population in France, according to the Centre Athénas.
Eight towns have so far agreed to display the signs.
Simulating old age
Carers are now able to understand how old age feels, thanks to a body suit which simulates vision and hearing difficulties and reduced mobility.
The Domitys group has provided each of its French retirement homes with the equipment, which includes weights, headphones and ski goggles.
The goal is to help carers better comprehend their patients’ struggles when going about daily tasks.
Fall in Paris Airbnbs
The number of holiday lets advertised in Paris has fallen to 43,000, from 50,000 in 2020.
Local authorities have attempted to crack down on the proliferation of flats being rented out on Airbnb. Since 2017, these must be declared at city hall and receive a registration number to display on any ads.
Read more: Airbnb host and company fined €189,000 for illegal rental in Paris
1bn trees in 10 years
President Macron has promised to replant a billion trees by 2032, covering 10% of France’s forests, to offset the effects of wildfires.
Critics have pointed out this is little more than the 85 million trees currently planted per year.
WW2 footage found
A new video showing the liberation of Paris in 1944 has been released by national archives service INA.
The amateur footage was discovered in 2020, and shows Parisians in the street, preparing for the victory parade down the Champs-Élysées on August 26. Watch it here
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