Astronaut retrains for zero gravity plane

Thomas Pesquet has big plans for this year

Published Wednesday 24 January 2018 - 15:00 Modified Wednesday 24 January 2018 - 15:00

Spaceman and former Air France pilot Thomas Pesquet is aiming for a new career – flying the zero-gravity plane used to train his fellow astronauts.

Thomas spent six months on the International Space Station and by the end of February will have retrained to fly the Airbus A310 Zero-G plane. He said on Facebook “it promises a little weightlessness in 2018”.

France unveils 2026 budget plan: €44 billion cuts and possible holiday reduction

Threat of a vote of no confidence that could oust Prime Minister François Bayrou raised across political spectrum

Interest rate of French Livret A savings account to fall in August

It marks the biggest drop in the rate since 2009

Are the volcanoes in central France still active?

Volcanoes shadow major city in central France

Our French bank has asked about patrimoine - what does this mean?

Banks will often ask routine questions to gather information about their customer's finances

Can a large age gap invalidate a tontine agreement in France?

Tontine clauses are inserted at time of property purchase but can be invalidated at a later date

Rosyth-Dunkirk ferry faces further delays, 2025 launch unlikely

Scottish port requires upgrade before service can launch

Recipe: garlic anchovy roast lamb

Adding a few flavourings to lamb before roasting is a simple step that transforms this classic dish

Threats of censure, ‘social war’, ‘too hard on middle-class’: reaction to France’s austerity budget

François Bayrou looks set for an uphill struggle to pass text with €44 billion of savings this autumn but has backing of centrist MPs after ‘brave’ announcement