-
‘Good and bad places to swim’: 2026 French beach water quality map released by environmental group
More than one in five beaches are classed as either ‘discouraged’ or ‘avoid’ in annual ranking
-
Beer overtakes wine in France for first time
Consumers drank around 10 million litres more beer than wine in 2025, industry report shows
-
France’s rental crisis deepens as eviction delays hit 21 months on average
Tensions experienced by national council commissaires de justice members were 'particularly high'
Escaped black panther on the run again
The black panther which was seen last week walking on the roofs of buildings in Armentières (Hauts-de-France), has been stolen from the zoo where it had been placed.
The animal has disappeared during the night (Monday to Tuesday) but no signs of forced entry have been found on the outside entrances or enclosures of the zoo of Maubeuge. Only the security of the animal’s enclosure had been forced.
It had been caught last Wednesday by a fire brigade vet using a ‘hypodermic gun’ to make the animal fall asleep.
The panther, aged between 5-6 months, was supposed to go to a refuge for mistreated animals this Wednesday.
Its owner has been identified by the police but has not yet been arrested. He risks a year’s imprisonment and a fine of €15,000.
Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers in France