French village’s surprise €4.5m

A villager left €4.5million as a surprise gift to her commune – four times its annual budget – in her will.

Connexion journalist

Published Monday 04 March 2019 - 15:15 Modified Monday 04 March 2019 - 15:15

Mayor Bernard Gilot announced that the legacy from Simone Daignas, 94, would be put to good use for the 700 residents of Mesves-sur-Loire in Nièvre, Bourgogne.

He plans to clear the village’s debt, start a clean-up operation and build a hall named after Mrs Daignas. Mrs Daignas had no heirs and died in a retirement home.

Centrist François Bayrou announced as new French prime minister

The veteran politician is currently mayor of Pau and a key Macron ally in parliament

France set to pass emergency ‘budget law’: is it good or bad for your finances?

The country will effectively be without a budget from 2025, with knock-on effects for individuals and companies

Chronopost, Colissimo, and Mondial Relay: Beware delivery scams in France

The surge in Christmas shopping always leads to an uptick of scams at this time of year

Police appeal for help as thefts of internet and phone cables increase in Brittany

‘These acts of vandalism threaten access to the telephone and internet network’, say police

Flu spreads in France: Four regions at epidemic level

All of the country is affected as the number of influenza cases rises

Cyclist stabbed in row over road rights in Lyon

The argument with two men on an e-scooter reportedly broke out over right of way

Man leaves €10m to Normandy village just because of its name

Roger Thiberville is not thought to have ever visited Thiberville. ‘It is a lovely surprise just before Christmas’ said the mairie

French road sign expands to Spain - but most drivers unaware of its meaning

Road sign is only in use for specific weather conditions

Letters: Can Hybrid cars leave you stranded without a spare wheel in France?

Readers share their experiences - their and solutions - over what to do if you do not have a spare in case of a flat tyre

Photo: French police stop driver over car covered in Christmas lights

Officers were appreciative of the decorations and took photos - but demanded that they were all removed

Letters: This photo tip makes it easier to renew UK passports in France

A Connexion reader shares how to make renewing a UK passport more straightforward

Drinks mis-sold as traditional kefir ‘mislead’ consumers in France

Many ‘kefir’ drinks do not contain the right ingredients, a consumer association says

Bees protected from Asian hornet attacks by award-winning French device

Frédérique Ripet has won a top business award for creating a device that protects hives from deadly attacks

Why is Bordeaux also known as the ‘port of the moon’?

The nickname hints at the long maritime history of the World Heritage city

Bordeaux-Ireland flights: Aer Lingus to replace Ryanair

The three flights per week will replace a service previously offered by Ryanair, which has now stopped all flights to and from Bordeaux

Rules relaxed for French salary-savings scheme

Changes mean workers will be able to get hold of funds in more circumstances

Few French newspapers were founded before 1945

Many newspapers were deemed to have collaborated during World War Two

Try out this Chartreuse and walnut macaron recipe

This tasty treat combines the liquer from Isère with a nutty flavour to create one France's favourite confectioneries

New pollution bans from January: Which cars and which cities in France?

Changes mean vehicles with Crit’Air level 3 will be banned in four cities

Interview: French cheesemonger on what it takes to become the best in the world

Vincent Philippe describes the effort that it took him to achieve the title of World's Best Cheesemonger, some of his favourite cheeses and France's biggest strengths involving cheese