What else is changing in France in 2026? Military service, eclipses and more
We also show the bank holiday dates in 2026 and links to our 10 previous articles on what is new this year
An ‘almost total’ eclipse of the sun can be seen on August 12 in most parts of FranceKolonko/Shutterstock.
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In the last of our features on what is new in France in 2026 (see below for the others), we look at several upcoming items that do not fit more obvious categories.
A publicity campaign for the scheme has now launched, with a particular focus in the regional press, as the government hopes to find volunteers from all over France.
Eclipse
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An almost total eclipse of the sun will be visible in many regions of France on August 12, between around 20:15 and 20:30.
The best views are expected in the south-west of the country and people are advised to wear protective glasses to watch.
Normandy cemetery
With visitor numbers becoming too high, Normandy’s American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer (Calvados) will introduce a pre-booking system from April.
A cap will be placed on the number of daily visitors, with alternative dates offered where necessary.
Cargo ships
Large cargo sailing ships conceived in France are expected to start crossing the Atlantic this year, likely departing from the ports of La Rochelle (Charente-Maritime) and Honfleur (Calvados).
The Vela vessels are partly inspired by historic tea clipper ships.
Vela is a new fleet being developed for 2026. It comes as Neoliner Origin, a giant sailing cargo ship made in a different project, is now already delivered and gearing up for service
Dolphins and orcas
The use of dolphins and orcas in shows will be banned from December 2, 2026.
In practice, however, the last major park to feature them, Marineland in Antibes, Alpes-Maritimes, ended such shows in 2025.
Since then, there have been question marks over the future of two remaining orcas, which are still living in pools at the closed park. It is now suggested that a new sanctuary under construction in Canada could take them.
Dairy Queen
US fast food and ice cream chain Dairy Queen is working on plans to launch in France, with its first outlet potentially opening this year, although this has not yet been confirmed.
Hindu temple
France’s first traditional Hindu temple is expected to be completed this year in Bussy-Saint-Georges (Seine-et-Marne).
It is planned to open in September, on the Esplanade des Religions et des Cultures.
France-Ireland electricity connection
The first electricity distribution line between France and Ireland – the Celtic Interconnector project – is expected to come into service in 2026.
