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Busy weekend traffic and ferry deals: 7 French travel updates
We also cover the partial reopening of the A13 motorway and a warning to carry ID when travelling by train in France
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Temperatures of 30C in south-west France before Sunday storms
Several areas to face storms in a precursor to heavy rain next week
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Warning for all ages as whooping cough on rise in France
The condition starts with cold-like symptoms before the coughing becomes more severe. It can be dangerous - even fatal - for infants and vulnerable people
What is France’s Vigipirate alert system?
The security apparatus follows a three level plan
France follows a three level security alert system called Vigipirate to allow police and emergency services to coordinate their resources in times of crisis.
The name Vigipirate is an acronym for Vigilance et protection des installations contre les risques d'attentats terroristes à l'explosif.
The system, first introduced in 1978, has gone through several iterations. Last updated in 2016, there are currently three levels:
When has France been on high alert?
In the past ten years, France has been on its highest level of alert five times:
- March 19, 2022: After the Toulouse and Montauban shootings.
- January 7, 2015: After the Charlie Hebdo shooting
- November 14, 2015: After the November 2015 Paris attacks
- October 29, 2020: After the 2020 Nice stabbing.
- October 13, 2023: After the stabbings in Arras
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