-
Three major wildfires continue to burn in south and south-west France amid heatwave conditions
Workers at Goodyear tyre testing circuit in Hérault evacuated as blaze passes dangerously close to site containing fuel
-
Hydrogen project in Lorraine offers hope for cleaner transport
Underground hydrogen was discovered in the department in 2023
-
Revolutionary bottle-washing plant cuts carbon footprint of French wine
Eco in Pack leads the way in reusing wine bottles, cutting costs and emissions
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
Related articles:
Teacher killed, two injured in terrorist knife attack at French school
Paris trial over jihadist murder of French priest in 2016 begins today