quiz
The France news challenge: November 15, 2026
How closely have you followed the news recently in France? Test yourself with eight questions
Published
1. Why are people being warned against collecting wood in French forests, even if it is already dead and lying on the ground?
A) It can spread dangerous diseases
B) It is considered theft without permission and can result in a fine of up to €1,500
C) It is only permitted during certain months
D) It requires a special environmental licence
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B. It is considered theft without permission and can result in a fine of up to €1,500. The rules apply to both public and private forests, including fallen branches and dead wood. However, residents can obtain firewood legally through a traditional scheme called affouage, organised by their local mairie.
2. In which department was a porcupine filmed in the wild in France for the first time?
A) Pyrénées-Orientales
B) Alpes-Maritimes
C) Corsica
D) Haute-Savoie
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B. It was caught on municipal cameras in Castellar, near Menton, and probably crossed from Italy, where the species is spreading. It is protected, so sightings should be reported to the French Office for Biodiversity (OFB).
3. Tax authorities are using AI and aerial images to find undeclared garden sheds. How long do owners have to declare a new construction?
A) 30 days
B) 60 days
C) 90 days
D) One year
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C. This applies even when no planning permission is needed. The same method has already found more than 20,000 undeclared swimming pools.
4. In the latest round-up of polls for the 2027 presidential election, which candidate is first in every mainstream poll for the first round?
A) Jean-Luc Mélenchon
B) Edouard Philippe
C) Marine Le Pen
D) Raphaël Glucksmann
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C. Le Pen of the RN and Mélenchon of LFI continue to poll first and second for the first round, which is set for April 18. Le Pen’s scores range from 32.5% to 38% across polls, and if no one passes 50% in the first round, the top two meet in a runoff on May 2.
5. France’s annual 2027 census starts on January 21. What do second-home owners have to do?
A) Complete the full questionnaire in person
B) Nothing; they are not required to take part
C) Pay a registration fee
D) Complete it online only
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B. If an agent calls at a second home, they just note a few basic details.
6. France has relaxed its approach to citizenship applications from foreign retirees. What will no longer automatically count against applicants?
A) Receiving pension income from another country
B) Owning a second home abroad
C) Not speaking a regional French dialect
D) Having children who live outside France
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A. Receiving pension income from abroad. Retirees with strong local roots and declared foreign pension income should now have their applications considered more favourably.
7. Anyone filmed by CCTV in a public place in France can ask to see the footage. What is the maximum time recordings can normally be kept?
A) 48 hours
B) One week
C) One month
D) One year
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C. They are often deleted much sooner, so you should ask quickly. You don’t have to give a reason, and you can complain to the data protection authority, the CNIL, if you are refused without good grounds.
8. Which region in France is facing a major issue with an influx of invasive American blue crabs?
A) Normandy
B) Occitanie
C) Brittany
D) Alsace
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B. Occitanie. Large populations have established themselves in coastal lagoons, especially within the Aude and Pyrénées-Orientales departments.
