French news

Wet south-east, dry north: France's reversed rainfall pattern March-May 2025

Precipitation exceeded seasonal averages by more than 60% in Alpes-Maritimes and Var

French rail union announces June - September strike action

Rolling strike attempts to catch rail operator off guard with last-minute walkouts

Two supermarket olive oil brands may pose health risk says French consumer organisation

Oil revealed as having the lowest level of pollutants is surprisingly affordable

news

State appeals ruling that restored EU voting rights to Briton in France

Lawyers had hoped the recent judgement would be final

Hail warnings as storms set to batter east of France again

Heightened weather alerts extended to Saturday morning in several departments

Flight delay compensation changes include travel to and from France

New EU proposals address delay periods and compensation levels, together with easier claim processes and re-routing requirements

What is the weather forecast for the long Pentecost weekend (for some) in France

Only the southern coast is expected to remain dry this weekend

400,000 illegal speed bumps can stay, French court rules

New bumps must comply with law

Jellyfish spotted at beaches in south of France: how to check which beaches are safe

Interactive maps can show where they have been noted in recent days

Nine more French departments to have unmarked speed radar cars

An increasing proportion of the cars will be operated by private contractors

EasyJet resumes Toulouse-London service for winter season

Airline will fly up to six flights per week on route during Christmas period

New tool launched to help students find accommodation in France

University places are now being offered for the start of the academic year in September

Guernsey sees record number of ferry visitors from France

We review the ferry routes between France and the Channel Island

Photos: greenhouses damaged and motorways battered as huge hailstones hit central France

Hail reached up to 6cm in diameter. Further storms are forecast today

MPs reject plan to extend VAT to more self-employed workers in France

Vote reverses proposal to lower exemption thresholds for micro-entrepreneurs

Private swimming pools boom in France: 5 key statistics

Home pools have become more popular in the past few decades

Know your cheeses and their seasons: which to eat in France in June

Several cow’s cheeses are recommended as summer begins

Temperature drop and storms: French weekly weather outlook June 2 - 6

All areas of France will see rain this week

New way to measure pesticide use in France angers green groups

Controversial formula will help French government achieve its target of reducing by half for 2030

Tourists lose €1m in home invasion at Nice rental villa

Police warn of rising trend targeting wealthy holidaymakers

Watch out for French motorway toll scams after holiday weekend

Drivers warned of fake messages purportedly from a leading motorway payment service

Construction on half-built motorway can continue, rules French court

It is the latest court decision concerning the highly-contested and much-debated A69 road

Activists fight to halt rail project in south-west France

Environmental concerns over high-speed line echo recent motorway case, sparking hopes for construction halt

Weather alert raised in 50 departments as France braces for heavy storms

Vast swathe of country from south-west to north-east placed on yellow alert by state forecaster Météo France

Virgin's plans for trains to France given 'green signal' by UK regulator

Group told it can use Eurostar's London depot to maintain and store its trains

‘French Banksy’ James Colomina strikes again with new sculpture in Toulouse

James Colomina talks about his most recent installation, and the meanings behind his artworks

Anti-fraud inspections lead to record repayments in France

Builders were found to be the worst offenders when it comes to social security fraud, as France intensifies inspections

Paris tourism experiences post-Olympics and ‘Trump effect’ spike

The capital is booming as foreign tourists return to France this summer

Corsica Ferries opens new route between Toulon and Minorca

‘Mini-cruise’ tickets can be purchased without an overnight cabin

France must pay €5,000 to Briton who wins back right to vote post-Brexit

Ruling by local court was ‘incredibly brave’, says British retiree who lost her vote in France post-Brexit

Fewer drivers on phones but risky habits persist on French roads, report finds

Tailgating, road rage and driving while tired are also still prevalent

Beaches, gardens, outside schools: France to ban smoking in more public spaces

Ban will apply nationwide from July 1 as health minister pledges clean air for children

Taxi driver protests continue in south and Paris: weekend disruption expected

Major demonstrations planned in prime minister’s hometown of Pau

Storms return: French weekend weather update May 31 - June 1

Temperatures are set to drop 10C in the south-west between Friday and Sunday

Digital carte Vitale application now available in many French departments

Application is available in half of mainland French departments and can be used by foreign residents

French road network 'on brink of collapse', mayors warn

Lack of state funding for local authorities is sorely felt in some areas

New flight route offers direct link between Nice and Washington DC

The connection ‘demonstrates the growing attractiveness of Nice to Americans’ as tourist and expat numbers rise

See how your local MP voted in France’s new end-of-life law

Check their vote on the ‘assisted suicide’ bill with an online tool

What are the rules for changing your front door in France?

We review the rules, from planning permission to paint colours

MPs vote to end France's ZFE low-emission zones despite government opposition

Cross-party majority introduces amendment against them in a broader economic simplification bill on May 28

Where in Paris is property becoming more affordable?

Seven arrondissements have now fallen below the €9,000 per square metre bracket

63 confirmed chikungunya cases recorded in south-east France as authorities fear epidemic

Spike linked to outbreak in La Réunion prompts reinforced surveillance and anti-mosquito measures

D-Day events: Residents and visitors warned to check driving and parking rules

Many towns holding major remembrance events are set to close roads and ban parking next weekend

These are the best cities to move to for hiking in France

Some of the cities included in the list may surprise you

Weather experts predict warmer than average summer for France

The south of France and Corsica are the most likely to experience higher than usual temperatures

Briton wins right to be on EU electoral roll in historic French court ruling

The order is the first of its kind since Brexit

More power cuts expected in Nice after large scale weekend sabotage

Network may face issues in coming days as repair works carried out

Culture tests for more applicants as French citizenship rules are toughened

New test will come into effect before January 1, 2026

Warning over rise of bogus health ‘cures’ in France

Health misinformation has been rising since the Covid-19 pandemic, according to French government agency

Shortage of antidepressants and psychiatric drugs set to last several months in France

Several major drugs are at critically low levels after production halt and rise in demand

Why 500,000 France residents will receive a call from the Assurance Maladie in June

Patients will be reminded to book GP appointments to tackle certain long-term illnesses

Easier prescriptions for weight-loss drugs on way in France

GPs will be able to prescribe the drugs provided patients fit criteria for obesity

Non-EU visitors to pay more to visit major French museums

Major attractions including Versailles and Garnier opera will raise prices from 2026 to combat budget cuts

EU-UK mobility deal in sight to help young people visit France

Scheme would make travel for studies and exchanges easier for under 30s

AI cameras used to track household recycling errors in France

More towns adopt the technology to enhance recycling efforts and reduce costs

Widow in France facing financial struggle as step-child she never met stakes inheritance claim

Many couples in France are worried about the future as French 2021 law has put wills in doubt

Natural disaster zone to be declared in Var after storms - what does it change?

The official declaration unlocks ‘extra’ insurance. Here is how to claim

When and where is wild camping forbidden in France?

The rules vary dependent upon set-up, length of stay, what is nearby etc

Farmers begin major protests in support of new deregulation bill

Union leaders have threatened to block roads out of Paris this week, impeding holiday plans for residents of the city

New ranking shows the best places to live near Toulouse

The list advises places to get that south-of-France village feel without sacrificing city living

Dinguerie, débunker, deepfake… 150 words added to French dictionary, Le Petit Robert

Find out which of these trending terms you are familiar with

Glass bottle and jar deposit scheme returns in France with large-scale trial

Shoppers who return products will receive between 10c and 20c per item

Temperatures to reach 30C in south: French weekly weather outlook May 26 - 30

Dry conditions are expected for public holiday on Thursday

Changes to sick-leave requests to take place from July in France

State looks to combat fraud surrounding fake sick-leave forms

Blackouts in south of France: What is known about suspected attacks on electricity grid

Fire at substation in Nice follows similar attack in Var and the sabotage of an electricity pylon in Alpes-Maritimes

17 recent and upcoming changes you may have missed in France

Including a tap water ban, home renovation grants and reduction in the interest rate on Livret A savings accounts

Is there cause for concern over new Covid variant identified in France?

The NB.1.8.1 strain has been observed four times since March

Missing British man with Parkinson’s Disease missing in Paris

Chris Arnheim, 65, finds it hard to communicate due to his condition

New ranking shows ‘best campsites’ in France

Could one of these 20 - as reviewed by camping users - be a great choice for your holiday?

Almost 60% of people in France concerned about 'water scarcity'

Levels of stress hydrique vary across different French regions and age ranges

Walk with sheep, cows and horses as France’s summer transhumance season begins

Festivals and treks are being hosted across rural and mountain regions in the coming weeks

Advice issued as France saw over 1,200 drowning incidents last summer

90% of deaths concerned adult swimmers

Mystery of driving fines sent from France to UK homes post Brexit

This week’s new EU-UK partnership agreement includes measures to facilitate the sharing of driver data

Two new cities listed as among France’s cleanest: Where are they?

Seven cities now have ‘five-star’ cleanliness ranking

Mutuelle costs rising again, with seniors worst hit - how to find affordable options

Costs are up 2% overall in 2025, but there are ways to bring the price down

French news

Wet south-east, dry north: France's reversed rainfall pattern March-May 2025

French rail union announces June - September strike action

Two supermarket olive oil brands may pose health risk says French consumer organisation

State appeals ruling that restored EU voting rights to Briton in France

Trending

Nine more French departments to have unmarked speed radar cars

AI cameras used to track household recycling errors in France

What is the weather forecast for the long Pentecost weekend (for some) in France

How lifetime gifts work as an alternative to bequests in France

400,000 illegal speed bumps can stay, French court rules

Paris Nuit Blanche 2025: join in this weekend’s ‘all night’ free culture festival

State appeals ruling that restored EU voting rights to Briton in France

Hail warnings as storms set to batter east of France again

Flight delay compensation changes include travel to and from France

What is the weather forecast for the long Pentecost weekend (for some) in France

400,000 illegal speed bumps can stay, French court rules

Jellyfish spotted at beaches in south of France: how to check which beaches are safe

Nine more French departments to have unmarked speed radar cars

EasyJet resumes Toulouse-London service for winter season

New tool launched to help students find accommodation in France

Guernsey sees record number of ferry visitors from France

Photos: greenhouses damaged and motorways battered as huge hailstones hit central France

UN Conference brings extra police checks to south-east France

Strike to shut down public transport in Nice, other networks unaffected

Why global porn sites are blocking access from France

MPs reject plan to extend VAT to more self-employed workers in France

When and where are dogs banned at beaches in France?

Rendez-vous aux jardins: over 2,200 French parks and gardens to visit

Whit Monday: France’s most confusing bank holiday

Scope of French language tests widens ahead of new residency card requirements

French city to increase water price by 42% this summer to fight drought

Private swimming pools boom in France: 5 key statistics

Know your cheeses and their seasons: which to eat in France in June

Temperature drop and storms: French weekly weather outlook June 2 - 6

New way to measure pesticide use in France angers green groups

Tourists lose €1m in home invasion at Nice rental villa

Watch out for French motorway toll scams after holiday weekend

Construction on half-built motorway can continue, rules French court

Activists fight to halt rail project in south-west France

Weather alert raised in 50 departments as France braces for heavy storms

Virgin's plans for trains to France given 'green signal' by UK regulator

‘French Banksy’ James Colomina strikes again with new sculpture in Toulouse

Anti-fraud inspections lead to record repayments in France

Paris tourism experiences post-Olympics and ‘Trump effect’ spike

Corsica Ferries opens new route between Toulon and Minorca

France must pay €5,000 to Briton who wins back right to vote post-Brexit

Fewer drivers on phones but risky habits persist on French roads, report finds

Beaches, gardens, outside schools: France to ban smoking in more public spaces

Taxi driver protests continue in south and Paris: weekend disruption expected

Storms return: French weekend weather update May 31 - June 1

Digital carte Vitale application now available in many French departments

French road network 'on brink of collapse', mayors warn

New flight route offers direct link between Nice and Washington DC

See how your local MP voted in France’s new end-of-life law

What are the rules for changing your front door in France?

MPs vote to end France's ZFE low-emission zones despite government opposition

Where in Paris is property becoming more affordable?

63 confirmed chikungunya cases recorded in south-east France as authorities fear epidemic

D-Day events: Residents and visitors warned to check driving and parking rules

These are the best cities to move to for hiking in France

Weather experts predict warmer than average summer for France

Briton wins right to be on EU electoral roll in historic French court ruling

More power cuts expected in Nice after large scale weekend sabotage

Culture tests for more applicants as French citizenship rules are toughened

Warning over rise of bogus health ‘cures’ in France

Shortage of antidepressants and psychiatric drugs set to last several months in France

Why 500,000 France residents will receive a call from the Assurance Maladie in June

Easier prescriptions for weight-loss drugs on way in France

Non-EU visitors to pay more to visit major French museums

EU-UK mobility deal in sight to help young people visit France

AI cameras used to track household recycling errors in France

Widow in France facing financial struggle as step-child she never met stakes inheritance claim

Natural disaster zone to be declared in Var after storms - what does it change?

When and where is wild camping forbidden in France?

Farmers begin major protests in support of new deregulation bill

New ranking shows the best places to live near Toulouse

Dinguerie, débunker, deepfake… 150 words added to French dictionary, Le Petit Robert

Glass bottle and jar deposit scheme returns in France with large-scale trial

Temperatures to reach 30C in south: French weekly weather outlook May 26 - 30