French news

Brexit residency card renewals: 12 confusion points and solutions

We look at timing for applications, documents needed (and not needed) and what rights if card is delayed

France faces growing threat from invasive ‘electric ant’ species as funding for projects stalls

Aggressive colonies are difficult to eradicate and researchers need approval to test new methods

Heavy rain alert in Brittany as powerful Channel storm set to hit

Winds of 100 km/h are expected in coastal areas. Rainfall of up to 70mm forecast

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French farmer protests: action expected around Lyon and in Poitiers but quieter elsewhere

Some unions continue to demonstrate despite ‘emergency law’ proposal

How France plans to tackle health disinformation

Online campaigns and new watchdogs amid strategy, but ‘scores’ for information and sanctions ruled out for now

American visitors take Nice airport to record passenger numbers

International tourists to the French Riviera destination made up more than 50% of all visitors in 2025

Help available for struggling self-employed workers in France

Three specific schemes launched for individuals running their own businesses who have run into difficulty

Farmer protests in France: more blockades as ‘emergency law’ announced

Local union branches are protesting nationwide but unions are divided on next steps

Ryanair reopens Tours-London route for summer 2026

All four of the Irish airline’s summer services have returned to the airport

Marine Le Pen appeals public office ban: how could this impact France's 2027 presidential election?

Month-long appeal begins today but no result is expected until summer 2026

Storm with 100 km/h gales to hit Brittany and Normandy this week

Check for weather alerts and any ferry cancellations from Wednesday

French rail strike: no disruption to TGVs but local Occitanie and Paris routes impacted

Unions are calling on workers to walk out as negotiations with management begin

French farmer protests: renewed road blockades and demonstrations as Mercosur anger remains

Farmers from all unions are protesting, with new action including truck inspections at Le Havre port and on motorways

Six skiers, including a Briton, die in French Alps after weekend avalanches

Separate incidents saw off-piste skiers buried in snow and hurled against trees

Politics and elections in France in 2026: key dates, votes and Brexit talks

From Marine Le Pen's appeal against her conviction to municipal elections and a Brexit 'reset' meeting

French study claims ‘Dry January’ participation improves sleep and health

First major study of its kind in France praises challenge, but alcohol-free month is yet to receive official endorsement

Egg shortages continue in France after bird flu and weather chaos

Sales rose by 300 million eggs between 2024 and 2025 as producers struggle to meet demand

French weekend weather forecast January 10 - 11: temperatures to drop

There will be some snow but limited mainly to the north-east

Storm Goretti hits north France: 213km/h winds, 380,000 without power

Authorities warn of flying debris and train services throughout north disrupted

French ski resorts report excellent Christmas despite less snow than last year

Bookings are up and non-snow related activities are also on the rise

American celebrity jeweller robbed of ‘more than €1m’ at French Riviera Airbnb

Jewellery and cash stolen from rental property where Chris Aire was staying

New 2026 civic tests in France: 50 example questions in French

Candidates must score 80% on tests to pass

France farmer protests: 100 tractors in Paris, roadblocks remain elsewhere

Farmers continue to blockade a number of routes ahead of Mercosur vote on Friday

Red weather alert issued as Storm Goretti brings 140km/h winds to northern France

Trains in Normandy and Brittany cancelled and ferry services disrupted

Strikes and protests in January 2026 and how you may be affected

Doctors, rail staff, and farmers are all taking action

Good news as lower electricity bills confirmed in France

The change is not a ‘revolution’ but will give some purchasing power back, minister says

Farmer protests in France: Blockades in place on several major roads

Tractor convoys head for Paris ahead of a major protest planned for Thursday

Flights cancelled, A8 motorway closed as snow continues to fall across France

Up to 15cm of snow is expected in parts of the north

Top Paris restaurants to sell off 20,000 tableware items

Pieces set to go on sale include glassware, cutlery, and silverware, as well as bistro tables and chairs. Money raised will go in part to charity

2025 world economy rankings: France classed above the UK and US

France’s low inflation rate helped it beat many other nations

Speed, alcohol, drugs: French ski resorts take action

Behaviour of some skiers a cause for concern as severity of injuries worsens

French farmer protests: where roadblocks and disruption are restarting

A major demonstration is planned for Paris as well as a ‘siege’ of Toulouse

Snow causes transport havoc across France - more expected tonight

More than 1,000 kilometres of traffic jams were recorded in the Paris area. Some roads are closed and flights, buses and trains impacted, with six deaths recorded

French court hands out prison sentences and damages in Brigitte Macron cyberbullying cases

Ten people were found guilty over online comments claiming the president wife is a transexual woman and paedophile

France targets imports from South America over banned chemical concerns

Avocados, mangoes, and cherries among food items set to be tested before entry

Hazelnut, chocolate… pork? France’s traditional galette des rois gets a modern makeover

January 6 marks Epiphany and the famous galette, eaten across France

France school holidays: 2026–27 dates confirmed

An additional day will be given in May 2027 as it falls between two public holidays

French doctors begin 10-day strike: most GP surgeries expected to close

Patients needing care should turn to pharmacies, on-call doctors, or emergency wards

French weekly weather forecast January 5 - 9: bitter cold and snow

Up to 10cm of snow is due in Brittany and Normandy. Toulouse, Dordogne and the Pays Basque will also see flocons

Home and daily life: What’s new in France in 2026

Changes include rises in cost of postage and a ban on cold calling

Work and education: What's new in France in 2026

From tax and invoicing to changes in schools

Free fraud service for UK homeowners living in France

Owners can sign up for a free monitoring service from HM Land Registry to reduce risk of fraud

Should France follow Italy and make ski helmets mandatory?

Mountain rescue services report an increase in interventions in recent seasons, attributing accidents to faster skiing, crowded pistes, and risky behaviour

Environment and ecology: What's new in France in 2026

Changes include a ban on microplastics, the future of ZFE low-emission zones for drivers and new offshore wind farms

New civic tests for foreigners in France launch amid criticism

Applicants for some types of residency cards must now take 45-minute test

Workers in France can take 17-day break using only eight days of leave in 2026

Favourable calendar for public holidays makes extended May break possible, with five guaranteed long weekends throughout year

David Hockney among France’s New Year honours list

Former Normandy resident awarded second grade of honour

Warnings over off-piste skiing in French Alps after American dies

Skier hit head on exposed rock during lesson with instructor

Trenitalia targets launch of London–Paris Channel Tunnel trains by 2029

Italian state rail company aims to be first to provide rival service to Eurostar after investment boost from American fund

French weekend weather forecast January 3 - 4: very cold

Some rural areas forecast to see overnight temperatures of -10C

Flights, ferries, trains: What's new in France in 2026

Changes include new transport links and operator changes for popular routes

Six good news stories from France in 2025

From revolutionary eye surgery and sporting successes, to successful fundraising for iconic French brands, the year was full of feel-good news

Why is New Year's Eve known as Réveillon de la Saint-Sylvestre in France?

You may have heard French friends use this term but they might not know where it comes from

French farmer protests: union calls for ‘mass restart’ of action

January 7 is highlighted as day for key action - other unions are yet to commit

UK-France trains back after long night of delays to Eurostar and Le Shuttle

Power outage in the Channel Tunnel stopped all services for several hours

France’s proposed voluntary national service: military revival or costly misstep?

Concerns have emerged over scheme's potential overlap with the recently abandoned Service national universel

Money, taxes, pensions: What's new in France in 2026

New money-saving budget, allowances, income tax freeze and retirement age

Dates 2026: Family allowance payments and other French benefits

The payment date varies if it falls on a weekend

Burglaries in Dordogne: Signs that show a home is at risk

A series of break-ins have been reported over the Christmas period

‘It’s the place we are happiest’: why George Clooney and family become French

‘My kids have a much better life [and] speak perfect French’, the Hollywood star says

Power outage suspends all Eurostar and Eurotunnel travel

A power outage in the Channel Tunnel has caused mass disruption

Explained: France's ‘Grand Froid’ plan and what it does

Several departments including Paris have enacted plans for cold temperatures

Which medical appointments will see higher fees in France in 2026?

We look at specialists affected and how reimbursement for patients will work for new tariffs

New farmer blockade set up in south-west France, others continue

New protest action is at the Foix tunnel and impacts travel into the Pyrénées and January action announced at Cherbourg port

France speed cameras 2026: phones and seatbelts not detected - yet

Recent reports in French media claim systems can identify these offences

Health and medicine: What's new in France in 2026

Changes include a new minimal fee for certain foreign residents and the development of the France Santé health centre network

25 Grand Frais stores to open in France as American investors prepare to purchase chain

Expansion would mean 3,000 new jobs

France’s end-of-year tips: how much to give firefighters, cleaners, and waste collectors

Informal tips known as ‘étrennes’ are widespread practice

‘A legend of the century’, ‘incredibly French’: tributes paid to Brigitte Bardot

The former actress and animal rights activist died on December 28 at the age of 91

January 1 easyJet strike: French union calls for ‘zero take-offs’

Minority cabin crew union calls for one-day walkout over scheduling issues

France braces for a chilly end to 2025

French weekly weather forecast December 29 - January 2 sees temperatures drop to below freezing in many areas

'Remove traffic lights and road signs to encourage safer driving', says Louis Sarkozy

Son of former president says it would encourage 'more responsible' driving

Culture, sport and events: What's new in France in 2026

Events include the Tour de France, the Six Nations and new museum openings

Brigitte Bardot, global film star and tireless campaigner for animal rights, dies at the age of 91

She rose to international prominence in the 1950s and 1960s before leaving cinema at 39

Cars and driving: What's new in France in 2026

Changes include licence exchange fees, motorway toll changes and speed camera changes

French news

Brexit residency card renewals: 12 confusion points and solutions

France faces growing threat from invasive ‘electric ant’ species as funding for projects stalls

Heavy rain alert in Brittany as powerful Channel storm set to hit

French farmer protests: action expected around Lyon and in Poitiers but quieter elsewhere

Trending

Chimney use set to be banned in 690 French communes

French woman ordered to pay €6,000 after suing Air France over lost luggage

Driving from France into Switzerland in 2026: latest sticker requirements

Six skiers, including a Briton, die in French Alps after weekend avalanches

Explained: who must complete France’s CIR integration contracts in 2026

French driver fined €135 and has points removed from licence for using phone in parking lot

Brexit residency card renewals: 12 confusion points and solutions

How France plans to tackle health disinformation

American visitors take Nice airport to record passenger numbers

Help available for struggling self-employed workers in France

Farmer protests in France: more blockades as ‘emergency law’ announced

Ryanair reopens Tours-London route for summer 2026

Marine Le Pen appeals public office ban: how could this impact France's 2027 presidential election?

Storm with 100 km/h gales to hit Brittany and Normandy this week

French rail strike: no disruption to TGVs but local Occitanie and Paris routes impacted

French farmer protests: renewed road blockades and demonstrations as Mercosur anger remains

Six skiers, including a Briton, die in French Alps after weekend avalanches

Readers share their photos of snowy France

French doctor strike will intensify, warns union

French weekly weather forecast January 12 - 16: warmer but rain returns

Politics and elections in France in 2026: key dates, votes and Brexit talks

Auchan supermarkets in France to switch to Intermarché or Netto in 2026

Flu epidemic in France: how long will it last?

Bowhunting in France: rules, licences and why the practice is expanding

Farmer protests to continue despite France opposing Mercosur trade deal

UK-EU talks raise hopes of easing post-Brexit rules for Britons in France

French study claims ‘Dry January’ participation improves sleep and health

Egg shortages continue in France after bird flu and weather chaos

French weekend weather forecast January 10 - 11: temperatures to drop

Storm Goretti hits north France: 213km/h winds, 380,000 without power

French ski resorts report excellent Christmas despite less snow than last year

American celebrity jeweller robbed of ‘more than €1m’ at French Riviera Airbnb

New 2026 civic tests in France: 50 example questions in French

France farmer protests: 100 tractors in Paris, roadblocks remain elsewhere

Red weather alert issued as Storm Goretti brings 140km/h winds to northern France

Strikes and protests in January 2026 and how you may be affected

Good news as lower electricity bills confirmed in France

Farmer protests in France: Blockades in place on several major roads

Flights cancelled, A8 motorway closed as snow continues to fall across France

Top Paris restaurants to sell off 20,000 tableware items

2025 world economy rankings: France classed above the UK and US

Speed, alcohol, drugs: French ski resorts take action

French farmer protests: where roadblocks and disruption are restarting

Snow causes transport havoc across France - more expected tonight

French court hands out prison sentences and damages in Brigitte Macron cyberbullying cases

France targets imports from South America over banned chemical concerns

Hazelnut, chocolate… pork? France’s traditional galette des rois gets a modern makeover

France school holidays: 2026–27 dates confirmed

French doctors begin 10-day strike: most GP surgeries expected to close

French weekly weather forecast January 5 - 9: bitter cold and snow

Home and daily life: What’s new in France in 2026

Work and education: What's new in France in 2026

Free fraud service for UK homeowners living in France

Should France follow Italy and make ski helmets mandatory?

Environment and ecology: What's new in France in 2026

New civic tests for foreigners in France launch amid criticism

Workers in France can take 17-day break using only eight days of leave in 2026

David Hockney among France’s New Year honours list

Warnings over off-piste skiing in French Alps after American dies

Trenitalia targets launch of London–Paris Channel Tunnel trains by 2029

French weekend weather forecast January 3 - 4: very cold

Flights, ferries, trains: What's new in France in 2026

Six good news stories from France in 2025

Why is New Year's Eve known as Réveillon de la Saint-Sylvestre in France?

French farmer protests: union calls for ‘mass restart’ of action

UK-France trains back after long night of delays to Eurostar and Le Shuttle

France’s proposed voluntary national service: military revival or costly misstep?

Money, taxes, pensions: What's new in France in 2026

Dates 2026: Family allowance payments and other French benefits

Burglaries in Dordogne: Signs that show a home is at risk

‘It’s the place we are happiest’: why George Clooney and family become French

Power outage suspends all Eurostar and Eurotunnel travel

Explained: France's ‘Grand Froid’ plan and what it does

Which medical appointments will see higher fees in France in 2026?