French news

August 15 bank holiday in France: what is celebrated and will shops be open?

Many workers in France will not benefit from an extra day off this year

Someone holding a phone, with an alert graphic above it to show a scam

Bank impersonation scam in France: Briton reveals red flags

Reader Deirdre Rankin, 79, lost thousands to scammer

Asian Hornets in France - your questions answered

From finding a nest to dealing with a sting…how to deal with Asian hornets

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Spike in Legionnaires’ disease cases in France leaves two dead

The Savoie department has seen an ‘unusual increase’ in cases since June

Landes wildfire: hundreds evacuated as firefighters battle 1,100-hectare blaze

Australian helicopter sent to help fight Landes fire

Interview: daughter of missing Briton in France explains how public can help

Stephanie Sparks Thomson, 75, disappeared from her home in January

Three million phone numbers accessed in data breach in France

600,000 of the numbers were registered with Bloctel

Strikes and heavy traffic make for a difficult weekend for travel in France

EasyJet cancellations, SNCF disruption and heavy road traffic are expected over the August 15 weekend

Storms set to hit France this weekend as heatwave eases

‘The fall in temperatures is expected to be very slow across the country’

A view of two men trying to break into a house

France sees spike in summer burglaries: tips on staying safe

The worst-hit areas and what you can do to put off burglars

France widens government aid for homes cracked by clay soils

Affected homeowners can seek state aid under scheme

France tests road signs to protect endangered lynx

A three-year trial in the Haut-Jura aims to assess whether signs can reduce road collisions

France’s historic drought: most underground reservoirs at below-average levels

July 2026 saw water levels drop in 94% of aquifers

Why are firefighters striking in France today?

‘Every seven seconds, firefighters are called’

Tuberculosis case in France prompts contact screening

Two others have since been found to have a less contagious form of the disease

Curious about France’s growing reputation as a startup hub? Here is what Americans need to know

Paris briefly overtook London as Europe’s top startup hub in 2025

Today’s solar eclipse in France: how to make the most of it

Near-total eclipse will be visible across most of the country, with the Perseid meteor shower reaching its peak tonight

French heatwave update: highs of 40C with temperatures climbing tomorrow

Every mainland department will face heatwave alert of some kind on Thursday

Woman using an automated EES Entry/Exit System kiosk with a touchscreen.

Could the EU 'pause' full EES rollout in September?

Rules allowing airports to suspend certain checks may be extended past next month’s deadline, according to UK press reports

Could François Hollande make a comeback in France’s 2027 presidential election?

Former Socialist president can act as unifying ‘soft-left’ candidate… but would have a mountain to climb

a French residence permit or brexit withdrawal card inset against Lyon departmental prefecture

Brexit residency card renewals - and some delays - intensify in France

We look at when to apply, how long processing can take, and what to do if it takes longer than expected

Eurostar rival orders 19 new trains, confirms London-Paris route to open in 2029

Trenitalia expected to be the first operator to offer alternative Channel Tunnel service

Gas prices to rise (again) for millions in France this September

France’s energy regulator will increase its benchmark price by 5.6%

French health insurance website unveils new-look reimbursement information

New Ameli feature helps you better track your expenses and reimbursements

Why Asian hornets are a bigger concern at the end of summer in France

Expert weighs in on what to do if you find a nest

Fountain jets spray water in Courbevoie under bright sun during a heatwave near Paris.

France’s fifth heatwave sees temperatures climb: your questions answered

Driving rules, air conditioning, help for vulnerable residents covered

France urged to overhaul air traffic control after delays

Audit says reforms are failing and urges study of privatised model

French passport and travel tickets lying on a black suitcase.

French passports remain powerful despite low ‘safety’ ranking

French citizens have better visa-free access than Britons or Americans

Wildfires burn in Drôme, Lozère as new heatwave brings renewed risks

High temperatures increase concerns over blazes in north of country

France’s new fifth heatwave: how long will it last and temperatures expected

Storms are forecast in different areas throughout the week

Farmer holds freshly harvested peanuts in a rural field beside green crops.

French farmers turn to exotic crops amid climate change

Bananas, peanuts and elephant grass make gains in France

A firefighting aircraft drops water on a smoky wildfire over a forested hillside near the coast.

France wildfires update: Drôme fire reignites as lightning sparks new blazes

Firefighters remain on alert as dozens of departments face high risk

Registrations for Pope Leo XIV’s France visit open on August 10

Visit will include private meeting with victims of Church sexual abuse

New sanctions for unauthorised dog and cat sales in France

Pet shops face fines of up to €1,500 per animal if breaching rules

Storms to hit France: exceptionally long period of heat to continue

Winds of up to 100km/h expected in localised areas in the south and south-west

Go stargazing in France this weekend: find an event near you

Over 500 events across France, with a chance to see shooting stars on August 12-13

A view of a man doing expenses in the background with a piggy bank in the foreground

France e-invoicing: 30% of businesses still not ready

Micro-entrepreneurs and gîtes must sign up by September 1

2021 French forced heirship law: government steps up efforts to publicise rules

French authorities recently said children’s ‘levy’ obligation does not apply to ‘Anglo-Saxon’ laws

New anti-cold calling rules in France: what to do if you receive an unwanted call after August 11

When businesses contact you, how to recognise illegal calls, and where to report them

Hantavirus case confirmed: man visited France in July

Franco-Argentinian travelled through France before case of deadly Andes strain hantavirus was detected

Older Britons struggle with EES due to faded fingerprints

'After five attempts I had to join a very long queue to pass through passport control'

Gatwick airport expansion set to allow 100,000 more flights a year

The £2.2bn project will increase capacity at the UK's second busiest airport

Crowd walking and sitting at café terraces on a historic street in Bordeaux, France

Temperatures rise before southern storms arrive: French weekend weather forecast August 8 - 9

Fifth heatwave will begin across France

Smoke rises behind houses and trees in Lege-Cap-Ferret, Gironde, France.

‘Guests see the news and panic’: rental hosts in France urge tourists to return after wildfire cancellations

Tourism impact in Gironde and Var as country remains on high alert for wildfires

Dfds Crown Seaways ferry on calm water in Oslo under overcast skies.

Scotland-France ferry plans boosted by £6m funding pledges

20-hour Rosyth-Dunkirk passenger service last ran in 2014

Ivy-covered stone house behind a colourful flower garden under a blue sky.

Charles de Gaulle’s historic country home in France put up for sale

State seeks to keep house, known as La Boisserie, open to the public

Swimmers warned over presence of portuguese man o’ war on French beaches

Restrictions on some Atlantic coast beaches due to presence of venomous jellyfish-like creature

What happens if I fail to renew my carte de séjour?

Why keeping your residency card valid matters if you are a foreigner in France

French VLS-T visa explained: can you leave and re-enter France?

A common question from second-home owners planning longer stays in France

New catamaran Channel crossing to be trialled between Sussex and Normandy

Latest route by British start-up will be captained by Vendée Globe winning sailor on his own vessel

Fifth heatwave ‘certain’ to hit France next week, highs of 40C

South-west to see temperatures rise at start of weekend

Heatwaves, fires, drought: how serious is France’s water crisis?

See the latest on tap water restrictions across France

Demonstrations against ‘Canon banquets’ in Dordogne - why are they controversial?

Hundreds of people gathered to support the cancellation of these public banquets

New AI cameras detect phone use on France-Spain motorway

The pilot project caught thousands of motorists using their phones while driving

Firefighters warn of ‘very high risk’ of blazes in Var

Department is facing both forest fire and heatwave alerts

Months ahead likely to be warmer than average, warns French forecaster

July 2026 was the hottest on record in France

Cool off with a swim on horseback in the sea on Île d’Oléron

Scenic island off France’s west coast hosts a refreshing activity for horses and riders alike

Hollywood film seeks American speakers for Paris shoot

The new Ocean’s Eleven prequel is seeking people for a one-day shoot

Small village in north of France wins best market of 2026

Hesdin-la-Forêt praised for friendliness and local produce

People sit at café tables in a sunny square surrounded by colourful half-timbered houses in Vannes, France.

How heatwaves affect where people visit, buy and live in France

Extreme temperatures are reshaping life in France

France Télévisions to screen first-ever NFL game in France

Paris encounter between New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers will be broadcast live

Petition calls for new law to protect mothers who breastfeed in public in France

Campaigners say discrimination remains common

Bonne Maman jam recalled across France over risk of glass fragments

Batch of condoms also flagged by French government’s recall website

Rescuers find body of woman swept away in flash floods in Alps tourist village

Victim hit by debris when crossing bridge to campsite

EasyJet cabin crew threaten strikes throughout August in France

Unions file month-long strike notice, saying ‘our colleagues simply cannot continue like this’

Intermarché cyberattack affects nearly 300,000 customers

Personal information taken by hackers, calls for online vigilance in coming weeks

Round notary sign mounted on a building wall in Paris, France.

France's 2021 inheritance law: EU commission closes case

Communication of government clarifications criticised as insufficient

Firefighters fear Var blaze could reignite, arson suspected

Several fires appeared yesterday following lightning strikes

Red no-swimming sign on a grassy riverbank beside calm water.

France increases fine for swimming in unauthorised zones

It comes as over 270 deaths by drowning already recorded this summer

Storms in France: two people struck by lightning in Pyrenees

We look at where and when storms are expected this week

Major section of A1 motorway closes for nearly two weeks in northern France

Drivers heading towards Lille, Belgium and the Netherlands should allow extra time and follow diversion routes

Var wildfire continues with strong winds raising fears of flare-ups

Gironde fire contained and evacuees can return home. 12 departments on heightened risk of fires

Why am I getting so many ‘consent’ emails from French newsletters?

The emails are linked to a new guidance from France’s data protection authority

Is it really worth leaving the motorway in France to save on buying fuel?

Research shows this can depend on fuel type

August 12 eclipse in France approaches: five questions answered

When will it be visible, tips on how to watch, and whether it can be photographed

French news

August 15 bank holiday in France: what is celebrated and will shops be open?

Bank impersonation scam in France: Briton reveals red flags

Asian Hornets in France - your questions answered

Spike in Legionnaires’ disease cases in France leaves two dead

Trending

British family who repeatedly defrauded motorway tolls handed €3,000 bill

France sees spike in summer burglaries: tips on staying safe

Sardines on toast: one of life’s simple pleasures

Storms set to hit France this weekend as heatwave eases

Interview: daughter of missing Briton in France explains how public can help

French inheritance tax and paperwork for heirs living overseas

Can you taste the difference between a €5 and €8 wine?

Landes wildfire: hundreds evacuated as firefighters battle 1,100-hectare blaze

Interview: daughter of missing Briton in France explains how public can help

Three million phone numbers accessed in data breach in France

Strikes and heavy traffic make for a difficult weekend for travel in France

Storms set to hit France this weekend as heatwave eases

France sees spike in summer burglaries: tips on staying safe

France widens government aid for homes cracked by clay soils

France tests road signs to protect endangered lynx

France’s historic drought: most underground reservoirs at below-average levels

Why are firefighters striking in France today?

Heat brings early Bordeaux wine harvest — but not the earliest on record

Briton launches campaign for free car ashtrays to help prevent forest fires in France

British family who repeatedly defrauded motorway tolls handed €3,000 bill

Tuberculosis case in France prompts contact screening

French mayor issues bylaw banning barking dogs at night

Volvic moves to 100% recycled water bottles in France

France's 2027 presidential election date criticised by right wing

EasyJet cabin crew call strike for this weekend in France

Heatwave pushes up fruit and vegetable prices across France

Curious about France’s growing reputation as a startup hub? Here is what Americans need to know

Today’s solar eclipse in France: how to make the most of it

French heatwave update: highs of 40C with temperatures climbing tomorrow

Could the EU 'pause' full EES rollout in September?

Could François Hollande make a comeback in France’s 2027 presidential election?

Brexit residency card renewals - and some delays - intensify in France

Eurostar rival orders 19 new trains, confirms London-Paris route to open in 2029

Gas prices to rise (again) for millions in France this September

French health insurance website unveils new-look reimbursement information

Why Asian hornets are a bigger concern at the end of summer in France

France’s fifth heatwave sees temperatures climb: your questions answered

France urged to overhaul air traffic control after delays

French passports remain powerful despite low ‘safety’ ranking

Wildfires burn in Drôme, Lozère as new heatwave brings renewed risks

France’s new fifth heatwave: how long will it last and temperatures expected

French farmers turn to exotic crops amid climate change

France wildfires update: Drôme fire reignites as lightning sparks new blazes

Registrations for Pope Leo XIV’s France visit open on August 10

New sanctions for unauthorised dog and cat sales in France

Storms to hit France: exceptionally long period of heat to continue

Go stargazing in France this weekend: find an event near you

France e-invoicing: 30% of businesses still not ready

2021 French forced heirship law: government steps up efforts to publicise rules

New anti-cold calling rules in France: what to do if you receive an unwanted call after August 11

Hantavirus case confirmed: man visited France in July

Older Britons struggle with EES due to faded fingerprints

Gatwick airport expansion set to allow 100,000 more flights a year

Temperatures rise before southern storms arrive: French weekend weather forecast August 8 - 9

‘Guests see the news and panic’: rental hosts in France urge tourists to return after wildfire cancellations

Scotland-France ferry plans boosted by £6m funding pledges

Charles de Gaulle’s historic country home in France put up for sale

Swimmers warned over presence of portuguese man o’ war on French beaches

What happens if I fail to renew my carte de séjour?

French VLS-T visa explained: can you leave and re-enter France?

New catamaran Channel crossing to be trialled between Sussex and Normandy

Fifth heatwave ‘certain’ to hit France next week, highs of 40C

Heatwaves, fires, drought: how serious is France’s water crisis?

Demonstrations against ‘Canon banquets’ in Dordogne - why are they controversial?

New AI cameras detect phone use on France-Spain motorway

Firefighters warn of ‘very high risk’ of blazes in Var

Months ahead likely to be warmer than average, warns French forecaster

Cool off with a swim on horseback in the sea on Île d’Oléron

Hollywood film seeks American speakers for Paris shoot

Small village in north of France wins best market of 2026

How heatwaves affect where people visit, buy and live in France

France Télévisions to screen first-ever NFL game in France

Petition calls for new law to protect mothers who breastfeed in public in France

Bonne Maman jam recalled across France over risk of glass fragments