French news

EU looks to increase Etias travel authorisation fee from €7 to €20

Second-home owners and other visitors from the UK and US will need this from autumn 2026

What dangerous snakes are in France and what to do if you spot one

Anyone killing a snake risks a fine and potentially a prison sentence

Ryanair says flights over France must be protected from air traffic controller strikes

Strikes at start of the month cost airlines over €100 million as budget airline claims workers ‘wanted time off’

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French weekend weather forecast July 19 - 20: Temperatures peak before violent storms

Heightened alerts for heavy rain are in place in Normandy and Brittany

Homes evacuated after forest fires in Brittany and south of France

Over 1,000 firefighters combined to tackle fires, with blazes near Marseille still ongoing

Brittany Ferries announces 2026 schedule: New France-UK route

In addition the popular Poole-Cherbourg route will run year-round

Why are some beaches and lakes being closed in France?

Warm temperatures have led to increased levels of cyanobacteria, which can be harmful to humans and animals

Europe’s worst airlines ranked: UK carriers among poorest performers

Flag carriers and low-cost airlines both received low scores for customer satisfaction and reliability

Map shows updated forest fire risk areas in France

Strong winds in the south increase danger, prompting authorities to close several areas to public

Interest rate of French Livret A savings account to fall in August

It marks the biggest drop in the rate since 2009

Six hospitalised after botulism outbreak from tinned carrots in France

The cases were all around the same town in the west of the country

Rosyth-Dunkirk ferry faces further delays, 2025 launch unlikely

Scottish port requires upgrade before service can launch

Threats of censure, ‘social war’, ‘too hard on middle-class’: reaction to France’s austerity budget

François Bayrou looks set for an uphill struggle to pass text with €44 billion of savings this autumn but has backing of centrist MPs after ‘brave’ announcement

Graph: How France plans to save €44billion in 2026 budget

Freeze on public spending and change to pensioners’ tax allowance are among measures

‘Handiplages’ for disabled people in France: what they offer and where to find them

Certain French beaches provide specially-designed wheelchairs that can be used on sand and in water

Macron pledges billions in extra defence funding for French army

By 2027 the sum given to the military will have doubled from 2017, but the president did not lay out where extra funds will come from

American walker found dead on Tour du Mont Blanc trail

The body of 70-year old hiker was found by mountain rescue team

Photos: violent storms cause widespread flooding in south of France

Up to 200 mm of rain fell in the Pyrénées, hitting drought-stricken communes

French weekly weather forecast July 14–18: warm but no heatwave expected

Temperatures will climb to reach 30-35C for most of the country at the end of the week

Rise in number of drownings in France due to heatwave

More than 100 people have died since June 1, including 19 children

France to change the rules to legitimise illegal speed bumps

Up to 400,000 speed bumps are to be legalised, angering road safety associations

Privacy rights in France highlighted by Pelicot case against Paris Match

The 72-year-old's legal fight against the magazine underscores the clash between privacy rights and public interest in France

15 things you can do at a French pharmacy other than buy aspirin

We look at the services, treatments and advice offered by local pharmacists in France

France puts forward 18 plans to simplify life for disabled people

The measures aim to streamline administrative procedures and reduce delays

French officials order the destruction of a house in Perpignan

The villa was constructed over ten years ago

Driver who killed British jogger tests positive for drugs

Tourist was struck by vehicle as she was out running with her husband

New flight tax rises would put small French airports ‘at risk’

Carcassonne, Poitiers, and Bergerac said to be particularly vulnerable due to reliance on low-cost airlines

How does healthcare work for foreign residents of France when abroad?

We also look at how Americans visiting the US and Britons visiting the UK are covered

How does France mark July 14, and where are the best firework displays in 2025?

Paris, Lyon, Cannes and Strasbourg are among highly-rated displays

The 10 most popular baby names in France in 2024

The report also shows the top names in your region

French employers’ chief wants to reduce sick pay for unvaccinated staff with flu

It is one of several suggestions put forward to combat spiralling social security debt

Is a date set for start of EES border controls this autumn?

We also look at which passport lanes French visa and residency card holders will use

French weekend weather forecast July 12 - 13: high temperatures and lots of storms

Heatwave warnings will not come into force but highs of 35C are expected

Wasps, mosquitoes, hornets, ants: how to deal with summer insects in France

Natural repellents can keep some pests away

What to do if stung by a jellyfish at a beach in France

Swimmers may spot the aquatic animal close to the shoreline

Melons sold in Carrefour supermarkets recalled across France

Elevated pesticide levels mean the fruits may be dangerous to eat

Ban on barbecues in Finistère in bid to limit wildfires

Restrictions in place in dozens of communes as authorities work to prevent repeat of 2022 blazes

First native case of dengue fever in 2025 recorded in mainland France

The disease is spread by tiger mosquitoes

Heatwaves and drought in France: wildfire warnings multiply for summer 2025

Dried-out soil raises risk of blazes spreading rapidly, but they can be hard to predict due to their human origin

Map: groundwater situation worsens in France, with 39% of levels already below normal

Water basins are seeing levels drop as summer heat continues

British jogger dies after being hit by car in eastern France

The 35-year-old was running with her husband

Bayeux Tapestry to be loaned to British Museum: things you may not know about iconic artefact

The tapestry - which may not be that French after all - is not the only one of its kind. The Connexion speaks to a woman who has spent ten years creating an exact replica

Photos: ‘apocalyptic scenes’ as wildfire burns outskirts of Marseille

Violent fires in south of France impact flights and force 150,000 residents to stay indoors overnight

Doctolib phishing alert: how to spot scams and what to do if targeted

Millions of users have been warned to watch out for unofficial email addresses and suspicious message links

Flights grounded at Marseille airport due to nearby wildfire

Vehicle fire led to more than 30 hectares burning as strong winds caused blaze to spread

Photos: snow returns to French Alps in July

Temperatures have dropped 5 - 10°C below seasonal norms in the east of the country

Neighbour who complained about noisy cockerel in France ordered to pay €3,500

The complainant said the animal, which has since died, crowed too loudly and too often

Roads closed, homes burnt, residents told to stay indoors: latest on major fire in south of France

A cigarette butt thrown from a vehicle window is thought to have started the blaze that has destroyed 2,000 hectares

Three people left in critical condition after bee swarm attacks Aurillac town centre

Attack took place over several minutes

French weekly weather forecast July 7 - 11: third heatwave of 2025 is on its way

Temperatures are set to climb 10C between Monday and Friday

French court rules in favour of ducks in neighbour’s noise complaint case

Couple who bought house should have realised that sound of quacking would be an issue

South of France hit by series of major wildfires: alert level raised to maximum

Weekend marked by high temperatures and strong winds has seen fires break out in several departments

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

President Macron heads to UK for first state visit in 17 years

President and Mrs Macron will lay flowers on the tomb of the late Queen during visit

More car recalls impact many drivers in France

Hundreds of thousands of Peugeot, Citroën, Fiat, DS Automobiles, and Opel vehicles are affected by engine problem

New ways to release equity from French property

New ways for accessing capital while retaining your home in France

Boarding change will improve travel to France from London via Eurostar

It is first step in increasing capacity for international travellers at St Pancras station

Briton, 66, to solo cycle 6,500km Tour de France route to raise money for charity

The cyclist, who has lived in France for six years, will begin the sponsored challenge this weekend (July 5)

Air traffic controller shortage threatens summer of delays at Nice airport

It could take up to two years before new recruits can plug gaps as easyJet reduces flights to southern city

Jogger attacked by shepherd’s dogs on solo run in Nice backcountry

A recent legal change impacts the status of guard dog owners following an attack

French weekend weather forecast July 4 - 6: storms sweep south as heatwave ends

However cooler temperatures are not expected to last for long

Ryanair to increase free cabin bag size limit - flights to and from France impacted

The new allowance is larger than the minimum dimensions recently proposed by the EU

Giant housing estate to block view of Cézanne’s mountain in south of France

Mayor insists the houses are badly needed and that there has been consultation

New day-trip ferry service starts from France to Jersey

Travellers can spend up to five hours on island before returning to mainland

Tour de France 2025: will the route pass near you next week?

Both the men’s and women’s races will be held entirely in France this year

Photos: have you visited Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye, France’s favourite village 2025?

This year’s village préféré des Français is home to a 1095 Gothic Abbey

Heatwave eases in France - but is another on the way? July weather forecast

A ‘Saharan heat pump’ bringing warm North African winds may cover the country for several days

Drought alerts in France: where residents should look out for water restrictions

Use our interactive map to see where drought warnings increased last month

EasyJet expansion in Brittany brings new UK-Rennes route

Services to Spain and Switzerland will also begin in October

Are the French air traffic controller strikes going to continue?

Hundreds of flights have been cancelled this week because of the strike action

Native cases of chikungunya rising in France: symptoms and prevention tips

Domestic case of the disease was reported in Grand-Est region for first time

Part of French motorway to run 'charge‑as‑you‑drive' trial for electric cars

The technology is fitted beneath a 1.5km stretch of the A10 near Paris

Stena Line to end popular France-Ireland ferry crossing

Rival operators will continue to serve Cherbourg port as passenger numbers on route increase

Red heatwave alerts continue as storms sweep across France

South-west and Brittany are the only areas likely to avoid storms this evening after several temperature records were broken in the south yesterday

French news

EU looks to increase Etias travel authorisation fee from €7 to €20

What dangerous snakes are in France and what to do if you spot one

Ryanair says flights over France must be protected from air traffic controller strikes

French weekend weather forecast July 19 - 20: Temperatures peak before violent storms

Trending

Brittany Ferries announces 2026 schedule: New France-UK route

What dangerous snakes are in France and what to do if you spot one

EU looks to increase Etias travel authorisation fee from €7 to €20

France’s priorité à droite rule – what it means and when it applies

Mon réseau mobile: which phone operator provides the best signal near you in France?

How foreign and French pensions could be impacted by budget plan

Why are some beaches and lakes being closed in France?

Homes evacuated after forest fires in Brittany and south of France

Brittany Ferries announces 2026 schedule: New France-UK route

Why are some beaches and lakes being closed in France?

Europe’s worst airlines ranked: UK carriers among poorest performers

Map shows updated forest fire risk areas in France

Interest rate of French Livret A savings account to fall in August

Six hospitalised after botulism outbreak from tinned carrots in France

Rosyth-Dunkirk ferry faces further delays, 2025 launch unlikely

Threats of censure, ‘social war’, ‘too hard on middle-class’: reaction to France’s austerity budget

Graph: How France plans to save €44billion in 2026 budget

€1 train tickets in France: budget travel to beach resorts draws crowds

France unveils 2026 budget plan: €44 billion cuts and possible holiday reduction

How many bank holidays does France get vs Europe and US?

‘Handiplages’ for disabled people in France: what they offer and where to find them

France 2026 budget: will there be an année blanche and how could it affect you?

France is one of five EU countries to test age-verification app for sensitive online content

Videos: Relive July 14 fireworks and drone shows that lit up France for Bastille Day

‘Child-friendly’ stickers for cafés to launch in France

Big drop in telephone fees but rises for food and services: France’s June 2025 inflation stats

Macron pledges billions in extra defence funding for French army

American walker found dead on Tour du Mont Blanc trail

Photos: violent storms cause widespread flooding in south of France

French weekly weather forecast July 14–18: warm but no heatwave expected

Rise in number of drownings in France due to heatwave

France to change the rules to legitimise illegal speed bumps

Privacy rights in France highlighted by Pelicot case against Paris Match

15 things you can do at a French pharmacy other than buy aspirin

France puts forward 18 plans to simplify life for disabled people

French officials order the destruction of a house in Perpignan

Driver who killed British jogger tests positive for drugs

New flight tax rises would put small French airports ‘at risk’

How does healthcare work for foreign residents of France when abroad?

How does France mark July 14, and where are the best firework displays in 2025?

The 10 most popular baby names in France in 2024

French employers’ chief wants to reduce sick pay for unvaccinated staff with flu

Is a date set for start of EES border controls this autumn?

French weekend weather forecast July 12 - 13: high temperatures and lots of storms

Wasps, mosquitoes, hornets, ants: how to deal with summer insects in France

What to do if stung by a jellyfish at a beach in France

Melons sold in Carrefour supermarkets recalled across France

Ban on barbecues in Finistère in bid to limit wildfires

First native case of dengue fever in 2025 recorded in mainland France

Heatwaves and drought in France: wildfire warnings multiply for summer 2025

Map: groundwater situation worsens in France, with 39% of levels already below normal

British jogger dies after being hit by car in eastern France

Bayeux Tapestry to be loaned to British Museum: things you may not know about iconic artefact

Photos: ‘apocalyptic scenes’ as wildfire burns outskirts of Marseille

Doctolib phishing alert: how to spot scams and what to do if targeted

Flights grounded at Marseille airport due to nearby wildfire

Photos: snow returns to French Alps in July

Neighbour who complained about noisy cockerel in France ordered to pay €3,500

Roads closed, homes burnt, residents told to stay indoors: latest on major fire in south of France

Three people left in critical condition after bee swarm attacks Aurillac town centre

French weekly weather forecast July 7 - 11: third heatwave of 2025 is on its way

French court rules in favour of ducks in neighbour’s noise complaint case

South of France hit by series of major wildfires: alert level raised to maximum

Hydrogen project in Lorraine offers hope for cleaner transport

Revolutionary bottle-washing plant cuts carbon footprint of French wine

President Macron heads to UK for first state visit in 17 years

More car recalls impact many drivers in France

New ways to release equity from French property

Boarding change will improve travel to France from London via Eurostar

Briton, 66, to solo cycle 6,500km Tour de France route to raise money for charity

Air traffic controller shortage threatens summer of delays at Nice airport

Jogger attacked by shepherd’s dogs on solo run in Nice backcountry

French weekend weather forecast July 4 - 6: storms sweep south as heatwave ends

Ryanair to increase free cabin bag size limit - flights to and from France impacted