French news

Drivers of SUVs to face higher parking fees in Bordeaux

The decision to penalise larger vehicles follows a similar but stronger measure in Paris

France property focus: Puy-de-Dôme

We look at properties ranging from €26,000 to more than €1,000,000 in the volcanic department

New symbol of France modelled on US-born performer and activist Joséphine Baker

A ceremony will pay homage to the French Resistance agent, with her son present

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Almost 100 Casino supermarkets in south-west France to change hands in February

It represents an annual loss of €16 million for the struggling group

No ETA permit needed for Americans and others only transiting in UK

However, the fee for those who do need ETAs is likely to rise

Reprieve for wild boar woman found and looks after at French home

The woman now cares for the animal like a pet after it appeared to seek refuge on her property

MAP: Which French region has most speed radars? See locations near you

Speed cameras across France are slowly being upgraded

Very cold spell ending: French weekend weather outlook January 18 - 19

Morning temperatures will still remain below freezing across most of France

Tributes for British WW2 ‘spy trainer’ who lived in France for 70 years

Noreen Riols helped prepare secret agents for resistance and intelligence missions and died earlier this month

French doctors challenge new prescription decree

Concerns are voiced over patient confidentiality and increased workload due to government mandate

Where in France do people report feeling safest (and most at risk) in new survey

Departments with larger cities tended to fare poorly

Which banks pay interest on current accounts for residents in France?

Online-only banks are leading the trend but the earning potential varies

Photos: the best English bookshops in Paris according to Vogue France

From ‘chic’ historic addresses to ‘cutting edge publishing houses’, find your favourite

2025 French census begins: Who has to answer and why a new question about your parents?

The controversial addition has prompted criticism from human rights groups

How lower inflation rate is affecting food prices in France

Some products saw prices drop by 7% with others seeing double digit rise over last 12 months

Minister issues warning as flu cases set to peak in France

Face masks are recommended for those with symptoms and vulnerable groups are advised to get vaccinated

Why French bank cards are losing their printed security numbers

The new system aims to reduce fraud and simplify online shopping

Many French property energy efficiency ratings now out of date: How to check yours

The change will affect you if you plan to sell or rent a property

How cold is it going to be in France and for how long? Tips to stay healthy

The freezing weather is showing no signs of abating, with temperatures as low as -9C

State can reimburse 50% cost of a personal trainer in France: How it works

There are strict criteria to meet to ensure you can receive this

Speed limits reduced in Normandy due to air pollution spike

Air pollution in some parts is described as ‘very poor’

Two skiers die in avalanche in French Alps

The men, both in their 30s, were buried for up to 50 minutes in snow

LIST: French regions ranked by how happy residents are to live there

How did your region do?

When and why are many French supermarkets phasing out shopper loyalty cards?

They have issued advice on how to avoid losing your points

Child, 11, seriously hurt after falling from ski lift at French resort

They were airlifted to hospital yesterday

Videos: hundreds of classic cars drive through Paris

‘Classic’ cars in France benefit from fewer driving restrictions and tests

French rules: pornography websites must now check visitor’s age - but how?

So far only sites operating outside of the EU are concerned

Temperatures to drop as low as -10C: French weather outlook January 13 - 17

Several departments have enacted cold weather plans

What is the plan grand froid that has been activated in much of France?

Authorities have powers to protect vulnerable people when the country grapples with below-average cold

Farm pesticides: Map claims to show the French areas most and least exposed

The north and west of France are particularly affected while Corsica performs well

French company pioneers fresh fruit cosmetics

Horée uses seasonal produce from markets to make creams and serums

U-turn (again) over motorbikes riding between lanes in queues on certain French roads

Trial has been extended to July 31, 2025 as government awaits study

Using deceased’s assets for funeral in France: How it works and new limits

The amount that an heir can take has increased by 18% this year

Disabled skier reaches South Pole and thanks readers in France for support

British stroke survivor Jonny Huntington became first disabled person to ski to southernmost point of Earth

France’s SNCF train company told it must not ask passengers’ gender

European courts rule information is not required when buying a ticket

Sharp drop in prices of second-hand electric cars in France

Some models are down 20% in comparison to last year

Hospital flu admissions on rise in France: Is it too late to get vaccinated?

Every region of the country is now at epidemic level

French man falls 180 metres in Pyrénées then manages to walk and seek help

The fall itself lasted 47 seconds. He escaped with relatively minor injuries

Drivers face ‘stop’ sign every 30 metres in trial in western France

Tabac owner says signs have reduced number of clients by 20%

Three questions on instant bank transfers as they become free in France

Understand the new system, its limits, and risks

Dry but colder: French weekend weather outlook January 11 - 12

Temperatures will struggle to rise above freezing in some areas on Sunday

Ranking shows French cities with the most, and fewest, traffic jams

Surprisingly, Paris did not rank highest

Two dead as snow wreaks havoc in northern France

River flooding warnings are also in place in Normandy, Brittany and Pays de la Loire

New logo launches on (some) goods in France to show their durability

An updated anti-waste law will score goods on their reparability and reliability, but critics say it does not go far enough

Lyon building will be the first in France to achieve sustainable temperature control

Innovative design promises optimal temperatures year-round without traditional heating or cooling systems

Photos: The French destinations named unmissable in 2025 by the New York Times

Two areas in France have been highlighted in the new ranking

Ryanair announces new seasonal French-UK route

The airline is now responsible for half of all routes out of Clermont-Ferrand airport central France

French researchers champion benefit of exercise during pregnancy

Two year study begins to find best techniques

France is one of two EU countries to ban online casinos - for now

Proposals to allow them on hold amid opposition from physical casinos and gambling addiction groups

EasyJet confirms closure of Toulouse base from April: UK flight maintained

The company will more than halve the number of destinations it serves from the airport

Horse ID cards adapted to track wolves in western France

A vet was able to prove that four different male wolves were living in Brittany by using the system

MAP: 35 French hospitals activate a ‘white plan’ due to flu cases - what it means

Non-urgent care may be cancelled among other measures as medical teams deal with the influx of virus patients

New UK travel permit rules: how are travellers from France affected?

We answer key questions on the Electronic Travel Authorisation and look at when similar rules for Britons may be coming in with regards to travel to the EU

Flight taxes: French minister in favour of raising controversial fees

Low-cost airline Ryanair has already threatened to halve its French services if taxes are raised

What changes with French driving licences in 2025?

There are new rules on document posting, tests and EU and international driving permits

Vegetable base for new fake leather invented by French scientist

No plastics used in innovative new product, called Phyli

Buyer who changed mind on French property purchase handed €37,000 bill

The final sum owed was decided in court

Mairie offers grants for electric leaf blowers to reduce noisy gardening in south of France

Residents can receive up to 30% of total cost of tools including lawn mowers and hedge strimmers

Snow alerts for north of France: drivers warned over icy roads

Up to 10cm of snow is set to fall in some areas

Purchasing power in France set to improve in 2025

‘The inflationary episode [of 2021-23] is well and truly behind us’, one economic expert says

French far-right leader Jean-Marie Le Pen dies aged 96

The controversial figure founded the far-right Front National in 1972 and reached the second round of France’s 2002 presidential election

New law enables French tax authorities to monitor (some) social media activity

The measure is designed to detect signs of tax fraud

Price of water for homes in Lyon now depends on how much you use

The system aims to reduce consumption but is not without issues

AI used to tackle dermatologist shortage in France

SkinMed allows photos to be analysed by artificial intelligence and health professionals

First case of new Mpox variant recorded in France

Vaccines are available to some groups against the disease

French mayor goes through dumped rubbish to trace owner - and returns it to them

The waste held clues to its original owner

French driving documents can now be delivered via a simplified procedure

The change is designed to save public money

Two Britons badly hurt after car leaves road in Normandy

A dog was also found in the vehicle

What passengers need to know about SNCF’s new ‘Stop Fraud’ travel initiative

Six transport operators are set to implement the system this week

Victory for French film Emilia Pérez at Golden Globes

The ‘musical crime comedy’ won big at the prestigious US event at the weekend

Two days of discount Ouigo train tickets in France

Cap of €19 on 300,000 spring tickets

Major road tunnel between France and Italy set to reopen after ten years of construction work

Traffic will only be one-way at first through the Tende Tunnel as original tunnel needs to be renovated

Storms batter France: motorway closed, trains disrupted, gale warnings

Some areas will see over 100 mm of rain and snow is forecast across the north

France sees temperatures as low as -33C

A level 2 snow and ice plan was activated in the Paris region reducing the speed limits for drivers. Alerts continue for gales in many departments

Ski in your underwear?! British women’s idea for charity event in France catches on

450 skiers braved the cold on New Year’s day to raise money for charity

French news

Drivers of SUVs to face higher parking fees in Bordeaux

France property focus: Puy-de-Dôme

New symbol of France modelled on US-born performer and activist Joséphine Baker

Almost 100 Casino supermarkets in south-west France to change hands in February

Trending

Drivers will need new equipment soon to visit Spain from France

MAP: Which French region has most speed radars? See locations near you

Is it possible to use different passports to enter and leave France and the UK?

SEE: The medieval bastide villages of south-west France

Confirmed: Electricity bills to drop by 15% from February for most French households

How hospital charges work in France and what is and is not covered by the state

Guess the French region with the help of this clue: A lovely composition

No ETA permit needed for Americans and others only transiting in UK

Reprieve for wild boar woman found and looks after at French home

MAP: Which French region has most speed radars? See locations near you

Very cold spell ending: French weekend weather outlook January 18 - 19

Tributes for British WW2 ‘spy trainer’ who lived in France for 70 years

French doctors challenge new prescription decree

Where in France do people report feeling safest (and most at risk) in new survey

Which banks pay interest on current accounts for residents in France?

Photos: the best English bookshops in Paris according to Vogue France

2025 French census begins: Who has to answer and why a new question about your parents?

LED lights tested on cycle lanes in France in bid to improve safety

The new tougher rules for claiming RSA low-income aid in France

Three deaths and several accidents amid icy road conditions in France

How lower inflation rate is affecting food prices in France

How do new French life expectancy stats compare with US and UK?

French TV show pulled for mocking woman who fell in love with ‘AI Brad Pitt’

Why this French department wants to change name and what it could become

French prime minister pledges voting and pension reform in key policy speech

British skier dies in French Alps after violent collision with stationary skier

Minister issues warning as flu cases set to peak in France

Why French bank cards are losing their printed security numbers

Many French property energy efficiency ratings now out of date: How to check yours

How cold is it going to be in France and for how long? Tips to stay healthy

State can reimburse 50% cost of a personal trainer in France: How it works

Speed limits reduced in Normandy due to air pollution spike

Two skiers die in avalanche in French Alps

LIST: French regions ranked by how happy residents are to live there

When and why are many French supermarkets phasing out shopper loyalty cards?

Child, 11, seriously hurt after falling from ski lift at French resort

Videos: hundreds of classic cars drive through Paris

French rules: pornography websites must now check visitor’s age - but how?

Temperatures to drop as low as -10C: French weather outlook January 13 - 17

What is the plan grand froid that has been activated in much of France?

Farm pesticides: Map claims to show the French areas most and least exposed

French company pioneers fresh fruit cosmetics

U-turn (again) over motorbikes riding between lanes in queues on certain French roads

Using deceased’s assets for funeral in France: How it works and new limits

Disabled skier reaches South Pole and thanks readers in France for support

France’s SNCF train company told it must not ask passengers’ gender

Sharp drop in prices of second-hand electric cars in France

Hospital flu admissions on rise in France: Is it too late to get vaccinated?

French man falls 180 metres in Pyrénées then manages to walk and seek help

Drivers face ‘stop’ sign every 30 metres in trial in western France

Three questions on instant bank transfers as they become free in France

Dry but colder: French weekend weather outlook January 11 - 12

Ranking shows French cities with the most, and fewest, traffic jams

Two dead as snow wreaks havoc in northern France

New logo launches on (some) goods in France to show their durability

Lyon building will be the first in France to achieve sustainable temperature control

Photos: The French destinations named unmissable in 2025 by the New York Times

Ryanair announces new seasonal French-UK route

French researchers champion benefit of exercise during pregnancy

France is one of two EU countries to ban online casinos - for now

EasyJet confirms closure of Toulouse base from April: UK flight maintained

Horse ID cards adapted to track wolves in western France

MAP: 35 French hospitals activate a ‘white plan’ due to flu cases - what it means

New UK travel permit rules: how are travellers from France affected?

Flight taxes: French minister in favour of raising controversial fees

What changes with French driving licences in 2025?

Vegetable base for new fake leather invented by French scientist

Buyer who changed mind on French property purchase handed €37,000 bill

Mairie offers grants for electric leaf blowers to reduce noisy gardening in south of France

Snow alerts for north of France: drivers warned over icy roads

Purchasing power in France set to improve in 2025

French far-right leader Jean-Marie Le Pen dies aged 96

New law enables French tax authorities to monitor (some) social media activity

Price of water for homes in Lyon now depends on how much you use