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Is France’s Canal du Midi doomed to lose its famous trees?
Over 30,000 trees along the route have been felled
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Chance to spend a night as a ‘lighthouse keeper’ on Brittany island
This renovated lighthouse keeper’s cottage provides an unusual weekend stay option
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New French-Swiss app launches as one-stop shop for dog owners
The app shows the locations and details of dog-friendly walks, parks, hotels, activities, groomers, and entertainment
Fuel aid, pension strike action, tax credits: The week ahead in France
This week (January 16-22) will also see the start of the famous Dunkirk carnival
Monday, January 16
Applications open for workers’ €100 fuel allowance
Website and telephone applications are open from today for drivers who are eligible for the €100 workers’ fuel allowance. This allowance replaces the universal fuel rebate that was automatically applied at the pump in petrol stations until December 31, 2022.
Income and vehicle use criteria apply - see more in the article below as well as how to apply.
Read more: France fuel costs: €100 aid cheque applications open
Government tax-credit for millions of homes
More than nine million households in France are set to receive tax credits and reductions paid directly into their bank accounts today.
On average, households will receive €624, with the exact amount depending on your tax return.
Read more: Why millions of households in France are about to receive a tax credit
MPs to examine domestic violence law
MPs are set to examine a legal proposition to create an urgent universal financial fund for victims of domestic violence.
Davos world economic forum opens
The annual World Economic Forum (WEF) opens in Davos, Switzerland.
Film festival opens
The 26th edition of the Féstival International du Film de Comédie de l’Alpe Huez opens.
Tuesday, January 17
Education union march
Representatives from unions FSU and Snes for education staff are to stage a protest march demanding that the government reevaluates their wages. The strike is meant to be a foretaste of a bigger strike from education staff on Thursday.
Senate to examine nuclear law
The Senate is to start the first reading of the proposed law to accelerate the building of new nuclear energy projects.
Extreme-right trial to start
Court proceedings are set to begin in the trial of 13 members of the extreme right group les Barjols in connection with an alleged attack against President Macron in 2018.
Wednesday, January 18
Rideshare drivers sign deal
Rideshare drivers (on platforms like Uber) are set to sign an agreement with drivers’ unions for a minimum fee per journey.
Read also: Car-sharers in France can get €100 bonus even if not new app users
Thursday, January 19
Day of pension strikes
Unions plan a day of action and protests against the government’s planned pension reform. France’s eight biggest unions are expected to join the strike in a joint alliance unseen for 12 years. The leader of one of the main unions, the CGT, Philippe Martinez, said he expects a million French people to join in the demonstrations throughout the country.
Education, transportation staff from both RATP and SNCF, truckers and refineries are to join in a coalition of sectors. Hospital and police workers have not yet declared if they will also be joining the action.
Read more: French pension strike: union says it aims to ground all transport
Read more: Age, new minimum amount: What does France’s pension reform involve?
Friday, January 20
Murder appeal begins
An appeal into one of France’s most notorious trials for femicide is set to start in Ajaccio in Corsica. The former partner of Julie Douib, a woman who died from gunshots despite having reported and raised the alarm many times about her violent husband, is to be rejudged. He was sentenced to life in prison in 2019.
Economy meeting
A round table meeting on the economy is scheduled to take place at the WEF in Davos, with French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire, President of the European Central Bank Christine Lagarde, and the managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Kristalina Georgieva.
Documentary film festival
The 5th edition of the documentary film festival, Fipadoc, is set to take place in Biarritz.
Saturday, January 21
Retirement march planned
Unions and the public are set to march against pension reform, answering a call by opposition party La France Insoumise in an effort to include young people among the cohort of demonstrators.
Dunkirk carnival begins
The famous Dunkirk carnival, which takes place over several weeks until March, is set to begin in the port town. The carnival dates back to the 17th century, when it started as a feast for fishermen.
Events are scheduled until March 11 this year, including music, dancing, processions, and sports events.
Sunday, January 22
International gastronomy final
The final of the international gastronomy chef competition le Bocuse d’Or is set to take place in Lyon.
Elysée treaty anniversary
German and French ministers and MPs are set to meet in Paris and Bundestag for the anniversary of the Elysée treaty. The treaty was first signed in 1963 between France and West Germany, by President Charles de Gaulle and Chancellor Konrad Adenauer.
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