-
Photos as snow falls – and settles – across France
Many areas in the north have seen snow, including in the capital
-
Fact check: Does France offer world’s most generous health reimbursement?
It comes after a government spokesperson made the claim this week
-
Why parking fines in France are now more likely to be cancelled
It comes after France’s highest administrative court found in a driver’s favour
France cuts access to 'crowded' Mont Blanc
Temporary decree restricting access to the summit due to safety concerns came into force at weekend
Access to Mont Blanc has been limited for the next eight days due to severe overcrowding on France and Europe's highest mountain.
Officials in the Haute-Savoie said the order, which came into force over the weekend, and applies to the highly popular "Royal Route" , was needed because of "very serious risks to public order".
Only climbers who have an overnight reservation at the refuge du Goûter on an outcrop leading to the 4,810-metre (15,780-feet) peak will be allowed to set out for the top of Mont Blanc via the most frequented route.
Authorities for the Haute-Savoie region said the shelter's overnight capacity of 120 people was frequently being exceeded, which presented "safety and public order" risks.
"Access to the summit of Mont Blanc via this route... is only permitted to those who have a reservation at the refuge du Goûter," an official statement reads.
The temporary restrictions are in place to ensure that climbers have adequate accommodation for an overnight stay, it adds.
Last year 14 people died and two disappeared trying to climb the mountain, up from nine deaths in 2016. So far this year at least three deaths have been recorded.
Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers in France