French village’s surprise €4.5m

A villager left €4.5million as a surprise gift to her commune – four times its annual budget – in her will.

Connexion journalist

Published Monday 04 March 2019 - 15:15 Modified Monday 04 March 2019 - 15:15

Mayor Bernard Gilot announced that the legacy from Simone Daignas, 94, would be put to good use for the 700 residents of Mesves-sur-Loire in Nièvre, Bourgogne.

He plans to clear the village’s debt, start a clean-up operation and build a hall named after Mrs Daignas. Mrs Daignas had no heirs and died in a retirement home.

Why facts of British couple’s deaths in south of France are slow to emerge

The investigation highlights stark differences in procedures between France, UK and US

UK travel visa ‘ETA’ now in force for EU citizens: What does this change for people in France?

EU citizens now require prior authorisation to visit UK

Comment: Weeds can make a garden cheaper and more manageable in France

Columnist Samantha David tells how embracing nature has hidden benefits

Chauvet cave in south of France is slowly revealing its secrets

3D technology is revolutionising our understanding of 36,000-year-old paintings in the Chauvet Cave in Ardèche

Learning French: the origins and meaning of gratin

Understand the etymological roots of this beloved dish with a crispy, cheesy topping

Map: Are there new Michelin star restaurants near you in France?

The new Michelin Guide France 2025 awarded 78 new stars to restaurants across the country

What do Trump and other world leaders say about Le Pen office ban decision?

From ‘left-wing abuse of the legal system’ to ‘the rule of law’, reactions have been fierce

Is it dangerous to drive a Tesla in France at the moment?

Several vehicles have been burned as anger rises against Tesla CEO Elon Musk

Do roof repairs need to be declared to French tax authorities?

Repairs do not usually require planning authorisation to be issued

What do French authorities mean by a ‘recent’ birth certificate?

French versions of the document are updated with key life events

Can non-residents switch banks in France easily?

Account and card costs are on the rise generally

Recipe: fresh fava bean and asparagus salad

Source seasonal produce and garnish with mint, goats cheese and lemon

French people reveal their favourite dishes - what is yours?

Confit de canard, bouillabaisse, snails, crêpes, cassoulet…plus, how do you choose a restaurant?

These are the 2025 income tax declaration deadlines, by department in France

Paper returns have a separate earlier deadline

Exclusive interview: New two-star Michelin chef Philippe Etchebest

Revisit our exclusive 2023 interview with the man behind Maison Nouvelle as he is rewarded in the 2025 Michelin Guide France

How does France’s April Fools’ Day differ from that in UK or US?

It is in schools where we see a real French peculiarity

Taxes, border rules: Dates to note for practical changes in France in April 2025

Notaire fees are also set to rise and a rail strike looms over the Easter holidays

Is a carte de famille useful for mixed French-British couples?

These cards are aimed at people who have moved to France permanently on a first visa

How I became a beautician after moving to France

When Teri Fox, 55, relocated in 2007, she mastered lots of new skills including fitness and aesthetics courses, as well as managing beauty salons – before going on to open her own