French news

French artist selected to create Bayeux Tapestry's missing final scene

Hélène Delprat won a competition to create a new panel, celebrating William the Conqueror's coronation

Flu intensifies in France, Covid-19 stable: the latest official figures

All regions of the country are now affected by the epidemic

Today is an EDF ‘red day’ in France: what does it change and when are next ones?

Hundreds of thousands of households could see their electricity costs soar

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Price rise for gas boilers on way in France

Tax rate change is expected to cost affected households an average of €250

Dozens of new flight and ferry routes for France in 2025

The SNCF is also to introduce its long-awaited TGV M in the new year

Dates of key sporting events in France in 2025

Find out when the main French sporting events are taking place next year

Drivers in France promised compensation over AdBlue software error

The Stellantis group says it will pay the cost of repairs for affected owners of certain Citroën, DS, Opel and Peugeot cars

TGV’s urgent stop system prevents catastrophe in France after driver jumps from cab

The 400 passengers aboard may have lost their lives if it was not for the security measures in place

Peugeot hit by cyberattack in France with clients’ personal data stolen

Identity information and number plates is to be released to public unless ransom is paid, hackers say

Watch out for this end-of-year carte Vitale scam in France

An official looking email purporting to be from Assurance maladie asks recipients for their personal information

Last-minute ski reservations up after good snowfall in French Alps

‘We have rarely seen so many bookings for New Year's Eve’, says tourism analysis agency

Hunt dogs die of suspected pseudorabies in south of France

Up to 600 dogs are to be vaccinated against Aujeszky’s disease as a precautionary measure

VAT, small firms, workers, education: Changes in France in 2025

We take a look at the new VAT thresholds, social charges, and profit-sharing mandates for businesses, plus school reforms and changes to higher education

240 skiers evacuated by helicopter after French ski lift breaks down

The lift's motors developed a mechanical problem

Familiar faces return in France’s new government: who is who

Former French prime minister Manuel Valls has returned to hold a ministerial post

Morbihan: See which communes have grown in population - and those that have fallen

The department has seen a small increase in resident numbers overall

The Var: Popular with second-home owners and retirees

One in five of the population of the southern department is aged 60-74

Snow in the Alps, sun in south: weather outlook December 23 to 27

The wind and cloud is set to give way to cool but settled skies as the week progresses, giving excellent conditions for many mountain resorts

Many areas on alert as Storm Enol hits France

The bad weather is forecast to head south on Monday, bringing heavy snow to mountainous areas

Money, inheritance, tax, pensions: What's new in France in 2025

European Commission set to decide on French law affecting the wills of resident non-EU nationals including, for example, those from the UK and US, potentially altering inheritance plans

Healthcare: What's new in France in 2025

Certain specialist tariffs will rise in July 2025, impacting insurance premiums and healthcare access

Cars and driving: What's new in France in 2025

From AI speed cameras to low-emission zones, we look at the changes set to transform French roads and driving regulations next year

State of French healthcare: key points of new official report

Findings included high patient satisfaction but still a too-high risk of infection in hospitals

Dordogne: See which communes have grown in population - and those that have fallen

A new report shows some villages have seen their numbers increase by between 20-30% in six years

Father’s anger at wine used in meals served to girl, 3, at state creche in Nice

‘I don't want my daughter to discover the taste of a wine sauce at this age’ he said

Storms and snow: French weekend weather outlook December 21 - 22

Up to 80cm of snow will fall in the Alps and the south-east faces gales of 130 km/h

New French PM Bayrou wants to retain Pau mayor role – is this possible?

There are strict limits on how many duties MPs and ministers can hold at the same time, but not prime ministers

Half of UK election postal votes - including from France - 'did not count'

Organisation recommends overhaul of voting process for Britons abroad

Residency rights and border changes: What's new in France in 2025

Language requirements for residency cards will get tougher, and border security changes are set to be implemented

Moves to end automatic citizen-based taxation of Americans living abroad

Eligible US citizens would be able to claim residency-based taxation status and see automatic requirement for annual American tax returns end

Gales of 130 km/h set to batter south-east France as Mediterranean storm arrives

Polar winds descending separately from the north will cause drop temperatures across much of country

Photos: Unusual tower for sale in France (could it make a quirky home?)

The seller claims the four-bedroom property could be converted into a comfortable home

Darty, Whirlpool, Boulanger: Price fixing of household goods exposed in France

The French competition watchdog fines 12 companies a total of €611m

Flu epidemic hits all of mainland France

Eight more regions are on alert with only Corsica spared

Remember: New TGV luggage limits now apply in France

Changes affect the number and size of bags allowed per person

What is the problem with Perrier water and could production really stop?

One of the site’s seven water catchments was suspended from use in April

30th anniversary of discovery in France of world’s oldest cave paintings

A special visit is being held at the reproduction of the ‘prehistoric Sistine Chapel’

Deals available on new electric cars as France’s state bonus set to end

Thousands of euros of discounts are available for many popular 100% electric models

Ryanair does U-turn on starting flights to and from major Paris airport

Planned routes to Slovakia and Italy – the first for the company from either of the capital’s main airports – have been scrapped

UK police pensioners get French social charges repaid

The couple were originally charged over €14,000

French inheritance law: couples anxiously await EU decision as discussions continue

France's Justice Ministry recently contacted The Connexion over the case

Will French air traffic control strikes continue over Christmas?

We cover refund and compensation rights in the event of strikes causing cancellations or delays

Police warn drivers of car headlights rules in France

It is advisable to carry spare bulbs when driving

Mont Blanc tunnel open again after 15 weeks of work

The major France-Italy route closed for renovations in September

Two earthquakes felt in France at opposite ends of country

The epicentre of quakes were shallow making them felt despite their low intensity

French councils ‘broke rules’ on smart camera surveillance of public

Illegal camera activity included the use of real-time facial recognition software

Recycling bins for clothes cannot cope in France

Fast fasion clothes are causing blockages although the problem is multi-faceted

Trenitalia rivals SNCF to offer train service to French ski stations

The service is a clear sign of the Italian operator’s strategy for the French ski resort market

‘Better healthcare and near Spain’: why we retired to Pyrénées-Orientales

In the first of a series on where readers retire to in France, we hear about why the Lauritsens chose to settle in the Pyrénées-Orientales, embracing French life

Wine scammers targeting retirees in south-west France handed prison sentences

One victim spent €14,000 on wine in six months

French air traffic controllers strike to ground flights at several airports

Other airports in the south are affected as well as those in Lyon and Corsica

How to recognise French road signs for recommended, not obligatory, behaviour

The signs are becoming increasingly used in some areas

Train set and other objects belonging to Charles de Gaulle sold at auction

The auction comes after a historical exhibition that included ‘the most important manuscript in French history’ as well as a vintage train set from the Soviet Union

Cable damage stops opening of world-famous French cable car for skiers

Alpine area famous for off-piste routes faces tourism hit

How long, how much? All about the new Paris-Berlin train service

The new service will be the first high-speed direct train between the two capitals

Family benefits in France: new step needed to access online account

Heightened security measure in place following data loss from system hack

Warm days - then snow: French weekly weather forecast December 16 - 20

Temperatures highs of 20C in the south-west before polar winds arrive bringing snowfall

Three charged with taking bribes to provide false French tests for residency cards

The charges relate to the test de connaissance du français. It is thought that more than 250 applicants could be involved in a region of west France

Christmas parcels delayed at French airports due to DHL strike

The four-day action saw 80% of workers join the protest resulting in a significant backlog in deliveries and pick-ups, according to unions

French firm aims to cut food waste through 'upcycling'

Waste is taken from restaurants and turned into new products

France set to pass emergency ‘budget law’: is it good or bad for your finances?

The country will effectively be without a budget from 2025, with knock-on effects for individuals and companies

EasyJet announces nine new flight routes from France including to UK

A service from Bordeaux to Birmingham is among the new announcements

French weekend weather outlook December 14 - 15: gloomy and chilly in the north

Cloudy skies are expected to dominate in the north, but in the south temperatures will still reach double figures

Chronopost, Colissimo, and Mondial Relay: Beware delivery scams in France

The surge in Christmas shopping always leads to an uptick of scams at this time of year

Police appeal for help as thefts of internet and phone cables increase in Brittany

‘These acts of vandalism threaten access to the telephone and internet network’, say police

Flu spreads in France: Four regions at epidemic level

All of the country is affected as the number of influenza cases rises

Centrist François Bayrou announced as new French prime minister

The veteran politician is currently mayor of Pau and a key Macron ally in parliament

Cyclist stabbed in row over road rights in Lyon

The argument with two men on an e-scooter reportedly broke out over right of way

Man leaves €10m to Normandy village just because of its name

Roger Thiberville is not thought to have ever visited Thiberville. ‘It is a lovely surprise just before Christmas’ said the mairie

Photo: French police stop driver over car covered in Christmas lights

Officers were appreciative of the decorations and took photos - but demanded that they were all removed

Bordeaux-Ireland flights: Aer Lingus to replace Ryanair

The three flights per week will replace a service previously offered by Ryanair, which has now stopped all flights to and from Bordeaux

Cash, cheque, bank cards: what payment types can a shop legally refuse in France?

There are clear rules on how, when and why businesses can refuse to accept payment

Drinks mis-sold as traditional kefir ‘mislead’ consumers in France

Many ‘kefir’ drinks do not contain the right ingredients, a consumer association says

Why is Bordeaux also known as the ‘port of the moon’?

The nickname hints at the long maritime history of the World Heritage city

Fréjus Tunnel that connects France and Italy to close this weekend

The tunnel will close for 12 hours and not the 56 hours originally announced

French news

French artist selected to create Bayeux Tapestry's missing final scene

Flu intensifies in France, Covid-19 stable: the latest official figures

Today is an EDF ‘red day’ in France: what does it change and when are next ones?

Price rise for gas boilers on way in France

Trending

Dozens of new flight and ferry routes for France in 2025

Profile of retirees in France and their pensions (and comparison with UK and US)

10 changes for everyday life in France in 2025

Curiosities of the French language: How to say Happy New Year?

Universal chargers launch in France: which equipment is affected?

Carrefour announces change to loyalty card for shoppers in France

Flu intensifies in France, Covid-19 stable: the latest official figures

Dozens of new flight and ferry routes for France in 2025

Dates of key sporting events in France in 2025

Drivers in France promised compensation over AdBlue software error

TGV’s urgent stop system prevents catastrophe in France after driver jumps from cab

Peugeot hit by cyberattack in France with clients’ personal data stolen

Watch out for this end-of-year carte Vitale scam in France

Last-minute ski reservations up after good snowfall in French Alps

Hunt dogs die of suspected pseudorabies in south of France

VAT, small firms, workers, education: Changes in France in 2025

240 skiers evacuated by helicopter after French ski lift breaks down

2024 was among the warmest - and wettest - years on record in France

At-a-glance: France's new government under François Bayrou

Fraud probe: Court upholds €461m seizure from Briton after Paris property deal

Familiar faces return in France’s new government: who is who

French visas, EU citizenship case, pension contacts: Updates in brief

French officials consider ideas to help second-home owners

Man shot dead by fellow hunter in southern France

No snow tyre fines in France this winter – but insurers may require them

Extra flights organised from Corsica for travellers stuck due to bad weather

Morbihan: See which communes have grown in population - and those that have fallen

The Var: Popular with second-home owners and retirees

Snow in the Alps, sun in south: weather outlook December 23 to 27

Many areas on alert as Storm Enol hits France

Money, inheritance, tax, pensions: What's new in France in 2025

Healthcare: What's new in France in 2025

Cars and driving: What's new in France in 2025

State of French healthcare: key points of new official report

Dordogne: See which communes have grown in population - and those that have fallen

Father’s anger at wine used in meals served to girl, 3, at state creche in Nice

Storms and snow: French weekend weather outlook December 21 - 22

New French PM Bayrou wants to retain Pau mayor role – is this possible?

Half of UK election postal votes - including from France - 'did not count'

Residency rights and border changes: What's new in France in 2025

Moves to end automatic citizen-based taxation of Americans living abroad

Gales of 130 km/h set to batter south-east France as Mediterranean storm arrives

Photos: Unusual tower for sale in France (could it make a quirky home?)

Darty, Whirlpool, Boulanger: Price fixing of household goods exposed in France

Flu epidemic hits all of mainland France

Remember: New TGV luggage limits now apply in France

What is the problem with Perrier water and could production really stop?

30th anniversary of discovery in France of world’s oldest cave paintings

Deals available on new electric cars as France’s state bonus set to end

Ryanair does U-turn on starting flights to and from major Paris airport

UK police pensioners get French social charges repaid

French inheritance law: couples anxiously await EU decision as discussions continue

Will French air traffic control strikes continue over Christmas?

Police warn drivers of car headlights rules in France

Mont Blanc tunnel open again after 15 weeks of work

Two earthquakes felt in France at opposite ends of country

French councils ‘broke rules’ on smart camera surveillance of public

Recycling bins for clothes cannot cope in France

Trenitalia rivals SNCF to offer train service to French ski stations

‘Better healthcare and near Spain’: why we retired to Pyrénées-Orientales

Wine scammers targeting retirees in south-west France handed prison sentences

French air traffic controllers strike to ground flights at several airports

How to recognise French road signs for recommended, not obligatory, behaviour

Train set and other objects belonging to Charles de Gaulle sold at auction

Cable damage stops opening of world-famous French cable car for skiers

How long, how much? All about the new Paris-Berlin train service

Family benefits in France: new step needed to access online account

Warm days - then snow: French weekly weather forecast December 16 - 20

Three charged with taking bribes to provide false French tests for residency cards

Christmas parcels delayed at French airports due to DHL strike

French firm aims to cut food waste through 'upcycling'

France set to pass emergency ‘budget law’: is it good or bad for your finances?

EasyJet announces nine new flight routes from France including to UK

French weekend weather outlook December 14 - 15: gloomy and chilly in the north