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Invention

French school friends design tilting chair to help with mobility issues

Seeing an elderly family member struggle to get out of his seat inspired two friends to create the Alyzée

Cheese naan was our invention, says Paris’ first Indian restaurant

The Indian restaurant favourite may in fact be a French invention dating back to the 1960s

French couple innovate horse hoof health with plastic shoes

It may mean the end of the ‘clip clop’ sound but the polyurethane horseshoe is said to be a healthier alternative to metal

practical

Electric skis offer same thrill without the snow, says French inventor

If you miss skiing there are now motorised skis on wheels you can strap on in the city

French firm’s special plaster made from sea worms saves burns victim

The wound-healing innovation was created due to scientist’s curiosity while gazing at a beach in Roscoff

How sniffer dogs and ‘catch cups’ help fight against bedbugs in France

Innovative methods are being introduced to detect and eradicate infestations during ‘major upsurge’

France’s ‘Iron man’: ‘I had this crazy dream of flying even higher’

He tells us how hard it is to fly and why he keeps inventing despite French bureaucracy and nosy neighbours

Electricity generator moves like swimming fish in French river trials

The company explains how the device turns a flowing river into green energy

Insoles with reversible aircon is latest from French serial inventor

We ask how 6mm silicon can keep feet warm in winter and cool in summer using the energy of your steps

French letterboxes get bigger for the boom in home parcel delivery

The inventors were motivated by the fact they realised they were getting fewer letters but more parcels

Wheelchair brakes win top prize at France’s invention competition

Other winners include inflatable home flood barriers and a water-saving system for swimming pools

French towns introduce ‘smart’ street lights which locals can turn on

The innovative system allows towns to save money by switching off street lights overnight, without compromising the safety of people walking home

British inventors enter 122-year-old French contest for first time

The UK delegation takes their design talent from TV’s The Apprentice to the prestigious Concours Lépine in Paris

French start-up creates soundproof face mask to silence phone calls

The Bluetooth face mask is intended to protect callers’ privacy and to avoid disturbing others

MAP: From aspirin to tyres - A tour of France by its famous inventors

We look at some of the greatest innovators the country has seen and their inventions that changed the world

Homeworking coffee table wins invention contest Concours Lépine 2021

The table converts into an ergonomic desk in 30 seconds

Innovative ‘bench-fan’ cools bottoms of people who sit on it in Paris

The design pulls cool air to the surface via existing underground pipes, and is intended to offer a ‘cool cushion’ for city residents during very hot weather

French Biker’s protective airbag trousers soon on sale

After an accident in 2016, Xavier Bouquillard de Milleret developed an idea based on pressure-suit trousers he wore 30 years ago as a jet pilot

Maison Cadolle: Six generations of haute couture lingerie

Patricia Cadolle is the haute couture grand-daughter of the woman who invented the bra. She speaks to Jane Hanks about the family business

Tour de truth: bicycles with pedals were invented in France

Did you know? Bicycles with pedals were invented in France. We explore the history in advance of this year's Tour de France.

Plastic-eating enzyme ‘revolutionises recycling’

A French company whose plastic-eating enzyme technology could revolutionise recycling is due to have a plant up and running by next year.

Protective domes to help French restaurants reopen?

French designer’s Plexiglas domes to protect diners were on display in one Paris restaurant this week.

French inventor's face mask to help deaf communicate

For the deaf and hard of hearing who rely on lip-reading, face masks threaten to cut off communication - but transparent face masks from a French inventor offer hope.

Inventors remembered in the museums of France

The Connexion dons its thinking cap and tours the country in search of a Eureka! moment in museums and houses dedicated to the memory of great inventions and the minds that made them

French company cracked making vegan eggs

We have vegan camembert, vegan burgers and even vegan ham and bacon... now the first vegan eggs have been created by two French biochemistry students.

French ‘human plane’ flies at 1,800m for first time

A Frenchman dubbed “the human plane” has flown at an altitude of 1,800 metres for the first time ever, using a carbon fibre “wing” propelled by four mini motors.

Flock of robot sheep cuts grass in French vineyards

Sheep are widely recognised as the best way to keep lawns trim but a French company is taking this a step further by producing a flock of grass-munching robots.

Elysée hosts a ‘Made in France’ show

A toothbrush made from recycled plastic, a mobile solar panel station and an anti-wind umbrella were among 120 products on show at the Elysée at a “Made in France” exhibition

All-terrain wheelchair inspired by snow-go ski holiday

Inspiration for the six-wheel chair came during a frustrating family ski holiday

Now France's Franky Zapata has flying car on his mind

Shortly after his return to France after successfully crossing the Channel on a hoverboard, inventor reveals plans to unveil flying car by the end of the year

'Flying soldier' steals July 14 parade show

Now, 'flyboard' inventor is planning a cross-Channel challenge for later this month...

Dustbins are named after French recycling innovator

Did you know?

French pill fills air with muguet scent

Inventor came up with the idea after an unfortunate and malodorous episode in Switzerland

Bob the sink top dishwasher can do it in 20 minutes

Living in tiny Paris studio flats while working as interns at a bank inspired two young French inventors to design a table-top dishwasher.

Beekeeper’s trap blocks only hornet queens

A Breton beekeeper is preparing for Europe-wide sales of his innovative trap for Asian hornets after he won France’s most prestigious inventor’s prize.

First ever wrist watch was French invention

Did you know? The wristwatch was most likely invented in France, though there are several contenders for the title.

Innovation on show at prestigious Concours Lépine

Competition has been running since 1901 and was the first place to recognise the ballpoint pen, contact lenses and the steam iron

Toulouse start-up tests massive ship sail prototype

A start-up company based in Toulouse is developing the prototype for a gigantic parachute-style sail that could help large ships reduce their fuel consumption by up to 20%.

Suction innovative way to kill mosquitoes

Two men from the Bouches-du-Rhône, have invented a box to suck up, trap, and kill mosquitos, in the latest attempt to reduce the population without harming the environment.

Flyboard inventor cannot fly without pilot's licence

The Flyboard Air is a French invention that currently requires a pilot's licence

Rustling trees give power for offices, chargers and streets

Watching a leaf fluttering in the wind has led to a new type of wind turbine that can be scaled from 9m giants that produce 5mW down to tiny miniaturised models that will fit under the eaves of an ordinary house and, linked together, can power a fridge, house lights or charge a mobile.