Leisure activities - music

I joined a rock band in France

Alan Kennedy-Bolam, 75, credits joining a ‘Franglais’-speaking group with helping him integrate and stay fit

Awards for two French attractions at ‘leisure-industry Oscars’

Historical attraction park and Parisian museums topped the charts

SING ALONG: French Christmas classic carols

Wondering what your French neighbours are singing? Check out these translations and sing along to the French version of Jingle Bells, Silent Night, and more

news

France votes to allow new gambling casinos to support ‘horse towns’

The vote will ‘save the region’ and ‘write history’, say supporters

Where are the best places to grow old in France?

Is your region on the list? The south-west did particularly well in the ranking

Call for action over disappearance of rural footpaths in France

Campaigners say the paths are part of France’s heritage but are are at risk from farmers, residents and developers

Boost for horse and pony clubs in France

A major VAT reduction coming this January will help owners cope with rising costs

Why it can pay to check €2 coins you get in change in France

Special minted or rarer coins can be worth far in excess of their face value; some can be found in circulation

Paris waxwork of American actor remade as first was ‘too white’

A second version of the controversial waxwork is to be unveiled today. The US actor has reposted a video of a comedian complaining: ‘you turned The Rock into a pebble’

6 things to know about new Astérix album now on sale in France

The iconic French cartoon character returns for a new adventure with a new writer, against an ‘ambiguous’ positive thinking Roman villain

Petanque refs threaten to boycott French contest over drunk players

‘The day we have a death in the field because of alcohol, we will say: "Something should have been done",' said one referee

Michelin Guide to include exceptional French hotels

The hotel guide will use keys instead of stars to show excellence, as a way to ‘establish a truly trusted benchmark for the hotel industry’

France’s smallest cinema, with just 50 seats, closes its doors

The cinema operated for almost 25 years

Holidays are ending but France’s winter fun is hopefully just starting

Samantha David anticipates a busy ski season ahead – and you do not have to take to the slopes themselves to tap into the entertainment

Love of labyrinths: Crop mazes are growing activity trend in France

The mazes provide an income to the farmers who loan out the land and visitors can attempt to navigate the five kilometres of pathways

France lockdown: You can now go beyond 10km for (some) sport reasons

The new rules depend on whether your sport is taking place in a public space or within a designated open-air sports ground or centre

Paris Louvre uploads almost entire art collection for free online

The museum remains closed due to Covid but almost half a million major works can be seen online after a super-modern web revamp. Complete digital tours available.

Covid France: Musicians perform for public via open windows

Musicians in a town in southwest France took part in a concert from neighbouring buildings this weekend, with residents saying the event gave them ‘hope’

Make money by turning your home in France into a film set

A production company in the south of France is calling for distinctive traditional, or very modern, properties to add to its filming location database. Owners are paid if their home is used

Daft Punk, French dance music duo, splits after 28 years

The two friends from Paris - now global icons of house and electronic music - announced their split via video

France uses ‘test concerts’ to study public venue Covid risk

Two concerts are set to be held in Marseille under strict Covid-safe, scientific conditions as calls grow for other public spaces such as museums to reopen ‘for mental health’

French family fun ideas ... whatever the weather

Samantha David tours the country to find some excellent attractions to entertain youngsters

Campervan towed away as not moved due to lockdown in France

Two retirees living in a campervan in Nimes were shocked to find their vehicle towed away despite it being parked in one place due to lockdown rules

Tour de France 2021: First four stages in Brittany revealed

The race will start in Brest and remain in Brittany until June 29, before moving to Mayenne for stage five.

Sacré-Cœur in Paris set to finally become historic monument

The project to have the famous Montmartre basilica officially recognised was launched this week

Lego wanted to help make wheelchair ramps in eastern France

The plastic bricks will be used to help make ramps for people who use wheelchairs; it takes 1,600 bricks to make one ramp.

‘Remarkable’ early snowfall in French mountain ranges

Snow has fallen in the Alps and Pyrenees very early this year, with temperatures dropping significantly and “remarkable” amounts of snow forcing some roads to close.

French PM ‘not ruling out’ second lockdown amid record cases

French Prime Minister Jean Castex has refused to rule out a second lockdown if Covid-19 worsens and announced further measures, as a record 16,000 cases are confirmed in 24 hours.

Iconic French singer Juliette Gréco dies age 93

Iconic French singer Juliette Gréco has died at the age of 93. We remember some of her most-loved songs from her 60-year career, and remarkable life, as President Emmanuel Macron pays tribute.

Seed library opens in south France to inspire local growth

A library in the south of France is to open a “seed library”, allowing borrowers to barter and exchange a wide variety of seeds, including for flowers, herbs, and vegetables.

France Covid-19: Prime Minister Castex lays out new measures

No free masks for all, masks required in theatres and cinemas, and more details on the “relaunch” plan: these were among the main points made in a key interview by French Prime Minister Jean Castex this week.

Joggers and cyclists in Paris must use mask in crowded areas

Joggers, cyclists, exercisers, and electric scooter users in Paris are required to wear masks during their physical activity if they come into contact with pedestrians and are unable to stay physically distanced, it has been confirmed.

Shooting stars to be especially visible tonight in France

Stargazers, look up: Tonight and tomorrow (August 12 and 13) are set to be two of the best nights to see shooting stars clearly in France, as the Perseid meteor season continues in earnest.

Tour de France 2021 will depart from Brest, not Copenhagen

The Tour de France 2021 will now depart from Brest in Brittany, and not Copenhagen in Denmark as originally planned, in response to scheduling conflicts and postponements linked to this year’s Covid-19 crisis.

France to see ‘perfect skies’ for stargazing this weekend

Good news for stargazers: Hundreds of free events are taking place around France this weekend as perfect conditions will allow a clear view of the night sky over the annual Nuits des Étoiles event starting August 7.

New loan for Covid-stricken tourism businesses in France

Hospitality and tourism businesses in France are now eligible to receive a new state loan to help them recover from the impact of the Covid-19 crisis.

France to allow gatherings of more than 5,000 from August 15

Gatherings of more than 5,000 people are to be permitted once again in France - with some conditions - from August 15; including concerts, shows, festivals, and salons.

Marseille may ban circus animals after rhino video emerges

Marseille may ban circuses that use animals as part of their act, after the city’s first deputy mayor shared disturbing images of a rhinoceros displaying atypical behaviour due to being in circus captivity for 23 years.

French state of health emergency: What changes as it ends?

Midnight tonight (from Friday July 10 to Saturday July 11) marks the end of France’s state of health emergency imposed due to the Covid-19 crisis, with some changes taking place as a result. We explain.

Paris Louvre reopens: Why now is a good time to visit

The Louvre art gallery in Paris is reopening its doors to the public today (Monday July 6) - with a series of new health measures in place - and is expected to be up to 80% less busy than normal.

Graffiti artist brightens French streets with tile art

A French street artist is brightening up the streets of Rouen (Seine-Maritime, Normandy) by painting tile-like traditional designs onto pavements, to make them “more charming” than the usual concrete.

France deconfinement: What opens June 22, in July and beyond

France has announced an update to deconfinement plans, as the third stage begins tomorrow (Monday June 22), and cinemas, stadiums and exhibition halls prepare to reopen in the coming months.

French police crackdown on crowds at beaches and parks

Beaches in north France have once more been closed due to reports of “unacceptable behaviour”, as deconfinement continues, with police also investigating crowded parks, stadia and funerals this week.

Deconfinement in France: What is allowed from May 11

The French government has published more information on what will and will not be permitted as deconfinement is gradually rolled out - including for travel, socialising, shopping, exercising and schools.

‘Nature access’ petition in France signed by 99,000

More than 99,000 people in France have signed a petition calling on President Emmanuel Macron to allow “responsible access to nature” including mountain areas, before deconfinement begins on May 11.

Run, walk, cycle: New post-confinement rules in France

Individual walking, running, and cycling will be permitted as soon as deconfinement begins on May 11, the French sports ministry has said, but group sports and other outdoor activities will need to wait longer.

French minister launches list of online culture tools

The French minister for culture has launched a new initiative, #CultureChezNous (Culture At Home), grouping a variety of digital cultural offerings in one place, to help people stay creative and occupied in confinement.

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 films review: April 2020

A critical eye on the latest ciné releases. This month: The Truth, and The Forgotten Prince

What’s on in France – March 2020

Please note that due to Covid-19 virus, many events are being cancelled or postponed. Make sure you check events are still being held by organisers before you go. Music hits centre stage as France swings into Spring

February 2020 book reviews

We read recent releases with a link to France. To be fair, each gets 20 minutes’ reading time. This month, we will look at the man that changed gambling forever, a Josephine Baker biography and New Wave cinema

March 2020 book reviews

We read recent releases with a link to France. To be fair, each gets 20 minutes’ reading time. This month, we will look at The Killing of the Iron Twelve, The Private World of Edouard Vuillard, and City of Dark

French Music review: summer memories

Various artists Souvenirs d’été, Volumes 1 and 2

French films review – March 2020

French films and essential viewing for cinéphiles. This month ‘Amanda’ and ‘Les Vétos’

Franco-British Association builds bridges

An association set up to build bridges between British migrants and their local communities is proving to be successful.

Anglo-French panto success leads to play

… oh yes it does!

Australian Pink Floyd’s France Tour – tickets winners

Thank you to all the readers who sent us entries to try and win tickets for the Australian Pink Floyd concerts in France.

French ‘daily’ paper sells first issue in four years

A French “daily” newspaper that is only published once every four years - on February 29 - has released its eleventh edition.

Hollywood movie stars come to small French town

The Dordogne has welcomed Hollywood stars Matt Damon, Ben Affleck and Adam Driver - plus director Ridley Scott - as they film their latest blockbuster in the small town of Sarlat-la-Canéda.

Save on tickets at French cinemas

Going to the cinema need not cost a fortune as there are many different ways of saving money on a ticket.

Where to visit in laid-back La Rochelle

The Connexion advises you to pause for breath in the Atlantic coast’s relaxed ‘White City’

France restricts Mont-Blanc access to protect mountain

President Emmanuel Macron is to announce measures today to restrict access to Mont-Blanc, to guard against unscrupulous summit attempts, and to protect the biodiversity of the mountain.

French films review – February 2020

French films and essential viewing for cinéphiles. This month: Portrait of a Lady on Fire and La Vérité

French music review: Clara Luciani

Clara Luciani: Sainte Victoire

What’s on in France – February 2020

South parties on parade as 2020 starts to warm up

French company makes cassette player for 21st century

Analogue music fans will soon have a new way to listen to cassette tapes on-the-go, as a French company is to start selling a modern range of “new generation” portable analogue cassette players.

Paris Opera orchestra performs pension strike concert

Singers and musicians of the Paris Opera orchestra have given a concert in front of the Palais Garnier in Paris, the first of 2020 as part of their strike action against the government’s proposed pension reform.

What’s on in France – January 2020

Our pick of what to do, where to go and what to see in France. This month: cold snow, hot dance, fine art and more...

January 2020 book reviews

We read recent releases with a link to France. To be fair, each gets 20 minutes’ reading time. This month, we will look at Isabella of Angouleme, The Seine River and Matisse’s Poets

French music review: Alain Souchon

Ame Fifties, Alain Souchon (Warner Music France)

French films review - January 2020

French films and essential viewing for cinéphiles. This month: Les Bronzés font du ski and J’accuse

New Paris show tells history of France...in Playmobil

More than 3,000 figures from children’s toy brand Playmobil are now on public display at the army museum at Les Invalides in Paris, arranged in scenes from French history.

Paris theatres confirm closures as mass strike spreads

Half of private Paris theatres have announced that they will close tomorrow (December 5), becoming the latest sector to confirm knock-on effects as the impact of the planned mass strike spreads.

French cathedral’s colour show for Christmas

The Connexion previews Amiens Cathedral’s astonishing, vivid light show, which runs until December 29

There will be cafes at France's sculpture parks

... as well as culture, laughter and good times in a single package, writes Samantha David