Nature

Electric ants spotted in south of France for second time

Fears of a large colony in the Var department and beyond, as aggressive animals threaten pets and local biodiversity

Great white shark spotted in waters off south of France

The rare sighting has been welcomed by experts

France's first national park is an outdoor haven

Discover the breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity of Parc National de la Vanoise, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region

magazine

France celebrates a century of naturism

Marseille exhibition lays bare the continuing allure of French naturist culture

France's most ancient oak tree and its two chapels face potential collapse

The 1,200-year-old Chêne d’Allouville, housing two unique chapels, urgently requires preservation efforts

I fell in love with wild, beautiful Cévennes in south-central France

Award-winning US poet Zaro Weil on why this remote part of France is a major inspiration for her work

VIDEO: Hiker comes face to face with bear in French Pyrenees

The rare encounter was with the oldest brown bear in the mountain range

Letters: Biodiversity is in decline, but not just in France

Reader says the complex systems of weather, migration and global economics all play a part

Switzerland to change border with France due to melting glaciers

It comes after the glaciers were found to have lost 4% volume in 2023

Map: The spread of Asian hornets in France

The invasive pests are present in every region of the country

Listen: Stag bellowing season underway in French forests

Every year, nature-lovers gather to listen out for the sound and even compete to imitate it best

Gendarmes seize mushrooms: how many are you allowed to pick in France?

Those seized had been gathered in a regional park in the south-east

Photos: Three seasonal autumn gardens to visit in France

Summer may be over but there are beautiful places to admire under the Open Gardens scheme

Chemical anomalies found in French tap water in study

43% of samples in the study were found to contain PFAS ‘forever chemicals’

Endurance swimmer forced to end Mediterranean record attempt after 100km

He spent two days and two nights in the water without stopping

Pebbles, shells, sand: hefty French fines possible for beach souvenirs

Fines of up to €150,000 could make you think twice about taking a bit of the beach home

Explained: French garden rules on cleaning, bonfires, planting and more

Make sure you stick to the (many) rules if you want to maintain good relationships with your neighbours and avoid fines

Warning over devastating Japanese beetle found close to French border

Authorities ban transporting plants in a bid to curb their spread

Man dies after hornets attack as he helps friend tidy French garden

The man was stung multiple times on the head

Which are the most dangerous animals in France and where are they?

Hornets, ticks, snakes, fish…and sharks? Move over Australia, France has danger too…

What to expect from this weekend’s ‘mega-reservoir’ protests in France

See what protests are planned and where, and why authorities are on such high alert

Spot dolphins and whales on cross Channel UK-France ferry

Passengers are invited to access the ferry decks and record observations on a special app

Couple sue French commune for letting acorns fall on their roof

They claim the acorns caused damage totalling €6,000

Mysterious tremor felt in Corsica thought to be caused by meteorite

What sounded like an explosion was heard as far away as Italy

‘They eat everything’: New type of invasive ant spreading in France

The insects can be particularly difficult to get rid of, and were first spotted in France in 2017

French Mediterranean coast should expect a tsunami every thirty years

The natural disaster is certain based on review of historical records, say researchers

Snakes in France: what kinds are there, where and what to do if bitten

'People's first reaction when they see a snake is to kill it – which is illegal'

Alert over fire risk in French forests as most blazes caused by people

‘Nine in 10 fires come from human carelessness,’ say authorities in the wake of a wildfire that destroyed 600 hectares in the south of France

Be vigilant over these large ticks found in south of France

The ticks are mainly known for spreading Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, and have been reported in 11 departments so far

The big difference between keeping bees in France and the UK

Sue Adams explores the contrasting approaches of French and British beekeepers

Take part in France's garden bird-counting weekend

Home owners are being urged to count and identify birds in their garden for an hour at the end of May to help protect avian wildlife in France

FUN PHOTO: Seagull steals a set of dentures in Brittany

Bird swooped down to steal mystery set of teeth from under a bench

French motorway closed after hives fall out of lorry releasing bees

Dozens of hives were cracked open after toppling during a crash

These plants are endangered in France and should not be picked

More than 400 plants are protected in France – but more must be done to educate the public about them

Seven essential apps hikers must have in France

From identifying the local flora and fauna, to ensuring you know your route, we highlight six top apps for hikers taking to French trails this spring

Which areas of France are most at risk from earthquakes?

Earthquakes can sometimes be felt across the country

No mow May: homeowners in France asked to let grass grow

‘There is no life in a 4 cm-long lawn’ warns one expert, saying that longer grass helps bees and insects to thrive

MAP: which areas in France already have water shortages?

Water reserves are above average in some areas due to heavy autumn rainfall but some areas have shortages

Vosges birds to ‘recuperate in Norway’ as part of French trial

The plan is aiming to help the emblematic birds, proponents say - but critics say it is a ‘textbook example of what not to do’

Book shows how to cook with the weed black bryony in south-west France

‘It’s a local speciality with a taste like nothing else,’ says mayor who published recipe book

Eagle attacks and injures paraglider mid-flight in Savoie, east France

The attack, which lasted for 13 minutes, left the man in need of stitches and surgery

Why there are more processionary caterpillars in France this year

There are two main types of the insect and they can now be found in most of the country

Meet France's great garden acrobat

With its bright yellow and blue plumage, the Eurasian blue tit is easy to spot in the garden.

Gold prospecting firm to target four communes in Brittany

Canadian firm's CEO believes valuable reserves have been overlooked

Spring into plant swap season and visit a local French ‘TrocPlantes’

Columnist Sarah Beattie discovers the community spirit of swap events where gardeners exchange cuttings

French court removes approval for new road - a year after it is built

The road runs through woodland that is home to some 45 protected species

French town overrun by rabbits puts up posters of… rabbit stew recipe

The recipe is being shown on digital billboards after residents began complaining of burgeoning bunnies

Coastal erosion: Hundreds of French homes risk becoming uninhabitable

More than 1,000 buildings are at risk by 2028, including many second homes, says government report

Open Gardens France: Vibrant borders and crisp hedges in Mayenne

After two years clearing rubbish and brambles, Edward Moss and David Marsh delight in sharing their ‘garden rooms’

Brown bear numbers in France rise for first time in 30 years

Some 83 brown bears and 16 bear cubs were recorded in the Pyrenees last year

Grass cuttings are no longer accepted at some public tips in France

Increasing numbers of public déchetteries are asking you to take care of your cuttings at home

‘Highly damaging’ fruit-eating fly at risk of spreading in France

Damage could range from 20-100% of harvests, experts have warned

VIDEO: Hunters say they caught (and released) golden jackal in France

They are ‘90% sure’ the animal was a jackal, and are now waiting for DNA test results

French hotels charge less if guests take shorter showers

The ‘water saving’ option enables guests to limit their water usage and save resources

Tiger mosquitoes now in Normandy, last region of France to escape them

The tiny insects were first detected in France in 2004

Call for action over bears in France after hiker killed in Slovakia

Local authorities say we ‘cannot wait until someone dies’ in France to bring in changes

PHOTOS: Study shows greenest and healthiest places in live in France

The number of green spaces was a major criteria considered in new health ranking which also looked at healthy food shops, bathing areas and hiking trails

Be aware of caterpillars when walking your dog in France

Certain caterpillars can cause necrosis of the tongue in dogs and are appearing earlier each year

Discover hidden nature reserves in France by volunteering

How to find your local conservation group and help protect natural spaces not open to the public

Processionary caterpillars in French forest blamed for sick dogs

A woman who walked her pets in a tree-covered area had to rush them to the vet

Starling ‘invasion’ wreaks havoc on French city

Thousands of the birds have set up camp on roofs, leading to piles of mess, excessive noise and a bad smell. Children’s play areas have been closed

Otters make a comeback in France - how you can help them thrive

The recolonisation project is slowly working but the population remains fragile

Fishing is banned off west coast of France to protect dolphins

The month-long ban has been denounced by fishing groups but environmentalists say more in needed

‘Hyper-aggressive' seabirds force Marseille to take action

Some say the gulls ‘represent the city’ but authorities now have permission to act to reduce their number

Family house in France must be demolished despite planning permission

The owners say the issue has cost them €400,000

France’s most beautiful trees revealed - is one near you?

Three trees were chosen as winners with one going ahead to represent France in the European contest this February

Secret lives of bats in France: Garonne river is a motorway and buffet

We learn about the only mammal that can fly and how they use aerial landmarks to hunt

VIDEO: French mayor frees fox whose head was stuck in pipe

The mayor came across the animal during a visit to the city’s old fortifications

Drinking water in towns near Lyon polluted above permitted levels

The water serves 166,000 residents in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Migratory birds you may see overhead or stopping off in France

Large, small, white, black or brightly-coloured - here are six species of birds you may spot as they make their journeys

Processionary caterpillars already spotted this year in France

The insects - which have highly-irritating, toxic hairs - typically only emerge in warmer months

How to build a snake hotel in your French garden as population falls

Jonathan Kemp makes snakes welcome in his garden in spite of his phobia

€1bn plan announced to safeguard under-threat biodiversity in France

The initiative includes the planting of a billion trees and the establishment of more protected areas. Environmental groups say it is not enough

French minister calls new 10-year glyphosate authorisation ‘stupidity’

He called the EU’s decision ‘an environmental step backwards’

Autumn leaves: Rules on what to do with garden waste in France

It is illegal to burn garden waste in France (except if you are granted special permission by the mairie). We explore what to do with autumn and green garden waste instead

Nature

Electric ants spotted in south of France for second time

Great white shark spotted in waters off south of France

France's first national park is an outdoor haven

France celebrates a century of naturism

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Electric ants spotted in south of France for second time

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France's most ancient oak tree and its two chapels face potential collapse

I fell in love with wild, beautiful Cévennes in south-central France

VIDEO: Hiker comes face to face with bear in French Pyrenees

Letters: Biodiversity is in decline, but not just in France

Switzerland to change border with France due to melting glaciers

Map: The spread of Asian hornets in France

Listen: Stag bellowing season underway in French forests

Gendarmes seize mushrooms: how many are you allowed to pick in France?

Photos: Three seasonal autumn gardens to visit in France

Chemical anomalies found in French tap water in study

Floods, fires, and drought: ‘Shock’ France climate change report

Shepherd defends role of patou dogs after hiker calls for rescue

How trail running has boomed in popularity in France

Endurance swimmer forced to end Mediterranean record attempt after 100km

French national park hails success of introducing visitor quotas

Tortoise thought to be extinct in French Pyrenees rediscovered by walkers

French communes share studies of local flora and fauna with residents

How to act if you see a patou dog while hiking in France

Letters: Why must French farmers chop, poison and destroy nature?

Pebbles, shells, sand: hefty French fines possible for beach souvenirs

Explained: French garden rules on cleaning, bonfires, planting and more

Warning over devastating Japanese beetle found close to French border

Man dies after hornets attack as he helps friend tidy French garden

Which are the most dangerous animals in France and where are they?

What to expect from this weekend’s ‘mega-reservoir’ protests in France

Spot dolphins and whales on cross Channel UK-France ferry

Couple sue French commune for letting acorns fall on their roof

Mysterious tremor felt in Corsica thought to be caused by meteorite

‘They eat everything’: New type of invasive ant spreading in France

French Mediterranean coast should expect a tsunami every thirty years

Snakes in France: what kinds are there, where and what to do if bitten

Alert over fire risk in French forests as most blazes caused by people

Be vigilant over these large ticks found in south of France

The big difference between keeping bees in France and the UK

Take part in France's garden bird-counting weekend

FUN PHOTO: Seagull steals a set of dentures in Brittany

French motorway closed after hives fall out of lorry releasing bees

These plants are endangered in France and should not be picked

Seven essential apps hikers must have in France

Which areas of France are most at risk from earthquakes?

No mow May: homeowners in France asked to let grass grow

MAP: which areas in France already have water shortages?

Vosges birds to ‘recuperate in Norway’ as part of French trial

Book shows how to cook with the weed black bryony in south-west France

Eagle attacks and injures paraglider mid-flight in Savoie, east France

Why there are more processionary caterpillars in France this year

Meet France's great garden acrobat

Gold prospecting firm to target four communes in Brittany

Spring into plant swap season and visit a local French ‘TrocPlantes’

French court removes approval for new road - a year after it is built

French town overrun by rabbits puts up posters of… rabbit stew recipe

Coastal erosion: Hundreds of French homes risk becoming uninhabitable

Open Gardens France: Vibrant borders and crisp hedges in Mayenne

Brown bear numbers in France rise for first time in 30 years

Grass cuttings are no longer accepted at some public tips in France

‘Highly damaging’ fruit-eating fly at risk of spreading in France

VIDEO: Hunters say they caught (and released) golden jackal in France

French hotels charge less if guests take shorter showers

Tiger mosquitoes now in Normandy, last region of France to escape them

Call for action over bears in France after hiker killed in Slovakia

PHOTOS: Study shows greenest and healthiest places in live in France

Be aware of caterpillars when walking your dog in France

Discover hidden nature reserves in France by volunteering

Processionary caterpillars in French forest blamed for sick dogs

Starling ‘invasion’ wreaks havoc on French city

Otters make a comeback in France - how you can help them thrive

Fishing is banned off west coast of France to protect dolphins