Pollution

Crit’Air 3 vehicles to be allowed limited access to Paris in 2025

The new 12-day rule will affect 422,000 private vehicles and 59,000 commercial vehicles in Greater Paris

More charges brought against bottled water firms supplying France

‘A financial settlement must not put an end to investigations into fraud’, says NGO Foodwatch

Chemical anomalies found in French tap water in study

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

news

Paris mayor confirms plans to reduce speed limit to 50km/h on city ring road

The reduction from 70 km/h is not supported by the government but the mairie says it is needed to reduce pollution on the périphérique

Protesters stop cruise ship from accessing Brittany port of Finistère

‘We think cruise ships are an ecological absurdity and a symbol of social inequality’, said protesters

MAP: Air pollution in France, the worst - and best - areas

Cities and the countryside face different threats

Air pollution improvement: Three French cities can ease car ban rules

One local council said it would not bring in ban regardless of the government’s decision

Where do I need a Crit’Air sticker for my French car?

Vehicles in some parts of France require stickers to show pollution levels

Foul smell in Nice leads to vomiting, authorities baffled

Five hundred complaints have been made to the local authorities. Residents also report suffering headaches and muscle pains

Paris reviews banning motorbikes and scooters at night to limit noise

‘One combustion scooter alone can wake up several thousand Parisians’, says the councillor behind the plan

SUV drivers set to pay much more to park in Paris

The Mairie is set to vote on the issue next month, following similar rules in Lyon and Bordeaux

Wastewater in sea blamed for oyster ban in France

The industry has called for compensation after the suspension of sales, which will cost oyster farmers ‘millions of euros’, said a representative

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

Paris plans to reduce speed limit on outer ring road from 70 to 50km/h

The move aims to reduce environmental and noise pollution

UPDATED MAP: where are the low-emission car zones now in France?

More than 40 zones are set to be introduced across the country but rules vary significantly

Driving in France: Is it time to switch to an electric car?

We look at the pros and cons, the financial help available for going electric, and the charging options

Where in France are low-emission zone restrictions being eased?

Only five French cities will be required to stick to the current timetable of restricting vehicles based on their pollution ranking

Is this the beginning of the end for France’s low-emission zones?

The French government says it will ease restrictions in some of France’s low-emission zones, but critics say it will kill them off

Which beaches should you avoid in France this summer?

The water quality at the vast majority of French beaches is deemed excellent. But there is still a small number to steer clear of

Map: Where are France’s worst industrial sites for CO2 emissions?

Industry in France accounts for 20% of the country’s carbon dioxide pollution

Do not minimise electric car CO2 emissions, says French association

A leading consumer association says CO2 produced during a car’s manufacturing is not taken into account when deciding how eco-friendly a vehicle is

Environment news round up in France this May

Rennes bans grass clippings at tips, Lyon bans polluting fireplaces and more

Reduce flights and impose curfews at French airports, urge campaigners

More than 70 campaign groups signed an open letter calling for a stop to the ‘mad growth of air traffic’

Drivers challenge UK firm’s right to access French data over fines

France-based motorists are waiting for an explanation as to how a UK debt collector was able to send them fines for entering London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone

Potentially toxic ‘forever chemicals’ are poorly monitored in France

Scientists fear the chemicals can cause cancer, liver damage, hormonal dysfunction and a weaker immune system. But, so far, there has been little conclusive research

‘Swimming in the Seine will be fitting legacy for Paris Olympics’

Paris 2024 money means we will soon be able to swim past the Eiffel Tower, writes columnist Nabila Ramdani

Can bailiffs enforce London ULEZ fines for French residents?

After many people in France have received penalty charge notices for driving in London’s Low and Ultra Low Emission Zones, we look at how these are being enforced

Car and stove restrictions launch to ease pollution in French cities

The measures are in addition to the growing number of general limits being imposed on vehicles

How do I check if a house in France is on polluted land?

The onus is on the seller to provide details if there is significant risk, but you can do your own homework too

Pollution: Complaint lodged over plastic microbeads on French coast

The beads are used in plastic production industries and can cause severe, invasive pollution to nature. It is thought an industrial accident may be the cause

How do I get a French Crit’Air sticker for foreign classic car?

We look at the urban driving restrictions for the most polluting vehicles and how cars over 30 years old can avoid them

French drivers plan legal challenge to ‘massive’ London zone penalties

Drivers of French-registered cars report shock at receiving fines – in some cases for thousands of euros – for having entered the city’s low emission zones

How to avoid driving in French low-emissions zones

More and more French towns require cars to have a Crit’Air emissions certificate, but there are ways to ensure you avoid passing through these zones

Buses in southern France use rapeseed oil to lower pollution and costs

The company has retrofitted 20% of its vehicle fleet to use the fuel

Climate activists deflate tyres of 90 SUVs in Toulouse

The environmental activists struck again this week, in another attack on SUV tyres to denounce what they call a lack of action on climate change against more polluting vehicles

Climate protestors let down tyres of SUVs in southwest France

Activists in Toulouse are the latest to join the global movement, saying that government action on the more polluting vehicles has been ineffective so far

Charging cables to be standardised in European Union from 2024

The European Parliament has adopted a law requiring all portable devices sold in the bloc - such as phones - to have a USB-C port. Laptops will be included from 2026

MAP: See where France’s 148 main airports are

France has around one airport for every 400,000 people, but they are not all used for commercial flights.

Climate change: ‘We need greener fuels, not jet bans, in France’

France has dozens of small airports which rely on private business flights or accommodate emergency services

Zero-emission electric riverboat in Paris makes 800 deliveries per day

The riverboat works as a ‘floating warehouse’ and enables cycling delivery drivers to fulfil orders without adding to the city’s combustion pollution

‘Zero particulate’ ferry begins sailing between Marseille and Corsica

The boat, which is the first of its kind, has filters designed to capture sulphur oxides and particulates

‘Zero particulate’ ferry begins sailing between Marseille and Corsica

The boat, which is the first of its kind, has filters designed to capture sulphur oxides and particulates

Calls for private jet ban in France to fight climate change

It comes after one French businessman took three flights that emitted the same CO2 as one French person’s average emissions over seven years

Marseille mayor in row over giant ‘polluting’ cruise ships

He is calling for new measures to limit the pollution emitted by ships that come to dock, saying current levels are ‘unacceptable’

Explosion at Dordogne chemical factory: low pollution risk for locals

Authorities responding at the Bergerac site have said that there was greater risk ‘in the explosion itself than the pollution it could create’

Architecture of France: fake Paris façades cover up pollution secret

The Parisien 'fausses façades' look clever but actually hide engineering infrastructure emitting unsafe levels of fine particles says environmental group

EU votes to ban new petrol and diesel cars in Europe from 2035

Proponents call the decision ‘historic and revolutionary’, but some have said it is hypocritical, and the bloc still needs to negotiate the finer points

Phones, cameras, tablets: A universal charger system voted in by EU

It will require devices – including Apple products – to have USB-C ports and will save waste amounting in weight to that of the Eiffel Tower every year, says one campaign group

France’s electric car for €100/month scheme: who is eligible?

The leasing scheme is designed to help lower-income households

Confusion over low-emission driving zones in France

The majority of people in France still feel unsure about how low-emission zones work, as they continue to be rolled out nationwide

France to offer €30,000 loans to help buy hybrid or electric vehicles

The zero-interest loan will be available to people who live and work in certain low-emission zones from next January

France’s new patio heater ban: Can I still use one in my garden?

These heaters, often found on cafe or restaurant terraces, are no longer allowed in public settings as they are deemed to be too polluting

Polluting outdoor restaurant terrace heaters now banned in France

The ban is expected to save 500,000 tonnes of CO2 per year but some restaurateurs fear that it will affect their business

Crit’Air: Paris limits access of certain cars as pollution spikes

Higher-polluting vehicles are temporarily banned from the city from today, with an air pollution episode expected to last for several more days

Air pollution alert raised to red for Var and Bouches-du-Rhône

Everyone in these departments should take steps to mitigate the effect of the pollution. We look at what residents are recommended to do

Do cars with foreign number plates need a French Crit’Air sticker?

A Crit’Air certificate is a pollution rating which must be displayed on car windscreens in a growing number of French cities

Nice, Cannes and nearby towns bring in Crit'Air pollution car stickers

Six communes of the Alpes-Maritimes join other parts of the country imposing traffic restrictions based on mandatory Crit'Air certificates for all vehicles

French government fined record €10m for inaction on air pollution

Climate change NGOs have hailed the fine ‘historic’, and say it shows ‘the key role that courts can play in the fight against climate change’

Solar bins crush rubbish in Nice to end overflowing waste on streets

Three bins have been placed on the Promenade des Anglais where street rubbish has the added problem of attracting seagulls

Noise pollution in France costs €156billion per year, study finds

Noise pollution has a serious impact on physical and mental health as well as the economy. Over two thirds is created by transport

16km slick off Brittany coast after ship accidentally dumps oil in sea

The ship was working as part of a new offshore wind farm project when the accident happened. Authorities are now working to prevent the oil washing up on the Breton coast

France plans to boost greener home wood burners with extra grants

A target of a 50% reduction in fine particle carbon emissions by 2030 has been set. Theses emissions account for up to 8% of deaths in heavily polluted areas

Sahara sand in France can lead to health issues studies show

Weather patterns that cause the desert sand particles to blow over Europe can spread pathogens, viruses, and pollution as they travel hundreds or thousands of kilometres

France ramps up local air pollution restrictions

Seven new low-emission areas created in France, taking the total number of zones to 10

Macron: France proposes referendum on climate change laws

The President made the announcement before members of the Citizens' Convention on climate, but his words have been met with criticism by Greenpeace and WWF

France introduces new ‘ecocide’ offence with €4.5m fine

The new offence, which was proposed by the Citizens’ Climate Change Convention last year, will be punishable by up to €4.5million in fines and up to 10 years in jail

Air pollution: More car bans coming in urban France

An European rules get tighter, 11 urban low emission zones are planned for 2021 in France, with an extra 35 by 2025

Protestors deflate tyres of 220 SUVs in Bordeaux

The vehicles were targeted as part of a protest against greenhouse gas pollution

France to tax polluting vehicles that weigh over 1,800 kg

The tax will apply to vehicles such as SUVs, but will not apply to electric or hybrid models

Flying taxis to be tested in Paris in 2021

Plans are underway to unveil a flying taxi at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, and RATP aims to sell tickets for public flights by 2030.

Paris: Swimming in the Seine on track for 2024

An initial review shows work to improve water quality in the river Seine has been successful, and it should be safe to swim in the river by 2024.

Montpellier makes public transport free at weekends

The measure has been in place since September 5 on the city's buses and trams, and was brought in by the mayor of the city to reduce pollution.

The environmental disaster of single-use masks in France

People in France are forgetting about the environmental damage caused by single-use masks in their panic over coronavirus, a representative of an environmental protection federation in France has said.

EU debate on banning polluting microplastics continues

Companies are lobbying a European Union agency to stop it from banning microplastics - plastic particles that end up in nature or which are added to products intentionally - but which critics say are poisoning the planet.

Village Jardin: the unique flower-filled French village

Jane Hanks reports from a unique, flower-filled village where pedestrians rule and 1,000 rose plants adorn the streets.

Pollution

Crit’Air 3 vehicles to be allowed limited access to Paris in 2025

More charges brought against bottled water firms supplying France

Chemical anomalies found in French tap water in study

Paris mayor confirms plans to reduce speed limit to 50km/h on city ring road

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2024 Map: see where in France road speeds are reverting to 90km/h limit

French ski station voted as best in the world

EU faces legal challenge from French lawyer over weedkiller sale decision

Will roadworthiness tests penalise drivers in France for removing emission-limiting liquid?

Ignoring this increasingly common French road sign could cost you €135

Free data leak: is it possible to change French bank account number?

Learning French: when to use d'ailleurs versus par ailleurs?

Protesters stop cruise ship from accessing Brittany port of Finistère

MAP: Air pollution in France, the worst - and best - areas

Air pollution improvement: Three French cities can ease car ban rules

Where do I need a Crit’Air sticker for my French car?

Foul smell in Nice leads to vomiting, authorities baffled

Paris reviews banning motorbikes and scooters at night to limit noise

SUV drivers set to pay much more to park in Paris

Wastewater in sea blamed for oyster ban in France

Where are the best places to grow old in France?

Paris plans to reduce speed limit on outer ring road from 70 to 50km/h

Tap water in France is safe, says health chief who sent leaked email

MAP: See where in France motorways are currently planned

Cruise passengers booed by environmentalists on arrival in Brittany

UPDATED MAP: where are the low-emission car zones now in France?

Which French towns are delaying obligatory air pollution stickers?

Driving in France: Where must you have a Crit'Air pollution sticker?

Second sewage leak cancelled another try at Olympic trials in Seine

South France: Heat sparks pollution alert, public transport made free

Dirty air could speed up the ageing of eyes says new French study

Driving in France: Is it time to switch to an electric car?

Where in France are low-emission zone restrictions being eased?

Is this the beginning of the end for France’s low-emission zones?

Which beaches should you avoid in France this summer?

Map: Where are France’s worst industrial sites for CO2 emissions?

Do not minimise electric car CO2 emissions, says French association

Environment news round up in France this May

Reduce flights and impose curfews at French airports, urge campaigners

Drivers challenge UK firm’s right to access French data over fines

Potentially toxic ‘forever chemicals’ are poorly monitored in France

‘Swimming in the Seine will be fitting legacy for Paris Olympics’

Can bailiffs enforce London ULEZ fines for French residents?

Car and stove restrictions launch to ease pollution in French cities

How do I check if a house in France is on polluted land?

Pollution: Complaint lodged over plastic microbeads on French coast

How do I get a French Crit’Air sticker for foreign classic car?

French drivers plan legal challenge to ‘massive’ London zone penalties

How to avoid driving in French low-emissions zones

Buses in southern France use rapeseed oil to lower pollution and costs

Climate activists deflate tyres of 90 SUVs in Toulouse

Climate protestors let down tyres of SUVs in southwest France

Charging cables to be standardised in European Union from 2024

MAP: See where France’s 148 main airports are

Climate change: ‘We need greener fuels, not jet bans, in France’

Zero-emission electric riverboat in Paris makes 800 deliveries per day

‘Zero particulate’ ferry begins sailing between Marseille and Corsica

‘Zero particulate’ ferry begins sailing between Marseille and Corsica

Calls for private jet ban in France to fight climate change

Marseille mayor in row over giant ‘polluting’ cruise ships

Explosion at Dordogne chemical factory: low pollution risk for locals

Architecture of France: fake Paris façades cover up pollution secret

EU votes to ban new petrol and diesel cars in Europe from 2035

Phones, cameras, tablets: A universal charger system voted in by EU

France’s electric car for €100/month scheme: who is eligible?

Confusion over low-emission driving zones in France

France to offer €30,000 loans to help buy hybrid or electric vehicles

France’s new patio heater ban: Can I still use one in my garden?

Polluting outdoor restaurant terrace heaters now banned in France

Crit’Air: Paris limits access of certain cars as pollution spikes

Air pollution alert raised to red for Var and Bouches-du-Rhône

Do cars with foreign number plates need a French Crit’Air sticker?

Nice, Cannes and nearby towns bring in Crit'Air pollution car stickers

French government fined record €10m for inaction on air pollution

Solar bins crush rubbish in Nice to end overflowing waste on streets

Noise pollution in France costs €156billion per year, study finds

16km slick off Brittany coast after ship accidentally dumps oil in sea

France plans to boost greener home wood burners with extra grants

Sahara sand in France can lead to health issues studies show