Sea

Warning after Briton rescued from high tide in Brittany

The 45-year-old man had to be airlifted to hospital, prompting authorities to issue a warning

New jellyfish warning for beaches in the south of France

Swimmers are advised to take care after sightings near Marseille and Cassis

French Mediterranean water is cleaner than it has been for 40 years

Better wastewater treatment and stricter laws have improved biodiversity, study says

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PHOTOS: High tides make Mont Saint-Michel an island again

The phenomenon only happens for a few days each year

PHOTOS: See the Pyrenees… from Marseille

The mountains are visible from over 250 kilometres away from observation points

Five homes with a sea view for sale in France for less than €500,000

These are perfect for those looking for coastal living at an affordable price

Message in a bottle travels from US to France and sparks friendship

A school in North Carolina put it in the Gulf stream two years ago

Which fish is biting (a few) holidaymakers on France’s southern coast?

The 22-toothed triggerfish is known to bite to defend its territory during the summer mating season and is being blamed but experts say it is probably not guilty

Concern amid record temperatures in the Mediterranean Sea

The average surface temperature hit 28.71C around July 24, the highest since 1982

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

Riptides on French coast: How to avoid and what to do if caught

It comes after people were warned against going into the sea on France’s Atlantic coast last weekend because of strong currents

Toxic microalgae warning: French hotspots, symptoms and how to treat

The microalgae, whose presence on French coastlines is expanding, has caused 900 poisonings since 2021

British man drowns after being caught in riptide in south-west France

Local authorities have urged swimmers to ‘exercise extreme caution’ in the Atlantic Ocean

Why are sea temperatures off France’s coasts so abnormally high?

They are between 3C to 5C higher than usual in the Atlantic and Mediterranean for this time of year, say experts

Brittany: humpback whale calf stranded in estuary near Saint-Malo

The seven-metre long mammal managed somehow to pass the dam of a tidal power plant. A sonar device is now being used to try to guide it back to sea

‘Miraculous’: Whale beached in Brittany regains the sea

The creature was the third this month to have found itself stuck on a Finistère beach

Riptide warning in France: What to do if you get caught up

High alerts have been issued for dangerous swimming conditions on some beaches in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, after 18 swimmers were swept out towards the sea last week

Warning over riptides on French Atlantic coast as 18 people rescued

The swimmers were carried away by the current off Biarritz. We look at the riptide signs to look out for

We must prepare homes now for flash floods, says French fire chief

Intense hot weather often leads to storms and heavy rainfall, which causes floods when landing on dry, hard ground

Seine beluga update: Plus, why are sea creatures entering the river?

The beluga is being moved to a salt water area, as experts grapple to explain why more whales appear to be swimming into the river

Blue shark spotted off south of France coast found dead today

The female shark had been sighted around Hyères and its behaviour was causing concern over its wellbeing

Another hot spell heads for France: what to expect next week

Southwestern areas may see temperatures of 40C, and other regions 30-35C. The heat is expected to peak on Wednesday

Blue shark seen near south of France beach poses no risk say experts

The two-metre female is thought to have approached the coast to give birth

Worries over fish and ecosystem as Mediterranean sea set to reach 30C

Flora and fauna could be harmed long-term as heatwaves increase in frequency and intensity, even as temperatures drop across the country over the next few days

Three family members die after being swept away by wave in Brittany

Two adults and one of their children, aged 12, were walking by the sea after a family fishing trip when the tragedy happened. Their three other children were with them but unharmed

Normandy fisherman films orca whale 30kms off Channel coastline

The rare sight comes just weeks after a humpback whale was also spotted in the sea off Normandy

Channel deaths: French rescuers ‘very probably’ received distress call

At least 27 people died while trying to cross to England on November 24. French maritime authorities had claimed that they did not know about the incident until hours after it occurred

Video: watch the world's biggest cruise ship arrive at Marseille

The Wonder of the Seas will undergo the finishing touches of its construction at a shipyard in the city before being put into service in March 2022

Calls for ‘swimming licence’ to reduce number of drownings in France

Recent survey suggests most drownings occur in natural environments, where swimmers find it harder to assess conditions. Meanwhile a mobile pool in a lorry is touring rural areas teaching people to swim

Octopus invasion threatens lobster and livelihoods in Brittany

The rising numbers are due to climate change, conservationists have said, with some fishmongers now aiming to boost octopus demand in France

New statue in place for underwater sculpture gallery in Marseille

The museum is in an area where power boats are banned, and the sculptures are being examined by scientists for the underwater plants and animals they attract

Danger of hidden currents for sea swimmers in southwest France

A campaign is being launched to warn about the risks of baïnes - calm looking patches of sea common along the Atlantic coast - which can pull swimmers out to deeper water

First French cruise ship takes to sea after confinement

Ship sails with strict Covid-19 protocols in place

Hopes that at-risk whale in French seas will reach marine park today

Scientists have been tracking the lost 18-month-old whale along the south of France coastline for days. Grey whales are usually found off the Pacific coast

Help scientists look for at-risk whale off France's south coast

The grey whale, not usually found in the Mediterranean, has not been seen since Friday. Scientists say it is in danger

Go walking in the water, it's a real sport in France

The practice of walking in water is a genuine sport in France - but where did it come from and how can you join a local club?

Firefighters rescue ray stranded on French beach

It is highly unusual for a ray to beach itself

Vendee Globe: Epic rescue after solo sailor's boat breaks

The French competitor got into difficulties amid five metre high waves off the Cape of Good Hope but a fellow race sailor managed to save him

Northwest France on high alert for flooding

Forecaster Météo France has issued orange alerts for five coastal departments with waves of five to seven metres expected

Tide turns Mont-Saint-Michel into an island

Video shows how French World Heritage site was cut off from the mainland for several hours

Floating wind farm coming to French seas in 2022

A new floating wind farm in the French Mediterranean is one of many planned in French seas by 2030. Experts say the technology has “infinite potential”.

Marseille mayor welcomes Banksy rescue boat refugees

The MV Louise Michele ship was carrying over 250 refugees rescued from the Mediterranean Sea, and had been refused the right to dock in other European countries. The deputy mayor of Marseille has said the city will open its doors to those who were on board.

Trouville-sur-Mer: Building the Parisian Riviera

Exploring how the ‘nouveau riche’ built grand villas to display their wealth in France's Trouville-sur-Mer.

A guide to cruising around France: where to go, what to see

Interested in cruising around France? Not-for-profit organisation Cruising Association shares insights on how to do so.

Coronavirus: P&O cross-Channel ferry services updates

What P&O ferry services are running between Dover and Calais, and how are refunds are being processed?

Brittany Ferries UK-France sailings resume: updates

Passengers must book a cabin or reserved seat, and masks must be worn in all public areas as operator initiates measures to prevent spread of Covid-19

France’s cleanest beaches for 2020 revealed

A total of 401 beaches and 106 ports in France have been recognised for their cleanliness in 2020, by awarding body Pavillon Bleu .

Face mask littering in France risks fine up to €375

Littering in France in a public place - including medical face masks, and cigarette butts - will soon risk a fine of €135, rising to €375 in case of non-payment, as the government cracks down on litter post-Covid-19.

French eco groups warn against mask sea pollution

Non-biodegradable surgical masks and latex gloves used in the fight against Covid-19 are already polluting the Mediterranean coast in France, with the problem only just beginning, anti-pollution groups have warned.

Round-the-world sailor thrives on solitude

'Solitude is when you’re in contact with yourself, and that’s a positive thing'

French seawater a tonic for Asian health market

Water taken from 300 metres has few of the bacteria and marine organisms found in seawater nearer the surface

Mystery rock message in France finally ‘deciphered’

A mysterious inscription on a rock in Brittany is one step closer to being deciphered after a competition named two winners who suggested the most promising solutions.

Storm Inès: Wind and flood alert for northwest France

Six departments are on orange alert today (Thursday February 13) as Storm Inès brings gusts of up to 116kph, potentially causing damage and transport disruption.

140kph wind to hit France tonight as Storm Ciara peaks

Winds of up to 140kph are to hit the north of France tonight (Sunday February 9) as the peak of Storm Ciara approaches, with 35 departments on orange alert for wind and flooding.

Maritime magic and Da Vinci’s genius

Hurry to enjoy a unique double-header of seafaring and invention at a Bordeaux museum

France gets ‘illegal waste’ sent back from Malaysia

France is one of four developed nations set to have its allegedly illegal plastic waste “sent back” on some of the 150 shipping containers ordered by Malaysia this week.

Inquiry into 100kg drug discovery on French west coast

An inquiry has been opened after more than 700 kilograms of “high purity” drugs - mainly cocaine - were discovered on the Atlantic coast of France in the past three weeks.

Message in a bottle's 9 years to reach France from US

American university student's 'mind blown' after he receives response to letter he threw into sea as a 10 year old

French national park claims €450k in first poach case

A national park in south east France has become the first in the country to bring a case to court to demand compensation - to the tune of €450,000 - from illegal poachers, citing “ecological damage”.

French trainers made of sea-dumped plastic

Two friends, shocked at the amount of plastic dumped in the Mediterranean off Marseille, have set up a business – turning bottles into trainers.

Sculptor plans ‘Brexit sculptures’ in northern France

British sculptor Sir Antony Gormley is planning to build four giant “Brexit sculptures” that would sit on the coast of northern France and look towards Britain, pending approval from French authorities.

Flood waves alert for Pas-de-Calais in northern France

The Pas-de-Calais department in northern France is on high alert today for strong wind, high waves and flooding, forecaster Météo France has warned.

US woman sets Channel swim endurance record

Cancer survivor becomes the first swimmer to cross the Channel four times non-stop

Sea walks in France: sport for body and soul

The water ‘sport’ of longe-côte is gaining popularity in many coastal areas of France. But just what is it?

French freediving record-holder: Sea is under threat

Record-breaking French freediving champion Guillaume Néry discusses multiple threats to the world’s oceans – and how we can save them – with Jane Hanks

Jellyfish force sea swim event to be called off

First Open Swim Stars' event in Nord department rescheduled for May or June 2020

Swimmers in France, book now

The 2019 season for swimming the Channel is almost over – and, for the brave, now is the time to book a slot for the next three summers.

French sealife you should avoid

War on plastic waste takes to French beaches

French beach closed after shark sighting

Latest sighting came a few days after a similar shark was reportedly sighted off Gironde coast

Marseille defends beach safety after weekend closures

Tests found the sea water was unsafe to swim, officials said

‘2,000 jobs at risk’ as private beaches lose out

More than 2,000 jobs are being lost on the Riviera’s private beaches as they reduce in size to conform with the law, says a hospitality union.

French 'flying soldier' set for Channel challenge

Former jetski champion Franky Zapata planning to fly from Sangatte, near Calais, to St Margaret’s Bay, just outside Dover, on his 'Flyboard'

‘Throw scooters in sea’ game causes alarm in Marseille

Young people in Marseille have been throwing electric scooters into the sea for fun, it has emerged, prompting the city’s leading electric scooter hire firm to hire staff to monitor the seafront.

France alert to beach green algae after sudden death

The danger of toxic green sea algae naturally found on the Breton coast has come into renewed question after an 18-year-old oyster farmer died suddenly on a beach.

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