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Street

Paris to have street named after David Bowie (even though UK does not)

The iconic name will be formally unveiled next week

Why do some French house numbers have bis or ter after them?

The terms are of Latin origin

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

news

Street in France renamed after famous Nancy chimpanzee, Jojo

Jojo died in 2012 but a plaque has been installed in his memory, and as a marker of changing attitudes towards animal welfare

Nice to rename street in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

Avenue Reine Elisabeth II will be situated near streets named after the Prince of Wales and Queen Victoria. The mayor referred to friendship with the British community when making the suggestion.

Who decides which French streets can only be used by local residents?

It is fairly common in France to see a no-entry road sign with the condition ‘sauf riverains’, meaning ‘except residents’

Why were the French so suspicious of street numbering?

More and more hamlets are bowing to pressure to display a proper address, but the system, spearheaded by Napoleon, has always attracted controversy

Why some French towns are switching off their street lights at night

Reasons include the high – and still rising cost of energy – and the negative effects of light pollution on biodiversity

When naming places and streets, France should honour women too

Only 2% of France’s 63,500 place names honour women. Samantha David looks at why women’s role in human history is still underestimated

Mairie changed the name of my street in France: What must I do?

As street names occasionally change - we look at whom you need to inform (or not) if this happens

Am I allowed to wash my car on the street outside my house in France?

A little-known French environmental law prohibits residents from cleaning their car while it is parked on a street, and those who ignore it could theoretically be fined

Smart street lights trialled in Lyon only illuminate if someone passes

Street lighting that responds to passing cars or pedestrians is being hailed as a way to cut electricity consumption, improve biodiversity and allow residents to sleep well at night

French village plans to (finally) number its houses and name streets

The Creuse village has just a few hundred residents so street names were not considered necessary, but new postal workers and modern technology are set to change this

Paris town hall mistakes Harry Potter prank road sign for real one

Mairie replaces fake sign directing pedestrians to fictional street from the magical books with a new permanent sign as part of a revamp

Paris square named Princess Diana

A square in Paris is to be renamed ‘ place Diana princesse de Galles ’, in memory of Princess Diana.

Just 6% of streets are named after women

Inequality on the streets

‘Wild geyser street pools’ anger local authorities

The practice of opening fire hydrants has drawn ire from mayors and fire services alike, who say it puts people in danger and wastes water

Two towns where the streets have odd names

FROM Pink Crocodile Street to Dancing Bush Road, residents in two French communes may raise a few eyebrows when they submit their tax declaration forms.

Street

Paris to have street named after David Bowie (even though UK does not)

Why do some French house numbers have bis or ter after them?

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

Street in France renamed after famous Nancy chimpanzee, Jojo

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Residency rights and border changes: What's new in France in 2025

Storms and snow: French weekend weather outlook December 21 - 22

French inheritance law: couples anxiously await EU decision as discussions continue

Police warn drivers of car headlights rules in France

Half of UK election postal votes - including from France - 'did not count'

Father’s anger at wine used in meals served to girl, 3, at state creche in Nice

Fines levied for failure to declare bank accounts held out of France

Nice to rename street in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

Who decides which French streets can only be used by local residents?

Why were the French so suspicious of street numbering?

Why some French towns are switching off their street lights at night

When naming places and streets, France should honour women too

Mairie changed the name of my street in France: What must I do?

Am I allowed to wash my car on the street outside my house in France?

Smart street lights trialled in Lyon only illuminate if someone passes

French village plans to (finally) number its houses and name streets

Paris town hall mistakes Harry Potter prank road sign for real one

In which French departments is mask-wearing currently obligatory?

Bordeaux: Street sign change to acknowledge slave trade past

Sinkhole 10 metres wide opens up in northern France

Paris square named Princess Diana

‘Sausage Street’ may change name

City’s signs tell you where to go ... in how long

Hot food banned from Fête de la Musique in France

Drunks to get a rude awakening in Caen

Pavement ad tests halted as guinea-pig cities object

Just 6% of streets are named after women

‘Wild geyser street pools’ anger local authorities

Two towns where the streets have odd names