Summer

French watchdog publishes map of beaches where swimmers risk illness

Find your nearest beach: the interactive map lets you search and zoom in, and shows a colour-coded legend of whether to avoid a beach or not

Medicine, summer heat, sun cream: Official French health agency advice

The annual hot weather reminder includes tips for sun protection, medicine storage, and how to prevent dehydration

Remember: Clocks change in France this Sunday, March 31

The clocks go forward one hour which means the night will be shorter

news

International train tickets for summer travel on sale in France

Tickets to Spain, Italy, Switzerland amongst others included

Temperatures to reach June levels in south of France this week

Highs of over 25C are expected breaking seasonal records

Hot weather to return, up to 32C forecast this weekend in France

Heat records will not be broken but all of France will experience summer-like temperatures

More ‘crisis’ level drought alerts in France, water reserves stay low

Residents are asked to check if and what restrictions apply to them

Big temperature drop: weather outlook for start of the week in France

Storms have now cleared the heatwave and standard summer weather is expected to return shortly but with high winds in places

This week is set to be hottest of year in France: How hot and where?

Expect the nights to be warm too. We share tips for the home, garden, car, pets and health

Head to Provence for the finest melon: the Cavaillon

Melons have been produced in the region since the Middle Ages

Large numbers of jellyfish spotted on beaches in southern France

Here is how to avoid them and what to do in case of a sting

Hundreds evacuated after blaze at campsite in southern France

The fire is now under control after more than 800 people were evacuated overnight

Highest-level warning for traffic on French roads this weekend

Driving away on holiday this weekend? Here are the roads to avoid

Drought: 100 French communes without constant source of drinking water

Almost 30,000 people are affected

Did you know a US musician inspired France’s Fête de la Musique?

The French government launched the musical festival in 1982 but the idea for such an event was conceived several years earlier

Winter tyre safety issue: Using them over summer in France

A Connexion reader highlights that driving on winter tyres in summer not only wears them out, it is more dangerous too

Train tickets for the French summer season now on sale

Travellers are urged to book early to get the best-value fares for the July-September period

Warm weather predicted to last in France until end of October

Temperatures of 25C are expected in some areas, with the mercury not set to dip below 17C nationwide, in what is shaping up to be a ‘historically warm’ October, say forecasters

Hot summer boosts gecko numbers in south-west France

A new kind of gecko is becoming more common with residents invited to take part in a new observation campaign

How are French authorities informing people of water restrictions?

Readers report mixed experiences in terms of obtaining information with some saying it has been near impossible to work out the rules and others praising the efforts of local authorities

Heatwave in France: highs of 38C expected in southern regions today

Gard, Vaucluse, Lot-et-Garonne and Gironde are under an orange alert for high temperatures

France set for its third heatwave of the year next week

Temperatures of up to 35C are forecast. It comes after an unusually early heatwave in June and July’s record-breaking two-week spell

Heatwave: Record temperatures expected in France tomorrow

The current hot weather is forecast to peak tomorrow (Monday, July 18), with the southwest and western side of the country set to be most affected

French TV predicted hot weather for 2050…but we’re almost there now

A forecaster has said it is ‘frightening’ that the 2050 predictions made eight years ago are coming true now, almost three decades earlier – as the mercury tips 40C

A week of (very) hot weather for France ahead

Temperatures of almost 40C are expected from next week, starting tomorrow and building to a peak come next weekend

Corsica limits access to three of its major tourist sites

Visitor quotas have been introduced to popular sites including the Lavezzi islands in a bid to ‘put environmental safeguards in place…otherwise, everyone will lose out’ authorities say

New strike calls for Paris airports in July

Unions say negotiations are at a standstill, as strikes and IT failures disrupted travel over the weekend, and more action is expected for July

Why you may be hearing cicadas in France more this week

The noisy insects are found all over France but are particularly present in the south of the country

Easy-look chart: When are France’s 2022 / 2023 school holidays?

Sometimes the dates depend on the zone in which the school is located

Do May’s high temperatures indicate a hot summer ahead?

This month has been the hottest May on record, with temperatures around 3C higher than average

93 French departments on red alert for pollen risk, to last weeks

There has been an increase in grass pollen linked to record-breaking temperatures this month

Allergies in France: Do anti-Covid masks protect against pollen?

As pollen counts rise, one study and a leading allergy doctor suggest that anti-Covid masks may help protect against allergies – but it depends on the mask

Summer jobs in France: What’s available and where to find one

Hospitality, holiday camps, historical sites, and farms are among the sectors recruiting for summer

European airports predict delays as post-Covid demand causes issues

66% of Europe’s airports are expecting flight delays to increase this summer, a new survey shows

Daylight saving: Clocks go forward this weekend in France

It means one hour less sleep tonight, but more sunlight in the evenings

Key questions when letting your property for summer

As we enter summer and ‘high season’, many readers will be considering renting out their French homes or second properties to take advantage of the extra income, especially in popular tourist areas.

France to simplify squatter eviction for second home owners

Evicting illegal squatters from your property is set to become easier in France as the government works to simplify and speed up the process for both main and second homes.

29C forecast for south-west France before autumn returns mid-week

Cooler temperatures and rain will follow on Wednesday (October 20)

French tourism industry celebrates unexpectedly successful summer

Nine in every 10 French holidaymakers opted for domestic trips this year, with many looking to disconnect in rural or coastal areas

Innovative ‘bench-fan’ cools bottoms of people who sit on it in Paris

The design pulls cool air to the surface via existing underground pipes, and is intended to offer a ‘cool cushion’ for city residents during very hot weather

Weekend heatwave alert for France: 10 things not to do in hot weather

Avoid cold showers and do not turn your air conditioning too low are among tips to stay cool, as Météo France places several departments on alert

Ten French departments on amber alert for heatwave or violent storms

Temperatures of 34-39°C are predicted in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Drôme from this afternoon (Thursday, August 12) until Sunday, with heavy rain and winds forecast for seven departments around the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region

Temperature highs of 30-40C forecast for much of France this week

Rising heat from north Africa is set to bring scorching temperatures across much of France, especially in the southeast and Corsica, but also in Ile-de-France and the north

Areas closed off in Var and Alpes-Maritimes due to high fire risk

Parts of the Var, the Alpes-Maritimes and beyond are out of bounds due to fire risk posed by high winds and dry vegetation

Making masks mandatory outside counterproductive, says French GP

The doctor and opposition councillor for Biarritz said that the measure makes no sense. It comes as 24 departments across the country reimpose the restriction to fight rising Covid cases

Covid France: Masks mandatory in 45 tourist areas in Charente-Maritime

The rule is back due to a worrying and rapid evolution of the epidemic in the area, say local authorities. Cases are particularly high among younger people

Should I book a holiday to France this summer?

We look at different factors that could help shape a decision on whether to visit France

Avoid summer holidays in Spain and Portugal, says French minister

People in France who plan to book a break are advised to stay in France where possible, or go to other countries with less risk, as the Covid-19 Delta variant continues to spread

France allows holidaymakers to get second Covid jab while away

Before, people were encouraged to book both jabs in the same location. It comes as the government’s vaccination chief says delaying jabs now may lead to a fourth wave in autumn

Huge fire in south France destroys 250 hectares but now under control

Firefighters are still in place and continue to keep close watch on the flames which required 170 people to be evacuated yesterday. The cause of the incident is not yet known

Delta variant threatens to ruin summer, says France's health minister

The latest figures show that around 25% of new Covid cases involve the variant, but with the average number of daily cases below 2,000, the presence of Delta remains limited

France is on England’s amber travel list: 10-day quarantine required

May 17 confirmed as date foreign holidays can start again but travel for leisure is still not recommended for non 'green' countries

Why are there so many flies in southwest France now?

Insect experts say the recent extreme weather is likely the cause, but have warned that some kinds of flies and insects can be more dangerous than others

Covid France: Changing rules for testing and quarantine this summer

The health minister revealed new rules for testing, tracing and isolating in France this summer. We explain

More storm warnings in southwest France, heatwave alert in southeast

Météo-France warns it may upgrade 'yellow' weather alerts in other areas of France as active storm system spreads across country

France allows shorter gap between first and second Covid jabs

The change affects the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines and is intended to stop people delaying a second jab due to holidays. It comes amid calls for vigilance over the Delta variant

Wildfire risk and heatwave alerts as temperatures hit 37C in France

People are advised to take care as wildfire risk rises, to check on vulnerable people and take steps to avoid overheating

France on alert for tiger mosquitoes as temperatures rise

The insects are spreading and can be vectors of serious diseases such as chikungunya, dengue, and zika. We explain how to reduce their presence

Pets, masks, food: Comfort tips as temperatures soar in France

Choose light-coloured clothing including face masks and do not expect a sorbet to cool you down for long

France set to sizzle under first hot spell of summer

Temperatures to rise 10C above normal for the time of year, and conditions are expected to last well into next week, punctuated by storms in mountainous areas

Partial eclipse of the Sun visible in France today: How to watch

The event will take place today, and your view will depend on where you are in the country. Viewers are warned to buy filter glasses in advance and never look at the Sun directly

Covid France updates June 2: Moderna jab, holiday vaccines and more

The government is considering how to maintain the pace of the vaccination campaign over summer as virus indicators although on the decrease remain high

France ‘will avoid fourth Covid wave’ if next 10 days go well

The country will have a ‘calm summer’ if the health situation continues to improve in the lead up to June 9, the next stage of deconfinement, a member of the official Covid scientific advice group to France has said

Temperatures set to soar from June 1 as summer arrives in France

A warm weather system will bring sunshine to the whole of the country after weeks of fresher weather with temperatures in Paris predicted to reach up to 30C

Holiday bookings in France catching up post-pandemic

Tourism groups are reporting soaring bookings of domestic seaside, countryside and mountain holidays, especially for open-air destinations, and higher-end options

All adults in France can now book Covid-19 vaccination appointments

The first slots will be open from May 31

Var knocks Paris off top spot for summer Airbnb rentals

Figures show countryside rentals are becoming more popular in France since the health crisis

French winemaker creates red wine sorbet for summer

The sorbet is 5.8% ABV and was made with a local artisan chocolatier-ice cream maker

Covid France: No more masks outside this summer, health minister hopes

If enough people are vaccinated ‘we will be able to lower our guard’, Olivier Véran said

Marseille officials want to stop tourist promotion to limit crowds

The tourist office however says it has put anti-crowding measures in place

Covid France: Summer 2021 festivals limited to 5,000 people

The culture minister confirmed the limit, and announced a new €30 million relief fund for festivals

Record-breaking hot weather forecast in France this week

Large parts of the country will experience temperatures between 30-40°C this week, with record-breaking highs expected for the time of year.

Temperatures to hit 35°C in France this weekend

Temperatures of up to 35°C are expected across France this Sunday and Monday (September 13 and 14), as a possibly record-breaking “late heat episode” is forecast.

French police ask topless sunbather to cover up

A woman sunbathing topless on a beach in France was asked by police to put her bikini top on after a family nearby complained. There is no law against topless sunbathing in France.

France hits 700,000 tests - but rentrée ‘relaunch’ delayed

France has reached its aim to complete 700,000 Covid-19 tests per week, the government has announced more than three months after setting the target, as the rentrée “relaunch” plan is delayed by more than a week.