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Unesco

Why is Bordeaux also known as the ‘port of the moon’?

The nickname hints at the long maritime history of the World Heritage city

Can Unesco save France’s collapsing cafe culture?

Campaigners have failed twice but continue the fight to have French bistros recognised as intangible cultural heritage

Utopian living runs in the family in French village of Fontaine-Daniel

We discover how workers’ rights and social harmony have been promoted for more than a century at a former cotton mill in the Mayenne village of Fontaine-Daniel

news

For sale: Two French Unesco heritage sites. Full history. Price €2m+

The prehistoric sites are both based in the Dordogne

French ‘cannot tell a good baguette anymore’ says bread historian

Bakers are in crisis as French people no longer have a taste for good bread and the problem starts in schools

French baguette-making practices added to Unesco intangible heritage

The artisanal techniques are joined on the list by the bear festivities of Pyrenean villages in France and Andorra

French baguette-baking considered for Unesco intangible heritage list

The practice is one of 56 customs and traditions from around the world in the running. French and Belgian funfair culture is also being considered

Unesco-protected cave in southern France on sale from €300,000

Cova Bastera is a fortified cave dating back to the reign of Louis XIV, which receives 25,000 visitors a year

French villagers beat off Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite base station

The locals found out by accident that the station had been approved in their village near the Unesco site Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy

Calls for French transhumance to be recognised as Unesco Heritage

The agricultural mountain practice of moving livestock seasonally should be acknowledged officially, says the president of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region

Provence’s santon-makers launch bid for Unesco recognition

Santonniers apply for local know-how and tradition to be granted prestigious Intangible Cultural Heritage status

French city Rouen in Normandy awarded Unesco City of Gastronomy status

The award is not for an individual dish or culinary style, but for the way food is produced, valued and, importantly, involves the local population

What are the rules on solar panels on Canal du Midi properties?

The rules depend on where the property is situated. The most protected areas are the ' sites classés' , which consist of “emblematic scenery directly linked to the canal”

Locals denounce ‘dangerous’ state of historic Paris bridge

There are calls for local authorities to invest in the Pont des Arts amid claims that the Unesco heritage site is ‘not safe’ for pedestrians

Baguette chosen as French candidate for Unesco recognition

It won over Paris’ zinc-plated rooftops and the annual Arbois wine festival in the Jura

France's Canal du Midi may soon transport cargo again

Barges could be used to transport cargo along the Canal du Midi within three years

Secret history of France: Auch

Treasure and tragedy in Gascony’s historic capital: In her series revealing the history of France’s cities, art historian Julia Faiers reveals the cultural treasures tucked away in Gers capital, Auch

Alpinism wins Unesco recognition

Successful 'intangible heritage' bid was submitted by three Alpine towns

Secret history of France: Mont St Michel

Millennium of miracles, faith and tourism: in her series revealing the hidden histories of France’s cultural hotspots, art historian Julia Faiers turns the spotlight on Mont-Saint-Michel

Normandy resort braces for tourist rush after TV vote

Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue was named Village Préféré des Français by viewers of the France 3 TV series this year

Pesticide-free city ready for important honey harvest

Avignon ready for first harvest of honey from hives on top of World Heritage Site the Palais des Papes

Summit on major biodiversity report opens in Paris

A summit to evaluate the declining state of the planet’s biodiversity has started today in Paris, presenting findings from a new 1,800-page expert report that warns of possible “mass extinction”.

Heritage headquarters is 60 years old

Samantha David marks the 60th anniversary of Unesco’s distinctive Paris HQ by exploring the cultural organisation’s work

Creating carnival works of art is full-time business

Crafts in focus: Carnavalier Cédric Pignataro tells us about his work.

Strategic importance of France’s favourite village

A small northern village topped a recent popularity poll. Jane Hanks looks at the long, fascinating history of Cassel

Summit party on Puy de Dôme to celebrate Unesco win

A public party on the summit of the Puy de Dôme (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes) will take place this September in celebration of the site finally being granted Unesco World Heritage status this week.

Paris cafes launch UNESCO status bid

Authorities say they support campaign to have capital's street cafes placed on "intangible cultural heritage" list

Seine booksellers ask for Unesco listing for the trade

Bouquinistes have existed for centuries

Children’s books added to Unesco heritage register

A series of children’s books has been added to Unesco’s Memory of the World register to join the Bayeux Tapestry, the Gutenberg Bible and the Book of Kells

Macron backs the baguette for World Heritage Status

The baguette could soon be granted Unesco World Heritage Status, as President Emmanuel Macron has lent his support to a bakers’ campaign to recognise the bread as a national symbol.

Boost for Carnac’s new Unesco bid

Brittany's prehistoric sites 'worthy of being presented for World Heritage status'

Paris roofers want Unesco protection

Roofers in Paris have asked for their trade to be added to Unesco’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in the same way as Alençon lace-making, Aubusson tapestry and compagnonnage apprenticeships.

Monet garden Unesco bid

Giverny and the gardens that inspired impressionist artist Claude Monet are being proposed as a Unesco World Heritage site.

Green label celebrating harmony with nature

There are 14 Unesco ‘ Man and the Biosphere Reserves ’ in France, which cover some of the most beautiful parts of the country and nearly 10% of the mainland.

World Heritage for Strasbourg and French Polynesia

Neustadt, the German quarter of Strasbourg in Grand Est, and Tapu-tapu-ātea, an historic area of French Polynesia, have both been added to the Unesco World Heritage list.

Unesco

Why is Bordeaux also known as the ‘port of the moon’?

Can Unesco save France’s collapsing cafe culture?

Utopian living runs in the family in French village of Fontaine-Daniel

For sale: Two French Unesco heritage sites. Full history. Price €2m+

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