French news

New easyJet aircraft to be equipped with ultra lightweight seats, additional legroom

UK carrier will install modern seats on more than 200 new aircraft

Firefighters in France deliberately start fires to prepare for summer risk

The exercise is part of efforts to prevent real, uncontrolled blazes

South-west France motorway to fully adopt barrier-free tolls

The barrier-free system is intended to make the roads safer and cleaner

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Bank transfers unavailable for four days over Easter in France

Plan ahead if you are planning any secure banking transfers

Five-star Paris hotel 'The Bristol' evacuated due to fire

At least 400 flee after fire breaks out in hotel kitchens

Prepare for questions if calling UK over life certificate issues from France

Reader highlights information needed to ensure pension payments resumed during phone conversation following missing letter issues

UK ETA: What happens to dual nationals who do not follow rules

Dual nationals are now told to travel to UK with British passport or ‘certificate of entitlement’

French teachers plan major strike action next week

Schools may be closed as teachers primed to walk out in south and west France

Britons in France impacted by new rise in UK passport fees

The new fees will apply to all passport applications

Prison sentences requested for €1m MaPrimeRenov’ fraud

Seven men are accused of 'organised' stealing from the government scheme

Elon Musk criticises French officials after they share information with US counterparts

Billionaire may have manipulated company valuation through public controversy, Paris prosecutor suspects

France braces for gales of 130 km/h as polar winds arrive

Winds will be particularly strong in the south

Key points to take away from the local elections in France

France is dividing in a similar way to the United States and the UK

Find out who has been elected as mayor in your French commune

Majority of rural candidates ran without official party support

France municipal elections: left holds major cities while far-right expands in mid-sized towns

Far-left fails to make significant gains but moderate right holds key strongholds - see map of second round results

Niche tours create new opportunities for guides in France

Guided tourism is no longer the preserve of travel agencies, tourist offices or museums

‘Accidental’ Americans in France welcome lower fee to give up citizenship

Many people face administrative issues linked with being American

French government clarifies rules for post sent to US

Updated official guidelines for letters, parcels, and gifts

Readers highlight issues with UK pension life certificates sent to France

Postal problems cited as one contributing factor; some readers offer solutions

Fines issued in France to viewers of illegal streaming services

Users of IPTV boxes fined up to €400 for watching illegally streamed sports matches

Renault recalls 30,000 cars in France over engine failure risk

How to check if your vehicle is affected

Map: how did French parties perform in first round of municipal elections?

Leaders after first round still face tough challenges across country

French weekend weather forecast March 21 - 22: calm but cold front in south-east

Rain and snow will pepper Alps on Sunday as temperatures drop but sunny weekend elsewhere

New ‘toothpick’ trick used by burglars in France can target second homes

Authorities in Ariège report several burglaries using method since start of the month

EES app: second EU country begins trials before summer peak

France has yet to approve use of the Travel To Europe app which allows passengers to pre-register certain information

Key dates for next French elections: MPs, mayors, president

Voters head to the ballot box several times in the next few years

Renault found in French barn with just 12 km on clock sells for record €64,000

The classic car had been forgotten since the early 1980s

British woman shot dead in France, partner confesses

The man says he accidentally shot her with a hunting rifle at their home in Charente

British burglary victims to relive ordeal as attackers appeal in France

The couple were attacked during the burglary in Lot-et-Garonne in 2022

Bordeaux Airport invests in AI to cut waiting times

A new tool is being trialled with the aim of improving passenger flow and satisfaction

Meningitis case in France linked to University of Kent outbreak

The infected person is a student at the university. At least two people have died in the UK outbreak

Storm Thèrese to bring gales of 100 km/h to south-west France

Atlantic storm will see ‘autan’ winds in Tarn and Haute-Garonne peak

Spring in France: Why you should be careful walking your dog

Warmer days and blooming plants can also bring dangers to precious pooches

People in France not sleeping enough, says study

France’s lack of sleep has consequences for national health, and is similar to UK and US levels

Why former French president Nicolas Sarkozy is back in court

The hearing is expected to run until early June

France says full EES rollout on track despite ongoing IT issues

All eligible travellers crossing French borders are due to be checked from March 30. Delays have remained under control so far, say officials

France municipal elections: Alliances form in several cities against far-right

Candidates forge local agreements but no national agreement between left-wing parties

Intermarché boss calls on French state to reduce fuel taxes

Diesel prices climb back above €2 per litre amid renewed geopolitical tensions

Life certificate pension suspension ‘left me overdrawn and stressed’

Retired journalist Jane McIntosh, 72, said the decision to stop her payments took place in December 2025

French municipal elections: key points from the first round

Results show far-right strength in smaller towns and fragmented alliances in major cities

Pet owner in France faced large fine and prison sentence over ‘illegal’ cat

Issue revealed during a routine visit to vet

French weekly weather forecast March 16-20: spring sunshine after cloudy start

Warmer weather to arrive on Tuesday before cloud returns at the end of the week

French local elections: gains for far-right and left parties in first round

Main points of vote which comes just over a year before national election

EU Entry-Exit System flags 4,000 Schengen overstayers

The biometric border system checks compliance with the 90/180-day rule. It began in October and is set to be fully operational from April 10

Leclerc supermarkets in France fail to reduce fuel prices by 30c as pledged

CEO says change due to volatility in wholesale fuel markets

High-speed rail project, rent controls: Toulouse candidates divided for municipal election

Tight race expected in city as far left home in on quarter of vote share

Travelling from France to UK: dual nationals warn over passport renewal issues

It comes as the UK enforces its electronic travel authorisation (ETA) scheme

‘If I lower the price I close’: fuel station manager in western France defends €2.97 diesel price

The small station in Deux-Sèvres is selling the most expensive diesel in the country amid the ongoing fuel price spike

Air France-KLM announces ticket price increases due to fuel volatility

Return economy tickets on long-haul routes rise by €50

‘Ghost garages’ in France: more than 1 million vehicles fraudulently registered

State and local authorities defrauded of over €550 million between 2022 and 2024, says state auditor

Ryanair plane takes off from France without all passengers due to EES hold-ups

Pilot left 24 passengers behind to avoid missing allocated departure slot

Good news for skiers as snowfall returns in French Alps

Colder weather is welcome news for the ski stations still open

France weekend weather: first notable cool spell since mid-January

Temperatures set to fall below seasonal averages. Rain in southern regions and mountain snow

Bordeaux municipal vote: police arms and cruise ships among key issues

Green candidate seeks second term but faces tough challenge

How do France’s municipal elections work?

Votes take place over two rounds on March 15 and 22

Parking, climate, safety: key issues for Nice residents in upcoming local elections

Four main alliances vie for control of city

Paris mayoral election March 2026: Who are the main candidates?

Safety issues, parking fees, and social housing are among the major campaign issues for the vote

Renault to switch to electric-only sales in France by 2030

50% of sales outside of Europe to be traditional combustion engine or hybrid

Cold set to return to France - and snow at low altitudes across Isère and Haute-Savoie

Storm in south-east forecast to bring up to 80mm of rain on Saturday

Lufthansa pilot strike hits flights across Europe, including France

Two-day strike announced at short notice affects nearly half of flights

Group set up in France to mull potential changes to driver training

Death rates among 18 to 24-year-olds from road accidents are the highest of any age group in the country

Now is the time to install Asian hornet traps across France

Catching the queens early reduces problems later, with 2026 set to be a challenging year

Pope’s visit to Monaco: what is the schedule and who can attend the papal mass?

Pope Leo will make his first visit to the principality in late March

Grants for fibre internet open to all in France: how they work

Help with laying new cables for the high speed connection technology is available

SNCF tickets for summer and autumn travel across France on sale today

Extra tickets for Nice, Marseille, and Annecy available across several months

France faces technical delays in EU EES border rollout

Problems with kiosks and tablets raise doubts over meeting deadlines for new biometric entry-exit checks

Venues close as fire safety checks ramp up across France

Many bars and other late-night venues are being shut down for lack of compliance

British woman who went missing from her home in Nîmes found in Italy

Danisah, 28, disappeared at the beginning of the month

Dual-UK citizens in France face issues with new passport rules

UK ended a ‘tolerance period’ with regard to its new ETA scheme

French Senate backs wider use of number plate cameras

New law would allow cameras across France to use number plate recognition to help police track vehicles and fight crime

No drinking water in French communes due to ‘forever chemicals’

A local environmental group has requested a judicial investigation

Floods close roads in Var, south of France, after 130mm rain

Several rescue missions were carried out, including evacuating people from vehicles and homes

France’s Lascaux cave museum celebrates 10th anniversary with year of events

The International Centre for Cave Art contains a full-scale replica of France’s famous cave paintings

Paris exhibition shows Napoleon’s final will

58-page document covers Emperor’s final wishes expressed in exile

France health insurance emails change format from April 1

State insurer Assurance Maladie updates email format and warns residents to stay alert to scams

French news

New easyJet aircraft to be equipped with ultra lightweight seats, additional legroom

Firefighters in France deliberately start fires to prepare for summer risk

South-west France motorway to fully adopt barrier-free tolls

Bank transfers unavailable for four days over Easter in France

Trending

France braces for gales of 130 km/h as polar winds arrive

More homes in south of France must clear undergrowth or face fine

Britons in France impacted by new rise in UK passport fees

Find out who has been elected as mayor in your French commune

Why France attracts so many campervans and motorhomes

South-west France motorway to fully adopt barrier-free tolls

Farmers' hedge-trimming deadlines extended in France after winter rainfall

Five-star Paris hotel 'The Bristol' evacuated due to fire

Prepare for questions if calling UK over life certificate issues from France

UK ETA: What happens to dual nationals who do not follow rules

French teachers plan major strike action next week

Britons in France impacted by new rise in UK passport fees

Prison sentences requested for €1m MaPrimeRenov’ fraud

Elon Musk criticises French officials after they share information with US counterparts

France braces for gales of 130 km/h as polar winds arrive

Key points to take away from the local elections in France

Find out who has been elected as mayor in your French commune

Book flights now or face price rises if Middle East conflict continues, says easyJet boss

French weekly weather forecast March 23 - 27: A drop in temperature of up to 10C

Paris Métro unveils its new jingle

France municipal elections: left holds major cities while far-right expands in mid-sized towns

Thefts of fuel on increase as prices remain over €2 a litre in France

Self-driving buses to arrive in France in next six months

What we know about meningitis death in Normandy

SNCF tickets reignite ‘no children’ debate in France

AI photos make ‘parcel for you’ scam more credible in France

Niche tours create new opportunities for guides in France

‘Accidental’ Americans in France welcome lower fee to give up citizenship

French government clarifies rules for post sent to US

Readers highlight issues with UK pension life certificates sent to France

Fines issued in France to viewers of illegal streaming services

Renault recalls 30,000 cars in France over engine failure risk

Map: how did French parties perform in first round of municipal elections?

French weekend weather forecast March 21 - 22: calm but cold front in south-east

New ‘toothpick’ trick used by burglars in France can target second homes

EES app: second EU country begins trials before summer peak

Key dates for next French elections: MPs, mayors, president

Renault found in French barn with just 12 km on clock sells for record €64,000

British woman shot dead in France, partner confesses

British burglary victims to relive ordeal as attackers appeal in France

Bordeaux Airport invests in AI to cut waiting times

Meningitis case in France linked to University of Kent outbreak

Storm Thèrese to bring gales of 100 km/h to south-west France

Spring in France: Why you should be careful walking your dog

People in France not sleeping enough, says study

Why former French president Nicolas Sarkozy is back in court

France says full EES rollout on track despite ongoing IT issues

France municipal elections: Alliances form in several cities against far-right

Intermarché boss calls on French state to reduce fuel taxes

Life certificate pension suspension ‘left me overdrawn and stressed’

French municipal elections: key points from the first round

Pet owner in France faced large fine and prison sentence over ‘illegal’ cat

French weekly weather forecast March 16-20: spring sunshine after cloudy start

French local elections: gains for far-right and left parties in first round

EU Entry-Exit System flags 4,000 Schengen overstayers

Leclerc supermarkets in France fail to reduce fuel prices by 30c as pledged

High-speed rail project, rent controls: Toulouse candidates divided for municipal election

Travelling from France to UK: dual nationals warn over passport renewal issues

‘If I lower the price I close’: fuel station manager in western France defends €2.97 diesel price

Air France-KLM announces ticket price increases due to fuel volatility

‘Ghost garages’ in France: more than 1 million vehicles fraudulently registered

Ryanair plane takes off from France without all passengers due to EES hold-ups

Good news for skiers as snowfall returns in French Alps

France weekend weather: first notable cool spell since mid-January

Bordeaux municipal vote: police arms and cruise ships among key issues

How do France’s municipal elections work?

Parking, climate, safety: key issues for Nice residents in upcoming local elections

Paris mayoral election March 2026: Who are the main candidates?

Renault to switch to electric-only sales in France by 2030

Cold set to return to France - and snow at low altitudes across Isère and Haute-Savoie

Lufthansa pilot strike hits flights across Europe, including France

Group set up in France to mull potential changes to driver training

Now is the time to install Asian hornet traps across France

Pope’s visit to Monaco: what is the schedule and who can attend the papal mass?