News

Drinks mis-sold as traditional kefir ‘mislead’ consumers in France

Many ‘kefir’ drinks do not contain the right ingredients, a consumer association says

Properties you can buy for under €50,00, €150,000 and €1 million in Pas-de-Calais

One of France's most densely populated departments is reinventing itself to appeal to tourists

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

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

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What was happening in France 10, 50 and 100 years ago in December

A look back at events from the final month of the year 1924, 1974 and 2014

Fréjus Tunnel that connects France and Italy to close this weekend

The tunnel will close for 12 hours and not the 56 hours originally announced

Is my information safe with French estate agents?

Using major national estate agencies is an option if you need to have more confidence

Do I need to remove a disused septic tank in France after connecting to the mains?

Safety is the number one priority, says Sarah Bright-Thomas of Bright Avocats

Is there financial help to purchase a mobility scooter in France?

Some UK disability benefits remain for Britons living across the Channel

TotalEnergies opens service station for electric vehicles in Paris

It is the first of its kind in the capital and has ultra-fast charging

Conductors on French public transport will soon be able to check your address

Move is part of anti-fraud plans to prevent people from giving false information during fines including on SNCF trains

Dordogne village petitions against opening of nearby McDonald’s restaurant

Villagers say there are enough local restaurants, but mayor focuses on job opportunities

Tanker overturns on rural Normandy road spilling thousands of litres of fuel

Tests are being carried out into risk of pollution of local water supplies to homes

Speed limits to (mostly) drop to 30 km/h in this French city

The new measure will improve noise and pollution, improve safety and encourage cycling, say local authorities

12,500 French parking fines cancelled after IT bug

The fines had been issued in error after computer system was privatised

‘Check your rent is not too high’: Mixed reaction to new Paris poster

The campaign contributes to the ‘clichéd, outdated caricature of the chubby, arrogant landlord’, one property specialist says

Ministers to debate emergency law so France can continue to collect tax and pay expenses

The text is used to guarantee that public services will continue to function while maintaining the same constraints as in last year’s budget

Eight common cold and cough medicines to be pulled from open sale in France

These drugs containing the vasoconstrictor pseudoephedrine are banned from over-the-counter sale from December 11 due to the increased risk of complications

Snow is here (more on way): Many French ski resorts set to open this week

Resorts in the Pyrenees announced their opening dates following heavy snowfall on Sunday and Monday

Good news for residents in Brittany as extra trains confirmed

The services will begin running in 2025

Drivers can now get proof of driving licence online in France

The new service could be useful in certain situations such as if you are stopped by police

Controversial new French motorway: Decision delayed on work suspension

The A69 between Toulouse and Castres has long been the subject of several court cases and protests

Weather for the week December 9 to 13: Winter arrives in France

A chill is to spread across the country with temperatures 3C below seasonal norms

GPs and specialists: List of new fees starting December 2024 in France

Fees will rise for consultations, firstly later this month, and again in July 2025

Power cuts, fallen trees, one dead: Storm Darragh leaves trail of damage across France

Plane diverts to Spain after shaky landing attempt at Toulouse. Many areas remain on alert

What is France's 'Fr-Alert' system and when is it used?

From natural disasters to terror threats, messages will be sent to phones across all mobile networks

French firm succeeds in drone defibrillators deliveries

Life-saving equipment can reach victims within minutes, faster than ambulances

This French motorway's toll barriers (but not charges) will end on Tuesday

The new system on the A13 Paris-Normandy motorway promises to simplify travel - so long as drivers know how to pay

New trend serves companionship up on a plate in France

Dining with five strangers on a Wednesday night is becoming very popular in a number of countries - but how does it work?

Fencing helps breast cancer recovery in France

French association Solution Riposte uses fencing to improve physical and mental health post-surgery.

Is long-term illness care in France poised to change?

Long-term care costs make up around two-thirds of social security spending

Property energy audits in France: Major cost variations nationwide

More in-depth energy tests are becoming increasingly mandatory

Pay to park by income: Where in France and how does it work?

Rennes is the most recent city to introduce the system

Brittany Ferries to provide Guernsey services in new 15-year agreement

The company has already published its April-September 2025 schedule between France, the UK, and Guernsey

Driver arrested after dodging French motorway tolls with ‘kind words’ trick

The man used the same technique every time he passed through the péage

EES digital borders delays: French IT firm reported to be largely to blame

Atos, which was also involved in the Paris Olympics, is accused of misplacing parts, taking weeks to fix bugs and sending teams that lack experience

Comment: House hunting in France is full of surprises

Columnist Samantha David explores the challenges and peculiarities of finding the perfect home in France, from misleading ads to unexpected surprises

Airline passenger refunds due as ticket tax rise cancelled by French government fall

Refunds of up to €57 are due for clients who booked flights in early November and up to early December

‘I know people are tempted to blame me’ says Macron amid political chaos

Key points of president's 10-minute TV address. He says he will not step down

Tips for getting a (French) word in edgeways

Want to practise your French in France? These are the places to avoid

French weekend weather outlook December 7 - 8: snow arrives and temperatures plummet

Bitter polar winds also bring rain to Brittany and Normandy with a risk of storms in the south-west

Plans for how EES digital border checks will be ‘phased in’ explained

The EU Commission is aiming for a ‘progressive’ start for the delayed system

Former French PM claims cartes Vitale will not work in January: it is not true

Elisabeth Borne evokes healthcare funding collapse to convince MPs to not vote for the motion de censure

France supports extending smoking bans to more outdoor areas

Smoking could soon be banned at transport stops, near schools, and on restaurant terraces

‘World first’ flight for French-made electric plane in Toulouse

The plane ‘opens the way for the decarbonisation of light aircraft’, the manufacturer says

Weight loss drug Wegovy may soon be reimbursed in France

Subject to Health Ministry approval the drug could be reimbursed under certain conditions

Motorbike contrôle technique tests in France boycotted by most riders

The roadworthiness test for bikes has long been controversial

Millions in France at risk of paying more tax due to budget chaos

2024 tax brackets may be maintained with no allowance for inflation unless new measures are passed

French mechanic finds stolen motorbike 24 years later on Leboncoin

The vintage bike has a long history but the owner had lost hope of finding it again

Is appointment information automatically added to online French health space?

Documents can be found online for healthcare professionals and patients to see

South of France sea life park to close: what will happen to animals?

Ban on live whale and dolphin shows was ‘fatal blow’ for park’s finances

Profile: French scientist Didier Raoult banned from practising medicine

The self-declared 'maverick' microbiologist who promoted a discredited Covid drug, faces a two-year professional suspension

Inheritance alternatives for non-blood relatives in France

Robert Kent of Kentingtons explains the various options alongside traditional inheritance

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier resigns after no-confidence vote passes

He will remain in place as a caretaker prime minister until President Macron announces a new government

CHART: Which French prime minister has used controversial article 49.3 the most?

Use of measure by Michel Barnier resulted in two no-confidence motions this week

Parcel frauds on increase in France: How to stay alert and avoid them

Scammers are out in force as shopping intensifies in the run up to Christmas

Tips to limit cold calls to your home in France

Know the laws and regulations and take steps to prevent unwanted marketing

Translated: The two ‘no confidence’ motions filed against French government

Debate on these is due to start at 16:00 today followed by voting

What happens now the French government has fallen?

Michel Barnier has become the shortest-serving prime minister of the Fifth Republic and who will replace him is far from clear

Warning over hard sell of fibre internet as France’s copper network closes

Homeowners are warned to be alert to false claims, as the end of ADSL slowly accelerates

Airlines told to cancel some flights to and from France due to Thursday’s public servant strikes

Some airports will see 20% plus of flights affected at certain times of the day on December 5

Bordeaux's pine tree experiment to tackle drought

A decade-long study aims to cultivate drought-resistant maritime pines in Europe's largest forest, adapting to a drier future

PHOTOS: Vintage French roadside signs restored for free by fan

Enthusiast restores and preserves historic Michelin stone signs around his region

The top 20 cheapest ski stations in France named in new study

France has one of the lowest rates for ski passes in the world

Ice and snow set to hit France in the coming days

Bitter winds will cause temperatures to plummet lower than seasonal averages

‘Medicines to avoid in 2025’ list published by French medical review

Of 106 medicines, 88 are still available to buy in France

Hospital transport change: French taxi driver protests cause 490km of traffic jams

Blockades are underway as drivers fear redundancies and bankruptcies

Notre-Dame reopening: Trump to attend and how to watch first ceremony

The first Masses will be held on Sunday

Hiker dies after rockfall in Pyrénées mountains

The 71-year old was following a trail with a group

Love note reunites vintage chair with French muse

A furniture designer tracked down the girl whose boyfriend carved a note about her into a chair in 1994

What next as French government faces motion of no confidence?

Prime Minister Michel Barnier likely to be deposed as both far-right and left bring forward motions, although tensions grow between opposition groups

Euro and French stocks fall as Michel Barnier’s government faces collapse

Far-right lists ‘red lines’ that must be removed from budget to regain its support

Schools, hospitals, mairies: what to expect from Thursday's public servant protests in France

Public servants may strike again in December over changes to sick pay

Ryanair to begin flying from major Paris airport

Two new UK routes also announced by easyJet and WizzAir

French weather outlook December 2 - 6: Fluctuating temperatures and plenty of rain

Warmer than average winter is predicted based on sea temperatures

Chateaux bargains to be had as Chinese investors leave Bordeaux vineyards

Currency restrictions prompt sales, offering potential bargains for new buyers

News

Drinks mis-sold as traditional kefir ‘mislead’ consumers in France

Properties you can buy for under €50,00, €150,000 and €1 million in Pas-de-Calais

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

What was happening in France 10, 50 and 100 years ago in December

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Woman removed from French easyJet flight after swearing incident takes legal action

New pollution bans from January: Which cars and which cities in France?

Learning French: what does j’avoue mean and when should it be used?

Dordogne village petitions against opening of nearby McDonald’s restaurant

Letters: How are hybrid cars supposed to carry a spare tyre in France?

IT problems and digitalisation of French residency cards ‘causing issues’

Fréjus Tunnel that connects France and Italy to close this weekend

Fréjus Tunnel that connects France and Italy to close this weekend

Is my information safe with French estate agents?

Do I need to remove a disused septic tank in France after connecting to the mains?

Is there financial help to purchase a mobility scooter in France?

TotalEnergies opens service station for electric vehicles in Paris

Conductors on French public transport will soon be able to check your address

Dordogne village petitions against opening of nearby McDonald’s restaurant

Tanker overturns on rural Normandy road spilling thousands of litres of fuel

Speed limits to (mostly) drop to 30 km/h in this French city

12,500 French parking fines cancelled after IT bug

Watchdog highlights Christmas food shopping ‘scams’ in France

Epidemic alerts raised in France: see how your area is affected

Cheaper but slower… €10 train fare for Paris to Brussels route

‘Check your rent is not too high’: Mixed reaction to new Paris poster

Woman removed from French easyJet flight after swearing incident takes legal action

December French rail strike: Less disruption expected than forecast

Act fast to benefit from this financial help to buy an electric bike in France

See which offences can result in a car being impounded in France

SNCF comes fifth in European ranking of best train companies

Ministers to debate emergency law so France can continue to collect tax and pay expenses

Eight common cold and cough medicines to be pulled from open sale in France

Snow is here (more on way): Many French ski resorts set to open this week

Good news for residents in Brittany as extra trains confirmed

Drivers can now get proof of driving licence online in France

Controversial new French motorway: Decision delayed on work suspension

Weather for the week December 9 to 13: Winter arrives in France

GPs and specialists: List of new fees starting December 2024 in France

Power cuts, fallen trees, one dead: Storm Darragh leaves trail of damage across France

What is France's 'Fr-Alert' system and when is it used?

French firm succeeds in drone defibrillators deliveries

This French motorway's toll barriers (but not charges) will end on Tuesday

New trend serves companionship up on a plate in France

Fencing helps breast cancer recovery in France

Is long-term illness care in France poised to change?

Property energy audits in France: Major cost variations nationwide

Pay to park by income: Where in France and how does it work?

Brittany Ferries to provide Guernsey services in new 15-year agreement

Driver arrested after dodging French motorway tolls with ‘kind words’ trick

EES digital borders delays: French IT firm reported to be largely to blame

Comment: House hunting in France is full of surprises

Airline passenger refunds due as ticket tax rise cancelled by French government fall

‘I know people are tempted to blame me’ says Macron amid political chaos

Tips for getting a (French) word in edgeways

French weekend weather outlook December 7 - 8: snow arrives and temperatures plummet

Plans for how EES digital border checks will be ‘phased in’ explained

Former French PM claims cartes Vitale will not work in January: it is not true

France supports extending smoking bans to more outdoor areas

‘World first’ flight for French-made electric plane in Toulouse

Weight loss drug Wegovy may soon be reimbursed in France

Motorbike contrôle technique tests in France boycotted by most riders

Millions in France at risk of paying more tax due to budget chaos

French mechanic finds stolen motorbike 24 years later on Leboncoin

Is appointment information automatically added to online French health space?

South of France sea life park to close: what will happen to animals?

Profile: French scientist Didier Raoult banned from practising medicine

Inheritance alternatives for non-blood relatives in France

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier resigns after no-confidence vote passes

CHART: Which French prime minister has used controversial article 49.3 the most?

Parcel frauds on increase in France: How to stay alert and avoid them

Tips to limit cold calls to your home in France

Translated: The two ‘no confidence’ motions filed against French government

What happens now the French government has fallen?

Warning over hard sell of fibre internet as France’s copper network closes

Airlines told to cancel some flights to and from France due to Thursday’s public servant strikes

Bordeaux's pine tree experiment to tackle drought

PHOTOS: Vintage French roadside signs restored for free by fan

The top 20 cheapest ski stations in France named in new study