The Local

France to declare national emergency after storms batter country

Mon, 17 Jun 2019 08:11:51 +0200

Farmers in southeast France have been left counting the costs from lost harvests after fierce storms battered the region with hail the size of ping-pong balls, decimating orchards and vineyards just as the summer season was kicking into high gear.

First mass held in Paris's Notre-Dame since blaze

Sun, 16 Jun 2019 08:12:57 +0200

The Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris hosted its first mass on Saturday exactly two months after a devastating blaze, with priests and worshippers wearing hard hats to protect themselves against possible falling debris.

France's 'wolf brigade' patrols Alps to protect flocks

Sat, 15 Jun 2019 09:34:18 +0200

As the sun sets over the southern French Alps on a cool evening in early June, a flock of sheep huddle in an enclosure at an altitude of 1,500 metres.

Obama family arrives in Avignon for French holiday

Sat, 15 Jun 2019 06:39:44 +0200

Former US president Barack Obama and his family arrived on Friday evening in southern France for a week's vacation near Avignon, the Provencal city that was home to the pope in the 14th century, local authorities said.

ANALYSIS: Residents of Paris suburb brace for Olympic village upheaval

Fri, 14 Jun 2019 15:14:42 +0200

The plans show gleaming images of tree-lined boulevards, modern residences and tranquil squares on the banks of the Seine river.

In Pictures: Paris mayor unveils plan to create four 'urban forests' in city centre

Fri, 14 Jun 2019 14:05:27 +0200

Some of the French capital's most famous sites are set for a green makeover, with plans to create four 'urban forests' in the pipeline, the Paris mayor has revealed.

Europe & You: An interesting new Brexit poll and what's Switzerland's problem with the EU?

Fri, 14 Jun 2019 13:33:30 +0200

Here's our latest Europe & You newsletter covering everything from a French warning for Boris Johnson, an interesting new Brexit poll and a look at Switzerland's problem with the EU.

French Word of the Day: chiant

Fri, 14 Jun 2019 12:26:29 +0200

A very common French word which isn't as vulgar as you might assume.

French warn Boris Johnson over threat to withhold EU divorce settlement

Fri, 14 Jun 2019 10:58:08 +0200

The French have sent a warning to Boris Johnson, who is the favourite to become the next UK Prime Minister over his vow not to pay Britain's divorce settlement with the EU until a better deal is reached, saying it would be the equivalent to defaulting on debt.

All you need to know about shopping at French food markets

Fri, 14 Jun 2019 10:53:57 +0200

The summer holidays are approaching and no doubt those of you who are planning to spend time in France are looking forward to visiting the country's famous food markets. Here's what you need to know to help you navigate them like a local.

Outrage in France as police hunt hit-and-run driver who killed 9-year-old

Fri, 14 Jun 2019 08:20:50 +0200

French police have intensified a manhunt for a driver who killed a nine-year-old boy of Turkish origin and then fled the scene, in a hit-and-run accident that has sparked nationwide outrage.

Why taking classes at your local Town Hall could be the key to mastering French

Thu, 13 Jun 2019 15:35:35 +0200

The best way of learning French isn't necessarily through apps or conversation classes... the answer could just be at your local town hall. And if you're keen to try this route you have until June 19th to sign up for the summer term in Paris.

Lorry driver in fatal Paris scooter collision 'was on drugs'

Thu, 13 Jun 2019 15:08:24 +0200

The driver of a lorry involved in a deadly collision with an electric scooter in Paris was under the influence of drugs, prosecutors said on Thursday, as the man was set to appear in court ahead of his possible charging.

Here's how the new French income tax cuts will affect YOU

Thu, 13 Jun 2019 13:24:17 +0200

When French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe laid out the government's agenda for 'Act II' of the current presidential term, he made it clear tax cuts were a priority. Here's a look at what the reform to income tax means for you.

French Word of the Day: relou

Thu, 13 Jun 2019 12:04:56 +0200

Another verlan word? That sucks!

Forecast: When is summer (finally) going to arrive in France?

Thu, 13 Jun 2019 09:37:06 +0200

As June continues along its chilly, gloomy path, many in France have been wondering when the summer sunshine will finally arrive. So, here's a look at when you'll be able to liberate your parasol and plimsolls.

Macron offers Trump replacement 'friendship' tree

Thu, 13 Jun 2019 08:10:57 +0200

French president Emmanuel Macron will send a replacement oak tree to US President Donald Trump after the original was dug up from the White House garden and died.

Saudi princess to go on trial in Paris after telling bodyguard 'to beat up decorator'

Thu, 13 Jun 2019 08:09:49 +0200

The sister of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is to be put on trial in Paris next month for allegedly ordering her bodyguard to beat up a workman in the French capital, a legal source told AFP on Wednesday.

From tax cuts to plastics ban: French PM reveals list of reforms for 'Act II' of Macron's presidency

Wed, 12 Jun 2019 17:20:17 +0200

French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe laid out on Wednesday the government's agenda for Act II of the current presidential term, highlighting the importance of the green agenda and tax cuts. Here's a look at the main reforms he laid out.

Revealed: Where the Indian population lives in France

Wed, 12 Jun 2019 16:35:36 +0200

There are a good number of Indians in France and one department in particular is home to a sizable Indian community. Here's a look at where they live across France.