France - activities

Mother's Day: why is the date different in France from other countries?

This Sunday, May 26, is Mother's Day in many countries, including the USA, some European countries, Canada and the Philippines... but not in France! Why is this date different in France? Let's find out!

Parc Spirou: what's new in 2024 at the family theme park in Provence

For families in search of thrills! For a weekend away from Paris, head to Parc Spirou, located in Monteux, in the Vaucluse region of Provence, to enjoy attractions based on the comics published by Dupuis (Spirou et Fantasio, le Marsupilami, Kid Paddle, Lucky Luke, etc.). The park reopens on April 6, 2024, for a season packed with new attractions! What are they?

Video games: Mario and Zelda top the sales charts in France in 2023

A great year 2023 for Nintendo! The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has thus become, according to data from the GfK institute, the best-selling game of 2023, surpassing giants like EA Sports FC on PS5 and contributing to the triumph of Nintendo Switch. A tour de force for Nintendo, which places several of its titles in the top sales charts and announces ambitious film projects, including Super Mario Bros. Wonder, too.

Christmas bonuses, taxes, grants, bonuses... what's changing on December 1, 2023

What's in store for December 2023? This winter month marks a turning point in France, with significant changes such as the Christmas bonus, the end of the malus for supplementary pensions, and the end of the bicycle bonus. Find out more about the major changes taking effect on December 1, 2023.

Literary prizes: discover the winners for 2023

Goncourt, Renaudot, Fémina... The end of the year is an important time for authors: it's when the literary prizes are awarded to a select few! Which novels won this year? We take stock.

Soccer: Lionel Messi and Aitana Bonmati receive the Ballon d'Or 2023 award

The Ballon d'Or 2023 awards ceremony took place on October 30, 2023, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. In the women's category, Aitana Bonmati won the Ballon d'Or, while Lionel Messi will surely win his last trophy. Discover the final ranking.

Elton John in Paris, his farewell tour "Farewell Yellow Brick Road" at the Accor Arena ends tonight

Elton John's long-awaited farewell tour, "Farewell Yellow Brick Road", arrives at the Accor Arena in Paris on Wednesday June 21, 2023, then on June 27 and 28.

May 1st : why do we offer lily of the valley on this day ? Origins and history

On May 1st, a plant is displayed everywhere in France: the famous lily of the valley. But why did we get into the habit of offering a sprig of lily of the valley every May 1st? We explain you the history and the origins of this tradition.

The Eight Mountains, a magnificent drama for the end of the year: review and trailer

"The Eight Mountains", Jury Prize at the last Cannes Film Festival, is directed by Charlotte Vandermeersch and Felix Van Groeningen (Alabama Monroe), and will be released in theaters on December 21, 2022.

The Cairo Conspiracy, screenplay award at the Cannes Film Festival 2022: our opinion

At the closing ceremony of the Cannes Film Festival 2022, "The Cairo Conspiracy", by Tarik Saleh, won the screenplay award. Discover our review of the film, which will be released in theaters on October 26.

Mashhad Nights by Ali Abbasi starring Zar Amir Ebrahimi: review, trailer and invitations

Plunge into the Iran of the early 2000s with "The Nights of Mashhad". The new film by Ali Abbasi ("Border") tells the true story of the Spider Killer, who killed prostitutes in the holy city. Actress Zar Amir Ebrahimi was awarded the Best Actress prize at the Cannes 2022 Film Festival. The film will be released in cinemas on July 13, 2022. Enter the competition at the bottom of the article to win your tickets.

The Hella Mega Tour: Green Day, Weezer and Fall Out Boy in concert at Paris La Défense Arena

Green Day, Fall Out Boy, Weezer and The Interrupters: this is the line-up not to be missed at Paris La Défense Arena as part of the super tour entitled 'The Hella Mega Tour'. Originally scheduled for June 13, 2020, this concert has been postponed to July 2, 2022.

Abortion: LREM and Nupes parties wish to setting right to abortion into the Constitution

LREM (a liberal political party in France) and Nupes (a left-wing alliance of political parties) are willing to protect abortion right by setting it into the Constitution. Following the United-States’ historical overturn on the matter, here are more details on the reaction of the Presidential majority of the French Parliament.

Les Cognées: Paris' first axe-throwing venue

If you've always been fascinated by Canadian lumberjacks, then head for Les Cognées, the capital's very first axe-throwing center!

France is the 20th happiest country in the world, a study found

It is the best ranking for France in this study supported by the UN about the happiest countries in the world. Although Finland ranks first, this year, France ranks 20th.

Coronavirus: no curfew on New Year's Eve confirled by Jean Castex

As France is faced with a boost in new coronavirus-related contaminations, the Scientific Committee has recommended the implementation of curfew for New Year's Eve. Will this report be followed by the government to limit the spread of the epidemic? The lead has been eventually ruled out by the government, so has been the extension of school break.

Covid: Morocco extends the closing of their borders but allows a few special flights

Because of the emergence of the Omicron variant and faced with the 5th wave hitting Europe, Morocco has decided to extend the closure of their borders until January 31, 2022 at the earliest. Main airlines RAM (Royal Air Maroc) and Air Arabia yet announced on Twitter they are to complete a few special flights.

Coronavirus: the French government does not rule out new measures in case of another outbreak

While facing the fifth epidemic wave, France is about to lead a two-front battle against the Delta and Omicron variants. The latter could cause another outbreak. The French government could go beyond the instated measures.

Covid: France will not require tests from EU countries, Emmanuel Macron announces

Emmanuel Macron announced France will not submit EU travelers to tests.

Coronavirus: vaccinating children at risk, and 5-11 y.o. children

As France is experiencing an increase in coronavirus contaminations, the government announced the opening of vaccination to children under 12 by the end of the year. For the most fragile ones, slots open from December 15, 2021.