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Local France
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Local France
June in France, apéro tips and the smoking ban: 6 essential articles for life in France
It's June! Or, more accurately, as we're in France, juin . Here's what's in the diary this month – from Pride, to the impressive collection of French summer festivals via rail strikes, the summer sales, final tax deadlines, new mobile phone rules, pretty major TV channel changes … and an ambiguous public holiday. Everything that changes in France in June 2025 Speaking of that ambiguous public holiday, it's one of several French public days off that are linked to Catholicism. So, in case you idly wondered, we've dug back into our archives for this explanation of why famously, determinedly, secular France has so many religious public holidays. Reader question: Why does secular France have so many Catholic holidays? June also means it's the official start of summer, according to the weather forecasters' calendar. And summer in France means many things – trips to the beach, empty cities, works on the Paris Metro – but it also ushers in rosé and spritz season. Here are some of the best options to drink in France this summer. Rosé, spritz and pressé: 5 things to drink in France this summer The downside of all that outdoor living is that you could find yourself more often in the proximity of smokers. France might have an international reputation as the 'chimney of Europe' but it has in fact had a ban on smoking in indoor public spaces since 2007. The French government recently announced an extension of those rules – here's what they have to say about smoking and vaping in public places in France. Explained: France's new smoking ban rules Advertisement No screeching segue, this time, just a straight change in direction… Having a second home in France is a dream for many foreigners, whether it's a place in a beautiful, peaceful French village, or an apartment in an elegant and cultured city (there are, apparently, a few of those in France). But the property-buying process is not always easy, so ideally you only want to do it once. As part of our series on buying a second home in France, here are some questions we suggest you ask yourself before signing on the dotted line. 5 questions to ask before buying a French second home Yeah, we know. French grammar is hard. It takes up a notable part of the section on The Local website that tries to demystify the French language in general . The editor recently took a pop at Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau after he suggested any learner struggling to get to grips with French wasn't really trying . So, here's an article explaining the crucial difference between 'bon' and 'bien', which both mean good in slightly but crucially different ways. French grammar tips: When to say 'bon' and when to use 'bien'
Indian Express
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Lehenga in a Metro: Indian-origin woman turns heads in Paris in traditional attire and jewellery, netizens remind her of safety
The Indian staple saree and lehenga have regained their popularity in recent years due to several international fashion galas all over the globe. Influencers and celebrities donning sarees and lehenga is often a heartwarming surprise that instantly sparks a sense of cultural connection. Recently, a woman travelling on Paris Metro brought exactly that feeling, as she turned heads and lit up social media by stepping into the train dressed in a stunning lehenga. Nivy, a fashion and lifestyle influencer on Instagram, embraced full desi elegance for a metro ride in the French capital. She filmed her experience, and the video has since gone viral, racking up over 1 million views. In the viral clip, Nivya is seen effortlessly carrying a vibrant, heavily embroidered lehenga, exuding traditional charm. To complete her look, she added intricate jewellery to her braided hairstyle. Seated confidently in a Metro coach, she strikes a stylish pose, giving the camera a confident glance from behind her oversized sunglasses. Then, in a moment made for reels, she slowly lowers her shades, revealing a soft smile. 'Lehenga in the metro? Because why not. Paris needed some spice today,' the caption read. Watch the viral video here: A post shared by Nivya | Fashion & Lifestyle (@boho_gram) Several social media users responded to the video by warning Nivya about her safety, noting the risks of wearing such heavy jewellery. 'Behen, you are stunning, but this better be costume jewelry! I know you not wearing mom's good jewelry on the metro in France. Safety first!' a user wrote. 'Lord KNEW not to make me desi I'd be dressing in this gorgeous attire EVERYDAY ALL THE TIME,' another user commented. 'Omg ICONIC love seeing traditional clothes in a modern styles,' a third user reacted. In another video, Nivya is seen twirling in her lehenga against the backdrop of the Louvre Pyramid. As she films, several tourists, including children, approach her to take pictures.
Local France
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Local France
PODCAST: Will Macron's referendums ever happen and why French bureaucracy is getting easier
Host Ben McPartland is joined by The Local France's Emma Pearson, Genevieve Mansfield and John Lichfield to look at all the latest news and talking points from France. We begin this week with French President Emmanuel Macron's recent TV appearance and plans to introduce several referendums as part of an attempt to win back the French people. You can listen to Talking France on Spotify or Apple, download HERE or listen on the link below France has its fair share of rodeos. The French press talks about them all the time, and they are something of a fixation for French law enforcement. But France's 'urban rodeos' have nothing to do with livestock. We find out about why French 'urban rodeos' are both dangerous and popular, as well as the history behind them. Advertisement Scholars of French history will likely be familiar with the Dreyfus affair, but you may not have realised the role it still plays in French society and how France's parliament wants to honour the wrongly accused Capitaine Alfred Dreyfus. If you have ever considered a move to France, you were probably warned of the country's impenetrable bureaucracy. But according to The Local France's editor, Emma Pearson, French admin is not that bad. Our Talking France team spars off on the pros (and cons) of French bureaucracy. And stick around until the end to hear about why one Paris Metro user was fined €150 for carrying a house plant, plus some of the Metro rules everyone should be aware of. Talking France is a free podcast made possible by the support of paying members of The Local - you can find out more about becoming a member here . Further reading Macron backs holding referendums on French social and economic reforms What are France's 'urban rodeos'? French lawmakers want Dreyfus promoted 130 years after scandal OPINION: Let's stop complaining, French bureaucracy really isn't that bad Paris woman fined €150 for taking 'too large' plant on the Metro Suitcases, pets and DIY equipment - what can you take on the Paris Metro? Suggested resources on the Dreyfus Affair ; Piers Paul Reid - The Dreyfus Affair (book) Robert Harris - An Officer and a Spy (book), France Inter - Alfred Dreyfus, le combat de la République (free podcast, in French) Origin Story - The Dreyfus Affair (podcast, subscribers only), J'Accuse film, directed by Roman Polanski (in French).
Local France
06-05-2025
- Local France
Paris woman fined €150 for taking 'too large' plant on the Metro
Be careful the next time you need to transport a plant on the Paris Metro. For one 24-year-old Frenchwoman, Salomé, she learned this lesson the hard way after being fined €150 after bringing a plant deemed 'too large' onto the city public transport network. Salomé told her story to French daily Le Parisien . "I was leaving a large plant sale with a friend. It was 5pm. Just after I passed the turnstile (at République station), a ticket inspector asked to see my Navigo pass and my ID. "I thought it was a routine check like many other checkpoints, but it lasted longer than expected. When things started to drag on, and the inspector didn't say anything to me, I though it was weird. I asked if I'd done something wrong, and they said 'Yes, your plant is too big. You have to pay a fine'", she said. Salomé explained that she and her friend had not yet boarded the Metro, and they had simply passed the turnstile when the inspector gave her the fine. The Parisienne took to X to recount her misadventure, saying "I think I'll file a complaint, but well, I'm not sure it'll do much good." Advertisement What are the rules? Unfortunately for Salomé, she technically did break the RATP (Paris public transport) rules. Salomé's new plant - a bird of paradise measuring 1.3m in length and 25cm in width - slightly exceeded the limit for the Metro, RER and Montmartre funicular. Technically, the rules stipulate that items "can be no more than 2m long, but measuring no more than 20 cm in other dimensions, provided you hold them vertically". That said, there is no specific size limit for the bus or tram, as long as the item does not inconvenience fellow passengers. READ MORE: Suitcases, pets and DIY equipment - what can you take on the Paris Metro?
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
See it: Massive hailstorm strikes Paris after spring heat wave
PARIS - A severe thunderstorm swept through Paris on Saturday, pelting the French capital with hail, damaging property and leading to the end of a warm week across France and much of Western Europe. The violent storm struck in the late afternoon, sending residents and tourists scrambling for cover, as radar returns showed plenty of orange and red on the weather map. Hailstones were estimated to be at least marble-sized, which shredded spring flowers and caused some windows to shatter. Photos from after the wet weather event showed streets covered in hail, with cars maneuvering around flooding in the city of more than 2 million people. The hailstorm followed several days of unseasonably warm spring weather, with temperatures in the 70s and 80s. Tornadoes Rip Across Germany Injuring Dozens France's national weather service attributed the round of storms to a low-pressure system moving through Portugal and France, helping to set up a clash of air masses. The agency had issued an orange alert - the second-highest level - for regions of the country. The alert warns of potentially dangerous weather, including hail, damaging winds and heat waves, and advises residents to remain vigilant and limit travel when possible. Air traffic was impacted around Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, one of Europe's busiest airports, due to the severe weather. Some Paris Metro rail stations were temporarily closed due to flooding. The phenomenon of hail is not an uncommon sight in France and much of Europe, as the clash of air masses during the spring and summer often leads to enough instability. Strong updrafts are needed to keep raindrops suspended long enough for the water to become frozen and acquire additional moisture to become larger hailstones. Hail that reaches about the size of a U.S. quarter or larger is considered to be damaging, with roofs, windows and vehicles that usually sustain most of the damage. Barrage Of Storms Leads To Europe Smashing All-time Hail Records Swiss Re, an insurance firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, calculated losses from hail in France alone totaled more than $5 billion in 2022. One of the more extensive events happened during the spring, with a cell that traveled over 180 miles through the country, damaging more than 250 houses and impacting at least 1,000 vehicles. As well as hail, tornadoes can accompany severe weather outbreaks, but amounts of twisters pale in comparison to what are reported in the U.S. article source: See it: Massive hailstorm strikes Paris after spring heat wave
