France

Traffic fell more in Britain than in any other European country during lockdown

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Traffic has fallen more in Britain than in any other European country since the pandemic struck, as motorists choose to stay at home instead of getting back on the road. After comparing data for February with records for March to June in 19 European countries, it was revealed that Britain’s roads are languishing at 67 … Read more

Owner of French theme park where a woman died is charged with involuntary homicide

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The owner of a French amusement park has been charged with involuntary homicide after a woman plummeted to her death from a roller coaster ride at the weekend.  Gilles Campion, the owner of the Saint-Paul fairground in Beauvais, northern France, has been placed under investigation on a charge of involuntary homicide resulting from security breaches, prosecutors … Read more

Holidaymakers travelling to Scotland from Spain MUST quarantine for 14 days

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Britons can travel to 73 destinations – including France, Italy, Spain, Germany, New Zealand, Malta and Barbados – with no mandatory quarantine upon returning to England from July 10. The government’s official website does not immediately specify whether the countries on the list will reciprocate the quarantine-free arrangements. It instead urges travellers to check the individual rules … Read more

France’s PM sparks anger by promoting minister accused of rape to a role overseeing law enforcement

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France‘s new prime minister has sparked anger by promoting a colleague accused of rape as his interior minister, meaning the man will be in charge of enforcing French laws. Prime minister Jean Castex’s vigorous expression of support for the minister, Gerald Darmanin, on Wednesday followed protests against his appointment by women’s rights groups near the … Read more

Hunspach in Alsace is the winner of the most beautiful village in France competition

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Pictured: The winner of ‘the most beautiful village in France’ competition – and the 13 charming hamlets that were shortlisted The winner has a population of 652 and is known for its white half-timbered 18th-century houses  Villages in the shortlist include a famous wine-region hamlet and the former home of an impressionist painter We’ve pictured all … Read more

The Louvre museum reopens its doors after 16-week closure

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The world’s most visited museum, the Louvre in Paris, has reopened.  The museum opened on Monday after nearly four months of coronavirus closure, with a restricted number of visitors enjoying a rare chance to view the ‘Mona Lisa’ without the usual throngs. Several dozen visitors queued outside the vast former palace of France‘s kings, eagerly … Read more

Holidaymakers face ‘maze’ of red tape as only 25 of 59 ‘air bridge’ countries have no restrictions

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Britons can travel to 73 destinations – including France, Italy, Spain, Germany, New Zealand, Malta and Barbados – with no mandatory quarantine upon returning to England from July 10. The government’s official website does not immediately specify whether the countries on the list will reciprocate the quarantine-free arrangements. It instead urges travellers to check the individual rules … Read more

From super chic to wild and rugged, France’s best secret islands

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We are now free to enjoy a holiday in France without the prospect of two weeks’ quarantine on our return.  But where to go to escape crowded beaches and tourist hot spots?  Why not try France’s little-known islands and hideaways, which offer a secluded and relaxing break… Grande-Ile, Normandy A little slice of heaven: Grande-Ile is … Read more