The article discusses the impact of the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games on the housing market in Paris. It highlights that one in five Parisians are considering renting out their homes on Airbnb to take advantage of the influx of 15 million visitors expected during the Games. Rental rates on platforms like Airbnb have surged, with some accommodations costing up to six times their normal rate. Studio flats are going for an average of €750 a night, and a one-bedroom flat near the Palais Garnier opera house is listed at over €3,000 per night. The article suggests that even those who are enthusiastic about the Olympics might be tempted to rent out their homes for a significant profit.

The Beaujolais vineyards are facing a severe threat from an insect-borne disease called flavescence dorée, which has affected over 80% of the vineyards in the region. The disease is spread by leafhoppers and can be combated by using insecticides, a measure that the government has mandated. However, some organic winegrowers are hesitant to use chemical treatments. The situation is dire, with Didier Condemine, the head of the Cercié winegrowers’ union, emphasizing the urgency to act in order to preserve their heritage. Already, seventeen vine plots have been destroyed this year due to the disease.

First ladies Jill Biden of the United States and Brigitte Macron of France have come together at the Élysée Palace before their visit to Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy, a renowned tourist destination and Unesco world heritage site. Jill Biden also attended a ceremony at Unesco's headquarters in Paris to mark the US rejoining the organization, reversing the withdrawal that occurred under former President Donald Trump. Both first ladies have a background in teaching and share a commitment to education, with Biden teaching English at a Virginia college and Macron being a former literature teacher.

The Ukrainian ambassador to France, Vadym Omelchenko, has publicly condemned former French President Nicolas Sarkozy for his comments suggesting Ukraine should accept Russia's occupation of some of its territory and abandon its attempts to join NATO and the EU. Sarkozy's remarks, which were made in the second volume of his memoirs and in an interview, have been interpreted by the Ukrainian government as being in sync with Moscow's narrative. The ambassador hinted that Sarkozy's statements could potentially lead to criminal prosecution in Kyiv. Sarkozy's book, 'Le Temps des Combats', has been selling well since its publication.

A gilt walnut chair that once belonged to Marie Antoinette, the last queen of France, has been sold at a Sotheby's auction in Paris for over €2.5 million, setting a record for the highest price ever paid for an 18th-century chair. The chair, which was part of Marie Antoinette's boudoir, highlights the queen's lasting appeal among collectors. The chair was previously owned by Hubert Guerrand-Hermès of the Hermès luxury goods family, who had collected nearly 1,000 artworks and artifacts before his passing in 2016. The identity of the buyer has not been disclosed.

A recent survey highlighted the prevalence of antisemitism in French universities and elite colleges, with 90% of Jewish students reporting they have experienced discrimination, primarily in the form of insults or jokes, and 7% having been physically assaulted. The study, published by Le Parisien and conducted by the French Institute of Public Opinion for the Union of Jewish Students, found that a significant majority of Jewish students and a notable portion of the general student body perceive antisemitism as widespread in academic institutions. The issue has even affected students at top-tier institutions like the Institute of Political Studies, where a former student recounted experiences of harassment and antisemitic chants.

The article discusses the concerns in France over the decline of traditional cuisine due to the prevalence of fast food and the rise of Britain's diverse dining scene. It highlights a new government initiative that requires restaurants to label dishes that are not made from scratch but bought and reheated. Alain Fontaine, president of the Association of Master Restaurateurs, is cited mentioning that only 4% of French restaurants cook entirely from scratch, with the majority relying on industrially produced meals or frozen food. The article implies a cultural shift in France's culinary practices and the government's effort to preserve its gastronomic heritage.

A retired French couple is suing a second-hand goods dealer after discovering that an African mask they sold to him for €150 was later resold for €4.2 million. The couple, in their eighties, had found the mask while clearing out their holiday home and were unaware of its value. The mask had historical significance, having been brought to France by the husband's grandfather, a former colonial governor. The couple learned of the mask's resale value from a newspaper report and are now seeking to have the original sale annulled, claiming the dealer took advantage of their ignorance of the mask's true worth.

With the upcoming Paris Olympics in the summer, accommodation prices have skyrocketed, leading to increased demand for alternative options such as HomeCamper, a service that allows booking of garden spaces for camping. Traditional campsites are raising their prices and are often fully booked, making garden camping a viable option for many. The cost for this type of accommodation is around €3,000 for the two-week period of the Games. This service includes access to bathrooms, electricity, wifi, and sometimes even additional amenities like barbecues.

French authorities are investigating a fatal avalanche in Saint-Gervais-les-Bains on Mont Blanc, which claimed the lives of a British woman and her son. The incident occurred while they were skiing off-piste with a family group and an instructor. The avalanche is suspected to have been triggered by other skiers in the area. The instructor survived with minor injuries. A manslaughter investigation has been initiated by the Bonneville public prosecutor's office to determine the circumstances surrounding the avalanche. The identities of the victims have not been disclosed, and it is reported that the deceased young man's father was present during the incident.

Nicolas Lerner has been appointed as the new head of France's Directorate General for External Security, the foreign intelligence agency, succeeding the former director amid criticism of the agency's recent intelligence failures. These failures include not foreseeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine, unexpected coups in former French colonies in West Africa, and being taken by surprise when Australia cancelled a significant submarine deal in 2021. Lerner, aged 45, previously led the Directorate General of Internal Security, France's domestic intelligence service, where he was the youngest director in its history. His appointment comes at a critical time as Paris is preparing to host the Olympics.

Marine Le Pen's National Rally is poised for a potential presidential win in 2027 following a political victory in the French parliament. President Macron was compelled to negotiate with right-wing parties, including the National Rally, to pass a new immigration bill. Le Pen hailed the event as an 'ideological victory' after her party agreed to support a modified version of the legislation. Despite the bill's passage, with aid from the Republicans, a number of Macron's own party members abstained or opposed it. The article suggests a shift in the political landscape of France, with right-wing parties gaining influence and Macron's centrist position being challenged.

The article discusses a survey by Ifop that reveals French voters' preference for having a beer with Édouard Philippe over Marine Le Pen. Édouard Philippe, the former Prime Minister under President Macron and the current mayor of Le Havre, is seen as the likely main opponent to Marine Le Pen in the 2027 French presidential election. The survey, which is seen as an indicator of politicians' relatability to working people, shows Philippe with a slight edge over Le Pen, scoring 37 percent to her 35 percent in what the article refers to as the 'beer test.'

Oysters from Arcachon Bay in the southwest of France have been temporarily banned from sale due to a norovirus infection. The local Gironde Prefecture announced the ban after several cases of food poisoning were reported during Christmas. The norovirus is highly contagious and causes symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach pain. This ban affects the traditional consumption of oysters during New Year's Eve réveillon dinners, as oysters are a festive delicacy in France.

A tragic event unfolded on Christmas Day in Meaux, a northeastern suburb of Paris, where a woman and her four children were found dead in their home. The mother, a 35-year-old of Haitian origin, and her two daughters suffered multiple stab wounds in what the local prosecutor, Jean-Baptiste Bladier, described as a scene of extreme violence. The two sons, one four years old and the other nine months, showed no visible injuries, leading to the suspicion that they may have been suffocated. The police were alerted to the situation by concerned relatives, and a man has been arrested on suspicion of the murders, which are being investigated as premeditated.

Gianluigi Donnarumma, the goalkeeper for Italy and Paris Saint-German, and his partner Alessia Elefante were victims of a home invasion in Paris. The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday when armed robbers broke into their apartment in the 8th arrondissement, causing minor injuries to Donnarumma and leaving Elefante unharmed. The thieves stole items including jewellery, watches, and leather goods, with an estimated value of up to €500,000. After the robbery, the couple sought refuge in a nearby hotel, where the police were alerted. The exact value of the stolen goods is still under assessment.

Aurélien Largeau, the chef of a Michelin-starred restaurant at the luxury Hôtel du Palais in Biarritz, has resigned following allegations of an initiation ritual involving the humiliation of an apprentice. The apprentice was reportedly tied naked to a chair with an apple in his mouth for hours. The incident, which was not initially reported to the police, came to light after a video surfaced on social media, leading to a criminal investigation by prosecutors into suspected sexual assault and violence. The local newspaper Sud Ouest reported on the incident, and the video has been removed from social media.

The article discusses the controversy surrounding two medieval stained-glass window panels from Notre Dame that were allegedly stolen in the 19th century and later auctioned by Sotheby's in 2015 for over €230,000. The heritage group Lumière sur le Patrimoine has filed a complaint with the French police, alleging theft and receiving stolen goods, as they claim that any items taken from the cathedral are French national property. The French serious crime division is investigating the case. Philippe Machicote, an amateur art historian and head of Lumière sur le Patrimoine, has emphasized the state ownership of the cathedral since the French Revolution.

Israeli forces, including infantry units and tanks, have conducted incursions into Gaza, marking the first such action since the conflict with Hamas began. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, an Israeli military spokesman, stated that the operations were aimed at attacking Palestinian rocket crews and gathering intelligence on hostages held by Hamas. This development followed a warning from Israel to northern Gaza residents to evacuate, which Hamas countered by advising them to stay put. The conflict has escalated following a raid by Hamas into Israel that resulted in over 1,300 deaths, predominantly among civilians, and the capture of an estimated 150 hostages.

Art historian Didier Rykner has accused the French government of neglecting warnings from a 2016 report by the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) about the high risk of fire at Notre Dame Cathedral. Despite the report, the government, then under the Socialist-led administration of François Hollande with Audrey Azoulay as culture minister, failed to take additional measures to prevent such a disaster. Consequently, when the fire occurred in 2019, the cathedral was reportedly understaffed and lacked the necessary equipment to effectively respond to the emergency.

A climber who found a box of gems from an Air India flight crash on Mont Blanc was initially told they were worth €300,000. Upon turning them into the police, he was allowed to keep half, which he believed to be valued at €150,000. However, a professional valuation revealed that his share of emeralds, sapphires, and rubies was worth only about €5,000. Despite the disappointing appraisal, the gems were auctioned off for €25,690, which was more than five times the professional valuation.

Pierre de Gaulle, the grandson of Charles de Gaulle, France's wartime leader, has expressed his desire to obtain Russian citizenship during a visit to St Petersburg. He praised Russia for upholding 'traditional values' such as family and spirituality, which he believes have been abandoned by Western countries. Pierre, a business consultant who resides in Geneva, is a supporter of President Putin and holds the US responsible for the conflict in Ukraine. He views Russia as a land of 'big possibilities' and suggests that NATO has lost in the ongoing conflict, although the article does not include the full context of this statement.

The article discusses the Toutée siblings, comprising four sisters and one brother, who collectively hold the Guinness World Record for the highest combined age of five living siblings, totaling 496 years. The eldest, Paulette, is 102 years old, while the youngest, Philippe, is 96. The article highlights the exceptional longevity of the Toutée family, noting that France has about 30,000 centenarians, which is twice the number in Britain. The siblings attribute their long lives to coming from 'good stock.' The article also mentions Jeanne Calment, who was the world's longest-lived person, dying at the age of 122, and is often cited as an example of the benefits of the French lifestyle.

Alian Chichi, a French tourist in Switzerland, faced a hefty €10,000 bill after a team of firefighters rescued his Jack Russell terrier, Gaïa, from a drainage pipe. Gaïa had chased a fox and became trapped in a 20cm diameter concrete pipe. Despite being warned about the costs, Chichi called the emergency services when he couldn't locate Gaïa, who was found by firefighters using a camera. The rescue operation involved twelve firefighters and required drilling through the road, taking nine hours to complete.

Morocco is receiving international aid as rescue efforts continue following a devastating earthquake in the Atlas mountains. The earthquake, which occurred on Friday night, has resulted in a death toll of 2,681 and 2,501 injuries as of Monday afternoon, with expectations that these numbers will rise. King Mohammed of Morocco, who initially hesitated to accept foreign assistance, has since allowed a Spanish search team to aid in the rescue operations. The team, equipped with rescue workers, drilling equipment, and dogs, arrived in Morocco on Sunday morning to help locate survivors in the affected mountainous regions.

France plans to double the capacity of its migrant detention centres from 1,500 to 3,000. This announcement comes as the French parliament is set to discuss stricter immigration laws. Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin revealed that new centres for illegal entrants awaiting deportation will be established in 11 cities within the next four years. Locations include Nice, Dunkirk, Dijon, and Aix-en-Provence. The expansion is part of a broader effort to manage the flow of migrants, particularly those attempting to cross into the UK via the English Channel. The UK currently operates seven immigration detention facilities with a total capacity of 2,192 people.

A recent poll indicates that nearly three-quarters of the French population are concerned about the government's ability to maintain law and order, as fears of gun crime and terrorism rise. The poll comes in the wake of riots triggered by the police shooting of Nahel M, a teenager of North African descent. The stabbing death of a teacher, Dominique Bernard, by an alleged Islamist has further heightened security concerns, especially with the upcoming Paris Olympics. France has escalated its terror alert level due to concerns that the conflict between Israel and Hamas could lead to more attacks.

The French government is preparing for the influx of tourists for the Paris Olympics next summer by developing a mobile app aimed at protecting them from potential overcharging and scams. This initiative is part of an effort to improve the country's reputation for customer service and ensure that the expected 20 million international visitors leave with a positive impression of France. The app will be available in English and will provide tourists with the ability to report issues, seek advice, learn about obtaining refunds, and understand their consumer rights.

French President Macron has announced that France will withdraw its troops and recall its ambassador from Niger following a military coup that took place in July. During a television interview, Macron stated that the withdrawal of the 1,500 French troops currently deployed in Niger to combat jihadists will occur in an orderly manner over the next few months, with a complete withdrawal expected by the end of the year. This decision comes after the military junta overthrew Niger's democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum.

Residents of a densely populated area in Paris have expressed strong opposition to Mayor Anne Hidalgo's plan to create a garden walkway between Bastille and Stalingrad squares. The project, intended to green the city, has been met with a petition signed by over 2,500 people. The mayor's comparison of the project to the redevelopment of Las Ramblas in Barcelona has only increased local concerns, as residents fear the walkway will bring noise and tourist crowds, further disrupting the area.

Police officers across France, particularly in Marseilles and the Paris area, are engaging in a work-to-rule action to protest the arrest of a colleague. The detained officer is charged with assaulting a 21-year-old man of North African descent during recent riots. The victim, identified as Hedi, was hospitalized with injuries allegedly from a rubber bullet and a truncheon. He asserts he was not involved in the riots and was attacked unprovoked. Additionally, another man in Marseilles, Mohamed B, died from a heart attack after a confrontation with the police.

The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic torch design has been revealed, featuring a symmetrical shape to represent gender parity and equality between the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The torch, described as champagne-coloured and made from recycled steel, was designed by French artist Mathieu Lehanneur. The design includes a ripple effect to symbolize Paris's connection with the River Seine. The torch will be carried by 10,000 torchbearers across France, starting from Greece and passing through Marseille before reaching Paris for the opening ceremony. Usain Bolt was present at the unveiling of the torch.

The Musée d’Orsay in Paris is celebrating the 150th anniversary of impressionism by lending 179 masterpieces from artists such as Monet, Manet, and Renoir to museums across France. This initiative aims to make these works accessible to a wider audience throughout the country, including the island of Réunion in the Indian Ocean. The culture minister, Rima Abdul Malak, emphasized the importance of reaching the largest possible audience and mentioned that the project will include a variety of educational projects. The artworks will be on display starting from February in 34 museums.

The article reports on the deployment of the elite CRS-8 policing unit in Marseilles to address the escalating drug-related gang violence. A recent incident in the southern French city of Nîmes involved a ten-year-old boy being fatally shot, believed to be an unintended victim of a gang shootout. The boy was with his uncle, returning from a restaurant when the incident occurred. The violence in Marseilles has resulted in eight deaths this month and around 40 in the current year. Gerald Darmanin, the French interior minister, has responded by sending the CRS-8 unit to Nîmes as well, although no arrests have been made regarding the boy's death. The article also touches on the history of the Pissevin neighborhood, noting its origins in the 1960s to accommodate immigrants from North Africa.

Paris has announced a plan to subsidize health insurance for pets, which is believed to be the first of its kind. The insurance will cost pet owners approximately £52 a year and aims to cover health complications that city-dwelling cats and dogs face, such as those caused by pollution and accidents. The initiative was proposed by Communist councillor Jean-Philippe Gillet and has received unanimous support from both the right and left political factions. The article also mentions the common issue faced by vets in Paris, where they treat 'parachute cats' that fall from windows of Haussmann-era buildings.

The Canopée, a hybrid wind-powered cargo ship, has embarked on its journey from Bordeaux to transport rocket parts for the European Space Agency's Ariane programme. This French-flagged vessel, equipped with collapsible wing sails, is the world's first to enter regular service for industrial purposes. It will visit several European ports to collect components before heading to the Ariane launch site in French Guiana. The Canopée is capable of saving up to 40 percent of fuel due to its automated wing sails, which are deployed based on computerised weather and wind analyses. The ship's sails are also noted to generate more power than conventional sails.

Parisian authorities are intensifying their crackdown on illegal street vendors, particularly migrants, as the city prepares for the upcoming Olympic Games. The article describes a scene where a woman purchases fruit from a migrant vendor, only for the police to arrive shortly after and arrest him. The police also confiscated his goods. The presence of street vendors has become more noticeable in Paris, with some selling souvenirs like miniature Eiffel Towers and others offering contraband items such as cigarettes. The city's efforts to clean up and regulate street trading are part of a broader initiative to present a more orderly image in anticipation of the influx of tourists and athletes for the Olympics.

Farmers in eastern France, including Marcel Metzler from Alsace, are developing a more humane method to produce foie gras, which avoids the traditional force-feeding process known as gavage. Metzler, motivated by a request from his grandson, encourages his geese to overeat by offering them bread and honey, capitalizing on their natural instinct to build up reserves for migration. This approach comes at a time when the ethical concerns surrounding foie gras production have led to its ban from certain royal events, reflecting a growing consumer discomfort with the force-feeding practice.

French President Macron has addressed the nation following a cabinet reshuffle, emphasizing the importance of unity and learning from the recent violent riots triggered by the police killing of a teenager of North African descent. These riots, which are the worst France has seen in 18 years, involved widespread violence, looting, and vandalism, predominantly by ethnic minority youths. Macron's televised speech highlighted the risks of national fragmentation and division, and he tasked his new government with responding effectively to the issues highlighted by the unrest after the summer holiday.

French MPs are advocating for a ban on nitrite preservatives in processed meats, a stance that aligns with the European Union's decision to eliminate nitrites in pet food by 2025 due to health concerns. Nitrites, which are linked to cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, are currently used in cold meats and cheeses and are responsible for giving certain meats their characteristic pink color. The EU has already announced plans to tighten limits on nitrite use in food, but some French MPs, including Richard Ramos of the MoDem party, are pushing for a complete ban on these preservatives in human food, mirroring the protections in place for pets.

France has increased its terrorism threat level to the highest after a tragic incident in Arras, where a former pupil stabbed a teacher to death and injured two others. The assailant, a 20-year-old of Chechen origin named Mohammed Mogouchkov, was recently added to a terror watchlist. Following the attack, President Macron held an emergency meeting, and the heightened alert status has led to increased police and military presence. Several arrests have been made in connection with the incident, including the attacker's brother and another individual in Limay.

Climate activists in France, part of the group Les Soulèvements de la Terre, have been engaging in 'commando-style' protests that are causing a public backlash. Their actions have included throwing paint at a Claude Monet painting, disrupting an opera at the Opéra Bastille, sabotaging farm machinery, destroying crops, and blocking roads and airports. A poll conducted for the conservative newspaper Le Figaro shows that 73 percent of respondents are losing patience with these activists and want intelligence and security services to handle them with counterterrorism tactics. The article discusses the increasing tension between the public and environmental protesters in France.

Mikael de Poissy, a renowned tattoo artist based in Paris, has been awarded the Médaille Vermeille prize by the Paris Academy of Arts, Science and Literature, marking the first time a tattooist has received this prestigious accolade. Known for his vibrant and detailed tattoos that resemble medieval stained-glass windows, De Poissy's work attracts clients from across the globe, including Japan, Australia, and Mexico. His designs often feature religious imagery and historical figures, and his recognition by the Academy highlights the evolving perception of tattoo art as a legitimate art form.

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, once a celebrated couple known as 'Brangelina,' have been embroiled in a legal battle over the Château Miraval vineyard they co-owned in Provence following their separation. The conflict, referred to as the 'War of the Rosé,' involved mutual accusations of deceit and bullying. Recently, there has been a development towards a peaceful resolution, with the former couple agreeing to mediation to settle their dispute out of court. This decision comes after Jolie's team accused Pitt of bullying, and Pitt alleged that Jolie sold her stake in the estate without his knowledge.

The original handwritten manuscript of Arthur Rimbaud's poem 'Eternity' is set to be auctioned in Paris with an estimated value of up to €300,000. The manuscript, which dates back to May 1872, was given by Rimbaud to Jean Richepin and has been in private collections since Richepin's death in 1926. The sale is being organized by Jean-Baptiste de Proyart, an antiquarian bookseller, in collaboration with the Piasa auction house. 'Eternity' is highlighted as one of Rimbaud's most significant works, and it is part of his collection 'Une Saison en Enfer' published in 1873. The poem and Rimbaud's life have inspired many, including pop stars like Patti Smith and Bob Dylan.

French Senator Joël Guerriau, a member of the centrist party Horizons, has been charged with drugging a female MP for the purpose of sexual assault. The unnamed MP reported feeling ill after having a drink with Guerriau at his home in Paris, leading to her hospitalization where ecstasy was found in her blood. Guerriau, who is allied with President Macron's Renaissance party, was released on bail after being taken into custody. The Paris prosecutor's office confirmed that the MP is pressing charges against him for allegedly drugging her to commit a rape or sexual assault.

France's national family planning association, Planning Familial, is collaborating with Netflix to address the lack of sex education in French schools. They have launched an information campaign that coincides with the airing of the fourth and final season of the British TV series 'Sex Education' on Netflix. The campaign includes a social media 'hotline' where influencers respond to questions from young people, complemented by clips from the series. This initiative aims to educate French youth on various aspects of sexual health and relationships, leveraging the popular show's content to engage the audience.

An open letter published in Le Figaro newspaper, signed by 56 prominent French figures including actress Charlotte Rampling and singer Carla Bruni, defends actor Gérard Depardieu against the backlash he has faced due to accusations of rape and sexual assault. The letter criticizes the 'public lynching' and 'torrent of hate' directed at Depardieu, calling him 'probably the greatest of actors'. The signatories, well-known in France, express their concern over the culture of 'cancellation' and support Depardieu, echoing President Macron's previous comments on the actor's artistic genius.

The Brigitte Bardot Foundation, established by the French actress Brigitte Bardot, has raised concerns about the potential mistreatment of security dogs during the upcoming Paris Olympics. The foundation is urging President Macron's government to implement new regulations to safeguard these animals, particularly Belgian shepherds, which are commonly used for security and crowd control. The charity highlighted issues such as dogs being confined in cars for extended periods and sometimes kept in cages or cellars when not working. Lorène Jacquet, the campaign and advocacy manager for the foundation, emphasized the need for strict checks to prevent inadequate or abusive working and living conditions for these dogs.

A charter flight operated by Legend Airlines was grounded at Vatry airport in eastern France due to allegations of human trafficking. The flight, carrying 300 Indian nationals from the UAE to Nicaragua, was stopped after French authorities received an anonymous tip-off. Two passengers were arrested, and the rest, including 11 unaccompanied minors, were detained at the airport. Most of the detainees are expected to be released on Monday, according to judicial sources. The incident occurred on Thursday when the Airbus A340 landed for refueling.

Students at Sciences Po, a prestigious Parisian college, are calling for the resignation of its director, Mathias Vicherat, following his arrest on charges of alleged domestic violence. This incident adds to a series of scandals at the institution, which include sexual abuse and drugs, negatively impacting its reputation. Sciences Po is known for its notable alumni, including President Macron, and is part of France's elite grandes écoles system. The college had previously seen its director resign over accusations of covering up incest allegations against the chairman of its governing board, Olivier Duhamel, who also resigned after being accused of rape by his stepson.

Serge Klarsfeld, an 88-year-old French Nazi hunter, has changed his view on Marine Le Pen’s party, the National Rally, seeing it now as an ally in the fight against antisemitism and Islamist radicalism. Klarsfeld, whose father perished in Auschwitz, and his wife Beate have dedicated their lives to documenting the Holocaust and combating anti-Jewish far-right groups. Despite their previous opposition to Marine Le Pen, whom they labeled as 'the daughter of racism and antisemitism' due to her father Jean-Marie Le Pen's history of antisemitic speech, Klarsfeld no longer deems the National Rally as a threat in this regard.

Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, the granddaughter of the founder of L’Oréal, has become the first woman to accumulate a fortune of $100 billion, making her the world's richest woman. Her wealth increased as L’Oréal's shares hit a record high in Paris. She is currently the 12th richest person globally, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, just behind Carlos Slim, the owner of Telmex. Her fortune is less than that of Bernard Arnault, the French founder of LVMH, who is second in the global wealth ranking. Bettencourt Meyers gained control of L’Oréal in 2011 from her mother.

The article discusses the growing trend of purchasing second-hand clothes in France, highlighting that French consumers are the largest users of the online marketplace Vinted. The French Fashion Institute's Gildas Minvielle notes that the primary reasons for this trend are the affordability of second-hand clothing and environmental concerns. The article states that 23 million of Vinted's 80 million users are French, and nearly 14 percent of clothes sold in France are second-hand. The article suggests that this trend is a response to the cost of living crisis and a desire for sustainable consumption.

French gynaecologist Dr Victor Acharian has sparked national controversy by refusing to treat a transgender patient, claiming he is only qualified to treat 'real women.' His comments were made in response to a negative review from the patient he turned away. LGBT groups in Europe, including SOS Homophobie, have strongly condemned Acharian's actions, highlighting the serious consequences of transphobia, especially in healthcare access. Following the backlash, Acharian issued an apology on French radio, stating his response was excessive and driven by a feeling of being unfairly attacked.

A significant influx of migrants arrived on the Italian island of Lampedusa on Saturday, with a record number of 55 boats carrying 2,172 people reaching the island within 24 hours. This event has put pressure on President Macron of France to address the migration flow across the border. Lampedusa's emergency reception centre at Imbriacola is overwhelmed, hosting over 4,200 migrants, which is more than five times its capacity. Additional migrants were transferred to other reception centres in Sicily. Filippo Romano, Lampedusa's chief official, has called on the Italian government to prevent charity boats from bringing more rescued migrants to Italian ports.

Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, the new education minister of France, is being criticized for enrolling her children in a private school, which has sparked accusations of elitism and contempt for the public education system from teachers' unions and parents' associations. This controversy comes shortly after her appointment in a government reshuffle, where she replaced Gabriel Attal, who became France's youngest and first openly gay prime minister. Oudéa-Castéra justified her decision by citing staff shortages and the state school's inability to replace absent teachers, a frustration she claims is shared by many families.

Nicolas Puech, an 80-year-old heir to the Hermès luxury goods empire, is involved in a legal dispute with the Isocrates Foundation, a charitable organization he founded. Puech, who is the largest single shareholder of Hermès, reportedly intends to leave a significant portion of his wealth to his former gardener, a 51-year-old man of Moroccan origin. The legal contention arises from Puech's desire to cancel a previous inheritance contract with the Isocrates Foundation, which was established to support public interest journalism. The relationship between Puech and his former gardener, along with the gardener's wife, strengthened during the COVID-19 pandemic as they took care of him.

Tensions between France and Niger have escalated following the detention of Stéphane Julien, a French consular official, by Nigerien security forces. Julien, who also serves as a businessman and a councillor to French expatriates, was taken into custody on Friday by forces loyal to the leaders of a recent military coup in Niger. The French foreign ministry has issued a statement demanding his immediate release and has been actively working to provide consular protection. This incident marks an increase in the strained relations between the two nations, with Niger's military rulers previously ordering the expulsion of French troops from the country.

A beach in the south of France was evacuated after a blue shark was seen approximately 100 meters from the shore. The chief lifeguard in Barcarès, David Simian, reported that the sighting occurred on Saturday afternoon and the evacuation was a precautionary measure. Although blue sharks are not considered a threat to humans, a red flag was raised to prevent swimmers from entering the water, both to avoid panic and to protect the shark. The lifeguards confirmed the presence of the shark after taking a boat out to investigate the dark shape seen in the water.

A retired French couple in their eighties sold an African mask for €150 to a second-hand goods dealer, who later resold it for €4.2 million. The couple attempted to reclaim ownership by taking the matter to court, arguing that the dealer had knowingly underpaid them. However, the court in Alès, southern France, ruled that the dealer had purchased the mask in good faith and dismissed the couple's petition to annul the sale. The court emphasized that the couple's failure to have the mask appraised before selling it was negligent and casual, rendering their claim inexcusable.

The Eiffel Tower was closed to the public on Wednesday due to a strike by the CGT union. The strike was organized to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the death of Gustave Eiffel, the creator of the tower. The union is demanding better contract terms for workers from the city of Paris, which owns the monument. The strike also serves as a warning to management about the potential disaster from underfunding maintenance and renovation of the 134-year-old landmark. The Eiffel Tower is one of the most visited tourist sites in the world and is usually open every day of the year.

King Mohammed of Morocco was in France during a severe earthquake in his country. He returned to Morocco the following day and issued a statement. The article highlights the King's luxurious lifestyle in France, mentioning his purchase of a mansion in Paris for an undisclosed amount, which had been previously valued at €80 million. The sale was discussed by Marie-Hélène Lundgreen, a manager at Belles demeures de France, an affiliate of Christie's International Real Estate, who suggested the property might have sold for more than the estimated value.

The article discusses the controversy surrounding Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel's wartime activities. It was long believed that Chanel was a Nazi informant during the occupation of France in World War II. However, new documents emerged suggesting she might have been a double agent for the French Resistance. A certificate and a second document, which were displayed at a Chanel exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum, indicated that she was an 'occasional agent' in 1943 and 1944 and part of a Resistance group. A French historian has expressed skepticism about these claims, casting doubt on the narrative of Chanel's involvement with the Resistance.

Jean-Louis Georgelin, the French army general tasked with overseeing the reconstruction of the Notre Dame cathedral following the devastating fire in April 2019, has died in an accident while hiking in the Pyrenees. President Macron had appointed Georgelin, a respected five-star general and former chief of the defence staff, to lead the restoration efforts of the iconic cathedral. His unexpected death has led to an outpouring of tributes, with President Macron recognizing him as a great soldier and servant to France, and a pivotal figure in the cathedral's renaissance. A mass was held in Paris to mourn his passing.

Noémie Tanneau, a former social worker turned vintner, has experienced a surge in business after King Charles sampled her lussac-saint-émilion wine during his state visit to Bordeaux. The event, which was broadcast on French television, led to a flood of orders from French customers, significantly boosting sales for her Château Saint-Ferdinand wines. Tanneau, who began making wine three years ago, was previously struggling financially. Her wines, which are considered affordable, were chosen by the Bordeaux Wine Council for the royal tasting, and the endorsement has had a transformative effect on her business.

The Grévin Museum in Paris has removed a waxwork of French actor Gérard Depardieu after receiving negative reactions from visitors and backlash on social media. The wax figure had been on display for over forty years. Depardieu, who is 74 years old and known for his roles in numerous films, is currently facing accusations of rape and sexual assault, which he vehemently denies. He has publicly stated that he has never abused a woman, and his family has spoken out against what they describe as an 'unprecedented conspiracy' against him. This controversy has been reignited following a recent documentary broadcast.

A group of 276 Indian passengers were detained for four days at Vatry airport near Paris due to suspicions of being involved in human trafficking. The passengers were on a charter flight operated by Legend Airlines from the UAE to Nicaragua, which stopped in France for refueling. After a tip-off about potential people smuggling, French gendarmes intervened. While most passengers were flown back to Mumbai, 27 individuals remained in France, with two initially taken into custody on suspicion of people smuggling. They were later released and ordered to leave France. The remaining individuals, including five minors, have sought asylum.

The article discusses the historical significance of coupe-shaped glasses in French culture, particularly in the context of drinking champagne. It references Jean-Francois de Troy’s painting Le Déjeuner d’Huîtres from 1735, which is believed to depict the first image of Frenchmen drinking champagne. The painting can be viewed at Château de Chantilly, located north of Paris. The article also touches on the legend that these coupe glasses were modeled on the breasts of Madame de Pompadour or Marie Antoinette. The narrative suggests that these glasses have been a part of French drinking tradition since the time of Louis XV, with notable figures like Napoleon Bonaparte, Mark Twain, and Winston Churchill also enjoying fizz in similar glasses.

Princess Charlene of Monaco is reportedly living in Switzerland, away from her husband, Prince Albert. Their marriage is said to be troubled, with the couple only meeting by appointment and rarely seen together outside of formal events. This has been reported by German and French media. Charlene's Instagram account was recently deactivated. Despite efforts to present a united front, their last public appearance together at a Red Cross ball in Monaco suggested discomfort. Charlene and Albert have eight-year-old twins, and Albert has two other children. Bild, a German tabloid, cited an anonymous source discussing the couple's arrangement for caring for their children.

A woman has died, and twelve others have been hospitalized due to botulism after consuming sardines at Tchin Tchin Wine Bar in Bordeaux, France. The wine bar is known for its wine tastings and pairings and is popular among British tourists and foreign holidaymakers. The affected individuals include tourists from Ireland, the United States, Canada, and Germany, with at least seven in intensive care. Dr. Benjamin Clouzeau of Pellegrin Hospital confirmed the nationalities of the patients, while Mathieu Nguyen from the regional health agency linked all cases to the wine bar, specifying that the victims had eaten an artisanal sardine dish prepared at the establishment.

A French law graduate has successfully challenged the French government's limit on the number of cigarettes that can be brought into the country from other EU states. Previously, the limit was set at 200 cigarettes, but the Council of State, France's highest administrative court, ruled that France must adhere to the EU regulation that allows for 800 cigarettes. The court has mandated that the French government must amend its rules within six months to align with the EU standard. This case highlights the price disparities of cigarettes within the EU, with France having one of the higher costs per packet compared to neighboring countries.

The upcoming Netflix film 'Under Paris' features Bérénice Béjo as a scientist who confronts a giant shark in the Seine during Olympic and World Triathlon swimming events. Directed by Xavier Gens, known for 'Hitman' and 'Gangs of London', the film draws inspiration from 'Jaws' but with a twist. The shark in 'Under Paris' is portrayed more as a victim escaping pollution rather than a villain, subtly criticizing Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo's environmental policies. The film seems to blend suspense with a message on environmentalism.

The article discusses the concerns of Parisian restaurateurs regarding the upcoming Paris Olympics. A poll by the city's Chamber of Commerce indicates that nearly 40% of restaurant owners believe they will lose business during the Games. Some are considering closing their establishments due to an anticipated 'Airbnb effect', where locals may leave the city and rent out their homes, thus reducing the number of regular customers. Romain Vidal, from Le Sully restaurant, is worried that the influx of visitors will not compensate for this potential loss.

Pope Francis and French President Emmanuel Macron have discussed the issue of migration in Europe, with the Pope calling for more cooperation among European nations. The discussion took place in Marseilles, where the Pope gave a speech emphasizing the need for charity towards asylum seekers. President Macron responded by highlighting France's limitations in accepting migrants, stating that while the country should be humane towards those fleeing conflicts, it must also maintain rigor to protect its social model. Macron's comments come after the Pope's appeal to European leaders to not view migrants arriving on Lampedusa as 'invaders'.

La Sasse, a company producing Alpine mineral water, is selling its product at high prices despite the water having no special taste or mineral content. The sales director, Benoît Szymanski, admits that the water's purity is its selling point, likening the experience to drinking from a mountain stream. The water is sold at €9.90 per bottle in Paris and can cost up to €18 in a restaurant. The high price is partly justified by the bottle's design, created by a local craftsman, aiming to make the container as exceptional as the water itself. The company's approach has been highlighted in a segment on France 2 television.

France, traditionally celebrated for its exceptional wines, faces a challenge as international experts often show a preference for New World or other European wines. Australia recently topped the Decanter World Wine Awards, and the Wine Spectator's top ten included only three French wines. In response to concerns that French wines are being undervalued, the French newspaper Le Figaro turned to the AI chatbot ChatGPT to weigh in on the debate. The article suggests that ChatGPT has identified five top wines from France, indicating a form of support for French winemaking in the face of international competition.

An Irish woman reported being abducted and gang-raped by three men in Bordeaux, France, after attending the Rugby World Cup match between Ireland and Romania. The incident occurred late Sunday evening when she was returning to her Airbnb rental. Irish police officers, who were in Bordeaux to maintain order during the World Cup, assisted her in filing a complaint with the French police. She subsequently received medical attention at a local hospital.

During a presentation to President Macron, a new postage stamp intended to feature Marianne, a national symbol of France, was revealed to have a significant error. The stamp depicted Marianne with an emblem resembling the British Royal Air Force's roundel rather than the French Tricolore. The French cockade is traditionally blue, white, and red, but the artist Olivier Balez mistakenly reversed the colours, resulting in a red centre with a white circle and a blue outer ring. This blunder occurred only on a poster-sized image of the stamp and not on the stamp itself.

The article discusses the challenges faced by Paris, particularly its iconic 19th-century Haussmann-era apartment buildings, in coping with heatwaves. These buildings, known for their architectural beauty, are poorly insulated and become extremely hot during summer months. A study indicates that nearly a third of Parisians are highly vulnerable to heatwaves, which poses a significant risk of heat-related deaths. The French capital, despite being spared from the worst of the current heatwave affecting southern Europe, is revealed to be ill-equipped to handle extreme temperatures, with about 3.7 million people in the area classified as highly vulnerable.

The Church of Sainte-Catherine in France has removed artworks by Louis Ribes, a paedophile priest, after pressure from abuse survivors. Ribes, known for his stained glass work, was found to have abused at least 49 children. His art, which remains in four other churches, has been criticized for depicting children in poses that suggest sex acts. The removal comes two years after the Roman Catholic Church acknowledged the abuse. Survivors' groups continue to advocate for the removal of Ribes' remaining works.

Tony Parker, formerly of the San Antonio Spurs, is facing opposition from local residents in Villard-de-Lans, near Grenoble, France, for his plans to build a ski resort. Over 1,000 villagers have joined the Vercors Citizens group, which is considering legal action to prevent the development of a 900-bed hotel, shopping mall, swimming pool, and over 100 holiday apartments. The group is concerned about the environmental impact and the sustainability of skiing in the region due to climate change. They argue that the presence of Tony Parker will not increase snowfall, highlighting the challenges posed by climate change.

The French government has imposed a four-week ban on trawler fishing in the Bay of Biscay to protect dolphins, leading to significant distress among local fishermen. The ban, starting on January 22, affects boats longer than eight meters, halting the operations of about 500 vessels. Fishermen, like Olivier Argelas from Lège Cap-Ferret, express feelings of abandonment and financial concern as the ban prevents them from working during this period. The measure comes in response to the annual washing up of hundreds of dead dolphins along France’s Atlantic coast, a phenomenon that occurs between January and March.

Decathlon, a French retail chain, has reportedly continued its business operations in Russia by selling sportswear despite its previous commitment to cease operations in response to the invasion of Ukraine. The investigative website Disclose revealed that Decathlon sold its 60 Russian stores to the local brand Desport but has since continued to supply them with sportswear. Internal documents indicate that Decathlon has made at least £9.5 million from these sales. This continuation of business in Russia, where sports goods are not under international sanctions, has brought embarrassment to Decathlon, contradicting their earlier stance of withdrawing from the Russian market as a form of protest.

A 24-year-old woman, referred to as Socayna, was tragically killed in her flat in Marseilles, France, by a stray bullet during a gang shootout. The incident occurred when gang members engaged in gunfire on the street, with one of the bullets penetrating a wooden panel below her window. Socayna died in the hospital after being in a coma since the shooting. Gérald Darmanin, France's interior minister, expressed his condolences and highlighted the severity of the situation as he visited Marseilles to supervise police operations. This event marks the 44th fatality linked to gang violence in Marseilles this year, with an additional 110 people injured.

The Paris Olympics organisers are set to install large air purifiers near the athletes' accommodation to combat air pollution. These machines are designed to reduce fine particles in the air and have shown promising results in a trial conducted at a school playground, where they removed at least a third of air pollution. The purifiers are expected to help athletes breathe easier, especially given the proximity of the congested A86 motorway. The trial also indicated health benefits for children with asthma, who were able to reduce inhaler use.

A young man in his twenties is in critical condition after being discovered as a stowaway in the undercarriage of an Air Algeria plane at Orly airport in Paris. The man was found by technicians following a flight from Oran, Algeria, and is now suffering from severe hypothermia. He was taken to a hospital with life-threatening conditions. The article highlights the dangers faced by stowaways, including extreme cold and lack of oxygen, which often result in death during such attempts.

The French government, under President Macron, has announced a plan to invest €24 million to revamp the country's retail parks, which are often criticized for their unattractive appearance. These shopping areas, numbering around 1,500, are characterized by large car parks and chain stores in windowless, prefabricated buildings dating back to the 1970s. While small boutiques continue to thrive in wealthier town centers, these commercial centers are a significant part of daily life for the majority of the population. The initiative aims to address the negative perception of these 'commercial wastelands' and improve their aesthetic appeal.

Notre Dame cathedral in Paris is being fitted with a new firefighting system worth €2 million, designed to prevent a repeat of the catastrophic fire that occurred in 2019. The system includes a large water tank and over a kilometre of water pipes capable of delivering 600,000 litres of water per hour. The 2019 fire severely damaged the cathedral, causing its spire to collapse and the roof to be destroyed. The new measures are being taken to ensure the cathedral's protection against future fires, with the installation of a robust water supply system.

Chinese businessman Qu Naijie is set to face trial in France on charges of money laundering and tax fraud. Qu, who acquired 25 châteaux in Bordeaux for approximately €60 million, is accused of misappropriating €32 million in Chinese state subsidies intended for digital technology investment to finance these purchases. Additionally, Qu is suspected of using falsified vineyard sales documents to secure a €30 million loan from a Luxembourg subsidiary of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China. Exco Ecaf, an accounting firm once led by Pierre Goguet of the Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce, is implicated as an accessory in the case. Qu has been welcomed into Bordeaux's winemaking society, the Commanderie du Bontemps, but now denies any misconduct.

Paris has spent €6.5 million on graffiti removal in the past year, a figure that has more than doubled since 2020. The city is taking a stand against the defacement of public spaces, particularly as it prepares to host the Olympic Games. While street art has a place in the cultural landscape of neighbourhoods like Montmartre, the city council, led by first deputy mayor Emmanuel Grégoire, is targeting taggers and political slogans that mar the city's historic architecture. The article mentions the case of a tagger who was fined and received a suspended prison sentence for his actions.

The article discusses the conflict between the Paris authorities and the bouquinistes, the second-hand booksellers who have been a cultural fixture along the Seine for four centuries. The authorities have ordered the bouquinistes to close their stalls during the Paris Olympics next year, citing security risks and potential obstructions to views of the opening ceremony. The booksellers are protesting this decision, fearing that the loss of business during the summer could lead to the end of their traditional trade. The Académie Française, France's top cultural body, has expressed support for the bouquinistes, highlighting the cultural significance of their presence by the river.

French Justice Minister Éric Dupond-Moretti is currently on trial, facing charges of misusing his office to target judges who had previously investigated him. This marks the first time a serving government minister in modern France has been prosecuted for a criminal offence. The trial itself has sparked controversy and raised concerns about the integrity of the French legal system and democracy, given that the prosecutors and judges involved are subordinate to Dupond-Moretti's position. The minister has described the trial as an 'abomination' and is accused of initiating disciplinary actions against four judges connected to past investigations of him, his clients, or associates, including cases involving former President Nicolas Sarkozy.

In France, there has been a significant increase in workers taking sick leave, with 44% of the workforce taking at least one day off due to illness last year. This trend has led to criticism of French general practitioners (GPs), who are now facing pressure from health authorities to issue fewer sick notes. The health insurance fund has seen a 7.4% increase in sick pay costs, reaching €14 billion, excluding Covid-related absences. A survey by insurer Axa highlighted the extent of the absenteeism. In response, health authorities are targeting a small percentage of GPs, approximately 2%, who are believed to be contributing to the high rate of sick leave by being lenient with issuing sick notes for minor complaints.

The article discusses a new discovery regarding Leonardo da Vinci's painting technique for the Mona Lisa. Scientists have found that Leonardo was using a revolutionary approach by experimenting with a unique type of lead oil paint as he started the iconic artwork around 1503. He created a thick, opaque base layer or primer for the painting's wooden panel by dissolving lead oxide powder in linseed or walnut oil. This insight sheds light on the innovative methods employed by Leonardo, who was not only a renowned artist but also an accomplished scientist.

The funeral of the beloved singer and actress Jane Birkin was held at Saint-Roch church in Paris, where she had lived for over fifty years. Among the attendees were Brigitte Macron, France's first lady, and renowned actresses Catherine Deneuve and Charlotte Rampling. Fans of Birkin gathered outside the church and listened to her songs, which were played on speakers in the street. The most poignant moment of the ceremony was when Birkin's daughter, Lou Doillon, delivered a heartfelt tribute to her mother.

The article discusses Paloma Picasso's perspective on her father, Pablo Picasso, and her role in managing his estate. Despite acknowledging his flaws, including his treatment of women and controversies surrounding his use of African art, Paloma defends his legacy. She is set to take over the Picasso Administration from her brother Claude, overseeing the rights to Picasso's works and related merchandising. The article also touches on the family's internal disputes, particularly regarding the failed release of NFTs by other family members. Paloma plans to involve younger family members in the estate's management and is interested in innovative ways to engage new audiences with her father's art, such as immersive exhibitions. The article also reflects on the influence of Picasso's art, including its relevance to contemporary issues like peace and freedom.