Barnier’s programme for governement

France’s new prime minister Michel Barnier will give his general policy speech in front of France’s Assemblée Nationale on Tuesday, October 1st.

The speech is a critical step for Barnier’s new government, as it will present Barnier’s programme, as well as the legislation he intends to put forward, scrap or defend while in office. The likely subjects will include Barnier’s four main priorities – outlined here.

Strike call

Several French unions, including the CGT, FSU and Solidaires, have called for walkouts and mobilisation on October 1st, in hopes of pushing the new government to reverse the highly contested pension reform, which passed in 2023. Many sectors are expected to participate, including public transport staff, teachers, and public service employees.

There will also be protests across France. In Paris, the march will depart from Place Denfert Rochereau at 2pm.

EasyJet strike

Unions representing easyJet staff at Toulouse airport have filed a strike notice running from September 16th to December 16th. So far, no actual strike days have been announced and the unions say that negotiations are ongoing.

Bordeaux airport

The budget airline Ryanair leaves Bordeaux airport on October 27th after failing to come to an agreement with the airport on fees. This will affect several routes between the UK and south-west France, although airport bosses say they are in talks to find replacements.

Christmas train tickets go on sale

With Christmas now on the horizon, French train operators will open ticket sales for the festive period on October 2nd.

Budget bill

France’s delayed budget is due to be presented to the Assemblée nationale on October 9th. France is facing a ballooning deficit and the threat of a downgrade from ratings agencies if it cannot get spending under control. It will be up to 33-year-old Antoine Armand, the newly appointed finance minister, to put the budget forward. 

Festival du Film Britannique et Irlandais

Not to be outdone by American cinema celebrations in Deauville, Normandy, the Brittany resort of Dinard – arguably one of the most British of French seaside resorts – celebrates cinema from the western archipelago between October 2nd and October 6th.

No details about the films on show were available at the time of writing, but click here for more details.

READ ALSO: Why does the French seaside town Dinard host an annual British film festival?

Francophonie summit

Every two years, there is a ‘summit of La Francophonie’ which gathers international leaders from French-speaking countries. This year, it will be held at France’s new Cité internationale de la langue française at the Château de Villers-Cotterêts in northern France – between Paris and Reims. It will run from October 4th to 5th.

Benefits delayed

People receiving CAF benefits will see their payments slightly delayed in October. Normally, they go out on the 5th of each month, but in October they will be paid on the 7th. 

The Fête des Vendanges 

Also known as the Montmartre grape harvest festival – the fête des vendages de Montmartre is an annual celebration to commemorate the harvesting of grapes from the Clos Montmartre – an urban vineyard located on the slopes of the Montmartre hills in Paris’ 18th arrondisement. It will run from October 9th to 15th. More information here. 

Covid and flu vaccination campaigns

The campaign for both vaccines will start on October 15th. 

The Health Ministry is advising the over-65s, people with long-term health issues, pregnant women, immunosuppressed people and care-home residents to get both vaccines.

Those who come into regular contact with immunosuppressed people and people who are vulnerable to respiratory illness are also recommended to get a shot. Even if you don’t fall into any of these categories, you are also eligible to receive a shot if you wish. 

This year, there will not be a specific prioritisation period for at-risk groups. As with last year, it will again be possible to get both vaccines at the same time. Full details of the campaign will be released nearer the time.

READ MORE: How and where can I get a flu vaccine in France?

Taxe foncière deadlines

The taxe foncière is the tax paid by all property owners in France, regardless of whether it is your main residence, a second home or you rent it out.

People paying online will have until October 20th at midnight to either pay or set up a direct debit. The money will be taken out of your account five days later.

Meanwhile, those paying by other means (cheques, cash, etc) will need to pay by October 15th. However, this would only be possible if your bill is under €300.

READ ALSO: Calendar: 2024 French property tax deadlines

School holidays

The Toussaint holidays – will take place across France for all children of school-age from October 19th to November 4th, straddling the public holiday of Toussaint (All Saints Day) on Friday, November 1st.

Clocks go back 

At 3am on Sunday, October 27th, the clock goes back one hour in France as daylight saving time ends. Be careful not to miss your alarm. 

Fête du Piment 

Are you a fan of spicy food or chilli peppers? If so, this festival is the one for you. Though it takes place in France’s Basque country, as the picturesque town of Espelette celebrates the pepper that has made it world famous on October 26th and 27th.

More information here.

READ MORE: Festivals and events: What’s on in France this autumn 2024?

Halloween

While Halloween is definitely not as popular in France as it is in the United States, it is becoming more common. Some neighbourhoods may do ‘trick-or-treating’ for kids.

For those looking to get dressed up and enjoy a spooky evening, you might consider attending one of the events at Disney or Parc Asterix. Most years, there is a ‘zombie walk’ parade in Paris, though this does not typically take place on Halloween itself. Good news for people planning a Halloween party – the day after Halloween (All Saints Day) is a public holiday, so you can get a lie in.

READ MORE: A guide for how to enjoy fall in France for homesick Americans

Secondary school financial aid deadline

Lower income families who have children in collège (middle school) or at a lycée (high school) are eligible for financial support to help pay for things like school meals, textbooks and other school equipment. 

These grants are known as the bourse de collège and bourse de lycée. The amount paid out is dependent on the your income and number of children in your care. You can see the rates here and here.

These grants must be applied for online via this the EduConnect portal by October 17th. A user guide – in French – is available here for first-time users. If you want to check your eligibility, you can use this simulator for collège students and this simulator for lycée students.