Read news from:
Austria
SHARE
COPY LINK

WHAT CHANGES IN FRANCE

On the Agenda: What’s happening in France this week

From the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings to the end of the French Open and European elections, here's what is happening in France this week.

Published: 2 June 2024 06:24 CEST
On the Agenda: What’s happening in France this week
Aircraft during a flypast over the French national flag at the British Normandy Memorial during the 79th anniversary of the World War II "D-Day" landings in 2023. (Photo by LOU BENOIST / AFP)

Monday

Farmers’ demonstration and roadblock – French and Spanish farmers have announced they will block roads along the border of France and Spain on Monday. As a result, motorists should expect traffic delays on the A9 and D900 motorways near the border.

Taylor Swift concerts – After her Paris gigs, the American superstar will return to France for concerts in Lyon at the Groupama Stadium, including one on Monday, June 3rd.

Wednesday

Football – The French men’s national football team will play against Luxembourg at 9pm in Metz, as part of a friendly match ahead of the Euros. Their first official match will be against Austria on June 17th.

Thursday

D-Day Anniversary – June 6th marks the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, France. Throughout the month, there will be several events to commemorate the historic event, in addition to official ceremonies on the actual day which are expected to be attended by several heads of state, including Britain’s King Charles III, US President Joe Biden and France’s president Emmanuel Macron.

READ MORE: What to expect for the 80th anniversary of D-Day in France

Cinemas around France will have special screenings of Saving Private Ryan, while the Paris-based cinema club Lost in Frenchlation is screening the classic French World War II film La Grande Vadrouille.

Tax declaration deadlines – Inhabitants of the French départements numbering 55 to 96, as well as the overseas territories, must turn in their French tax declarations by 11.59pm on June 6th. All other départements should have already submitted their declarations.

Saturday

The end of the French Open – The finals of the Roland-Garros tournament will take place on June 8th and 9th.

Sunday

European elections – In mainland France, plus the overseas territories of Réunion, Mayotte, Nouvelle-Calédonie and Wallis and Futuna, polling takes place on Sunday, June 9th. Polling stations will be set up in the same places as for national and local elections – usually town halls, leisure centres and other public buildings – to elect France’s representatives in the European parliament.

READ ALSO: Can foreign residents in France vote in the European elections?

Member comments

Log in here to leave a comment.
Become a Member to leave a comment.

WHAT CHANGES IN FRANCE

On the Agenda: What’s happening in France this week

France is still holding out for an actual government but, while we wait, there’s a decisive early step in the possible impeachment of President Emmanuel Macron, plus an airline strike and heritage days.

Published: 15 September 2024 09:10 CEST
Updated: 16 September 2024 08:26 CEST
On the Agenda: What’s happening in France this week

Monday

Airline strike – Budget airline easyJet’s announcement that it is to close one of its main hubs in south-west France has, perhaps unsurprisingly, prompted French unions to call for an ‘unlimited’ strike, with the strike notice running from Monday.

READ ALSO French easyJet staff call strike over hub closure in south-west France

A government? – Newly appointed prime minister Michel Barnier is still attempting to assemble the ministers to form his government. Last week he said that a government would be announced “next week” although exactly when is still unclear.

Tuesday

Impeachment process – The Bureau de l’Assemblée nationale decides on Tuesday whether an impeachment procedure against Emmanuel Macron initiated by La France Insoumise is admissable. In the event of a favourable vote, the text will be forwarded for examination to the 73 deputies of the Commission des lois, who will decide on the adoption or rejection of the text. If it then passes that stage, it will be debated in parliament – although it is thought highly unlikely that the motion will attract the support of enough MPs.

READ ALSO Can French President Emmanuel Macron really be impeached?

Thursday 

Carpooling – A word of warning if you’re driving in part of south-east France. The Isère prefecture has confirmed that the radars on the carpool lane on the A48, between Grenoble and Lyon, go into service on Thursday, September 19th. Any driver alone in their car in carpool lanes – which are marked with a diamond – from this date faces a fine of €135.

READ ALSO The French road sign that can net you a €135 fine if you ignore it

Friday 

Lab walkout – Something to be aware of if you need a blood test. Medical analysis laboratories in France will strike from Friday, September 20th, until Monday, September 23rd, inclusive in protest against cuts in fees for procedures planned by the French health insurance system.

Saturday 

Journées du patrimoine – On Saturday, September 21st, and Sunday, September 22nd, more than 25,000 fascinating sites – many of which are not normally available to the public – will put on events across France for the Journées du patrimoine (heritage days).

READ ALSO 12 places to visit on France’s 2024 Heritage Days

Sunday 22

Equinox – The autumnal equinox marks the moment the Sun crosses the celestial equator from north to south. The exact (French) time it happens in 2024, is 2.43pm on Sunday. The equinox marks the end of astronomical summer in the Northern Hemisphere.

SHOW COMMENTS