Thousands of people across France on Saturday marched against “attacks on freedoms” and what organisers say is a growing influence of far-right ideas ahead of next year’s presidential elections. Members of more than 100 left-leaning organisations participated in the “Liberty March” in some 140 cities and towns across the country. The march was the first […]
Paris
French rock group Indochine plays Covid trial gig in Paris
Starved of live music for the past year, fans of veteran French rock band Indochine on Saturday got the chance to see their idols in concert, all in the name of Covid-19 research. Around 5,000 concert goers were taking part in the experimental event at Paris’s Bercy concert hall. A further 2,500 volunteers who did […]
Notre-Dame’s square closed over lead pollution risks
The square in front of Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris has been closed to the public after tests again revealed high concentrations of toxic lead particles, the Paris police department said Tuesday. The fire that ravaged the 13th-century monument two years ago melted some 300 tonnes of lead panelling in the roof, spewing the metal across […]
Four killed in attack on Paris police HQ
PARIS: Four people have been killed in an attack on the police headquarters in Paris on Thursday, a police source told Reuters. The attacker was also killed. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo confirmed that “several people” were fatally wounded. The premises were cordoned off around lunchtime, and emergency services were at the scene, AFP journalists observed. […]
Macron showcases Europe military prowess at Paris parade
French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday sought to showcase European military cooperation in the annual Bastille Day parade at a time of growing tensions between Europe the United States. Key EU leaders, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, joined Macron to watch the parade down the Champs-Elysees that marks the […]
Paris Air Show: After Boeing showstopper, Airbus seeks order bounce
Airbus, reeling from the potential loss of a major customer for its best-selling A320neo as British Airways owner IAG placed a lifeline order for the grounded 737 MAX, prepared to hit back with more orders for its A321XLR on Wednesday. The planemaker has been negotiating with US airlines investor Bill Franke whose Indigo Partners has […]
Young, pregnant urged to take blood tests for lead after Notre-Dame fire
The Paris health authorities have urged children and pregnant women living around Notre-Dame cathedral to have the levels of lead in their blood checked amid concerns over the impact of the fire. The appeal comes after a child living on the Ile de la Cite island in central Paris where Notre-Dame stands was found to […]
‘Saturated’ Paris tells e-scooter fleets to clean up
Paris authorities have warned operators of the thousands of electric scooters that have inundated the city to keep them off pavements or face a temporary ban amid rising complaints from pedestrians. On Monday, the ten competitors who have launched services in Paris all signed a “code of good conduct” with the mayor’s office, which says […]
Notre-Dame, soul of the French nation
Paris was struck in its very heart on Monday as flames devoured the roof of Notre-Dame, the medieval cathedral made famous by Victor Hugo, its two massive towers flanked with gargoyles instantly recognisable even by people who have never visited the city. Thousands of Parisians poured into the streets to watch as the fire spread, […]
Billionaires and private donors mobilise to rebuild Notre-Dame
Billionaires and private donors pledged hundreds of millions of euros on Tuesday to help rebuild Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris which has been devastated by fire. President Emmanuel Macron has vowed the emblematic monument will be rebuilt after its spire and roof collapsed Monday night in a blaze thought to be linked to extensive renovation work. […]