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French diplomat in Mali sentenced to 20 years in prison for 'undermining state security'

A court in Mali has sentenced a French intelligence agent with diplomatic status to 20 years in prison for “undermining state security”, judicial sources said Friday, in a ruling that further strains already fraught relations between the West African junta-led state and its former colonial ruler France.

Why is Paris's oldest bridge called the 'New Bridge'?

🌉 A runway for a Louis Vuitton show, covered entirely in fabric as part of two artistic installations, home to a now-demolished water pump... the oldest bridge in Paris, Pont Neuf, has seen it all. Why, then, does its name translate to "New Bridge"? FRANCE 24's Tanishk Saha explains.

Parisians will be able to swim for a second year in the Seine

Parisians will once again be able to swim in the Seine this summer, city officials said Friday, building on the success of last year's historic reopening of the river after a century-long ban and a massive clean-up effort ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Zverev eases past Mensik in French Open semifinals, in striking distance of elusive Grand Slam title

Germany's Alexander Zverev on Friday moved within one win of his first Grand Slam title by beating Czech Jakub Mensik in four sets to reach the French Open final. The second seed will face either Flavio Cobolli or Matteo Arnaldi after a 7-5, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 victory as he chases a long-awaited crown at the majors.

Holocaust remembrance: Newly discovered photos illustrate previously-unknown roundup of French Jews

François Picard is pleased to welcome Dr. Jean-Marc Dreyfus, Historian, Professor of Modern History at the University of Manchester, Chief Editor of 'La Revue d'Histoire de la Shoah' and one of the curators of the Shoah Memorial in Paris photography exhibit highlighting the discovery of 98 previously unknown photographs documenting the May 14, 1941 roundup of foreign Jews in Paris. It represents one of the most significant visual revelations in Holocaust historiography in recent years, the i...

FRANCE 24 journalists forced to sign NDA after asking about open letter against media mogul Bolloré

Two FRANCE 24 journalists were forced to sign a non-disclosure agreement after asking an actor about an open letter protesting the growing role of far-right billionaire Vincent Bolloré in French cinema. Signed by hundreds of industry professionals, the letter prompted the head of the Canal+ Group – France’s largest film financier – to announce it would no longer work with the signatories. 

France opens torture, 'war crime' probe over Israel's treatment of Gaza flotilla activists

Outcry over judicial missteps linked to missing girl prompts French govt reckoning

French Prime ⁠Minister Sebastien Lecornu summoned ​the interior minister, the justice minister and others on Friday over the ​case of a missing 11-year-old girl that has sparked an outcry over judicial missteps and missed opportunities to intervene, the government said. Lyhanna, currently identified only by ​her ‌first name, was reported missing in her small southern ⁠French town of Fleurance on May 29 after she left her middle school in the ‌afternoon. The suspect arrested in the case, the ...

France questions judicial system after girl's suspected murder

France's government was on Friday assessing possible judicial failings, after allegations investigators could have prevented a 11-year-old girl's disappearance by better dealing with previous sexual abuse complaints. Incomprehension has grown nationwide after it emerged the suspect had twice previously been formally accused of raping a child, but the investigations had either been dropped or stalled. FRANCE 24's James André reports.

France probes judicial 'dysfunction' after suspected murder of 11‑year‑old Lyhanna

The French government is set to probe what President Emmanuel Macron on Friday described as "dysfunction" in the judicial system following the suspected killing of an 11-year-old girl named Lyhanna in southwest France. The main suspect in the case had twice been formally accused of raping a child, with investigations either dropped or stalled.

Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska carries fairytale run into French Open final

Polish world number 114 Maja Chwalinska made French Open history on Thursday as she beat Russian Diana Shnaider in straight sets to become the first qualifier to go all the way to the final at Roland Garros – and only the second in Grand Slam history after Emma Raducanu's title run at the US Open in 2021.

Outrage in France as body discovered in case of missing 11‑year‑old Lyhanna

Outrage erupted in France on Thursday after a body was discovered in the search for 11-year-old schoolgirl Lyhanna and it was revealed that the key suspect had been repeatedly accused of sexually abusing children but no action had been taken. The body has yet to be formally identified.

France's ban on Israeli weapons at Eurosatory 'shameful', says economy minister

Speaking to FRANCE 24, Nir Barkat, Israel's economy minister called France's decision to ban Israeli offensive weapons from the Eurosatory defence fair "shameful", warning that Israel would "bypass France" to reach its customers. He argued Israel had "no choice but to eliminate" Iran's capabilities, and said he preferred "to be alive and deal with my image" rather than worry about Israel's battered reputation abroad.

Andreeva races past error-prone Kostyuk to reach French Open final

Mirra Andreeva beat an erratic Marta Kostyuk in straight sets at the French Open on Thursday to reach her first Grand Slam final. The 19-year-old from Russia drew on her defeat against the same opponent at the Madrid Open earlier this year to deliver a tactical masterclass at Roland Garros, ending the Ukrainian's 17-match unbeaten run on clay.

Iranian-French artist Marjane Satrapi, author of 'Persepolis,' dies at 56

French cartoonist and filmmaker Marjane Satrapi, a prominent advocate for women's rights and author of “Persepolis,” has died at 56, the French presidency said Thursday. Satrapi is best-known for her monochrome autobiographical comic book and film “Persepolis,” a coming-of-age tale set against the Islamic Revolution in her native Iran.

Third Places: Where to hang out in France

We take a look at hanging out in France, and why "third places" or "tiers-lieux" in French, are increasingly popular here. We discover what exactly these spaces are, how they promote community and democracy,and how to ask someone to spend time together in French.

Outrage in France over alleged judicial dysfunctions in missing girl case

Outrage has erupted in France after it emerged the main suspect in the case of an 11-year-old girl missing since last week had been repeatedly accused of abusing children but no action was taken to protect others. Lyhanna, 11, went missing on Friday near the village of Fleurance in southwestern France, after she was last seen getting into a man's car.

A cutural stroll through Paris with musician Alice Taglioni and pastry chef Jessica Préalpato

This week on Paris des Arts, meet two artists who refuse to be put in a box. Actress Alice Taglioni shares her love of the piano, and Jessica Préalpato, named the world's best pastry chef in 2019, reinvents afternoon tea in four different courses.

The art of the apéro: Exploring how France unwinds

This week we’re taking a look at a much-loved pillar of French culture: apéro. This ritual gathering takes place before dinner, typically between 6pm and 8pm, it’s a moment when friends, family, neighbors, or colleagues meet for drinks and snacks. A majority of French people say it’s part of their national heritage. So what do people drink and eat? And what are the etiquette rules to this beloved tradition?

Summer blockbuster: Why the French keep coming back to Charles de Gaulle

The release of a two-part summer blockbuster on General Charles de Gaulle’s fight to rally resistance to Nazi occupation is yet another sign that the once-divisive figure continues to fascinate the French public. And while his name risks being turned into an empty signifier of fading French glory on the lips of politicians of every stripe, his call for France to forge its own foreign policy – free of Washington’s dictates – may have found new relevance as Europe’s relationship with the US wo...

French-Iranian author Marjane Satrapi dead at 56

French-Iranian author Marjane Satrapi, author of 'Persepolis', dies of 'sadness' at 56

French-Iranian author and illustrator Marjane Satrapi, best known for the book and film “Persopolis”, has died of "sadness", members of her entourage said Thursday. She was 56.

French Open: Arnaldi advances to the semi-finals after Berrettini retires

Italy’s Matteo Berrettini withdrew from his French Open quarter-final due to a hip injury, sending Matteo Arnaldi through to the semi-finals, where he will face compatriot Flavio Cobolli, who defeated Félix Auger-Aliassime.

Algeria court clears way for pardon of jailed French journalist Christophe Gleizes

French sports journalist Christophe Gleizes, detained in Algeria since 2024 on terror charges, may be eligible for a possible presidential pardon, his lawyers said Wednesday. Algeria's Court de Cassation, the country's highest appeals court, rejected prosecutors' calls for a tougher sentence, and noted the withdrawal of the defendant's own appeal. 

France arrests Russian captain of Moscow-linked oil tanker

The captain of the Tagor, a tanker suspected of belonging to Russia’s “ghost fleet” that was boarded in the Atlantic Ocean by the French Navy, was taken into custody on Tuesday, announced Brest prosecutor Stéphane Kellenberger.

Paris's Saint-Germain-des-Prés book fair returns

The Saint-Germain-des-Prés book fair is a literary rendez-vous at the famous Parisien café, Les Deux Magots. To the delight of book lovers, the event is returning for its third year, bringing a rich and modern programme to the Left Bank historical venue where Boris Vian, Jean-Paul Sartre and Ernest Hemingway once gathered. It's a new chapter in the neighbourhood's literary tradition, inspired by a bygone era. In Entre Nous, Angela Diffley speaks to Gaëlle Le Gall Nicolas, marketing director ...

Shnaider beats Sabalenka at French Open to make semi-finals

Under Paris's Notre Dame, archaeologists are unearthing 2,000 years of history

Since Notre Dame Cathedral reopened to the public in 2024 following a devastating fire, it has been one of the most popular tourist destinations in Paris. What many don’t realize is that the work continues near the cathedral underground. To make way for trees and shade on the square in front of the church, workers have undertaken a significant archaeological dig.

France's recognition of its role in 1994 Rwanda genocide marks historic turning point

François Picard is pleased to welcome Juliette Bour, historian and author of a forthcoming book in French entitled "Like Men: Women Politicians Complicit in the Rwandan Genocide". More than three decades after the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, France continues to confront difficult questions about its political, military and diplomatic role during one of the most horrific atrocities of the 20th century. The inauguration of a memorial and monument in Paris, attended by President ...

French Open: Zverev reaches semis as Grand Slam dream lives on

Alexander Zverev defeated Rafael Jodar (7-6, 6-1, 6-3) in the quarter-finals at Roland Garros. Having now reached the semi-finals, he can still hope to win his first Grand Slam title.

Zverev reaches French Open semi-finals as Mensik ends Fonseca run

German tennis player Alexander Zverev moved within two wins of a maiden Grand Slam title by reaching the French Open semi-finals on Tuesday, while Czech rising star Jakub Mensik ended Joao Fonseca's dream run. In the women's draw, Marta Kostyuk and Mirra Andreeva booked a last-four showdown in Paris.

Macron unveils Rwanda genocide memorial in Paris, marking 'quest for truth'

French President ⁠Emmanuel Macron and ​his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame on Tuesday inaugurated a ​memorial in Paris honouring the victims of the 1994 genocide. Unveiling the installation on the banks of the Seine, Macron said the monument marked "the culmination of a long and patient quest for truth" in confronting France's failure to heed warnings of the impending massacres more than 30 years ago.

Fifteen years on, the Dupont de Ligonnès case still haunts France

For more than 15 years, the fate of Xavier Dupont de Ligonnès has remained one of France’s biggest mysteries. The 50-year-old is suspected of having murdered his entire family and burying them in concrete under their home before fleeing the scene. Now, the discovery of an obscure online account – active several years after his disappearance – has reignited speculation that France’s most wanted man may still be alive.

1994 Tutsi Genocide: 'French government has never fully come to terms with its involvement'

Annette Young is pleased to welcome Phil Clark, Professor of International Politics at SOAS University of London. He specialises in conflict and post-conflict issues. As French President Emmanuel Macron and Rwandan President Paul Kagame inaugurate a new memorial in Paris dedicated to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, profound questions remain about France's historical role and the limits of reconciliation between Paris and Kigali. Beneath the symbolism of remembrance lies a...

Celine Dion announces new Paris dates to meet demand

If you tried and failed to get tickets to see Celine Dion in Paris this fall, all is not lost. Due to what the concert organiser called “exceptional demand,” the singer has added ten new dates in May of 2027. This will be Celine Dion’s first concert residency since 2020 – and since being diagnosed with a rare neurological disease called Stiff Person’s syndrome.

French wine made in late 1890s and hidden under Czech castle lovingly restored

Eight bottles of Chateau d'Yquem – one of the world's most expensive white wines – were among a collection of 136 bottles discovered under a Czech castle floor that were hidden by the owners after the end of World War II. They have now been restored by the original French winemakers in what the cellar master called a "magical experience" of preserving "liquid memory".

French slavery law repealed: 'Now we can start talking about reparations,' historian says

Now that France has finally repealed the so-called Code Noir or Black Code, experts are urging the country to also consider the issue of reparations. The Code Noir was the law that effectively regulated slavery by making people like property, notably in the French colonies – enabling people to be worked, beaten, sold, raped and even killed. It was only repealed last week, even though France abolished slavery back in 1848. In Perspective, we spoke to Olivette Otele, a historian and professor ...

Japanese tech giant pledges massive investment for French data centres

Japanese SoftBank’s group announced 45 billion euros of investment in France by 2031 and the opening of three data centres. Data centre operators are choosing the country because it has space to expand and ample electricity thanks to its nuclear plants.

French astronauts set for 2027 voyages to ISS and first commercial space station

French astronauts Thomas Pesquet and Arnaud Prost will embark on separate space missions in 2027 US company Vast announced on Tuesday. Prost is set to visit the Vast-developed Haven-1 commercial space station, which is scheduled to be deployed next year after years of delays, and Pesquet will launch on a private Vast mission to the International Space Station.

French Open: Aryna Sabalenka prevails in night session game against Naomi Osaka

Aryna Sabalenka made easy work of Naomi Osaka (7-5, 6-3) in round of 16. She will face Russia's Diana Shnaider in the quarter-final.

'Vitiforestry': French winemakers plant trees in bid to counter climate change

Winemakers across France are experimenting with the ancient practice of "vitiforestry" – growing trees alongside vines – to tackle the modern issue of climate change, and many are impressed with the results. As the world faces increasingly unpredictable weather, trees can help protect vines from spring frosts and provide shade during heatwaves.

Sabalenka beats Osaka, Berrettini reaches quarter finals at French Open

Aryna Sabalenka strengthened her French Open title bid on Monday by defeating Naomi Osaka to reach the quarter-finals, while Matteo Berrettini continued his comeback from injury with a place in his first Grand Slam quarter-final since 2022. The world number one is now the only major champion left in the singles draws at Roland Garros.

France bans Israeli offensive weapons from major defence show

France has banned the display of Israeli offensive weapons at the 2026 Eurosatory international defence and security exhibition, organisers said Monday. While the Israeli defence ministry denounced the "disgraceful decision", Eurosatory organisers said Israeli defence systems were authorised to participate, according to a French government decision.

French doctors sound alarm over drinking water pollution

Pesticides, microplastics and so-called forever chemicals: that’s the cocktail of substances millions of French people are exposed to simply from drinking tap water. According to France's National Association of Health professionals, representing private practice doctors, at least 30 percent of the population was exposed to contaminated water at least once in 2024. FRANCE 24's Environment Editor Valerie Dekimpe tells us more.

France seizes Russia-linked oil tanker

France's navy has intercepted a sanctioned tanker linked to the Russian oil trade in the Atlantic Ocean and ordered the vessel to head for the French mainland, in a move Russia said was illegal and bordered on "international ​piracy". French President Emmanuel ‌Macron on Monday posted a video on X showing commandos rappelling from helicopters onto the Tagor, during ⁠an operation that occurred the previous day in international waters 400 miles (740 km) west of Brittany.

The school abuse scandals that have triggered France to weigh new law

French lawmakers are set to debate a bill aimed at protecting children and combatting violence in schools. The legislation was drafted in the wake of a parliamentary investigation into the Bétharram abuse scandal, which exposed decades of mistreatment at a Catholic-run school in southwestern France. It also comes at the same time as Paris investigators probe allegations non-teaching staff recruited by the city mistreated or abused children at dozens of shcools across the capital.

France debates bill to protect children in wake of school abuse scandal

French lawmakers are set to debate a bill aimed at protecting children and combatting violence in schools. The legislation was drafted in the wake of a parliamentary investigation into the Betharram abuse scandal, which exposed decades of mistreatment at a Catholic-run school in southwestern France.

The week in pictures: Europe's shock early heatwave, French Open battles and the Blue Origin blast

Former title holders crashed out at Paris's Roland-Garros tennis stadium and PSG faced off with Arsenal in Budapest to win their second Champions League final in a row as a heatwave shattered European temperature records for the month of May: FRANCE 24 looks back at some of the week's most striking images.

European champions PSG set for heroes' welcome in Paris – under heavy security

Fresh from their Champions League final win in Budapest, Paris Saint-Germain players are set to parade on the Champs-de-Mars in front of the Eiffel Tower on Sunday, ahead of a presidential reception at the Élysée Palace and a party at their Parc des Princes stadium. But security will be tight after overnight celebrations were marred by violence, a deadly road accident and hundreds of arrests.

Swiatek out of French Open as Kostyuk, Svitolina book all-Ukrainian quarter-final

Iga Swiatek became the latest former title holder to crash out of the French Open on Sunday after losing in straight sets to Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine, meaning there are no former champions left at Roland Garros in either the men's or the women's draws. Kostyuk, who remains unbeaten on clay this season, will take on compatriot Elina Svitolina for a place in the semis.

More than 280 arrested in Paris as clashes erupt on PSG victory night

More than 400 people on Saturday were detained across France, including 283 in Paris alone, after violent clashes erupted when thousands poured onto the streets after Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League final victory. It was not immediately clear how many of these individuals were remanded in custody to face further investigation.

Defending champion Gauff eliminated from French Open by Potapova

Reigning French Open champion Coco Gauff lost in three sets to Austrian Anastasia Potapova to end to her Roland Garros title defence on Saturday.

Heat Wave Grips France

France is sweltering in an "unprecedented" heatwave for May - says the French meteorological service. Skyrocketing temperatures have broken records this month. We speak with Fabio D'Andrea, a CNRS climatologist and head of the geosciences department of ENS about the cause.

Inmates in overcrowded French prison say heatwave makes conditions 'inhumane'

As a heatwave continued to rage in Paris Friday afternoon, French MP Clémentine Autain visited an overcrowded prison in the Seine-Saint-Denis suburb of the capital and witnessed conditions that inmates describe as “inhumane".

Glittering Osaka prolongs French Open run with victory over Jovic

For the first time in her career, world No.16 Naomi Osaka advanced to the fourth round of the French Open on Saturday with a 7-6 (7-5), 6-7 (3-7), 6-4 victory over American Iva Jovic.

France mourns intellectual 'grandfather', sociologist and philosopher Edgar Morin

France is mourning the loss of Edgar Morin. The country's favorite intellectual has passed away at the age of 104. President Emmanuel Macron paid him tribute - calling Morin 'humanism personified' - and offered his loved ones the condolences of the Nation. A look back at his life with Caroline Baum.

"Choose France" summit to kick off as factory closures multiply

In France, Emmanuel Macron toured the French factory of German-owned Thermomix kitchen appliances on Friday… one of over 100 industrial and business sites opening to the public this weekend in the leadup to the French President's annual "Choose France" summit on Monday. Macron will be hosting some 200 foreign business leaders at Versailles palace, hoping to set a new record for foreign investment. But this comes as France's economy is struggling, with factory closures outnumbering openings, ...

UCL final: Raising concerns in Paris that troublemakers will cause unrest

Paris is preparing to mark a Champions League final involving Paris Saint-Germain for the second year in a row. This time, PSG faces Arsenal in Budapest, and once again the event is expected to attract tens of thousands of fans to screening venues in the French capital, raising concerns that troublemakers could use the occasion as an opportunity to cause unrest. Details by Charlotte Hughes.

French intellectual and inventor of 'cinema verité' Edgar Morin dies at 104

French intellectual Edgar Morin has died at the age of 104, his wife said Saturday. The World War II Resistance member dedicated his life to promoting critical thinking and combatting intolerance. Outside of France he was best known as the inventor of "cinema verité" for his 1961 documentary with filmmaker Jean Rouch "Chronique d'un ete" ("Chronicle of a Summer").

Romania hit by drone strike: Foreign Minister speaks to FRANCE 24

It was two o’clock in the morning when the explosion hit — a Russian drone smashing into the tenth floor of an apartment block in the Romanian town of Galati, just 11 kilometres from the Ukrainian border.

Romania scrambled two F-16 fighter jets and a military helicopter, while emergency alerts were sent to residents across the affected region. Two people were injured and the apartment building was swiftly evacuated.

The incident has sparked condemnation across NATO capitals and raised fr...

Djokovic knocked out in French Open third round by Brazil's Fonseca

Former RT France chief Xenia Fedorova fuels concerns over pro-Kremlin influence in French media

French officials and analysts are raising the alarm after former RT France chief Xenia Fedorova began appearing regularly on major conservative media outlets in the country. They warn that Kremlin-aligned narratives are gaining visibility ahead of crucial elections, testing the limits of free speech in France. 

France: 'We must consider the effect climate policies will have on the poorest'

🌏 Climate policy for all? 

François Gemenne stresses the importance of designing just and equitable strategies to tackle climate change. More on #F24Debate➡️https://f24.my/Bx0O 

Sinner eliminated from French Open under scorching temperatures

Top-ranked tennis player Jannik Sinner was eliminated from the French Open Thursday after visibly struggling with the sweltering heat in his match against Argentine opponent Juan Manuel Cerundolo.

Paris neighbourhoods: The underrated 14th arrondissement

In this edition of French Connections, Genie Godula and Florence Villeminot continue their tour of Paris with a stop in the most underrated district of the capital: the 14th arrondissement. Calm and residential, most tourists won't make the journey to this southern edge of the Left Bank, but it's definitely worth a trip if you want a delightful taste of behind-the-scenes Paris. Here you'll find a village feel with cosy streets, hidden alleys and quirky sights... not to mention 6 million skel...

France famous 'Yellow train' is back

It's a 63 kilometre railway running between two villages in the Catalan region of the French Pyrenees, offering spectacular views along the way. France's famous "Yellow train" is now back in service after being shut down for months because of a landslide. The more than century old rail line attracts thousands of tourists each year, carrying passengers on a nostalgic journey through the mountains.

France moves to repeal yet-to-be-abolished slavery law, Code Noir

French lawmakers are set to vote on Thursday to repeal the Code Noir, a law that regulated slavery in the French colonies which was never formally repealed even after the abolition of slavery in 1848. The vote reopens a debate around reparations in a country that has yet to fully come to terms with its history of colonialism.

A rich man’s game? How Roland Garros host France turned its back on clay

Efforts to expand tennis in France have seen hard courts gradually replace clay in the land of Roland Garros, leaving the iconic slippery surface to a select few – and, according to some, contributing to the home players’ miserable run at the Paris Grand Slam tournament.

French banker Pigasse emerges as key figure in Venezuela debt overhaul

Veteran French banker Matthieu Pigasse has emerged as a central figure in Venezuela’s debt restructuring efforts after his firm Centerview Partners was appointed adviser on the country’s more than $150 billion debt overhaul without a formal competitive process.

Norway becomes ninth country to come under French nuclear deterrence scheme

Norway on Wednesday became the ninth country to join the France-led nuclear deterrence scheme, the leaders of both countries said. President Emmanuel Macron announced in March that France – the only nuclear-armed country in the EU – would extend its nuclear deterrence scheme to willing European partners.

World number two Rybakina sent spinning out of French Open by Starodubtseva

Ukraine's Yuliia Starodubtseva won a surprise victory over world number two Elena Rybakina on Wednesday, knocking her out of the French Open after the Kazakh player blew a one-set lead under the sweltering sun.

Film show: French WWII epic 'De Gaulle: Resistance' hits screens

Ben Croll takes us through four films from the Cannes Film Festival which are being released in cinemas this week. One of France's biggest film events of the year is Antonin Baudry's "De Gaulle: Resistance", the first of a two-part WWII epic centred on French general Charles de Gaulle, from the fall of France in 1940 to the liberation in 1945. Ben tells us why this film is part of a new trend of French blockbusters focused on uniquely French stories.

FRANCE 24's live streams are temporarily unavailable on its digital platforms

A technical incident is preventing FRANCE 24 from offering its live broadcast on digital platforms.

French luxury store Galeries Lafayette shuts Beijing flagship branch after 13 years

French luxury retailer Galeries Lafayette closed its flagship Beijing store on Wednesday after 13 years, underscoring weak consumer spending and changing shopping habits in China. Shoppers snapped up final bargains as staff cleared unsold goods and dismantled displays at the six-floor department store before its indefinite closure.

Sinner storms into French Open second round with straight-sets win over Tabur

World number one Jannik Sinner made a commanding start to his French Open campaign on Tuesday, cruising past French wildcard Clement Tabur in straight sets to extend his remarkable winning streak and underline his status as the man to beat in Paris.

French Open 2026: Sabalenka shines, Osaka dazzles as Medvedev melts down in Paris heat

World number one Aryna Sabalenka powered into the French Open second round in style as Naomi Osaka lit up Roland Garros with fashion flair, while sixth seed Daniil Medvedev suffered another early Paris exit on a sweltering day that tested players and fans alike.

A year ahead of the French presidential election, where do candidates stand?

The first round of the French presidential election is just a year away, and a new poll gives an idea of where things stand. French far-right Jordan Bardella comes in a comfortable first, while far-left Jean-Luc Mélenchon and right-wing Edouard Philippe tie in second place. The race is very much tightening for whoever will face the National Rally in the second round. FRANCE 24's Marc Perelman tells us more.

'Heat dome': Heatwave conditions hit France and parts of Europe

🌡️ #France and the #UK on Monday experienced their hottest day in the month of May on record, the countries' weather agencies said, warning that Tuesday may be even warmer.

The French government said seven people have died due to causes linked "directly and indirectly" to the #heat.

Paris's Notre Dame cathedral in the midst of a battle over its stained glass

When the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris was ravaged by a fire, its historic stained-glass windows were miraculously left unharmed. But to commemorate the incident, an idea emerged to replace six windows with new ones - prompting protest from heritage groups. The matter was brought to court, and in a first decision a Parisian court went against heritage groups. FRANCE 24's Shirli Sitbon tells us more about the controversy.

Europe sizzles under 'heat dome' as France logs hottest May day on record

France on Monday recorded its hottest May day on record, its weather agency said, forecasting that Tuesday would be even warmer as large swathes of Europe bake under unseasonal heat that is prompting officials to issue health warnings and order restrictions on outdoor work. Météo-France said the heatwave is likely to last at least until the end of the week.

Gaël Monfils out in first round of final French Open appearance

Gaël Monfils played the final match of his career at Roland Garros. He lost in five sets to Hugo Gaston (6-2, 6-3, 3-6, 2-6, 6-0).

Hip-hop jazz ensemble Sax Machine release new track 'Untrapped'

Formed in Brittany in the late 2000s, Sax Machine blend funk, soul and hip-hop thanks to their joyous beatmaking and brass-infused melodies, as well as featuring the rapping of Chicago native MC Days. 2026 is looking exciting for the band, who will be releasing a new album this autumn and are set to tour Colombia extensively in September. They popped by arts24 to talk about their new single "Untrapped", which celebrates intellectual freedom.

France swelters as first-ever May heatwave alert issued

France experienced record high temperatures for May over the weekend, according to the country’s national weather service, with Paris recording this year's first temperature above 30C on Saturday. A spokesperson for Meteo France added that a yellow heatwave alert issued Sunday was the very first “to be issued in May since the system was created in 2004". 

Runners collapse as temperatures soar across France

An unusually early heatwave has pushed temperatures above 30°C across France, leading to multiple medical emergencies during running events. In suburbs of Paris and other cities, dozens of participants collapsed, with several hospitalised in serious condition and emergency services overwhelmed by heat-related incidents.

France: Air conditioning demand surges during early heatwave

More French households are turning to air conditioning as heatwaves become more frequent, despite traditionally low adoption rates compared with countries like the United States or Japan. Rising temperatures are driving demand, but many people remain concerned about the environmental impact and the added cost of cooling their homes.

Tearful Kostyuk speaks of Ukraine missile attack after 'most difficult' French Open win

An emotional Marta Kostyuk fought back tears after her first-round win at the French Open on Sunday as she told the Roland Garros crowd about waking up to news that a Russian missile had struck near her parents' home in Ukraine.  

No Alcaraz, no party? Five reasons not to miss this year’s French Open

There will be no repeat of last year’s epic, see-sawing final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner at the French Open this year, with the Spanish title holder nursing an injury. But there is still plenty to look forward to on the Paris clay, from a Ukrainian duo aiming for the women’s title to the last dances of Gaël Monfils and Stan Wawrinka.

Roland-Garros 2026: French Open starts amid heat wave in Paris

James Vasina is live from Paris.

Macron, EU’s Kallas condemn Russian attack on Ukraine with Oreshnik ballistic missile

France bans Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir after 'unspeakable' behavior

France on Saturday banned Israel’s far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, citing his "unspeakable" behavior targeting activists from a flotilla to Gaza who were detained by his police force.

Israeli minister Ben-Gvir banned from entering France

Andrew Hiliar has more.

Lens clinch first-ever Coupe de France triumph after seeing off Nice

Lens lifted the Coupe de France for the first time in their 120-year history after beating Nice (3-1) in Friday's final at the Stade de France.

Far-right Israeli security minister Ben-Gvir banned from French territory: FM

France: Segement of Eiffel Tower stairs dating back to 1889 sold

Three metre section of the Eiffel Tower dating back to 1889 has been sold.

French Gaza flotilla activists return to Paris, describe 'violent' detention by Israel

The first group of French activists from the Global Sumud aid flotilla returned to Paris on Friday after being detained and then deported by Israel amid international outcry. They described what they said was a violent, humiliating ordeal – including sexual abuse – after they were detained by Israeli forces during the group's third attempt to break the blockade of the beleaguered Gaza Strip. 

Paris police arrest brawling Nice fans ahead of French Cup final, relegation showdown

Dozens of people were detained overnight in the French capital after a violent brawl involving fans of OGC Nice, further blemishing a torrid season for the Riviera team who face Lens in the French Cup final on Friday and must win a two-legged play-off next week to remain in Ligue 1.

Macron backs symbolic repeal of France's slavery laws, warns against 'false promises' on reparations

President Emmanuel Macron endorsed repealing centuries-old royal decrees that codified slavery in French colonies on Thursday, calling their continued existence “an offence” to the Republic. Marking 25 years since France recognised slavery as a crime against humanity, Macron also reopened debate on reparations.

France annouonces €710 million in new energy aid

French prime minister Sébastien Lecornu announced new support measures to cushion the impact of the energy crisis caused by the war in Iran.  The €710 million package includes extending existing support schemes for sectors such as fishing, farming and construction, as well as a new bonus for taxi drivers to switch to electric cars.  But the prime minister ruled out blanket subsidies like fuel tax cuts as Paris struggles to bring its debt and deficit down. 

Paris: JR turns oldest bridge into 'monumental' cavern

The Pont Neuf is a 419 year-old bridge, the oldest in #Paris - and now a temporary #mountain cave. Parisian #artist #JR unveiled his new public work on May 21. It will be fully accessible for three weeks starting June 6, with visitors able to discover the work's soundtrack provided by an ex-member of #DaftPunk.

Cannes, Canal+, Bolloré, blacklists: Is France's cultural diversity under threat?

Is France's cultural diversity under threat? As the UN celebrates cultural diversity, and as the Cannes Film Festival weathers a fight over a possible blacklist at film producer Canal+, we take a look at what happened in Cannes. We dive into the concerns over the conservative billionaire Vincent Bolloré's influence in the French cultural landscape and explore whether France's diverse offering of culture is under threat.