Category: France

Israel Starts Canadian-Inspired ‘Freedom Convoy’ Against COVID-19 Mandates

The convoy of Canadian truckers protesting COVID-19 mandates and restrictions has inspired people in other countries to follow suit with protests of their own, including Israel. Thousands of Israeli protesters have joined a Canadian-inspired “Freedom Convoy” on Monday, with vehicles flying Israeli and Canadian flags while driving along the main highway linking Tel Aviv and…


French Police Kill Man Who Attacked Them With Knife at Paris Rail Station, Minister Says

PARIS—Police on Monday morning killed a man who attacked them with a knife at Paris’ Gare du Nord station, French transport minister Jean-Baptiste Djebbari told RMC radio. The incident was not thought to be terrorist-related, the minister said. “The person who attacked them died on the spot,” Djebbari said, adding that two police officers had…


French ‘Freedom Convoys’ Approach Paris

PARIS—France mobilized thousands of police, armored personnel carriers, and water cannon trucks in Paris on Friday to keep out convoys of motorists converging on the capital for a protest against COVID-19 restrictions. Checkpoints were set up at toll points on major entry roads while riot-control barriers were erected across the city center ahead of rallies…


Seafront Côte d’Azur Estate Epitomizes Luxury

This luxurious seafront villa in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of southeastern France is a rare find, even in such an exclusive market. An outstanding estate blessed with provincial charm, it offers every convenience, unique surroundings, and uncompromising exclusivity. The massive 625-square-meter (6,727-square-foot) home has eight bedrooms, six bathrooms, and 14 lavishly designed rooms overall. Located…


Blockades by Virus Protest Convoys Banned in Paris, Brussels

PARIS—Authorities in France and Belgium on Thursday banned road blockades threatened by groups organizing online against COVID-19 restrictions, in part inspired by protesters in Canada. Citing “risks of trouble to public order,” the Paris police department banned protests aimed at “blocking the capital” from Friday through Monday. Police will put measures in place to protect…


Indonesia Signs Deal With France to Acquire 42 Rafale Warplanes

Indonesia inked an $8.1 billion deal with France on Thursday to acquire 42 Rafale fighter jets, France’s defense ministry said, as Paris seeks to bolster military ties in the Indo-Pacific region after losing a submarine deal with Australia last year. French Defense Minister Florence Parly announced the deal on Twitter during her visit to Indonesia…


Hill Towns, Wine and Cheese Equal Paradise in Provence

Naturally, we started our trip off with a glass of wine at lunch. After all, it was too late for breakfast. “Deux verres de vin rouge—um, uh—pas sec,” I said to our waiter. Finally, I just threw my hands in the air and laughed. I meant well, but it seemed unfair to make him suffer…


Mass Swarm of Dead Fish in Atlantic Prompts French Inquiry

PARIS—France and the European Union are investigating why a massive swarm of dead fish was released by a huge trawler in the Atlantic Ocean off France, after an environmental group released dramatic video and photos of the incident. The images by the group Sea Shepherd show a blanket of dead blue whiting fish floating on…


Sacrebleu! French Brewers Use Algae to Make Blue Beer

ROUBAIX, France—A French brewer has started using algae with a naturally-occurring pigment to turn their beer blue. The beer, with the brand name “Line,” is the result of a tie-up between a firm that wants to popularize the algae as a dietary supplement, and a nearby craft brewery that was looking for a way to…


French Inflation Eases Less Than Expected in January

PARIS—French inflation fell less than expected in January as it eased back from a 13-year high on lower prices for manufactured goods due to winter sales, preliminary EU-harmonised data showed on Tuesday. The INSEE statistics agency said consumer prices rose 0.1 percent in January, giving a 12-month inflation rate of 3.3 percent, down from 3.4…