Read news from:
Austria
SHARE
COPY LINK

LIVING IN FRANCE

10 of the best things to do in France in 2020

From festivals of romance to carnival to the traditional agriculture show, there is loads going on in France in 2020. Here are some of the highlights.

Published: 16 January 2020 14:08 CET
10 of the best things to do in France in 2020
Photo: AFP

1. Chinese New Year in Paris, January 25th

Every January, to celebrate the Chinese, Vietnamese and and Korean New Year (Têt), Paris and its suburbs transforms into a magical, fairytale of a festival, featuring dragon parades, lion dances and martial arts shows, markets, parades, exhibitions and conferences.

It's a great sight for anyone visiting the city during an otherwise grey January month. Full program here.

2. Six Nations Rugby, Paris, February 2st – March 14th

If you're in France and you like rugby, this is an event not to miss out on. Paris' Stade de France will host France v England on February 2nd, expect face painting, fireworks (literal and metaphorical) and many, many renditions of La Marseillaise.


Expect the unexpected when France meet England on the rugby pitch. Photo: AFP

3. Strasbourg Mon Amour, February 7th – 17th 

The already cute city of Strasbourg is turning even cuter as it switches on its most romantic vibe to heat up the chilly February temperatures.

For 10 days, Valentine’s Day included, the will be more than 40 special, love-themed events all over the city. Concerts, stand-up performances, photo exhibitions, art shows, museums and dinners – all in the name of love.

4. The Nice Carnival, February 15th – 29th

Nice also turns up the heat when it hosts the 136th edition of its annual carnival, themed 'Roi de la mode' (King of Fashion).

Dancers, artists and musicians gather in the city for a days-long feast and a 'traditional flower battle' (which the organisers promise to be 80 percent locally produced). Last year they distributed 21,000 tonnes of mimosa to the public. Just saying.

5. Paris International Agriculture Salon, February 22nd – March 1st

Every year, farmers from all over France take their finest cattle, pigs and hens and drive for miles to show them off at the Parisian Salon d’Agriculture.

It's a unique, fascinating event where countryside and city all of a sudden merge into one, slightly smelly room. In addition to farm animals, visitors can scout the country's mightiest politicians.

It’s a widely known secret that anyone with presidential ambitions must visit the salon to show that they know the ‘real France’ – and that they appreciate not only its fine cheeses, but also the cow that made it. 


Former president Jacques Chirac, right, was known for his ability to connect with the people he met, but he also knew how to cuddle a cow. Photo: AFP

6. Tour de France, June 27th – July 19th

Cycling enthusiasts can expect the 107th edition of the Tour de France to contain three weeks of highly intense competition on difficult terrain before the winner finally rolls into the capital.

For those wanting to see the kick off, the Grand Départ will be in Nice on Saturday, June 27th.

7. Festival d’Avignon, July 3rd – 23rd

Founded in 1947, the Avignon annual arts festival is the oldest existing festival in France. As one of the world’s most important theatre festivals, it’s definitely worth a visit, if only for the sight of the beautiful Gothic courtyard of the Palais des Papes, where the festival is held.

The 2020 program will be released on March 25th.


A street artist performs in Avignon in France. Photo: AFP

8. Revolutions Exhibition La Villette, April 22nd – August 23rd 

‘1966-1970, Five Years that Changed the World’ is the title of the massive collection of 400 art installations that together tell the story of how a global, idealistic youth made lasting change on the world they sought to change.

The Paris 1968 movement, the Summer of Love in San Francisco, the Woodstock hippies – they're all there.

9. Lyon Dance Biennale, September and October 2020

For five full weeks this autumn Lyon literally transforms into a dance floor.

The event includes 40 different shows and additional street performances of ballet, hip-hop, salsa, contemporary dance and circus dance. It’s a hot tip for anyone who likes a good swing, or just to look at people who know how to do it. 

10. Nuit Blanche in Paris, October 3rd

Every year, on the eve of the first Saturday in October, the French capital lights up under a multitude of art exhibitions, light shows, concerts and performances as the city stays up all night.

For anyone visiting the city, this is a magnificent way to experience Paris at night. On the (huge) plus side: transport is free and runs all night. 

Member comments

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

PROPERTY

How to ensure your French property is insured for storm damage

Storm Ciaran’s property-wrecking passage through France - with another storm forecast for the weekend - may have many people wondering how comprehensive their insurance cover is. 

Published: 3 November 2023 15:45 CET
How to ensure your French property is insured for storm damage

In the wake of Storm Ciaran, thousands of property owners in France are preparing insurance claims – with initial estimates of the bill for damage between €370 million and €480 million.

Home insurance is compulsory in France, whether you own the property you live in or you rent – and it must include some level of storm damage cover. 

Check also to see if your insurance provides cover in case of a declaration of a catastrophe naturelle.

The garantie tempête (storm guarantee) covers damage caused by violent winds. What constitutes a ‘violent wind’ varies from contract to contract, but there appears to be a widespread consensus of agreement on wind speeds over 100km/h.

In most insurance contracts, this covers damage caused by the storm and within the following 48 hours – so you’re covered if, for example, a tree weakened by the storm comes down within that period and damages your property.

Be aware that, while the storm guarantee automatically covers the main property, it generally only covers any secondary buildings and light constructions – such as a veranda, shed, solar panels, swimming pool or fence – if they are specifically mentioned in the contract. 

The same is true of any cars damaged by debris. A basic insurance contract might not include storm damage, so it is always worth checking.

Damage must be reported to your insurer as quickly as possible. The deadline for making declarations is usually five days after any damage is noticed. This is especially important for second home owners, who may not be at the property when the damage occurs. 

In some cases – such as in the aftermath of Storm Ciaran – insurers may extend the reporting period. But under normal circumstances, it’s five days after the damage has been discovered.

What happens next

To make a claim, the first thing to do is contact your insurer by phone or email. Your insurer will take you through the next steps, but usually you have to send in a declaration – which should include an estimate of any losses and for any repairs, with evidence where possible, such as photographs and any receipts for purchases. 

Your insurer may also request proof of wind intensity, which can be provided for example by a nearby weather station.

The insurance company may appoint an expert to come and assess the damage, so make sure to keep damaged property safe until they arrive, as well as all invoices for any urgent repair work. 

What if you’re a tenant?

If you rent your property, you must report any damage inside the accommodation to your insurer and also notify your landlord so that they can file their own claim. 

In the case of a co-propriete, you must declare damage inside the accommodation to your insurer, while the trustee sends his own declaration to the collective insurance (which sometimes covers the private areas) .

How long does it take for claims to be settled?

Payment of the compensation provided for by the “storm guarantee” depends your home insurance contract. After the insurer has estimated the amount of damage, compensation is generally paid between 10 and 30 days following receipt of the insured’s agreement.

What if we got flooded?

In the case of flooding, you may have to wait for a natural disaster order to be issued. 

Catastrophe naturelle

The ‘state of natural disaster’ is a special procedure that was set up in 1982 so victims of exceptional natural events, such as storms, heavy rain, mudslides and flooding, as well as drought, can be adequately compensated for damage to property.

The government evaluates each area and deems whether it qualifies for the status of catastrophe naturelle (natural disaster). 

Essentially once a zone is declared a natural disaster, victims can claim from a pot of funds created by all insurers. If the zone is not declared a disaster, insurance companies are under no obligation to pay out. 

Under a “state of natural disaster” residents are covered for all those goods and property that are directly damaged by the phenomenon, in this case storms.

It applies to residential or commercial buildings, furniture, vehicles and work equipment that are already covered by insurance policies.

Homes must be already covered by a multi-risk insurance policy for the status of natural disaster to count.

SHOW COMMENTS