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WHAT CHANGES IN FRANCE

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

From a public workers strike to the International Francophonie Day and a friendly football match between France and Germany, here's what is happening in France this week.

Published: 18 March 2024 08:28 CET
On the Agenda: What's happening in France this week
The front entrance of the French Institute is pictured on March 20, 2018 in Paris on the International Francophonie Day. (Photo by Ludovic MARIN / AFP)

Monday

Michelin Guide unveils new list – The Michelin Guide will unveil its annual list of the best French restaurants on Monday at 5pm, including the names of restaurants that have achieved the pinnacle of three stars. 

Overall, 62 restaurants will receive a star – most for the first time and including 23 that have been open for less than a year.

Tuesday

Teachers and public workers on strike – Unions representing French school teachers have called for staff to walk out on Tuesday, condemning “the absence of general measures to increase pay” within the context of inflation. In France, primary school teachers must give 48 hours notice before walking out, while secondary school teachers are not required to give any notice.

Other public sector workers, including university staff and hospital workers, may also strike.

Wednesday

Spring Equinox – Spring is officially sprung on March 20th, when the Spring Equinox arrives, meaning that there will be more hours of daylight than darkness.

International Francophonie Day – Each year, the world’s 369 million French speakers celebrate the journée internationale de la francophonie on March 20th. In previous years, French presidents have made speeches or presented plans for international strategies to maintain and push forward the French language.

Thursday

Macron to attend European Summit – French President Emmanuel Macron will attend the two-day EU summit in Brussels on March 21st and 22nd. The focus will be continued support for Ukraine, as well as security and defence.

Friday

Foire au Fromage et aux Vins – The cheese and wine festival, located in Coulommiers, Seine-et-Marne – the heart of the Brie region – will run until March 25th. 

READ MORE: Places to visit and things to do in France in Spring

Saturday

France v Germany – France’s national football team, Les Bleus, will play a friendly match against Germany in preparation for the UEFA EURO 2024. The match will be held at 9pm at the Groupama Stadium in Lyon.

Sunday

Palm Sunday – The festival marking the start of the Christian Holy Week before Easter.

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WHAT CHANGES IN FRANCE

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

From an important state visit to two public holidays and QR codes for Paris residents, here's what is happening in France this week.

Published: 5 May 2024 13:58 CEST
Updated: 6 May 2024 08:06 CEST
On the Agenda: What's happening in France this week

Monday

Xi Jinping visiting France – China’s President XI Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, will be in France from Monday to Tuesday for a state visit. French President Emmanuel Macron will welcome them in the Hautes-Pyrénées in southern France. The visit is a recognition of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and China.

30th Anniversary of Channel Tunnel – The Channel Tunnel was inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II and France’s then president François Mitterand on May 6, 1994 – 30 years ago.

Wednesday

Bank holiday for VE Day – Most workers across France will get a day off for Victory in Europe day on May 8th. You can expect the day to involve military parades and remembrance events in towns and cities around France. This year will mark the 79th anniversary of the end of the war.

Olympic torch arrival – The Olympic torch, which already started its journey from Greece, will arrive in Marseille on May 8th before beginning its relay around France. You can see the route here.

Thursday

Bank holiday for Ascension – This year, the Christian festival of Ascension falls on Thursday, May 9th. This means workers in France will enjoy two back-to-back jours fériés (bank holidays).

Friday

QR code for Paris residents – People who live in the area closest to the Seine river in Paris will need to sign up for a QR code to access their homes and neighbourhoods during and shortly before the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games. If you plan to host guests, you will also need to register them for security purposes.

You can see the area that will be encompassed within the security zone HERE. As for signing up for the QR code, the website to sign up will be posted by the Paris Police Préfecture in the coming days, and it is set to open on Friday, May 10th.

READ MORE: Which areas will be closed in Paris during the Olympics?

Faire le point – With two public holidays in the middle of the week, many people in France will take advantage of the opportunity to ‘faire le pont’ (make the bridge) by taking off work on Friday.

MotoGP Grand Prix – Fans of motorcycle racing will undoubtedly be excited for the French MotoGP Grand Prix, which will run from Friday May 10th to Sunday May 12th at Le Mans, along the Bugatti circuit. You can find full information for the event here.

Saturday

Eurovision – Saturday marks the finals of the Eurovision song contest, but you can also watch France compete before that. The semi-finals are set for May 7th and May 9th (although France goes straight through to the finals every year as one of the ‘big five’ who fund the contest). France will be represented by the artist Slimane. 

READ MORE: 5 things to know about France’s 2024 Eurovision song

Sunday

Mother’s Day in the US – With UK Mother’s Day having passed and French Mother’s Day not until the end of the month, it is easy for Americans in France to forget that US Mother’s Day falls on the second Sunday of May. Consider this a helpful reminder to make your reservations or send your letter, flowers or gifts ASAP.

Heavy traffic on French roads – Traffic watchdog Bison Futé predicts that return travel will be congested on Sunday, as holidaymakers head home after enjoying the May public holidays. Traffic is expected to be ‘black’ (extremely slow) in the north-west, while the rest of the country has been marked in red for (very slow). You can consult their predictions here.

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