Monday May 27th
Monday marks the beginning of three days of industrial action for the public sector, with seven trade unions calling on public sector workers to mobilise from Monday to Wednesday in opposition to the controversial government reforms.
However this week's action will not include strikes but instead will focus on debates, press conferences, gatherings and meetings with elected officials.
The government is planning public sector reforms which would lead to the greater use of contract workers for some state services and a cut of 120,000 jobs by 2022 out of 5.6 million.
Photo: AFP
Meanwhile, 22 years after the savage murder of the wife of a celebrated French film producer in Ireland, a trial gets under way in Paris on Monday, but with the British suspect absent and unrepresented.
Ian Bailey, a 62-year-old former freelance journalist, denies killing Sophie Toscan du Plantier on December 23 1996, and “will not be present, or represented” in court on Monday, his lawyers Dominique Tricaud and Franck Buttimer told reporters.
Monday is also France's National Day of the Resistance (La Journée nationale de la Résistance). First held in 2014, the day is an opportunity “to reflect on the values of the Resistance during World War II”.
Tuesday May 28th
French President Emanuel Macron is heading to Brussels for an informal European Union summit after last week's European elections.
The far-right National Rally party led by Marine Le Pen finished top in European elections in France on Sunday, with 23.3 percent of the vote, dealing a blow to Macron whose La Republique En Marche party polled at 22.4 percent.
Also on Tuesday, French MPs will hold a formal vote on the government's planned public sector reforms.
Nuits Sonores, electronic and indie festival, Lyon, 28th May to June 2nd
Electro music lovers take note. This year's Nuits Sonore festival in Lyon promises a superb programme of international and local artists with styles ranging from techno and house to hip-hop and jazz.
Photo: AFP
Wednesday May 29th
The trial of the US-based French journalist behind France's answer to the #MeToo campaign Sandra Mulller will begin in Paris on Wednesday.
Muller, who started the #balancetonporc (Squeal on your pig) movement in response to the wave of abuse allegations that toppled movie producer Harvey Weinstein, is being sued for slander by the man she accused of lewd remarks in a post that triggered a deluge of similar harassment accounts.
Muller said that French TV executive Eric Brion had initially apologised for his remarks before “changing tack” and deciding to launch legal action against her.
Thursday May 30th
May 30th is a public holiday in France, marking the Christian festival of Ascension.
Friday May 31st
Many people in France are likely to use the Thursday public holiday as an excuse to 'faire le pont' and take the Friday off so that they can enjoy a four-day weekend, which could mean a fairly quiet commute for those of us working.
Saturday June 1st
International Fair in Bordeaux, June 1st-10th
If you're a home-owner or are buying property in France then this could be just the ticket. At the expo you'll find everything home-related from furniture, household appliances, construction equipment, as well as handicrafts and jewellery.
Sunday June 2nd
On Sunday people strolling around the central four arrondissements of Paris will have the pleasure of doing so in a car-free environment from 10 am – 6 pm.
This is part of Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo's plan to keep the centre of the city free of cars one Sunday a month.
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