Environment
Latest news from France on the environment, climate, climate change and green issues.
LATEST: Maps of all the water restrictions in place in France this fall
Heading into October, large parts of France are still covered by water restrictions with thousands of households without tap water after a summer of record-breaking drought. Here's the latest.
French water restrictions continue after record-breaking September
September was one of the driest on record, and French forecasters say above-average temperatures could continue into October.
Opposition grows as France plans wave of giant data centres
Around 80 data centre projects - including one billed as Europe’s largest - are hoping to connect to France's power grid - but local opposition is growing.
In images: How the air in Paris has become more breathable
According to a recent report by Airparif - the official independent organisation that monitors air quality in Paris - air quality continues to improve in the capital.
Scorching summer pushes French wine harvest to new historic low
French wine production this year is expected to fall 6 percent from 2025 after a summer of unprecedented heatwaves and drought, the agriculture ministry said on Monday, predicting the most paltry harvest for some 70 years.
France unveils €1bn farm aid package after climate-hit summer
France announced more than €1billion in emergency support for farmers after an unprecedented summer of heatwaves, wildfires and drought, but agricultural groups said the package falls short.
French mayor bans 'exasperating' tiger mosquitoes
The mayor of a French town in the Loire Valley has banned tiger mosquitoes, citing "their repeated, low-level or circular flights and their bites that are likely to cause annoyance and exasperation”.
French gas stocks 'reassuring' but prices rising
France's natural gas stocks are at "relatively reassuring" levels as winter approaches but the cost of filling storage tanks is rising as the war against Iran drags on, the country's energy regulator said on Wednesday.
France to relax cheese-making rules due to record heatwaves and drought
Widespread drought and record-breaking heatwaves have forced France to relax some of its famously strict rules on cheese production, with authorities announcing on Wednesday special measures for abondance, beaufort and comté.
Too hot to incubate: Nile crocodiles hatch on their own in French reserve
France's heatwaves have produced an unusual outcome at a wildlife park, where 10 Nile crocodiles hatched without human assistance for the first time, the director of the reserve said on Wednesday.
Explained: Which animals are legally protected in France
Most wild animals in France are protected by law from hunting and trapping – but some, notably those on a new government list are considered ‘pests’, and can be destroyed in certain circumstances.
Extreme weather and jellyfish knock one-fifth of France's nuclear capacity offline
France on Wednesday recorded a more than 20 percent shortfall in nuclear power production capacity, a record deficit caused by environmentally related outages linked to drought, extreme heat and a jellyfish invasion.
MAP: How and when to see the solar eclipse in France
France will witness a solar eclipse on Wednesday, August 12th - here's how to get the best view.
How to make the most of Wednesday's solar eclipse in France
Wednesday will see a rare solar eclipse visible from western Europe, including France - from viewing spots to glasses and precise times, here's how to make the most of the celestial magic.
Solar eclipse sparks scramble for protective glasses across Europe
The scramble for protective glasses has reached fever pitch across Europe ahead of Wednesday's rare total solar eclipse, as pharmacies, opticians and other shops struggle to keep them in stock.
Jellyfish force shutdown of three reactors at French nuclear plant
A nuclear plant in northern France shut down three reactors after a swarm of jellyfish clogged pumps used to cool the units, energy group EDF said on Tuesday.
Drought forces water restrictions across nearly 70 percent of France
Nearly 70 percent of France is subject to water-use restrictions - and 30,000 people have lost their drinking water supplies - as drought conditions worsen amid successive heatwaves, the government said on Monday.
'Don't sleep naked' - How to get a good night’s sleep in a French heatwave
France's searing heatwaves can also bring with them some hot, sticky and uncomfortable nights - so here are some tips from experts to help you sleep when it's hot.
Factcheck: Will this year's French wines really taste smokey?
The vineyards of Bordeaux escaped the huge wildfires in the region, but the smoke has blown over a large area - so will this affect the taste of 2026 vintages?
'Crisis' level water restrictions imposed in 60% of French départements
Two thirds of départements in France are suffering such severe drought that 'crisis' level water restrictions have been imposed. From gardens to swimming pools and drinking water - here's what those restrictions mean for households.
Nuits des Étoiles 2026: France's biggest stargazing weekend
France's annual Nuits des Étoiles (Starry night) returns starting Friday, August 7th to Sunday, August 9th, with more than 600 free events taking place across the country.
How to protect your French property from wildfires
France has already experienced devastating wildfires in 2026 and we're only halfway through the summer - so what steps should you take if you live in France or own property there?
Paris' Seine swimming spots closed after 'illegal fuel dumping'
Two of the free swimming spots in the River Seine have been closed since Monday due to what Paris authorities describe as 'illegal fuel dumping' further up river.