French President Emmanuel Macron has appointed Michel Barnier, a former EU Brexit negotiator, as the country’s new Prime Minister amid political deadlock following June’s snap election. Barnier, a member of a small nationalist group in parliament, faces immediate challenges, including managing public finances and the 2025 budget. He must also cope with a divided parliament […]

A debate has emerged in Paris over whether to keep the Olympic rings on the Eiffel Tower after the 2024 Games. Mayor Anne Hidalgo supports keeping them as a lasting symbol of the event’s success, but Gustave Eiffel’s descendants and many Parisians oppose the idea, arguing that the rings detract from the tower’s cultural significance. […]

A fire broke out at a Church in northern France in the early hours of Monday morning, part of a pattern of arson attacks on churches across France in recent months. One historian describes the wave of anti-Christian acts striking at the heart of communities across France. NTD’s international correspondent David Vives has more.

In 100 days, Notre Dame Cathedral will reopen its doors after more than five years of restoration. To manage the anticipated 15 million visitors in 2025—50 percent more than in 2019—the church will introduce a new online reservation system. Visitors will be able to book time slots just days before their visit to ensure a […]

France has been without a prime minister since July 16 due to President Emmanuel Macron’s delay in appointing a new candidate, sparking concerns of a political crisis.

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov has been arrested in France on 12 charges, including the distribution of child sex abuse images, drug trafficking, and fraud. A public prosecutor will decide on Wednesday whether the charges behind his arrest will be upheld. This could decide if he walks free, or spends time in prison. A legal expert […]

Pavel Durov, the Russian-born CEO of Telegram who also holds French citizenship, has been detained near Paris since Aug. 18 as part of an investigation into alleged crimes linked to the platform. While French President Emmanuel Macron denies any political agenda behind the arrest, social media analyst Fabrice Epelboin suggests that the timing raises concerns […]

Pavel Durov, the cofounder and CEO of the messaging and social media platform Telegram, was arrested at an airport in Paris, according to French media reports published Saturday. He was arrested at around 8 p.m. local time at Paris’s Le Bourget airport by French police after he flew in from Azerbaijan, French news channel TF1 […]

Illegal immigration into Italy by sea used to be a huge issue, but the number of illegal immigrants has plummeted in 2024. The reduction is being attributed to asylum agreements between Italy and North African countries, which has helped prevent the death of innumerable immigrants at sea. To find out more, NTD’s international correspondent David […]

Sandro Gozi, the senior EU representative of the French president, has issued a stern warning to Elon Musk’s social media platform, X. He says X could be banned across Europe if it fails to comply with the Digital Services Act. Gozi emphasized that non-compliance could lead to massive fines and potential blockage by continental operators. […]

Aug. 15 in France is known as Assumption Day, one of the most important traditional holidays in the country. NTD international correspondent David Vives explores the history behind the holiday, which dates back to the miraculous birth of one of France’s most famous kings, Louis XIV.  

After 17 days of lively contests, Paris streets are now calm again with the Paris 2024 Games winding down. Initial reviews are glowing, with international press praising the event as “the most beautiful Games” and a “triumph of ambition.” Parisians and visitors alike savor the final moments before the city returns to its regular pace. […]

As the Paris 2024 Olympics draw to a close, athletes and visitors are sharing their reflections on the unforgettable experiences they’ve had. Many have praised the unique atmosphere of the Games, from the beauty of Parisian landmarks to the ease of exploring the city.  

The Olympic cauldron in Paris has captivated the public with its stunning visual appeal, especially when showcased alongside the city’s iconic landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Louvre. The cauldron’s striking presence has led to speculation about its becoming a permanent fixture in the city’s landscape.

Belgian athlete Claire Michel has been hospitalized for three days following a swim in the Seine River last week, and other athletes have reported health issues, including one who allegedly vomited ten times. While recent water tests show bacteria levels within acceptable limits, concerns persist as no direct link between the water quality and the […]

Parisians have finally fallen in love with the Olympic Games. French athletes are outperforming expectations, and supporters from other countries are enjoying visiting events at iconic landmarks. NTD’s David Vives hears from some tourists and Parisians.  

The French are renowned for their distinctive brand of good manners, encompassing customs such as the “bise” (a cheek-to-cheek greeting kiss) and a deep-rooted politeness, particularly towards women, originating from the 18th century aristocracy. French etiquette expert France de Herres details how these custom works, their meanings, and how to apply those in order to […]

During the Olympics in ancient Greece, athletic winners were crowned with laurel branches, believed to be chosen by Gods.  Medals have now replaced the laurels in modern history, and NTD’s French correspondent, David Vivez, went to an exhibit at the Paris Mint Museum to learn about the origin of the awards, and the creation of […]

The Paris 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony is set to kick off at 7:30 p.m. local time (1:30 p.m. ET) on July 26. The city center of Paris will serve as the backdrop for the Olympic delegations, who will descend the Seine on boats. The ceremony took years to prepare, and the total cost is estimated […]

Restaurant owners in Paris are struggling with the 44,000 barriers set up for the Olympic Games’ antiterrorism perimeter, leading to a significant drop in customers. Raymond Pignol of L’Auberge cafe had to close for 10 days as clients can’t get in, while the city now feels like it’s under COVID lockdown again. With tourism figures […]