News from France April/May 2025

In recent years, several mayors of French coastal towns have expressed growing unease about the environmental and social impact of mega cruise ships. These floating hotels, often carrying thousands of passengers, contribute to air and water pollution, strain local infrastructure and disrupt the
tranquillity of historic port towns. The mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, has long been vocal about this issue and in January decided to put pen to paper. At a press conference, he signed a municipal decree aimed at putting an end to the embarkation and disembarkation of vessels carrying more than 900 passengers or measuring more than 190m (690ft) in length as of July 1. France 3 reported that despite the limited powers of city authorities in this area, Estrosi believes that with this decree, it will “no longer be in the interest of anyone organising cruises to come [to Nice]”. A number of questions remain, including the future of the port of Villefranche-sur-Mer, as well as potential appeals against the edict since many of the large cruise ships anchor 300m to 500m off shore where the waters are under national authority.

Louvre revamp

The Louvre Museum in Paris welcomed 8.7m visitors last year, a cause for celebration but also a growing concern, as its facilities were designed for just 4m. Earlier this year, President Macron unveiled an ambitious plan to transform the Louvre’s infrastructure and improve the visitor experience. A key component of the plan is the creation of a new grand entrance, designed through an international architectural competition, to better regulate visitor fl ow. The proposal also includes a new space dedicated to the Mona Lisa, accessible independently of the rest of the museum; the restoration of the Carrousel and Tuileries gardens; and the construction of vast underground spaces beneath the Cour Carrée. The focus will be on better visitor comfort, working conditions for staff and access for the disabled. A higher admission fee for visitors from non-EU countries will take effect on January 1, 2026.

Travel News

Top French destinations

Two French destinations have made it onto the New York Times’ ranking of 52 Places to Go in 2025: Aix-en-Provence and the French Basque Country. These regions, celebrated for their unique charm and cultural richness, are sure to enchant anyone seeking an authentic experience in France.

The French Basque Country offers a blend of stunning coastal scenery, traditional culture and culinary excellence. From the surf-friendly beaches of Biarritz to the charming streets of Saint-Jean-de-Luz and the rugged Pyrenees mountains, this region is a treasure trove of diverse experiences. Basque cuisine, with its emphasis on fresh, local ingredients, is another highlight for food enthusiasts. On a different vibe, Aix-en-Provence is renowned for its elegant architecture, vibrant markets and artistic heritage. The city’s tree-lined boulevards, fountains and historic landmarks, such as the Cours Mirabeau, make it a picturesque destination. Visitors can also explore the nearby landscapes that inspired Cézanne (check out the special programme, p14) and experience their natural beauty for themselves. One thing’s for sure, whichever destination you choose, you’re guaranteed a winning combination of history, culture and stunning scenery. No wonder they made the list!

Lyon memorial

To mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp, the City of Lyon inaugurated the Shoah Memorial on Place Carnot, in the 2nd arrondissement. The site, an expression of collective solidarity, provides the people of Lyon with a place of remembrance and reflection. It was designed by the Blaising & Borchardt Studio, and focuses on one of the central realities of the Shoah, the deportation. The memorial is made up of 1,173m of rails, symbolising the distance from Lyon-Perrache station to Auschwitz. The memorial pays tribute in an inscription to the “six million Jewish
victims of the Shoah (1933-1945), including 1.5m children” and notes that 6,100 of the victims came from the region. All suffered a similar fate: they were arrested and taken to Montluc prison before being taken by train to the Drancy camp, then deported in convoys to the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp, from where most would never return.

Regional news

France’s new green destination

If you are looking for your next eco-friendly French break, Forges-les-Eaux in Seine-Maritime, Normandy, holds all the green aces. A year after becoming the third French destination (and the first in Seine-Maritime) to be awarded the Green Destinations label, Forges-les-Eaux remains deeply committed to sustainability, championing social and environmental responsibility in order to shape a greener future for tourism. Nature is to the fore here, with the town’s eco trump card being the 50km-long Avenue Verte, a perfect pathway for discovering the charms of Pays de Bray through a variety of landscapes. Ideal for cycling or hiking (all the way to Dieppe if you have the legs for it), the tourist office can advise on its four bespoke cycling boucles (circuits) and nine hiking ones.

Green news

Lead photo credit : GPB841 Cruising ships in a lagoon of Villefranche on french Riviera by Nice, France