News from France June/July 2025

The latest news in culture, tourism and sustainable travel from France and its regions.

Pedestrianising Paris

In a recent referendum, Parisians voted for the pedestrianisation of more streets as well as increased planting of trees and flowers. More than 66% were in favour of the measure that will see 500 new pedestrianised streets, which equates to roughly five to eight in each neighbourhood, although voter turnout was low at just over 4%. This is the third such vote which has been organised in Paris after citizens in 2023 voted overwhelmingly in favour of banning electric scooters in the capital, and a year later approved special parking charges for heavy vehicles, mainly SUVs.

In addition to the pedestrianisation and greening of streets, this most recent referendum also invited residents of seven arrondissements to respond to questions of local interest, such as introducing more local shops, housing and greenery on the Île de la Cité (70% in favour) and the creation of a garden of remembrance for pets in the 19th arrondissement (58% in favour). Work is now under way to identify which streets are suitable for pedestrianisation, with feasibility studies planned for each specific case. It is estimated that it will take three years to implement all the work.

Gîtes de France turns 70!

îtes de France is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. It all began in 1955 when a group of French farmers and local councillors decided
to breathe new life into the countryside by transforming old farmhouses and rural buildings into holiday homes, which allowed visitors to experience the French countryside and local culture. Each year, a jury votes for the most beautiful bed and breakfast, the most beautiful gîte and the top sustainable development innovation. This year’s winners are, respectively, La Bastide des Culs-Rousset in Marseille, Le Clos de la mare aux cerfs – La Canopée in Eure, and Le Grand Châtelier in Deux-Sèvres. The Gîtes de France network boasts 55,000 properties across France, from mountain chalets to coastal cottages. Last year alone, five million travellers opted for a gîte holiday, with 1,000 new properties joining the fold.

French news

Caen millenium

This year, Caen is marking an extraordinary milestone: 1,000 years of history, resilience and reinvention. The Norman gem that was once a medieval stronghold is today a hub of innovation – and wants the world to join in with its year-long celebrations. Wander the streets where William the Conqueror once trod, now animated by avant-garde art. Enjoy open-air concerts which echo around the Abbaye aux Hommes’ Romanesque walls, contemporary art installations nestled beside Vikingera ruins and gastronomic fairs which revive recipes from William the Conqueror’s court.

The festivities coincide with key events like the D-Day commemorations, featuring guided tours, vehicle parades and the Marathon de la Liberté (June 13–15). From June 27–29, Maritime Weekend brings 48 ships to the Presqu’Île de Caen and nearby ports, and on July 9, a Tour de France time trial loops through the city. August brings the Retro Festival (30–31) with classic cars and concerts, followed by September’s Aquanauts Show (19–21). During the European Heritage Days (September 20–21), visitors will be able to enjoy free access to numerous sites and museums.

Agritourism on the rise

Agritourism is one of the pillars of the year-round appeal of the beautiful Var department in the south of France. Inspired by Tuscany as a successful model, this spring, Var Tourisme and the Chamber of Agriculture, in partnership with Bandol Wines and Provence Wines, signed an agreement to build on the success so far. The initiative seeks to strengthen the region’s popular wine tourism network while expanding support for new projects that include more farms, smallscale growers and artisanal producers.

For farmers, agritourism offers a vital source of supplementary income while helping to
preserve the natural environment, from lavender-kissed hills to olive groves and saffron fields to vineyards. For visitors, it opens the door to experiences away from the usual tourist trails, offering the chance to meet local producers, sample local products and learn about traditions. The chamber of agriculture says the new initiative “showcases the richness of the region’s agricultural produce and the links forged with local producers”

Travel News

Green Rennes

Anyone keen to support the green tourism movement in France would do well to visit the Rennes metropolitan area in Brittany, where more than a quarter of tourist accommodation is committed to a sustainable approach. As of March this year, 27 hotels and other tourist accommodations (excluding bed & breakfasts and furnished accommodation) out of 96 have been certified or labelled for their sustainability efforts, including 23 with the Clef Verte label. This represents 28% of the region’s tourist establishments, or 4,440 beds.

Since 2022, the city has also been awarded the Sustainable Innovative Destination label, with initiatives in place such as open and transparent governance, improved sustainable mobility to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, and promoting responsible consumption and combating waste.

Sustainability news

Lead photo credit : Pont de l'Arsenal in Paris © Paris Je t'Aime