The Local France

Why do the French set fire to cars on New Year's Eve?

Tue, 31 Dec 2019 10:00:00 +0100

Burning cars is something of a tradition in (some parts of) France on New Year's Eve, albeit a much-hated one by authorities and car owners.

Russia announces no New Year's greetings for France, US, Germany

Sat, 31 Dec 2022 10:35:47 +0100

US President Joe Biden, France's Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will not be receiving New Year's greetings from Russian leader Vladimir Putin, the Kremlin said on Friday.

What is allowed on New Year's Eve in France?

Mon, 28 Dec 2020 16:56:25 +0100

It's the year that most people want to see the back of, but marking the end of 2020 will take place under curfew. Here's what is allowed on New Year’s Eve in France.

IN PICS: Paris brings in the 2020s with New Year light show

Wed, 01 Jan 2020 11:20:16 +0100

Close to 250,000 revellers descended on Paris to celebrate the New Year, accompanied by lavish fireworks and a light display projected onto L'arc de Triomphe. Bonne année et bonne santé!

France to deploy 100,000 police officers to keep peace on New Year's Eve

Mon, 30 Dec 2019 14:21:24 +0100

Around 100,000 police officers will be on duty across France on New Year's Eve, the government announced on Monday. The end of year is often marked by outbreaks of trouble which include the ritual of burning cars.

In Pictures: French revellers take chilly seaside dip to celebrate the New Year

Wed, 02 Jan 2019 10:19:45 +0100

Well done to those across France who embraced the chilly thrill of a New Year's dip on Tuesday. Here are some of the best pictures from this year's events.

What will change in France in 2017

Mon, 02 Jan 2017 18:37:24 +0100

The new year bring some new rules for France. Here's how your life will change.

IN PICS: The French hit the beach for New Year's Day

Mon, 02 Jan 2017 14:03:43 +0100

Three cheers to the brave French souls who head to the beach for New Year's Day.

France sees 650 cars torched on New Year's Eve

Mon, 02 Jan 2017 13:18:39 +0100

The Interior Ministry has revealed just how busy France's emergency services were on New Year's Eve.

Europe parties ring in New Year despite terror jitters

Sun, 01 Jan 2017 09:58:56 +0100

Millions of people around the world shrugged off terror jitters to ring in 2017 in style.

France's 2017 calendar full of long weekends

Fri, 30 Dec 2016 15:44:13 +0100

2017 promises plenty of long weekends, here's how to make the most of the year.

The best New Year's Eve events across France

Fri, 30 Dec 2016 12:51:14 +0100

In France for the new year but not made any plans? The Local brings you the best events across the country, from the typical fireworks displays to more unusual celebrations.

Paris hotels report slump ahead of sober New Year

Thu, 31 Dec 2015 13:36:44 +0100

Paris hotels, usually crammed with New Year revellers, have seen reservations plunge 30 percent in the wake of the November 13 attacks, the head of the regional hotel union said Thursday.

Paris set for quiet night on New Year's Eve

Wed, 30 Dec 2015 17:45:56 +0100

A huge drop in restaurant bookings, a ban on fireworks, and a low-key affair at the Champs-Elysees - here's how the recent terror attacks have affected New Year's Eve in Paris.

What changed in France on January 1st?

Tue, 30 Dec 2014 16:25:00 +0100

As France has just rung in the new year, The Local offers readers a glimpse of what changes came into force on January 1, 2015, from energy bills and ticket prices to welfare benefits and wages.

France sees drop in New Year car-burning rituals

Fri, 02 Jan 2015 10:18:00 +0100

The French government on Thursday reported a 12-percent drop in the number of cars torched on New Year's Eve - a ritual among revellers in the country's high-rise suburbs.

Frenchwoman spends New Year locked in toilet

Thu, 02 Jan 2014 18:29:00 +0100

Plenty of revellers around the world would have woken up in strange places on New Year’s Day, but at least they got to enjoy a night out first. Not so for one unlucky Frenchwoman who spent the entire evening stuck in a toilet.

Frenchwoman spends New Year trapped in store

Wed, 02 Jan 2013 15:23:33 +0100

While others were celebrating the start of 2013, an elderly French woman spent New Year's Eve trapped in a supermarket after being locked inside, officials said.

Petrol sales limited to cut New Year car torchings

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 09:02:00 +0100

Sales of petrol and other combustibles will be limited on New Year's Eve in a bid to curb what has become an annual tradition of revellers torching hundreds of cars, police said.