Tractor Protests Gridlock Paris as Farmers Block Key Arteries Ahead of Mercosur Vote
France Launches Mandatory Civic Exam and Tougher Language Levels for Residence and Citizenship
Storm Goretti Triggers Red Alert: Trains Halted and Ferries Delayed Across Northern France
Latest News
Passport Still Being Stamped? France Explains Slow Roll-Out of EU Entry/Exit System
A French government Q&A released 8 January 2026 confirms that passport stamping will continue until the Entry/Exit System’s phased roll-out is completed on 10 April 2026. Technical delays at airports and Channel crossings mean travellers must still obtain manual stamps to prove lawful stay limits, a critical compliance point for assignees and frequent flyers.
Paris Airports Slash Morning Flights as Snowstorm Goretti Hits Île-de-France
Snowstorm Goretti forced DGAC to cut 40 % of flights at Paris-CDG and 25 % at Orly on the morning of 7 January. Air France protected long-haul services but cancelled nearly 200 European sectors, while low-cost carriers grounded additional rotations. Travellers face long queues and EU 261 duty-of-care delays, and companies are rerouting staff through rail or regional airports.
France Bans Trucks and Cuts Flights Nationwide as Storm Goretti Disrupts Supply Chains
Beyond Paris, French officials banned lorries on major highways and trimmed regional flight schedules as Storm Goretti deepened on 7 January. Supply-chain leaders activated contingency plans to keep food and critical parts moving, while manufacturers warned of output losses if restrictions persist.
Lyon Farmers’ Blockade Enters Day 3, Choking Rhône Valley Arteries
Around 60 tractors continue to block the M7/A7 south of Lyon for a third day, causing double-digit-kilometre tailbacks and lengthy airport-transfer delays. The farmers’ union demands fair prices and rejection of the EU-Mercosur trade deal; negotiations are slated for 8 January but escalation remains possible.
Snow Disrupts Gare du Nord and Eurostar Services, SNCF Warns of Knock-on Delays
Ice and snow forced SNCF to slow trains into Gare-du-Nord on 7 January, triggering Eurostar cancellations and 40-minute average TGV delays. Corporate travellers face extended journey times and possible selective boarding, while rail-freight operators warn of perishable-cargo backlogs.