Stories from Paris · France

The Church of Scientology reported that a staff member was injured during registration on Saturday, April 25. Church officials also denounced harassment and the disruption of street games. Video footage reportedly shows knives being removed from panels during these incidents.

Thousands of people attended an unsanctioned techno party in France on Sunday, May 03, 2026. The event took place despite authorities' concerns. The exact location of the party was not immediately disclosed.

French Prime Minister urged TotalEnergies to redistribute excess profits gained from rising crude oil prices. The Prime Minister suggested a generous price cap could benefit French consumers, implying current caps at the group's stations are insufficient. This follows a 50% increase in the oil company's first-quarter profits. Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu also encouraged the company to redistribute more of its windfall gains. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu called for a price cap in a Sunday column. The proposal aims to redistribute excess profits earned by certain companies due to rising oil prices. This follows recent political controversy regarding windfall profits at Total Energy. Lecornu is monitoring the situation closely, according to the report.

Ecologist Marine Tondelier has proposed the implementation of climate leave. The proposal includes five days of leave per year to be used during heatwaves, floods, or major fires.

The Les Folies Musicales festival will take place at the Théâtre du Châtelet from May 6 to May 11. The event features singer Rosemary Stanley performing with the ensemble Contrast and Johan Farjot. The program includes works by Schubert with folk, jazz, and world music influences. The festival's curtain design is inspired by a painting by Picasso.

Chinese President Xi Jinping said the importance of strengthening China-France relations on the occasion of their 50th anniversary.

Hotel and restaurant reservations in France have decreased by 20 percent from North American clients, according to Catherine Kerrar, president of the GHR group. France reports a 20 percent decrease in reservations originating from the UKR region.

France is currently facing a shortage of over 600,000 job positions.

Lens and PSG both recorded 1-1 draws in Ligue 1 matches. PSG was held to a draw at home by Lorient despite an opening goal by Senegalese player Ibrahim Mbaye. Lens also finished with a 1-1 score, missing an opportunity to advance in the title race. Defender Malong Sarr commented on the results following the matches. Despite the early lead, PSG was unable to secure a victory at home. PSG defender Malang Sarr commented on the result following the match. Lens won their match in the French championship, preventing Paris Saint-Germain from securing the title this weekend.

The Paris Tourism Office reported a 2% to 4% decrease in tourist attendance between March and April. Local officials noted that foreign tourists are currently the most hesitant group regarding travel. Despite this decline, some local sectors remain optimistic about May attendance due to proximity to the Via Rhôna cycling route. The report noted a strong performance during the month of April. Foreign tourist numbers in Paris have decreased by 2% to 4% according to the Office de Tourisme. The decline is attributed to high fuel and airfare prices as well as the ongoing war in Iran. Local businesses in the Opera district, such as duty-free perfumeries, report being deserted. The downturn is also being observed in Strasbourg.