Stories from France

A festival in Saint-Etienne will take place from May 15 to 17, 2026, featuring 16 artistic propositions. These include street theater, dance, circus, concerts, and DJ sets. The event, held notably at Parc François Mitterrand, will be accessible to all without charge.

Director Park Chan-wook is leading the jury responsible for selecting the recipient of the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. The Palme d'Or is considered the crown jewel of the festival's proceedings. Films have not yet been seen by the jury, so it remains unknown which will generate buzz or win the top award. The Cannes Film Festival features 22 films competing for the Palme d'Or, with only 5 directed by women.

A woman in her sixties died in Le Havre, Seine-Maritime, yesterday after being defenestrated. The Le Havre prosecutor's office reported that a man in his fifties, who was present in the apartment and was intoxicated at the time of the incident, has been arrested. He is currently in police custody on suspicion of voluntary homicide. A woman has died in Le Havre following a fall from a building, an incident being investigated as a defenestration.

The French President will inaugurate a Francophonie university today in the company of his Egyptian counterpart, with both leaders scheduled to hold discussions. Following this, President Macron will travel to Kenya for an Africa-France summit set to take place early next week.

A demonstration has been reported in disagreement with the return of Russia's flag.

A 23-year-old suspect is accused of fatally stabbing his 14-year-old former girlfriend multiple times. The suspect exercised his right to remain silent yesterday before an investigating judge.

The MotoGP French Grand Prix is taking place this weekend on the Bugatti circuit in Le Mans. Johan Zarco achieved the best time in yesterday's practice sessions. French rider Zarco will start in 11th position after a 'contre-performance' yesterday. The race is taking place at the Circuit Bugatti.

A sprint race is scheduled to be broadcast at 3 PM on Canal+, following earlier trials.

France is looking to toughen its trade policy.

A district is offering a 15-euro fuel card to each sports team to help cover travel costs for matches. Some clubs travel up to 60 kilometers round trip for games, incurring financial costs. The card is given to the coach, who can also provide it to an accompanying parent.