Sunday, September 13, 2026 · Edition №342
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France

Latest news from France
8 stories · Updated live

France

F2
France 24 @france24

‘Coolcationing’ Trend Drives More Tourists Toward Northern France Amid Summer Heat

Rising summer temperatures are encouraging French and international travelers to swap the Mediterranean coast for cooler destinations in northern France. A growing “coolcationing” trend is changing travel patterns in France this summer, as extreme heat pushes increasing numbers of domestic and international tourists away from the Mediterranean coast and toward the country’s cooler northern regions.

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AS
aawsat @aawsat

France Deepens Investment in Saudi Arabia’s Mega-Projects as Partnership Moves Beyond Oil

France and Saudi Arabia expand their economic partnership through major investments in infrastructure, technology, tourism, healthcare and AI, supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambitions.

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LM
Le Monde @lemondefr

Russia Rejects Allegations of Interference in France’s 2027 Presidential Election

France investigates suspected Russian disinformation campaigns targeting leading candidates ahead of the 2027 presidential vote.

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F2
France 24 @france24

French Astronaut Sophie Adenot Completes Second Spacewalk Outside the ISS

One week after making history with her first spacewalk, French astronaut Sophie Adenot carried out her second extravehicular activity outside the International Space Station on Tuesday as part of her current mission.

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LM
Le Monde @lemondefr

France’s Box Office Gets a Summer Boost From ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ and ‘The Odyssey

Despite mixed critical reactions, the two major summer releases have each attracted more than 6 million moviegoers, improving projections for cinema attendance in France this year.

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LM
Le Monde @lemondefr
🇫🇷 France  ·  Sports

History at BWF Worlds: Alex Lanier Wins France’s First-Ever Men’s Singles Gold

France celebrated a historic day at the BWF World Championships 2026 in New Delhi as Alex Lanier became the country’s first-ever men’s singles world champion. The 21-year-old French star produced a dominant performance against Japan’s Kodai Naraoka, winning the final 21-11, 21-11 in just 50 minutes at the Indira Gandhi Stadium. Earlier in the day, Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue had also made history by becoming France’s first-ever World champions in badminton, defeating top seeds Feng Yanzhe and Huang Dongping of China. Lanier Dominates the Final Lanier entered the final with confidence after an impressive run throughout the tournament. Against 10th seed Naraoka, he showcased his speed, physical strength, accuracy and attacking game. The opening game was closely contested at 12-9 before Lanier shifted gears, winning nine of the next 11 points to take control. He continued his dominance in the second game, leaving Naraoka with few opportunities to recover. Despite the challenging sideways drift inside the stadium, Lanier maintained remarkable control from the backcourt and repeatedly found the lines with powerful cross-court and down-the-line smashes. Naraoka attempted a comeback in the second game after narrowing the deficit from 3-8 to 7-8, but Lanier quickly regained control and closed out the match in convincing fashion. A Rising Star of French Badminton Born in 2005, Lanier has rapidly established himself as one of badminton’s brightest young talents. A former European Junior Champion, he broke into the senior elite circuit with his 2024 Japan Open Super 750 triumph, where he defeated several leading players, including Shi Yuqi. His rise continued through 2025 and 2026. He won the European Championships, claimed the 2026 Singapore Open Super 750 title and helped France reach a historic Thomas Cup final. With his World Championships triumph, Lanier has now added the biggest title of his career and written a new chapter in French badminton history.

France's Alex Lanier during the Badminton World Championships at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi on August 23, 2026
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F2
France 24 @france24
🇫🇷 France  ·  Culture

France to Inaugurate First Major Hindu Temple Near Paris in September

France is set to welcome its first major Hindu temple as the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir in Bussy-Saint-Georges, near Paris, prepares for its inauguration in September 2026. The historic opening will be accompanied by a 13-day Festival of Culture, scheduled from September 2 to 14. The celebration will highlight Hindu traditions, spirituality, art, music and the rich cultural heritage of India. A Major Cultural Milestone The inauguration is expected to be an important moment for France’s Hindu community and the wider Indian diaspora. Located in Bussy-Saint-Georges, the temple will serve not only as a place of worship but also as a centre for cultural, educational and community activities. The opening celebrations are expected to welcome members of the Indian diaspora, Hindu communities and visitors interested in discovering India’s traditions and cultural heritage. 13-Day Festival of Culture Running from September 2 to 14, the Festival of Culture will offer visitors an opportunity to experience various aspects of Hindu and Indian culture. The programme is expected to feature cultural performances, traditional arts, music and activities showcasing India’s diverse heritage and spiritual traditions. With the inauguration of the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir, France is set to gain a significant Hindu cultural landmark near Paris. The temple and its opening celebrations will also reflect the growing presence and cultural contribution of Indian and Hindu communities in the country.

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