The French municipal elections are currently underway. In 2020, nearly a million candidates ran for the position, in the hopes of filling one of around 35,000 mayoral positions. This year, French voters will once again vote for their municipal councillors, who will then elect their mayor. Let’s take a closer look at how these elections work and why they matter to you!

Both citizenship and long-term visa applications have been affected by the change; since the New Year, a new range of tests and language requirements have been introduced for foreigners seeking to live in France. So what has changed? And how hard is it to become a French citizen in 2026?

A serious house fire broke out in Ouistreham, near Caen, in the early hours of New Year’s Day 2026, causing extensive damage but leaving no one injured. The incident occurred at around 5 a.m. while the occupants were away from the property.

The event took place between Caen and Mézidon-Canon station in the Calvados département at around 8:45pm last night (Friday, 2nd January). A young woman, aged 18, was struck by a train near Mondeville; she was on the tracks at the time of the collision.

Finland, dear Finland, you who have been ranked as the happiest country in the world for eight years running, what don’t you have that the rest of us envy you? A strong welfare system, high-quality education, universal healthcare, transparent governance … and Santa Claus. How greedy of you!

Some do, some don't. The rind, or crust on cheese, is somewhat of a divisive topic in France, with some adamant fans and some fervent opponents. But what does nutrition say? Should you eat the rind?

They're a group of University students with a mission: to give everyone a chance to access cultural events. Dancing, music, a tombola with many prizes to be won; on Monday (22nd December), the salle Célestin Freinet in Hérouville-Saint-Clair will host the first edition of their Kultur'Access event.

During his visit to Paris last month, Ukrainian President Zelensky met with French fishermen and representatives from the Brittany region to thank them for sending fishing nets to Ukraine. The nets were credited with contributing to the fight against Russian drone attacks.

As the countdown to Christmas begins, Caen transforms into a city full of things to see and do to celebrate this festive period. Among it all, one thing you shouldn’t miss is the festive Advent Calendar, which has returned this December.

In a resounding vote by travel-lovers from across Europe, Normandy has been named the "Most Desirable Region in Europe 2025" by the readers of Wanderlust Magazine, one of the UK’s biggest independent travel media brands.