The Latest Breaking News from France

France issues health warning as demand for ‘Viagra’ honey surges

A record 31,000 tonnes of illegally imported honey touted as an all-natural sexual performance enhancer were seized in France last year. Health authorities are warning of serious risks, saying the substance is often laced with erectile dysfunction drugs such as Viagra.

Radio France Internationale · Jan 26, 2025

What France loses by closing its military bases in Africa

Senegalese president Bassirou Diomaye Faye announced on 31 December 2024 that all foreign military bases in his country would close by 2025. On the same day, the Ivorian president said France would hand over control of the Abidjan military base to his country’s army.

The Conversation · Jan 26, 2025

France considers restrictions on laughing gas sales to combat recreational use

French lawmakers are considering a bill to limit the sale of nitrous oxide – commonly known as "laughing gas" – to medical and culinary professionals, as authorities warn of a public health crisis over recreational use among young people.

Radio France Internationale · Jan 26, 2025

Survivors strive to ensure young people do not forget Auschwitz

On a frosty Polish winter evening, 96-year-old Esther Senot told the 100 or so shivering students at Auschwitz-Birkenau how she was a teenager much like them when she was first brought to the Nazi death camp on 2 September, 1943.

Radio France Internationale · Jan 25, 2025

Levi stars as Aussie teams power to Perth Sevens semis

Maddison Levi has scored five tries across two games to power Australia into a semi-final against Canada at the Perth Rugby Sevens.

AAP · Jan 25, 2025

Russia’s interest in Syria

This week on The Sound Kitchen you’ll hear the answer to the question about Russia and Syria. There’s The Sound Kitchen mailbag, “The Listener’s Corner” with Paul Myers, and Erwan Rome’s “Music from Erwan” – all that, and the new quiz and bonus questions too, so click the “Play” button…

Radio France Internationale · Jan 25, 2025

Macron’s Africa 'reset' stumbles as leaders call out colonial overtones

French President Emmanuel Macron’s efforts to “reset” France’s relationship with its former African colonies appear to be faltering. Seven years after coming to power with promises of reform, a growing number of West African nations are asking for French troops to leave, signalling a breakdown in relations.

Radio France Internationale · Jan 25, 2025

Why an interrail trip around Europe should be your next summer holiday

As we become more climate conscious and long for a deeper connection with the places we visit, Emma Loffhagen takes on France and Spain by train — and discovers that interrailing isn’t just for cash-strapped A-Level students

Evening Standard · Jan 25, 2025

Egypt and Eni-Total consortium to sign deal on processing Cypriot natural gas for export

Officials say Egypt and a consortium made up of energy companies Total of France and Italy’s Eni will sign a key agreement next month to transport natural gas from an undersea deposit inside Cypriot waters to Egypt, where it will be liquefied and processed for export

The Independent UK · Jan 24, 2025

With Franco-Algerian relations at an all-time low, can they get back on track?

The turbulent relationship between France and its former colony Algeria has hit an all-time low, with the two countries accusing one another of humiliation and wilfully inflaming tensions. RFI examines what’s behind the breakdown in relations, and how they could get back on track.

Radio France Internationale · Jan 24, 2025