News Digest: Air Traffic Strike, Ski Resorts Open & Visa Information

The week started with air traffic control strikes, and some skiers have already hit the slopes in the French Alps as heavy snowfall brings forward the ski season. We were also joined by the experts to discuss your questions on moving to France, including what visas you need and options for insurance. Here are the French news stories you need to know about this week.

High-altitude ski resorts have opened early

Some French ski resorts have opened early due to heavy snow at high altitudes. Tignes and Val Thorens, both located at high altitudes with runs above 2,000 meters, were the first to open, allowing skiing enthusiasts to enjoy the slopes ahead of schedule. Other resorts have had to wait due to mild temperatures and heavy rains that have washed out much of the snow at lower altitudes.

The early opening aims to reassure skiers that there is sufficient snow, and to take advantage of the favourable conditions. Most resorts are still expected to open in December or for the Christmas holidays.

The recording of our Visas & Residency Webinar is now available

Find out about applying for a long-stay visa, the eligibility criteria for French residency, and the health insurance policies required for visa applications.

The exhibitor list for French Property Exhibition 2024 is now available

The French Property Exhibition in January 2024 will feature a variety of exhibitors, including property sellers, agents, legal experts and much more.

The event covers all aspects of buying, selling, and living in France, providing approachable professionals and plenty of advice for different needs, playing a crucial role in facilitating informed and successful property purchases in France. Additionally, the exhibition offers seminars providing expert advice on various topics such as tax, legal, financial, and visa matters, which can be invaluable for individuals navigating the complexities of purchasing property in France.

You can consult the list of exhibitors ahead of time here.

Napoleon’s hat has sold at auction for €1.9m

A hat belonging to French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte has sold for a record sum of almost two million euros at an auction. The bicorne hat, in Napoleon’s trademark colours of black with the French flag’s blue-white-red insignia, attracted interest from collectors worldwide. It was last owned by businessman Jean-Louis Noisiez, who passed away last year. The final price for the hat, including all charges, was more than double the estimate of 600,000 to 800,000 euros, and nearly four times the reserve price. The hat is believed to have been worn by Napoleon in the middle of his reign and is one of only about 16 remaining out of the 120 hats he once owned. The sale price is thought to have been inflated by the hype surrounding the release of Ridley Scott’s Napoleon biopic.

Hundreds of flights cancelled or delayed as French air traffic control goes on strike

French air traffic controllers’ one-day strike has led to significant flight disruptions across the country, impacting airports in Lyon, Montpellier, Paris-Orly, Nice, Toulouse, Marseille, Bordeaux, and others. The strike is in response to a law passed on November 15, aiming to restrict the controllers’ ability to strike and requiring them to declare their intention to strike 48 hours in advance, which will hopefully leave travellers better equipped to adjust travel plans.