Gallic Wire Staff

Thailand Tourism Navigates Crossroads Amid Strong Start to 2026 BANGKOK, 1 February 2026 – Thailand’s vital tourism industry presents a complex picture at the start of 2026, balancing a robust recovery in visitor numbers against persistent safety warnings, intense regional competition, and the aftermath of its first annual decline in a decade. Government forecasts and […]

Philippe Lacheau Brings Franquin’s ‘Marsupilami’ Back to the Big Screen PARIS, 1 February 2026 – French cinema is set for a dose of chaotic, family-friendly fun as actor and director Philippe Lacheau prepares to unleash his latest feature, “Marsupilami”, in theatres nationwide this Wednesday. The film marks Lacheau’s seventh directorial effort and a first-time on-screen

Ligue 1 Preview: Angers SCO Host Struggling FC Metz in Crucial Encounter ANGERS, 1 February 2026 – Angers SCO welcome FC Metz to the Stade Raymond-Kopa this Sunday in a Ligue 1 fixture that pits mid-table security against a desperate relegation scrap. The hosts, sitting 11th, will look to solidify their position, while 18th-placed Metz

Bernadette Chirac Awarded Legion of Honour by President Macron PARIS, 1 February 2026 – Bernadette Chirac, the former First Lady of France and widow of President Jacques Chirac, has been decorated with the Legion of Honour. President Emmanuel Macron presented the nation’s highest award in a discreet ceremony at the Élysée Palace, recognising her decades

Vinicius Junior’s Contract Impasse Overshadows Goal Return for Real Madrid MADRID, 1 February 2026 – As Vinicius Junior ended a three-month goal drought to fire Real Madrid to a 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano, the Brazilian winger’s long-running contract negotiations continue to cast a significant shadow over the Santiago Bernabéu. With his current deal expiring

Marilou Berry and Josiane Balasko Unite on Stage in Powerful New Play PARIS, 1 February 2026 – French cinema and television star Marilou Berry is currently commanding attention on the Parisian stage, sharing the spotlight in a unique family project. She stars alongside her mother, the iconic actress and director Josiane Balasko, in the new

Nantes Tops 2026 Rankings as French Seek Quality of Life Beyond Paris Region PARIS, 1 February 2026 – New data and rankings for 2026 reveal a clear picture of where life is most desirable in France. The western city of Nantes leads national lists, while the hilltop village of Gourdon in the Alpes-Maritimes has been

Besançon Gears Up for Micronora 2026 as High-Precision Hub BESANÇON, 1 February 2026 – The city of Besançon, capital of France’s Franche-Comté region, is set to reaffirm its status as a centre for microtechnology and innovation later this year. The international Micronora trade fair will return to the city from 29 September to 2 October

Élodie Fontan and Philippe Lacheau Navigate On-Screen Divorce and Off-Screen Harmony for ‘Marsupilami’ PARIS, 31 January 2026 – As their latest cinematic collaboration, “Marsupilami”, prepares for its theatrical release, actress Élodie Fontan and her long-term partner, actor-director Philippe Lacheau, are in the midst of a busy promotional tour. The couple, who have been together for

Amel Bent Sets Record Straight on Les Enfoirés Participation, Announces Tour Dates PARIS, 31 January 2026 – French singer and television personality Amel Bent has publicly addressed persistent rumours regarding artist compensation for the charity concerts of Les Enfoirés. In a recent interview, she firmly stated that participation is entirely voluntary, with performers covering their